Accountants in South Dakota provide invaluable advice and services to businesses of all sizes throughout the state. Finding the right accounting firm can be a challenge, as not all accountants provide the same services, and their fees may be out of your budget.

Knowing what you want to accomplish with your accountant is the first step in finding a South Dakota accountant or firm that will meet all of your current and future accounting needs. Follow these steps to help you locate an accountant in South Dakota that will fit your business:

1. Search for South Dakota accountants

2. Check their credentials

3. Choose the accountant who is the best fit

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

Search for accountants and South Dakota accounting firms

Accounting firms in South Dakota specialize in different aspects of the business and not all of them are full-service. Some specialize in only bookkeeping or tax consulting while others focus on the full range of small business accounting needs such as assisting with payroll and IRS representation.

I recommend: The South Dakota CPA Society website offers a free search tool to help you find an accountant in your area that meets your needs. The CPA Firms website allows you to search for CPA firms in South Dakota and lists corporate as well as branch offices.

Verify the licensing information of the South Dakota accounting firms that you are interested in

It is important to make sure that the CPA in South Dakota that you are considering is honest, reliable and professional. Check their affiliation with recognized accounting associations or clubs on the state and national level to ensure validity. Look into the status of their license as well. Finding out that a South Dakota CPA has allowed their licenses to expire should send up a red flag that they aren't professional or reliable.

I recommend: Etaking does the work for you by verifying the credentials of participating accounting firms and listing them on their website. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 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. CPAdirectory is still another option to check licensing information on a specific SD CPA.

Decide on a South Dakota accountant that meets all of your specific accounting needs

Your business has specific accounting needs and not all South Dakota accountants are one-size-fits-all. It is important to find a professional or firm that will satisfy all of your desired 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, accounts payable or accounts receivable, consider using accountants in South Dakota that offer bookkeeping services. David Pummel & Associates, LLP is one option and serves Belle Fourche area and Randall R. Schaap, CPA is another option and he is located in Yankton. For more complicated issues like tax planning, a more advanced South Dakota business accounting service is required. Ketel Thorstenson, LLP offers tax services and serves the cities of Rapid City, Spearfish and Custer. For a CPA that specializes in small firms and startups, you may consider Connie Buskohl, CPA, PC who is located in the Sioux Falls area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get references from colleagues to help you find South Dakota CPA firms that have good reputations. Be sure to interview more than one firm to ensure you get the accountant that is the best fit for your company. South Dakota accounting firms have many clients in a wide range of industries. Locate one in your industry and discuss the pros and cons of working with a particular firm or professional.