Choosing an accounting firm to handle your company’s finances can feel like a big decision. Payroll deadlines, navigating tax rules, managing cash-flow—these are complex problems, and you want to know that they’re being handled the right way. And with roughly 900 public accounting firms and thousands of certified public accountants (CPAs) in the state of Oregon, what’s the best way to find one that resonates with your needs?
Below, we’ll give you a practical step-by-step checklist to help you vet firms, compare available options, and find the right accounting firm in Portland to help your business run better. By the end you’ll know what questions to ask and how to pick a firm that feels like a true partner, not just a vendor.
Key Takeaways
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Pick experience over generalists. Choose an accounting firm that knows your industry and Portland’s local tax landscape inside and out.
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Look for clarity and communication. The right partner explains things plainly, responds quickly, and builds processes that make your financial life easier.
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Match services to your goals. Whether you need bookkeeping, tax strategy, or full outsourced accounting, pay for what drives your business forward—not extras you’ll never use.
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Value transparency and trust. Predictable pricing, secure systems, and a clear onboarding process signal a firm that’s organized, accountable, and invested in your success.
How to choose an accounting firm in Portland
Below is a concise checklist of the nine most important things to evaluate when choosing an accounting partner for your business.
1. Industry experience and relevant expertise
Local tip: It’s one thing to understand your industry broadly; it’s another thing to understand the nuances of your industry in your geographical context. A firm familiar with local vendors, payroll peculiarities, and city licensing will be a more helpful partner.
2. Communication and accessibility
This is where “fit” shows up in real life. A strong accounting partner is easy to reach, explains things clearly, and keeps you in the loop.
Look for a firm that sets clear expectations—such as who your main contact is and how quickly they respond—and uses helpful tools like secure portals for sharing documents. The best firms also schedule regular check-ins and provide clear, easy-to-read financial summaries so you always know where things stand.
3. Technology stack and security
This one can sometimes be overlooked. Don’t just assume that because you’re talking to a big or modern accounting firm they have the right technological tools for your business—or that they’re up to date on security best practices. Ask which systems they use (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Xero, ADP, Bill.com) and how they secure your data.
Some technology must-haves:
- Cloud-based accounting tools for real-time access.
- Two-factor authentication and encryption for file transfers.
- Regular backups and a disaster recovery plan.
At Perkins & Co, we have preferred software solutions that we use with every client. We work with you to leverage these tools to help your business stay secure and grow.
4. Certifications, compliance, and professional standards
Credentials don’t tell the whole story, but they do say a lot. A firm staffed by CPAs or credentialed bookkeepers operates under strict ethical standards and continuing education requirements. That means your finances stay compliant with the latest federal, state, and industry regulations.
When you’re evaluating firms, ask:
- Are the people preparing or reviewing my books certified CPAs or trained under one?
- Do you maintain professional liability (E&O) insurance?
- How do you stay current on new tax codes and accounting standards?
If you need a refresher on accounting credentials, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is a great resource.
5. References, reviews, and real client outcomes
Reputation speaks louder than marketing copy. Before signing with any CPA firm, take a few minutes to see what others are saying. Read online reviews, ask for client references, and notice what stories come up repeatedly, both positive and negative.
When you ask for references, request a client in your industry (similar size or complexity), as well as someone who’s worked with the firm for more than a year. It’s also worth asking for an example of how the firm handled a challenge, like an audit, cash-flow issue, or growth surge.
You’ll get a feel for the firm’s communication style and problem-solving approach. Long-term relationships and consistent results are the strongest indicators of trustworthiness.
6. Onboarding and ongoing support
The onboarding process is your first glimpse of how the firm truly operates. Smooth onboarding signals strong internal systems, and that’s exactly what you want in an accounting partner.
Here’s the onboarding process we use with our clients:
- Book a meeting: Schedule a call with a Perkins tax professional to talk through your needs.
- Initial consultation: We’ll discuss your goals and review your prior year’s return.
- Receive a free quote: Based on your return and needs, we’ll provide a fixed fee or range.
- Engagement & setup: Sign our engagement letter and get set up in our secure client portal.
- Document submission and planning: Upload your tax documents. Some tiers include planning before year-end.
- Tax preparation: Our team prepares your return and requests anything else we may need.
- Review, filing & planning: Review your return, ask questions, and sign for electronic filing. At delivery of your returns, Perkins will provide high-level tax planning ideas for the next tax year.
- Ongoing support: We’re here year-round to answer your questions, provide guidance, and assist with any tax matters that come up—just reach out anytime.
- The initial 30- to 90-day window sets the tone for your entire relationship. Clear expectations, proactive communication, and visible progress build confidence fast. After onboarding, you should expect quarterly reviews, easy access to reports, and strategic check-ins, not just year-end conversations.
Practical questions to ask in the first meeting
We touched on some questions to ask in the checklist above, but here are the 10 crucial questions we’d ask if we were walking into an initial meeting with an accounting firm. The answers you get will tell you more than any brochure.
- Which industries do you serve most?
- How do you charge, and what’s included?
- Who will I work with day-to-day?
- What software do you use (and why)?
- How do you handle tax planning vs. tax prep?
- Can you show examples of monthly reports I’ll receive?
- What’s your process for year-end close?
- How do you handle payroll, sales tax, and local compliance?
- How will you help me measure profitability?
- Can you provide two local references who are in my industry?
Frequently asked questions about choosing an accounting firm in Portland
Q: How do I know if a firm is truly local to Portland?
Look for Portland-based employees, an office you can visit, and references from Portland clients. Local firms will mention city-specific compliance and often have relationships with local banks and vendors.
Q: Should I switch accounting firms before tax season?
You can, but switching earlier in the year gives your new firm time to clean up books and establish processes. If it’s late, focus on immediate priorities and schedule a complete transition after filing.
Q: Can my accounting firm act as my bookkeeper and my CPA?
Yes. Many firms provide both bookkeeping and CPA services. Ensure they clearly separate compliance work (taxes) from advisory services, and confirm credentials for tax filing.
Q: What are outsourced CFO services?
Outsourced CFO services give you access to high-level financial strategy without hiring a full-time executive. An outsourced CFO can handle forecasting, budgeting, cash-flow planning, and financial reporting, helping you make informed business decisions. It’s ideal for growing companies that need strategic insight but don’t yet need a full-time CFO.
Q: How long does onboarding typically take?
Onboarding varies from firm to firm, but expect 30–90 days depending on the state of your books and the services you choose. A clean data transfer speeds things up.
Final thoughts: pick a partner, not a vendor
Whichever firm you ultimately go with, the relationship should feel more than transactional. They should feel like an extension of your team, someone who understands your industry, communicates clearly, and helps you make key strategic decisions. Remember, you’re buying more than a service—you’re buying a trusted partner who can give you a solid foundation and peace of mind to help your business grow for years to come.
At Perkins & Co, we aim to be that partner: offering clear onboarding, predictable pricing, and practical reporting that helps Portland businesses grow. If you want to compare notes or walk through your books, reach out today!