Accounting firms in WV have professionals available to help you manage your business finances. A West Virginia CPA keeps you aware of things like changes in WV business laws and tax regulations. WV accountants also help with the more difficult aspects of balancing your books, like discrepancies and IRS audits.

Different small businesses have different needs; before you look for an accounting firm in WV, make sure you really need a WV accountant. Consider hiring a bookkeeper or contracting your business finances to a bookkeeping service if a certified WV accountant is more than your need requires.

1. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are the most educated financial analysts available. They can be somewhat expensive, especially if you choose to hire a West Virginia CPA to work full-time for your business.

2. Bookkeepers require less education than WV CPAs and cost less than hiring a West Virginia CPA. Bookkeepers cover most basic needs such as payroll, data entry, balance sheets, books, petty cash and tax paperwork.

3. Bookkeeping service companies eliminate the hassle of hiring your own bookkeeper and provide basic and complex services including reconciliations and account set-up.

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

Consult with business advisers to determine what type of accounting service best fits your business

The West Virginia Development Office provides unbiased advice to you on how to find a WV accountant. The West Virginia Entrepreneurs Forum (WVEF) offers free membership to peer-to-peer networking and learning programs.

I recommend: Find locations for the West Virginia Small Business Development Center nearest to you and set up an appointment to meet with business advisers. Complete the application to join WVEF and start making new business contacts with accountants in WV today.

Compare services and rates between different WV accounting firms and bookkeeping services

Meet with as many different accounting firms in WV as you can. Look for outstanding customer service, reasonable rates and accounting services that match your specific needs.

I recommend: Padgett Business Services, one of West Virginia’s largest bookkeeping firms, provides contact information including the Huntington and Morgantown offices. Dixon Hughes provides office locations in West Virigina and hosts locations in surrounding states. Both companies are credible West Virginia accounting firms.

Verify the credibility of WV CPA firms or bookkeeping services

The West Virginia Board of Accountancy verifies the legitimacy of all certified financial advisers and accountants in WV. It lists all accredited accountants in West Virginia on its website.

I recommend: Visit the West Virginia Board of Accountancy's website to verify a licensee, verify a firm and verify an authorization of financial assurance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Virtual Assistants, accounting professionals who work online from home, do the same work as WV accountants or bookkeepers without having to be in your specific location.