Anyone know of a good accountant?

Charlene has been really good with my books, taxes, etc and easy on the pocketbook:

Charlene Fleming KE & Associates (206) 729-0795 cefleming@keassociates.com

Get to her soon though, accountants turn feral the closer it is to tax time.

Kevin's referral might be a good lead. Especially if the accountant works well with small businesses.

To keep the costs reasonable, accountants could put you on a program in which they review your books and do your financial statements on a quarterly basis. This way they can keep an eye on your periodic tax filings, such as payroll, sales tax, etc.- And, it generally will make life easier for both of you at the end of the year.

So, if you do not already have your own accounting software, you may want to look at some. There are packages from Peachtree, Quickbooks, and even Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007 (that I think is free). Any of these may be sufficient for your needs.

And, it is always a good idea for a small business owner to be involved in the recording of accounting events - It keeps you up to date on the real numbers, and allows you to make adjustments to activity (such as areas of productivity of employees, expenses, etc.).

The accountant that Kevin recommends may even have a preference for some software package.

There is also a review of some of them at:

http://www.pcmag.com/products/0,,qn=Accounting+Software,00.asp

If there are free downloads, take a test drive to see how well you work with them, and how they fit into your business.

I love my CPA- David Liatos- 206.706-1040. He loves small businesses and can really help you "think" things through- look at your processes. He does all my taxes (I do all my own day to day stuff, like you) and he helps me think about things. I've also referred a lot of my small business clients to him and they love him. A very nice guy! (In Greenwood.)

As a matter of fact, I am an accountant specializing in Quickbooks. I am a Professional Advisor for Quickbooks. I work mostly with Home Based and Small Businesses. I also do Tax Returns for Corporations, Partnerships and Sole Proprietors and LLC's.

You can contact me at hscompsvc@hotmail.com or 425-338-9000 or my alternate number which is 206-999-5329.

M-Jo is great! I've known her for years and she's can do pretty much everything. M-Jo Baker - Bookkeeper

Baker Street Bookkeeping Seattle, WA United States 206-890-7121

Allena

I use Dave Liatos as well and like him.

Hey darlin'

I've got a great CPA and a great bookkeeper. Which services are you specifically after? My bookkeeper is my hero ~ and she is very reasonable. I am not sure if she's taking on new people, but I can check!

My CPA bill is also a bargain ~ about $75 quarterly!

~ Annie

Dave Liatos at www.cpaseattle.com is ACES.

And specializes in small (yes even teeny weeny) businesses.

I use him and I'm very pleased.

Nancy Ferrell Home Computing Coach

Off-the-Record. Don't file. Just pay your payroll taxes. That's right kids. Just submit & pay your 941s. Then let the IRS come find you. Remember, only fools play by the rules.

Roberto... That's an interesting comment, especially as it relates to your profile. Is your "offtherecord" advice a way of druming up business for your profession?

Fools play by the rules? Perhaps you would like to do a little biznik event and share with us some of your vast experience?

Each one of us has a different business structure. Some pay quarterly, some only annually and yes some never pay at all. Maybe for Roberto not paying taxes and having the taxman track him down is the way to go.

I appreciate the CPA/book-keeping advice from you'all. Unfortunately I am one of those who pays the piper.

Now, THIS is a very valuable thread.

Thanks, Y'all.

Andrew

this site had a list of good accountants, maybe it could help?

http://www.myprimebuyersguide.com/listings/home/accountants/contra-costa/walnut-creek.html

i can't personally recommend any, but the site has info to assist in choosing the best accountant for your small business. hope it helps! :)

By the way - I am working with Howard Schoenfeld, and I'd suggest him to anyone. He certainly knows what he's doing.

We swear by Frank Warner in Silverdale. He is fabulous, funny, and very smart.

Darn. I missed Roberto's profile. What did he do? Bail bonds? I see he is no longer a member. Did someone drop a dime and have the federalies pick him up?

Hi! I was formerly the director of the Northwest Women's Business Center and now a business banker. I know the right accountant is important!

I HIGHLY recommend Audrey Godwin (she is a BizNik member and HUGE support to entrepreneurs. She is more than an accountant (she has her own firm) - she totally understands business too!

I got to interview her on BizLine Radio and she has been a speaker at SBA events too.

Check her out for sure!

-Tiffany McVeety

Hi there!

I have a few accounting classes under my belt and some work experience, but I can't claim to be an expert. (So Stephanie, I am not the person you are looking for.)

I am a little late in this thread...

but I am interested in "learning the ropes" in accounting

and I am willing to work for internship wages. Here is my LinkedIn profile (my online resume, basically):

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/10/3b5/15b

I'll try to find another venue for my request...

I hope you are close to selecting someone Stephanie.

--Matt Nichols

Roberto,

For shame...a spanking goes out to you.

I am an accountant at Greenwood, Ohlund & Co. in Ballard. I have several small business clients, and if you need a CPA, the folks I work with are really great. Our rates are reasonable, and we can take care of all of your state and federal, and payroll taxes,or just one or two small tasks - whatever meets your needs.

Mariette