Choosing a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is one of the most important financial decisions a business owner will make. Your CPA influences everything from cash flow and tax strategy to compliance and long-term growth. But not all CPA relationships are created equal. Whether you’re working with a CPA today or looking for one, knowing how to evaluate that relationship is key.This guide gives you a clear, practical CPA evaluation checklist that helps you understand what to look for, what to avoid, and how to build a partnership that drives your business forward.
A great CPA is more than just a tax preparer. They should be a strategic partner—someone who helps you see around corners, plan for growth, and avoid costly mistakes. For manufacturing companies in particular, your CPA should understand:
If they don’t bring this depth to the table—or if you’re only hearing from them at tax time—it may be time to reconsider.
| Role | Primary Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CPA | Tax compliance, financial statements, audit prep | Filing taxes, planning deductions, GAAP compliance |
| Bookkeeper | Day-to-day transaction tracking and reconciliation | Keeping accurate records, managing payables/receivables |
| Fractional CFO | Strategic financial planning and forecasting | Growth planning, profit strategy, investor readiness |
Here’s a 10-point checklist to evaluate your current CPA or guide your search for a new one.
A good CPA doesn’t just respond to your questions—they anticipate them. They bring issues to your attention before they become problems. If you’re always initiating contact or getting vague answers, that’s a red flag.
✅ Look for a CPA who schedules regular check-ins and proactively offers tax planning strategies.
Every industry has its own accounting complexities. A manufacturing CPA should understand:
If your CPA needs you to explain how your business works, they’re not the right fit.
Your CPA should do more than balance books—they should help drive profit. That includes providing:
A CPA who understands top line vs. bottom line performance helps you make smarter financial decisions.
In today’s environment, a CPA who resists technology is a liability. Ask yourself:
The right CPA will support accounting automation to save time and improve accuracy.
From payroll taxes to sales and use tax, compliance isn’t optional. A reliable CPA should:
If you’ve ever been surprised by a penalty or audit notice, that’s a failure on their part.
📌 Related: Read about sales and use tax compliance risks in manufacturing.
A CPA should fit into your financial leadership—not create friction.
A collaborative CPA improves team alignment and decision-making.
Cheap accounting usually ends up costing more. Evaluate:
If you’re only hearing from them once a year, you’re overpaying—no matter the rate.
📊 Curious what a better support model looks like? Here’s what bookkeeping should cost in 2025.
Financial jargon can be confusing. A great CPA should explain your financials, tax obligations, and risks in plain language. If every conversation feels like decoding a foreign language, that’s a communication gap you can’t afford.
Your CPA should be able to support your next phase—whether that’s:
Look for signs they’re equipped to handle growth: scalable services, a strong partner network, and capacity to handle more complex reporting.
This one is simple. If you feel uneasy, uncertain, or in the dark—it’s time to reevaluate. You want a CPA who:
If you answered “no” to more than a few of the checklist items, it may be time to explore new options. Key signs you’ve outgrown your current CPA include:
Just like evaluating any vendor or partner, you owe it to your business to assess whether your CPA is still delivering what you need.
The best CPAs are not just tax preparers—they’re strategic partners who understand the operational and financial nuances of manufacturing.
Here’s what to look for when searching for a new CPA:
Before you commit, ask:
These questions filter out generalists and help you find a CPA who can drive operational and financial excellence in your business.
Not all CPAs are created equal. Watch for these warning signs:
❌ No manufacturing clients in their portfolio
❌ Rarely initiates tax planning conversations
❌ Misses deadlines or delivers vague, outdated financials
❌ Doesn’t understand industry-specific compliance needs (e.g., inventory valuation, sales and use tax))
💡 If you're working with a financial controller or CFO, get their input during your search.
Your CPA relationship shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should feel like a strategic advantage. Whether you’re a growing manufacturer, a startup with complex tax needs, or a business owner managing cost pressures, the right CPA helps you stay compliant, grow faster, and make smarter decisions.
If you haven’t evaluated your CPA relationship lately, now’s the time. Use this checklist to get clear on what’s working, what’s missing, and how to move forward with confidence.
Need a second opinion on your current CPA relationship—or help finding the right one? Schedule a strategic finance consultation with Accounovation to learn how your accounting partnerships can work harder for your business.