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Prime Buyers Guide Accountants

How to Find the Best Accountants in the Richmond Area

From CPAs to ABAs, Certified Public Accountants in the Richmond Area are an indispensable part of finance management. Keeping your own books or doing your own tax preparation can be difficult and time-consuming. Hiring professional accounting services in the Richmond Area can ease the burden. These articles can help you locate good accountants with the professional accounting skills you require in Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill.

Updated June 1, 2009

Top 10 Accountants in the Richmond, CA Area

Putney-Klein Associates, Inc.
Send an email to this Company
(925) 932-2612
1243 Alpine Road #219
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
EA (Enrolled Agent)
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Better Business Bureau Chamber of Commerce-Walnut Creek CSEA (California Society of Enrolled Agents) FPA (Financial Planning Association) International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy NAEA (National Association of Enrolled Agents)

Areas Served: Contra Costa incl. Walnut Creek CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Concord CA, Orinda, Alamo CA, ...
Services: Tax return services incl. tax return preparation and tax return filing, tax ...

Arlington Associates
(510) 235-3535
1009 Macdonald Ave # A
Richmond, CA 94801

Areas Served: North Richmond CA, Martinez CA, El Sobrante CA, El Cerrito CA, Crockett CA, Pacheco

Jackson Hewitt Tax Services
(510) 236-1068
1021 Macdonald Ave
Richmond, CA 94801

Areas Served: Pt Richmond CA, El Cerrito CA, Martinez CA, El Sobrante CA, Pacheco, Crockett CA

H & R Block Tax Services
(510) 223-7705
3340 San Pablo Dam Rd # B
Richmond, CA 94803

Areas Served: Pt Richmond CA, Rodeo CA, El Sobrante CA, El Cerrito CA, Pacheco, Martinez CA

Exaul Delgado Tax Services
(510) 231-2491
3909 Macdonald Ave
Richmond, CA 94805

Areas Served: El Cerrito CA, Richmond CA, El Sobrante CA, Pacheco, Martinez CA, San Pablo CA

Sarkis Yousef Accounting & Tax
(510) 262-9900
4980 Appian Way # 200
Richmond, CA 94803

Areas Served: Point Richmond CA, Martinez CA, El Sobrante CA, El Cerrito CA, San Pablo CA

Haley Deborah CPA
(510) 235-5592
145 Park Pl
Richmond, CA 94801

Areas Served: North Richmond CA, Martinez CA, Rodeo CA, El Sobrante CA, Crockett CA, El Cerrito CA

Weaver Charles E CPA
(510) 524-3575
10504 San Pablo Ave
El Cerrito, CA 94530

Areas Served: Point Richmond CA, El Sobrante CA, Martinez CA, El Cerrito CA, Pacheco, Crockett CA

Updated November 19, 2009

How to Find the Best Accountants in the Richmond Area 

When it comes to your personal or business finances, there's no room for error. Many people opt to maintain control of their own money, but the more complicated the books, the higher the risk of miscalculation. That's why there are professional accountants in the Richmond Area who can take care of every aspect of your money management for you, from filing taxes to planning multi-million dollar estates. Since the field of accountancy is so large and varied, accountants in the Richmond Area focus their expertise on specific tasks.

If you're in need of some relief from the stress of managing your financial records, The Prime Buyer's Report can help you locate qualified accountants and accounting firms who have experience in the type of accounting services help you require. The following articles will get you started.

Richmond Area Accountants Specialize in Different Areas of Finance
To find the best accountant to suit your needs, be aware of the various certifications that accountants may have. In the Richmond Area, good accountants may hold certificates for Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) or Certified General Accountancy (CGA). These accountants can perform general and public accounting tasks. For management accounting, accountants may hold a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) title, or an Associate Certified Management Accountant (ACMA) title. Accredited Business Accountants (ABA or ABAA) and Public Accountants (PA) practice personal accountancy. Different credentialing means different areas of expertise.

Richmond Area Accounting Firms Perform Numerous Services

The various accountants in Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill are qualified and experienced in a number of different accounting areas, including public accounting, management accounting, project accounting, cash-basis accounting, chartered accounting, cost accounting, accrual basis accounting, tax accounting, small business accounting and fund accounting. CPAs in the Richmond CA area can generally advise on estate and trust planning and administration. All Richmond Area accountants have access to much more finely tuned software than the average financial layman. Counsel on auditing, audit quality or compensation are some of the services offered by accountants and accounting firms in Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill.

Choose From One of Many Local Accountants in the Richmond Area 
In the Richmond CA area, there is a wide selection of well-studied and experienced accountants. When you wish to enlist their expertise, we recommend starting with the list of accountants we've certified to be highly qualified. The Prime Buyer's Report lists these accountants in the Richmond Area: Putney-Klein Associates, Inc., Arlington Associates, Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, H & R Block Tax Services, Exaul Delgado Tax Services, Sarkis Yousef Accounting & Tax, Haley Deborah CPA, Weaver Charles E CPA. Other accountants who might still be in the Richmond Area include .

Do Some Independent Learning on the Field of Accountancy
It will be helpful to your search if you educate yourself about the nature of the accounting industry and accounting information. You can find good accounting information almost anywhere, from magazines to blogs. But use caution—while some resources are helpful, others can be biased. That's why The Prime Buyer's Report has done the first part for you. By filtering out the questionable sources, we've been able to compile a list of consumer friendly Web sites and publications about financial accounting. To see the list of sources that only the best Richmond Area certified public accountants and accounting firms will be affiliated with, move forward to the article, "Key Resources for Accounting in the Richmond Area."

Updated June 1, 2009
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How to Interview Accountants in the Richmond CA Area 

Step 1: Describe the Work to Accountants in the Richmond Area
Before the interview, you should be prepared with copious notes on exactly what you require. If you aren't clear on your specifics, the accountants won't be either. You should also gather all applicable financial records for the accounting firms. Be thorough and consistent in the way that you present information so the accountants will be able to determine whether or not they can accommodate you. The abilities of certified public accountants or accounting firms can be very specialized, so make sure you are very exact in outlining your requirements.

Step 2: Ask the Richmond CA Area Accounting Firms Questions & Take Notes
After you've described your financial scenario, clarify the accountants' abilities to help you by asking some questions. Supplement your questions with the list below.

• What kind of accounting work do the accountants in the Richmond Area specialize in?

• What is the extent of the accountants' experience in the accounting field?

• Are the accountants certified CPAs, tax accountants or small business accountants?

• Do the best CPAs and accountants in the Richmond Area work for certified accounting agencies or accounting firms in Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill?

• If you're working with an accounting firm in the Richmond Area, will accounting managers or senior accountants handle your job? Or will accounting assistants be doing much of the work?

• What kind of educational background in accounting do the accountants have?

• Which certifications do the accounting professionals hold?

• Are the best accounting firms in Richmond CA members of a professional accounting body?

• Do the accountants charge a fixed salary per project or hourly salary?

• Do good accountants in Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill visit their bookkeeping or taxation clients?

• Do you need to travel to the accounting office to see your accounting agent?

• Do the accounting firms in the Richmond Area have references that you may contact?

• What feedback do the accountants have on your specific accounting issues?


Step 3: Answer Questions & Take Notes of the Best Accounting Firms in the Richmond Area
You'll learn a lot by the how each accountant responds and which questions they ask. The approach accountants take to your job will vary, so pay close attention to the specific issues raised by each interviewee. Do they seem genuinely concerned for your financial welfare? Your money is important, so you'll want your accountant to be as invested as possible.

Step 4: Make a Preliminary Decision Among Accounting Firms in the Richmond Area
After you've interviewed accountants serving the Richmond Area, it's time to narrow the field. Review your notes and weigh the accountants' abilities against your priorities. Which accountant in the Richmond Area comes closest to a perfect match?

Step 5: Make the Final Decision on a Good Accountant in the Richmond Area
Now it's time to select and contract the Richmond Area accountants of your choice. Call and ask any final questions and then ask for the accountants to provide a written and signed engagement letter valid in Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill CA.
Updated March 26, 2009
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Tips on Accountants in the Richmond CA Area 

Take Time Choosing Between Accountants in the Richmond Area.
Don't hire the first accountants you contact. If you take a little time to properly outline the job and hire the right professional accountants in the Richmond Area, you're less likely to be disappointed.

Write a Description of the Financial Accounting Job for the Richmond CA Area Accountants.
You'll be better equipped to judge accountants if you write down the details of your job before you interview any accounting firms or senior accountants. You must be clear on your requirements and consistent in presenting information to your candidates. If each of the Richmond Area accountants see the same description, you can be sure that any variety in responses will be telling of the accountants' ability and expertise. Then you can better judge which accountant gives the best responses to your consistent description.

Compile a List of Several Good Accountants in the Richmond Area.
You should contact at least two or three good accountants in the Richmond CA area. Remember that cheaper doesn't always mean better, especially concerning accountants and CPAs. Getting quotes from several good CPAs in the Richmond Area will help you arrive at a reasonable price range, and ultimately determine which accountant is best suited to your needs.

Know the Best Accountants' Areas of Expertise.
There are several levels of certification that accountants may have fulfilled. From CPAs to ACCAs, your potential accountants' credentials will have a direct bearing on the type (and ultimately, the quality) of service you require. Ask about each accountant's area of expertise. For example, if you just want help with your taxes, make sure your accountant specializes in tax accounting. Also, ask questions about each accountant's educational background to see if he or she is right for you.

Know the Accountants' Qualifications for the Best CPAs in the Richmond Area.
Believe it or not, anyone can call themselves an accountant, and if they are not certified by an accounting body it means that a so-called "accountant" doesn't have to abide by any standardized regulations. Make sure the potential accountants hold certain certifications, such as a CPA or certified public accountant license. Some even hold Enrolled Agents (EA) certification. Ask to see the accountants' certification. This will ensure that the accountants' practices are regulated by a professional accounting body.

Seek out Certified Excellence in Richmond Area Accountants.
Some accountants in Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill CA have earned recognition for their exceptional attention to customer satisfaction. In the Richmond Area, accountants that have earned Diamond Certification or other impressive acclaim are much more likely to go above and beyond for each client.

Maintain Constant Contact with the Accounting Firms in the Richmond Area.
Working with an accountant in Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill is a partnership, so communication is essential. This is an overlooked skill with specialized industries, especially accountants. After all, you're hiring them to maintain your finances and file your taxes so that you don't have to. Still, you must stay informed about every detail of your accounting situation. If something seems wrong, don't jump to conclusions; call and ask your CPA or accountant when you have even the simplest question about your financial accounting affairs. It's your money and you have a right to know.

Establish Trust with Certified Accountants in the Richmond CA Area.
Your accountant has access to your private records and your entire financial portfolio. You can easily find yourself in a very vulnerable position, so make sure you hire someone you trust. Don't just ask around—perform background checks on the accountants and accounting analysts as well.

Know Your Rights with Accountants in Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill.
Richmond Area consumers have special rights depending on where they live. You're dealing with accounting professionals in the Richmond CA area including Briones, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Maltby, Martinez, N Richmond, North Richmond, Pacheco, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, Tara Hills and Vine Hill, so check out the consumer affairs Web site for the State of California, listed in the article, "Key Resources for Accountants in the Richmond Area."

Updated January 27, 2010
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Important Resources for Accounting Firms in the Richmond Area 

Accountants Associations & Licensing
AAA Association for Accounting Administration (http://www.cpaadmin.org/)
AGNI Accountants Global Network International (http://www.agn.org/)
AGN - North America (http://www.agn-na.org/)
AICPA American Institute of CPAs (http://www.aicpa.org/)
BBB The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com)
BKR International (http://www.bkr.com/)
CBA California Board of Accountancy (http://www.cba.ca.gov/)
CPAAI CPA Associates International (http://www.cpaai.com/)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
IAAER International Association for Accounting Education and Research (http://www.iaaer.org/)
IGAF International Group of Accounting Firms (http://www.igaf.org/)
IRS US Internal Revenue Service (http://www.irs.gov/)
Polaris International (http://www.polarisinternational.org/)

Media & Web Resources About Accounting Services
Abacus
Accounting and Business Research
Accounting and Finance
Accounting Education
The Accounting Review
Accounting Technology
Accounting Today
Behavioral Research in Accounting
CFO magazine
CGA Magazine
Contemporary Accounting Research
CPA journal
CPA news
CPA Software News
eCFO
The Economist
Electronic Accountant
The European Accounting Review
International Journal of Intelligent Systems of Accounting
Issues in Accounting Research
Journal of Accountancy
Journal of Accounting Research
Journal of Business Strategy
Journal of Commerce
The Journal of Management Accounting Research Practical Accountant
Strategic Finance Magazine
The Tax Advisor
Treasury and Risk

http://www.fmsinc.org/
http://www.managementlogs.com/
http://www.accounting-academia.net/
http://www.accountingnet.com/

 


Bookkeepers / Accountants El Cerrito CA
Alphonse De Roo & Associates El Cerrito CA 94530
Charles E Weaver CPA El Cerrito CA 94530

Bookkeepers / Accountants El Sobrante CA
Lynden & Co El Sobrante CA 94803
Modern Energy Management El Sobrante CA 94803

Bookkeepers / Accountants Hercules CA
Alcibiades Abad CPA Hercules CA 94547
Robert A Steiner CPA Hercules CA 94547

Bookkeepers / Accountants Kensington CA
Desmond Simpson CPA Kensington CA 94707

Bookkeepers / Accountants Martinez CA
Buell Associates Martinez CA 94553
Carathimas & Assoc Martinez CA 94553
Charles M Martin CPA Martinez CA 94553
Griffin & Poka Martinez CA 94553
Jegen & Jordan Bookkeeping Martinez CA 94553
Kokjer Pierotti Maiocco & Duck Martinez CA 94553
Michael Shields Martinez CA 94553

Bookkeepers / Accountants Pinole CA
Don Nishita CPA Pinole CA 94564
Eugene Wunderlich CPA Pinole CA 94564
Harriett Hunt Inc Pinole CA 94564

Bookkeepers / Accountants Richmond CA
Barrett Avenue Business Service Richmond CA 94804
Harry W Bergland Jr CPA Richmond CA 94806
Petsas & Hill CPA Richmond CA 94806
Robert Abbott Richmond CA 94801
Tosse LLP Richmond CA 94801
White Richardson Richmond CA 94801

Bookkeepers / Accountants Rodeo CA
Larry K Lee CPA Rodeo CA 94572

Bookkeepers / Accountants San Pablo CA
Y Zeleke Meseret CPA San Pablo CA 94806

 

 

 

Accounting Services Richmond CA Area

County

City-Area

City

Accountants Found

Contra Costa

Richmond

Briones CA

0

Contra Costa

Richmond

Crockett CA

0

Contra Costa

Richmond

El Cerrito CA

2

Contra Costa

Richmond

El Sobrante CA

4

Contra Costa

Richmond

Hercules CA

2

Contra Costa

Richmond

Hilltop Mall CA

* see Richmond CA

Contra Costa

Richmond

Kensington CA

2

Contra Costa

Richmond

Maltby CA

0

Contra Costa

Richmond

Martinez CA

7

Contra Costa

Richmond

North Richmond CA

0

Contra Costa

Richmond

Pinole CA

4

Contra Costa

Richmond

Point Richmond CA

* see Richmond CA

Contra Costa

Richmond

Port Costa CA

0

Contra Costa

Richmond

Richmond CA

6

Contra Costa

Richmond

Rodeo CA

1

Contra Costa

Richmond

San Pablo CA

1

Contra Costa

Richmond

Selby CA

0

Contra Costa

Richmond

Tara Hills CA

* see San Pablo CA

Contra Costa

Richmond

Vine Hill CA

* see Martinez CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated January 27, 2010
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Diamond Certified