Your accountant plays a crucial role in your company's financial health, and if you're an Oklahoma-based business, an Oklahoma accountant might know best how to help you thrive in your local economy. Accounting firms in Oklahoma are savvy not only in navigating the tax deduction maze, but also in complying with both federal and state laws.

You'll need to make some decisions about what you're looking for before you begin your search for an accountant. When choosing an Oklahoma CPA, consider:

1. Do you want a local accountant, or a firm with a national or international presence as well?
2. Are there Oklahoma CPA firms that specialize in your industry, or in small business, for example?
3. What firms do other local companies recommend?

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

Use online directories to search for accountants in Oklahoma

Start your search for CPA firms in Oklahoma by narrowing down the selection based on city, size of company or specialties, for example. Online directories can help you filter your results so you find the companies who most closely match your needs.

I recommend: Search for individual accountants or firms at the Oklahoma Accountancy Board website, or at CPAFinder. Or, get a free referral and 30-minute consultation through the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Seek out experts in accounting in Oklahoma through local firms

Long-time Oklahoma-based firms will have a more thorough understanding of Oklahoma law, and of the Oklahoma economy. And, it may be easier to find information on local firms, because of the 'word-of-mouth' factor. Most of your fellow business owners probably have at least some knowledge who's considered the most trustworthy and skilled among local firms.

I recommend: Look into Oklahoma-owned and operated accounting firms such as Puckett Financial Advisors, LLC in Oklahoma City, Muret CPA, PLLC in Tulsa, Roberts and Associates in Broken Arrow, or Ratliff CPA Incorporated in Edmond.

Consider a national or international firm with public accountants in Oklahoma

If you have locations or do business in other geographic areas, or think you may want to expand, a national or international firm with Oklahoma locations can help you comply with state, federal, even foreign laws.

I recommend: Talk to the Oklahoma CPAs at national firms like Eide Bailly and Grant Thornton.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Hiring an accountant is a long-term commitment, just as when you hire a full-time staff member. Meet with several Oklahoma accountants, and interview them just as you would a new employee. If you don't feel comfortable with them, move on. After all, you're entrusting them with your company's financial well-being.
• •  It's easy to find Oklahoma-specific information when you're looking to hire an accountant. The websites for state accounting associations and agencies usually include sections just for business owners, with information on what to look for in an accountant, and how to report an ethics violation, for example.