Why to choose us as your CPA firm

Zachary Runyan, CPA
5 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

With many options out there, I am sure you are wondering that age old question: Why should I choose you as our CPA firm? Here are some of my thoughts on the matter:

Services standpoint - I offer many of the same services that other licensed CPA firms and unlicensed practices offer. My services are driven towards technology progressive. Meaning that I will utilize technology for meetings and delivering services.
Price standpoint - My price point is competitive to the market for other licensed CPA firms. I charge less for bookkeeping compared to payroll, accounting, or tax work. I try to take the level of complexity of the work into account for what I charge you. In general, my prices range from $75 to $250 per hour depending on the service being provided. I offer fixed, hourly, and project rates for most of our services.
Credential standpoint - I am a licensed CPA firm in Colorado. That means I can provide attest and non-attest services (see below for a definition of these) to the general public. I am regulated about how and where I can provide some of those services. Do I have to be a CPA firm to provide the non-attest services? No, but I think it brings credibility and value to you as the client. I must meet continuing education requirements and be compliant with regulatory, ethical, and professional requirements.
Experience standpoint - I have 15+ years expense across accounting, business, and tax. I am a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and hold two master's degrees (MBA and MS in Accountancy). I have specific industry experience within healthcare, military, academia, and non-for-profit organizations, but I have knowledge about many other industries. I do not know everything (despite what my children think), but I do know how and where to find your answers. And probably more importantly, how to interpret those answers into something you will understand.
Memberships standpoint - I am a member of the American Institute of CPA's (AICPA) and Colorado Society of CPA's (COCPA).
Physical business location - I am providing services virtually, meaning most meetings will be over zoom. Communication will be exchanged over client portal, email, or phone calls. Meetings at my primary business location (my personal residence) are by appointment only. While my primary business location is my personal residence, I have a dedicated and secure office space separate from my house. I will meet with clients at their primary place of business or out in the community, if within 30-50 miles from Canon City, Colorado.

I cannot tell you how to choose based on the above items, that is for you to make a decision. In my opinion though, the other points for you to consider with choosing me from another provider are my beliefs, personality, and culture.

First off, I believe in honesty and not selling you something you don't need. This means that I am not going to sell you something just to make a profit. Can some services be done by you? Sure, they can and in some cases that might make more sense. I charge you for my experience, knowledge, and time. In most cases, I will be able to complete tasks more efficiently. But even not and probably more important to you, having me complete some tasks will allow you more time to do other things such as focus on family, operations, or whatever you would like!

I also call it as it is. A spade is a spade, no reason to fluff it up. I am down to earth and understanding. I model my firm's beliefs after my own. If I cannot help you, then I will let you know. That said, my core values as a firm are:

Deliver accurate and dependable work - I want to make sure the work is accurate and something you can depend on to make decisions about your personal or business goals. I will not provide half complete work or skip corners to get something done.
Communicate timely & effectively - My goal is to communicate timely & effectively so that you can make decisions. This means that I will explain information in a manner that you will understand. I believe that communication is vital to an effective working relationship with you. This means that I will provide the information and communicate when it has been provided. I will answer calls/email when available, and if I am not, then my goal is to return calls and emails by the end of the day, even if it is just to let you know I am working on your question.
Leverage technology and automation when appropriate - I will use technology (when appropriate) to streamline processes and actions that need to happen. Such as filing taxes, integrating data, or providing a client portal. I will utilize various tools such as Bill.com, zoom, electronic engagement letters (contracts), QuickBooks or Xero for records, and others as they become needed. This doesn't mean that I will always use these, but when it makes sense then I will.
Provide services that drive value - At the end of the day, what I do for you has to drive some value. That could be freeing up your time, providing you information to make decisions, or making sure you are in compliance.

If I am not living up to that or I will not be able to live up to that, or those things are not what you value, then another provider might be a better fit. I am focused on providing services to individuals and businesses in Colorado, since I am licensed as a CPA firm there. That said, I am able to accommodate some people in other states, in a virtual manner. I accommodate small and medium sized businesses that complete a portion of the day-to-day accounting work such as bookkeeping or payroll.

I also believe in giving back to the community, so I am currently a sponsor of the CCHS Tiger Booster Club. I also currently volunteer my time as treasurer for the SoCo Youth Sports Organization (non-for-profit). When I am able to do more, then I will do it!

Finally, I want to work with you to be your strategic accounting/tax partner, not just a business that files your taxes or completes your accounting work. I want to provide you with valuable information and recommendations about how you can improve. I am always available for your questions by phone or email, and we do not charge for simple and quick discussions/requests. I do however charge for lengthy conversations and discussions.

If you have any other questions, please reach out. You can click here to book a call, email me at info@runyancpafirm.com, or call 719-285-7554.

Definitions and Explanations:

What are attest and non-attest services?

Attest services provide some level of assurance on financial information. Some services have greater levels of assurance than others. This includes audits, reviews, and agreed upon procedures. These services can be performed by a CPA only and are highly regulated. These services also require independence from the client.
Non-attest services are those that do not require any level of assurance to be provided. These services are broad level of tasks that could be completed in house by a client or outsourced. These services include bookkeeping, accounting, tax, consulting, or payroll. These might include financial statement preparations or compilations. CPA's are regulated on many of these, most generally. These services no not require independence, but some cannot be provided with Attest services unless safeguard are put into place (the one exception being tax return preparation).