Hire an Oregon CPA if you do business in Oregon and need to set up an accounting system, file business taxes, develop a business plan, prepare financial statements, or track fraud.

Finding Oregon corporate CPAs who meet your needs can seem overwhelming. Most accountants can assist with tax preparation, but you'll also need to identify the Oregon accounting firms that provide the specific expertise you need. Here's how to get started:

1. Find Oregon CPAs who are licensed and active in professional organizations.

2. Look for an Oregon accountant who can help set up accounting software.

3. Hire an Oregon accounting firm that can help with specialized needs.

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

Check out licenses and professional membership of Oregon accounting firms

The Oregon Board of Accountancy (BOA) establishes and enforces standards and regulations and licenses qualified applicants. The BOA website lists accountants by status. The Oregon Society of CPAs is a professional membership organization for Oregon accountants. Both organizations can provide assistance in finding Oregon corporate CPAs.

I recommend: Search for Oregon CPA firms or individuals on the Board of Accountancy website. The Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants provides a searchable member directory.

Look for an Oregon accountant to help set up accounting software

An accounting software program can help you keep track of your finances and work with your accountant.

I recommend: Kirkpatrick, Henderson & Risen, LLC, located in Eugene, will assist you in configuring QuickBooks or Quicken. Read and Bose in Pendleton specializes in small business accounting software and computer networking. Kosmatka Donnelly & Co. LLP, in Medford, works with networking, QuickBooks and other software.

Get help with planning your business from Oregon public accountants

Some Oregon CPA firms can help you write a business plan, select a business entity, and forecast your business' future.

I recommend: Look for an accounting firm that specializes in business services, like Venne and Company or Integrity First Financial Services, PC.

Find a CPA in Oregon for your specialized needs

If you need to track assets or suspect fraud or illegal activity, a CFE (Certified Forensic Examiner) can help. Forensic work involves extensive accounting work to track financial transactions. Few CPA firms have Certified Forensic Examiners on staff. Another specialty offered by a limited number of firms is the ability to provide an onsite, temporary accountant for your company.

I recommend: Jerry Levey CPA, Perkins Accounting, and Kernutt Stokes Brandt & Co. LLP are firms that offer forensic accounting services. AKT offers forensic services, and also provides professional interim staffing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep detailed, meticulous financial records.
• •  Look for accounting firms that work with clients who are similar to your company in size or specialty. Check references thoroughly.
• •  Take some time to understand the basic principles of finance and accounting so that you can effectively interview prospects.