Missouri accountants are a great resource for advice and accounting services for companies of all sizes. Whether you need tax services or help with implementing an accounting system, an accountant offers critical assistance. Finding the right Missouri accounting firms to meet all of your needs can be challenging though. Not all accountants provide the same services, and those services may be expensive and out of your budget.

Knowing your business goals is the first step in finding Missouri CPA firms that will meet all of your needs both now and in the years to come. Follow these steps to help you find a business accountant in Missouri who will be the best match for your organization:

1. Search for accountants in Missouri.

2. Research the licenses and affiliations of Missouri accountants.

3. Select the Missouri accountant or firm that is the best fit with your company.

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

Search the Internet for Missouri CPA firms that offer the services you need

All Missouri accounting firms are not full-service. Some specialize in payroll, bookkeeping or tax planning while others may handle the full range of small business accounting needs.

I recommend: The Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants offers a free online referral service to help you find an accountant in your area that meets your business’ specific needs. The Accountants World website is a great tool to do a directory search of accounting services in Missouri. Finally, CPA Firms is another search option to locate a Missouri CPA firm.

Research the credentials of the CPAs in Missouri that you are considering

Make sure the CPA firms in Missouri you are considering are professional and licensed. Verify their affiliation with local and national accounting associations as well as the status of their professional license.

I recommend: The Missouri Board of Accountancy lets you search for a CPA by name to check to see if their license is active or inactive. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has a search feature where you can check the licenses of CPAs in your area. CPADirectory is another option, where you can not only find a CPA but also check licensing information on specific Missouri accountants as well.

Choose Missouri accounting firms that meet your current and future needs

Your business has special accounting needs and not all firms may offer the service or services that you want. It is important to find a Missouri-based accounting firm that offers the services that you need now as well as services that you may need in the future.

I recommend: A firm specializing in bookkeeping can help you get started with an accounting system for payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable. On Point Solutions, LLC is one example, serving the areas of Fenton, St. Louis, Baldwin and Brentwood. Another option is The CPA Group, P.C. whose service areas include Monett, Cassville and Springfield. For more involved services like tax planning, you need more advanced Missouri accounting firms. Ong and Company, CPAs, which serves the Overland Park and Kansas City areas, offers tax planning services while Alliance Financial & Income Tax, located in Blue Springs, offers tax planning as well as IRS representation. They serve the areas of Grain Valley, Independence and Lees Summit.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Interview more than one accounting firm before making a decision. Talk to colleagues and members of local accounting associations to find business accountants in Missouri with outstanding reputations. Accountants in Missouri serve clients in a many industries. Find clients in your industry and discuss their opinions and experiences with a particular firm or professional.