Look for a CPA that fits your company needs, and ensure they are state licensed. You can check with the regional board in your state. The records are in the general public domain. You can also consult the university in your prospective Certified Public Accountant’s resume to make sure their degree is genuine.
A certified CPA firm ought to be versatile and come prepared to provide you references. And do not be afraid to make direct contact with those references with a list of essential questions and concerns. It is not impolite to ask penetrating questions if done with courtesy. Finding a CPA is simply too crucial a job to delegate to chance.
Check out your CPA’s company practices. How commonly will they meet you? Will they be the one working directly on your company, or another, more junior, member of their accounting practice?
Lots of small businesses now work with Certified Public Accountant practices and certified bookkeeping companies online by working with a company remotely, your small company can still get first-class service at a lower expense. In fact, many of the bigger Certified Public Accountant companies have outsourced bookkeeping to decrease their expenses. Some wise small company owners have opted to do the same with their bookkeepers outside of their local market.
Ask your Certified Public Accountant if they belong to the AICPA (American Institute of 
Qualified Public Accountants) or state society of Certified public accountants. Again, checking the great standing of a CPA practice is easy to do and in the public domain.
One question of high importance on your list of concerns should be what is their per hour rate? You can expect to pay $75 per hour for a qualified Certified Public Accountant. Well, worth the expense compared with the risks of not obtaining the appropriate financial specialist. You can also consider employing a much lower cost bookkeeping firm for more ordinary functions. Both bookkeepers and Certified public accountants normally have their place in your small business group.