New Dawn Accounting & Tax Solutions, LLP

First, I gather information about the services requested. Then, I send an engagement letter defining the services I will provide and the fee/payment terms for those services. For all new clients, payment is required before I begin any services. Once signed documents are returned and fees are paid, I will begin the services.

I graduated summa cum laude (4.0) from West Chester University of PA with a dual major of Accounting and Finance. I started my career as an auditor at a Big Four accounting firm. I left public accounting as a manager and worked in management in corporate accounting. I have vast experience in financial accounting, as well as assessing internal controls and developing the most efficient and effective processes and procedures.

I have been working with my own tax and accounting clients for over 20 years, helping them implement accounting procedures, maintain accurate books, and planning for tax savings. I am also a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Prior to fouding my firm, I worked 8 years with a tax prep company helping individuals and small businesses with tax returns, representing clients before the IRS and state and local tax authorities to resolve tax issues, and tax planning. 

I believe in value pricing over hourly or fixed fee pricing. Value pricing doesn't penalize the client for my processes that may require more time and not provide any additional benefit to the them.

Value pricing incorporates the experience I bring with the services I provide, so that I can assess how one circumstance may affect another, along with my past and ongoing education, the level of services provided, and the complexity of the client's situation.  This pricing enables the client to pay only for the value of what they are receiving from me, and not for the time I may spend researching proper reporting of a specific transaction, for instance.

I've heard that you don't pick your career, but instead your career picks you and that is certainly true for me. I have been a very analytical, detailed person, even as a child. I have always had the knack for problem solving, by breaking down an issue and walking through it step by step to determine the root of the problem and how to fix it; skills which are imperative in accounting and tax services. Since I've always been a numbers person, it was a natural choice for me.

I've assisted individuals and small to mid-sized organizations with their accounting and tax needs, as well as fortune 500 companies. Because I have been so fortunate to work in so many different areas, I am able to understand how it all comes together in all stages of a business life cycle. I have worked with clients in too many different industries to name them. While I am able to help a wide variety of clients, I specialize in all things construction and related trades.

I went on a hike with a friend and my dog. Being in nature centers me. It's also very humbling. I got to catch up with someone I haven't been able to get together with much over the past few years, so it was great to catch up with her. We went to a local state park and hiked the trails in the woods. My dog loves the trails and her wagging tail makes me smile. It's times like this that I live and work for. Hiking is good for the soul.

Find someone who has your best interest in mind and gives you the feeling they truly want to help you. Trust your gut. When dealing with financial transactions and information, you want to know you have a Trusted Advisor on your side.

Don't be afraid of a virtual relationship. You want to find the best professional for you, no matter where either of you are located. 

Verify the credentials of anyone using them. CPAs can be verified on their state's licensing website. Search the individual/company you intend to hire. Any reputable accounting or tax professional should be on LinkedIn. Check to see that their experience and credentials match on all sites where you find them.

Be prepared to pay for the value of the services you are in need of. If someone wants to charge you hourly, ask whether you will be billed for their research when they need further guidance on one of your transactions or to fix a mistake of their own.

Clients considering contacting a CPA should first be clear about the services they need or are expecting to need in the future and whether they have a transaction or situation that requires advanced knowledge.

Clients should also decide whether they want to meet in person, or if a virtual relationship is acceptable (most CPAs are already moving in this direction).

Then, search on CPAs who meet the specific location or virtual services criteria, as well as the experience that applies to the services they will need. For instance, if the client is looking for a CPA to help them grow a business, they should make sure that CPA provides advisory services. (CPAs have as many disciplines as doctors and we don't all work in all areas of accounting and tax.)

Ask what is included in the quoted fee, besides the specific service you requested. Sometimes a review of previous years' tax returns is included, or a setup fee for payroll or accounting services is waived.

If the quoted fee for the services you are seeking is your first and most important question, a CPA is probably not what you are looking for. Most CPAs want to provide value to their clients and focusing on the cost is a solid indication that the client does not value the services being requested. Research average fees for the services you are seeking to get a range of fees so you have an idea if that is something you are willing to pay, expecting a CPA to be on the high side of the range.

Clients should respect that CPAs are professionals who have invested quite a bit in education and continuous learning to provide their services. Therefore, we only want to work with clients who place value on our services. Find the one who will give you the best value for the fees they are charging.