Looking for a reliable Certified Public Accountant? Have you been searched the web for phrases like “CPA near me?” Or “best CPA Charleston?” Are you searching for CPA firms with the best reviews? Or for accounting?
Being in business in Charleston requires a proficient CPA. You have to make sure your business not only keeps up with the ‘accounting’ but you have to be sure to file proper documentation with the IRS, file comprehensive tax returns. You have to keep tabs on the company’s current financial health by knowing your profit and loss. A CPA helps you do that with P& L statements based on incoming revenue and outgoing expenses.
A good Charleston CPA is one of your most trusted advisors, or should be, for good reason. They count the beans, so to speak. Any business or organization (including nonprofits), small or large, need valuable, competent CPAs to do the financial calculations so you can keep your head down, doing the things that make the business profitable.
A CPA can make or break your business by ensuring you protect yourself from losses and help you maximize your profits while keeping your write-offs in accordance with IRS tax coded. If accounting isn’t your specialty, you really need to leave it up to someone who is actively staying up-to-date on changes and has the credentials to advise you.
Choosing the wrong Charleston CPA can hurt your business and bring pain to you emotionally and financially.
One of the most common complaints of business owners’ is “My accountant is hard to reach.” You want the CPA who is on top of their business and stays in touch with you, if needed.
Doing research on CPAs will help you make the right decision about who to trust. Fortunately, we have done your initial research to help you with your decision. We’ve narrowed down the top 10 CPAs in the greater Charleston area. Our research has shown who the talented, experienced CPAs are. They have good reviews and ratings, some history, and their costs are in line with what you can expect from the area. And they provide exceptional services.
A few things to take into consideration:
Advantages of using a CPA over an accountant
CPAs are held to a higher standard than an accountant. They have more extensive training and education and are more effective when it comes to handling IRS issues. Accountants often aren’t as “serious” about their business. CPAs are out there, helping build firms; they are helping small and large corporations handling everything from A-Z. They are a business owner’s one stop shop.
Tips for Vetting CPAs
Testimonials & Reviews- These are crucial in finding the right Charleston CPA. Look for a CPA who actively markets, who has good reviews, which is social proof of their work performance. Online reviews within Google and Yelp are a telling resource. Real reviews are a sure way to do your research, and even bad reviews can tell you something of value. Perhaps this CPA focuses on something you want and need but the reviewer didn’t want or need.
Referrals- Do you have an attorney? I bet your attorney knows a good Charleston CPA. Ask other business owners, venders or contractors you do business with. Ask them who they use and why they like them.
Check the CPA out- Call them. Do they answer or get back to you in a timely manner? Set a time to visit face to face so you can discuss your needs, concerns and talk about your goals for your business and finances. It’s helpful, but not necessary for the CPA to specialize in your specific industry or market, but it is critical that you have a good working relationship. Your initial in-person meeting can tell you if you will. After all you are paying them for their services. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions or requesting information, you should consider another Charleston CPA.
Full time- Ideally, you want to find a full-time CPA in Charleston. Working with someone who does it part-time or is gone most of the year will not serve your organization or small business well. It can pose big challenges.
Cost- Make sure to ask the CPA how much he or she will cost you annually. Make sure the costs discussed upfront are not exceeded unless something unusual or unexpected happens. Set the expectation first, and make sure it is adhered to. Price alone doesn’t indicate quality of work; it represents the CPAs opinion of how they value their time and expertise. These are the
Top 10 CPAs in the Charleston, South Carolina Area
Brian Kurtz, CPA
Brian D Kurtz PC is a locally-owned full-service CPA Firm that specializes in Small Business Solutions and Individual Tax Filing Support. Their “hands on” approach starts with a free initial consultation. Brian Kurtz is a registered Quickbooks Pro Advisor and also has experience with Peachtree software. The firm’s unique approach is visiting clients to better get to know their businesses so they can focus on their client’s needs. They endeavor to provide high quality professional service and guidance while maintaining a friendly relationship. The wide range of services offered to individual and business clients allows the firm to meet almost any accounting need. Brian D Kurtz PC gauges their worth by the personal and business successes of their clients. Providing information to clients in a timely and accurate manner is a commitment the firm refuses to compromise.
Brian Kurtz CPA
1092 Johnnie Dodds Blvd
Suite 100
Mount Pleasant SC 29464
Phone (843) 971-5866
http://bkurtzcpa.com
Streetman, Jones & Powers, LLC
Streetman, Jones & Powers, LLC combine 40 years of professional accounting and financial experience in international and local accounting and positions as controller of an international manufacturing firm, senior-level finance positions with a Fortune 500 company and being a Certified Valuation Analyst and former agent with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to be leaders in the professional accounting and consulting service providers in the region. Their combined experience lets them develop innovative and functional solutions to today’s financial and tax-related problems while providing personal service.
Streetman, Jones & Powers, LLC reviews potential new clients the same way clients choose them. They are selective to ensure the clients fit into the framework that is established for the firm. Progressive and innovative management distinguishes the firm and enables them to provide flexibility and innovative solutions that meet clients’ dynamic objectives.
Streetman, Jones & Powers, LLC
171 Church Street, Suite 240
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 723-3133
https://www.cpacharleston.com/
Northwoods Tax & Accounting
For over 23 years Northwood Tax & Accounting has concentrated on quality and accuracy. They make sure they know clients in order to find all possible tax deductions and credits. They check, check again, and then check again…to provide the most beneficial tax filing possible. They also can replace a business’s back office with accounting, payroll, and bookkeeping support so those heavy administrative areas can’t drag a business down. Northwood Tax & Accounting lets clients concentrate on higher revenue while Northwoods handles the headaches. The firm develops tax and financial strategies for businesses and individuals and work hard and long hours when needed—even after tax season. They tackle their client’s most pressing tax and financial issues.
Northwoods Tax & Accounting
6650 Rivers Ave,
Charleston, South Carolina 29406
Phone: (843) 572-3030
https://northwoodstax.com/
Allan G. Bolden, CPA firm
Allan G. Bolden, CPA is a full-service CPA firm that offers a broad range of services for business owners, executives, and independent professionals. They are affordable, experienced, and friendly and one of the leading firms in the area. By combining expertise, experience, and the energy of the firm’s staff, each client receives close personal and professional attention. They also offer a free initial consultation. The firm is dedicated to three underlying principles: professionalism, responsiveness and quality. By combining our expertise, experience and the energy of our staff, each client receives close personal and professional attention. The specialized staff spells the difference between outstanding performance, and every client is served by the expertise of the whole firm.
Companies choose Allan G. Bolden, CPA for competent advice and the firm’s fast, accurate personnel. Client referrals fuel the firm’s growth and through hard work, they have earned the respect of the local business and financial community, which illustrates their diverse talent, dedication and ability to respond quickly. The firm’s reputation reflects the high standards they demand of themselves.
Allan G. Bolden, CPA firm
794 Johnnie Dodds Blvd
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: (843) 881-3707
http://www.boldencpa.com/
Elizabeth Bartlett CPA
For nearly 30 years, Elizabeth Bartlett has provided year-round accounting services, including tax planning and preparation, electronic filing, S-corporations, small business accounting and detailed bookkeeping. She understands the importance of attentive service, takes pride in helping individuals organize their finances and partnering with them to offer personalized solutions. Elizabeth Bartlett provides small business management consulting and bookkeeping services and prepares various types of tax returns, including individual, corporate, partnerships and LLCs. She wants to help clients transform their business and personal finances for the better. Fees are structured based on the complexity and actual time involved in performing a service.
Elizabeth N. Bartlett CPA LLC
260-G Seven Farms Drive
Charleston SC 29492
Phone: (843) 471-1132
http://www.cpa-di.com
Stephen Camp CPA LLC
Stephen Camp CPA LLC is a highly experienced firm with the insight to uncover financial opportunities. They are the resource clients tap into for accurate accounting services, proactive tax planning, and honest financial advice. The firm offers innovations to skillfully manage money so businesses can prosper through fiscal challenges. Through regular communication and involvement, the firm identifies the best accounting solutions and tax strategies to improve business performance and help reduce tax liabilities, cut expenses and upgrade accounting efficiencies to make businesses more profitable and ready to grow.
Stephen Camp CPA LLC means more than accounting services. The firm transforms the financial side of businesses with services that increase cash flow and reduce expenses. They give clients reporting capabilities that give them a firm hold on where the business stands financially today and how to prepare for tomorrow. They act quickly to challenges with intelligent accounting solutions to keep businesses running smoothly and on the path to success.
The first consultation is complimentary. Stephen is a Certified Tax Coach (CTC). He is an expert in tax planning strategies with the ability to identify tax credits, deductions, and loopholes that the average Charleston CPA, accountant, or agent does not know.
Stephen Camp CPA LLC
1125 Bowman Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843-375-8804
https://www.rsccpa.net/
Doug Snyder CPA
Financial planning is one of the most complicated aspects of running a business. Whether a business or client is looking for guidance in making financial decisions or just wants someone to handle bookkeeping, Doug Snyder, CPA can help. The firm provides financial leadership and guidance to help create wealth through each client’s unique mission. The first consultation about the firm’s financial accounting services is free. Doug Snyder, CPA provides guidance that enhances an organization’s strategy, innovation and growth that has earned the firm recognition as being one of the top 100 influencers in accounting in South Carolina. He is recognized by The Citadel with an Honorary Degree in Civic Engagement. Doug spends time not used on his career with involvement with family, community, sports and reading.
DOUG SNYDER CPA
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 327-9808
https://dougsnydercpa.com
Stacy E. Wiggins, CPA, PC
Stacy E. Wiggins is a full-service accounting firm that provides clients with high-quality, professional service with a personal touch. They consider their strength to be the ability to provide clients with year-round tax, financial, and business planning. They can suggest many tax and business strategies to help businesses succeed!
Stacy E. Wiggins founded the firm in 2003. Before that, he worked as an income tax advisor and preparer, as well as an auditor for various local government, non-profit, and small business entities. He’s also been an instructor of various undergraduate accounting courses at Charleston Southern University.
With nearly 20 years experience and expertise in numerous industries and in the areas of: income tax planning and preparation; financial statement preparation; bookkeeping; QuickBooks® consulting; small business management, his most important asset is his client service.
Stacy E. Wiggins, CPA, PC
1409 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 556-5567
http://www.sewcpa.com/
Hoffman & Hoffman, CPA, P.A.
Hoffman & Hoffman, CPA, P.A. believes in the value of relationships and views every client relationship as a partnership. They truly believe their success is a result of their client’s success. Committed to providing close, personal attention to clients, Hoffman & Hoffman, CPA, P.A takes pride in the personal assistance client’s receive and with the benefit of years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen. The firm’s continual investment of time and resources in professional growth is indicative of their commitment to excellence.
Operating since 1985, the firm is large enough to handle most businesses, but small enough to have keep in close touch with clients, who include Corporations (both C and S Corporations), Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Proprietorships and Individuals. Clients receive prompt, friendly service throughout the year, not just at year end. The firm prides itself in providing efficient, thorough, professional and accurate services that meets each client’s specific needs since no two clients are the same.
Hoffman & Hoffman, CPA, P.A.
Orange Grove Office Park
7 Gamecock Avenue, Suite 701
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 766-3465
hoffmancpa.com
McCay Kiddy
Business owners and individuals want their accounting firm to “get” them. They hope their accountant understands their unique situation, unique industry and the unique decisions each client has to make. Clients want a trusted partner who will help them achieve their dreams, reach their goals and who won’t treat them like just another client/number.
The McCay Kiddy team is proactive and offers an array of services and “More Than Numbers” isn’t just a tagline on their logo. It’s their philosophy. The team members have the “heart of a teacher” when approaching client’s financials. They realize each client’s needs are unique and diverse. That is why at McCay Kiddy, the professionals understand the client’s business, day to day operations, needs and pain points. They offer solutions and services to address each.
McCay Kiddy is historically different from the typical small-to-medium-sized Charleston CPA firm that primarily builds its business off annual tax returns. For McCay Kiddy, the accounting business is much more than the passive, once-a-year transaction. It’s about building a lasting and impactful client relationship the other 364 days of the year.
McCay Kiddy
1156 Bowman Road, Suite 100-A
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843-881-4477
632 St. Andrews Boulevard,Charleston, SC 29407
843-266-5400
3255 Landmark Drive, Suite 103
North Charleston, SC 29418
843-308-1886
https://www.mccaykiddy.com/
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