Accountants in Pennsylvania provide valuable 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 their services can be very expensive.

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 help you locate a Pennsylvania accountant that will fit your business:

1. Search for PA accountants in your area.

2. Look into their credentials.

3. Choose the accountant who fits the best with your company.

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

Perform a general search of accounting firms and accountants in Pennsylvania

Public accounting firms in PA 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 Pennsylvania Society of Certified Public Accountants offers a free search tool to help you find an accountant in your area that meets your needs. The cpafinder.com website is another good search option to locate a local service provider. The Pennsylvania Society of Public Accountants allows you to search their directory of public accounting firms in PA.

Research the Pennsylvania CPAs or general accountants that you are interested in working with

It is important to make sure that the accountants in Pennsylvania that you are considering are professional and have a good reputation. One way to find this out is by their affiliation with recognized accounting associations. Even one complaint is a red flag that you should proceed with caution if you decide to work with this accountant or firm.

I recommend: The Pennsylvania Department of State website has a search feature where you can verify the license of any Pennsylvania accountant. Etaking verifies the credentials of participating accounting firms and lists them on their website. CPA directory is another option to check licensing information on specific regional accounting firms in Philadelphia and the rest of the state.

Choose a CPA in Pennsylvania that meets the needs of your business

Your business has specific accounting needs and not all accountants in Pennsylvania offer the services you may need. Find one that will satisfy all of your criteria such as level of service, personal attention and availability.

I recommend: For tasks like setting up an accounting system to help with payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable, consider using PA accountants that specialize in bookkeeping. Elite Accounting, Payroll & Tax Services is one example, serving the cities of Acme, Greensburg, Uniontown and Pittsburgh. Another option is B. Joseph Cellini & Co. Inc., whose service areas include Lancaster and Philadelphia. For services like tax planning, or international tax treaties, more advanced public accounting firms in Pennsylvania are required. Parenti Consulting, which serves the Philadelphia area, offers tax and financial planning services. Lapensohn Accounting Professionals, LLC is an accounting firm in Philadelphia that offers tax services, including IRS representation. For a firm that specializes in small companies and startups, you may consider Sam White CPA, who services the areas of Greensburg and North Huntingdon. Finally, if you want a highly recognized firm with a global presence that serves organizations of all sizes and industries, PricewaterhouseCoopers is a solid choice and they have offices worldwide including in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get references from colleagues and at local accounting association meetings to help you find a Pennsylvania CPA with a proven track record of personalized service and expertise. Accounting firms in Philadelphia and public accounting firms Pennsylvania serve clients in a wide range of industries. Locate one of those clients in your industry and discuss the pros and cons of working with a particular firm or professional.