Accounting firms in Connecticut provide invaluable advice and services to businesses of all sizes throughout the state. Whether you need to implement an accounting system or need tax advice, a professional accountant offers critical assistance. Finding the right accounting firm can be a challenge, as not all accountants provide the same services, and fees can be substantial.

Knowing what you want out of your relationship with your accountant is the first step in finding a professional or firm that will meet all of your current and future accounting needs. Follow these steps to find an accountant in Connecticut that will fit your business goals:

1. Search for Connecticut accountants using various online resources

2. Check their credentials before proceeding

3. Narrow down your list and interview the accountants who fit the bill

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Perform a general search of accountants and accounting firms in Connecticut

Accounting firms in Connecticut specialize in different aspects of accounting, and not all of them are full-service. Some specialize in only bookkeeping and others specialize in the full range of small business accounting needs.

I recommend: The Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants offers a free search tool to help you find CPAs in Connecticut that meet your needs. The Connecticut State Board of Accountancy is another good search option to locate a local service provider.

Check the credentials of CPAs in Connecticut that you are interested in working with

It is important to make sure that the accountants in Connecticut that you are considering are honest, reliable and professional. One way to gauge these traits is by their affiliation with recognized accounting associations on the state and even national level. Finding out that a Connecticut accounting company has allowed their licenses to expire should send up a red flag that they aren't on top of their game.

I recommend: Etaking.com does the work for you by verifying the credentials of participating accounting firms and listing them on their website. The Connecticut State Board of Accountancy not only allows you to search for local accounting firms, but they also provided detailed information regarding their licensing such as when it was issued and if it is in good standing. CPA directory is still another option to check the licensing information on specific CPAs in Connecticut.

Choose a Connecticut accountant that meets all of your specific accounting needs

Your business has specific accounting needs, so not all accounting firms in Connecticut are one-size-fits-all. It is important to find a professional or firm that will satisfy all of your criteria such as level of service, personal attention and availability.

I recommend: For simpler matters, such as setting up an accounting system to help with payroll and accounts payable, consider using an accounting firm that specializes in bookkeeping. Beancounters LLC is one option, serving the cities of Bristol, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury. Another option is Checks & Balances Bookkeeping Services, LLC, which serves the cities of Trumbull, Fairfield, Shelton and Monroe. For more complicated issues like tax planning or international tax treaties, a more advanced service provider is required. Mayer & Associates, CPA, LLC offers tax and financial planning services and serves Madison, New Haven, New London and Middletown. Burns & Co., LLC offers tax services including IRS representation, and serves the cities of Southbury, Danbury, Waterbury and Woodbury. For accounting firms in Connecticut that specialize in small firms and startups, Anthony Martini CPA, who serves the cities of Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, and Fairfield. Finally, if you need a firm with a national presence that serves companies of all sizes, consider Ernst & Young.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get references from colleagues to help find some Connecticut accountants with a proven track record of personalized service and expertise. Locate Connecticut accounting firms that have clients in your industry and discuss the pros and cons of working with a particular firm or professional.