Posts

On the Hunt for the Best CPA Review Course out There? 6 Questions You Need to Ask Before Making the Decision

/in /by

StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | On the Hunt for the Best CPA Review Course out There? 6 Questions You Need to Ask Before Making the DecisionIf you are planning to take the CPA exam, you are probably very aware of exam courses. In fact, most experts agree that taking the CPA exam without taking one of these courses is a lot like having someone blindfold you, turn you around several times, then having you throw a dart at a dartboard and expecting to hit the target. You might accomplish your mission, but it would be excruciatingly difficult to do. That’s why taking a CPA prep course, whether in-person or online, is so important.

If you have done any homework on these exam reviews, the chances are good that you have already discovered that there are many of them. The following six questions will help you select the one that is right for you, or at least get you headed in the right direction.

1. Are there any virtual CPA exam review classes? As many review courses as there are, not all of them are created equal. Some are given online, while others are in-person. Some are a combination of both. Some are better than others. Be sure you pick the format that works best for you and your schedule.

2. Is there an instructor available to speak with? As great as online courses are, there is no substitute for being able to interact with a real human. Ask if you have this option available.

3. How long will a candidate have access to the materials, and can their access be extended if the person runs out of time? Most CPA exam reviews are goldmines of materials, but these are of little good if after you complete the course you have no access to them.

4. What is the total cost of the course, and are there discounts available? CPA exam review courses aren’t cheap. In fact, some are as expensive as a used car, so unless you have someone bankrolling you, you will need to come up with the money for those fees. Make sure you know what that price tag is and whether you can handle it. Be sure to ask if they offer discounts and if you qualify for them.

5. What is the policy about students who fail a part or parts of the exam? Can a candidate retake that part of the review course? Some review courses offer students who don’t pass legs of the exam the opportunity to take those portions of the course again. Make sure the course you select offers this.

6. Can a person get updates as they are released, and is there a cost for this? Most CPA review courses are good about keeping their materials up to date. Make sure that the course you elect to take is one of them. Otherwise, all you will be learning is information that is out of date and won’t help you pass the exam a bit.

These questions should give you a start. Most CPA review courses have this information and much more on their websites, but if you can’t find it, or have other questions, be sure to ask. You have a right to know what you are paying for as well as to make sure that the course lives up to your expectations. Helping you to pass the CPA exam is not only their most important job, it’s their only job.

Strategies for Certified Public Accountants to Grow Their Business

/in /by

As a business owner, you have a lot on your mind. There’s never a dull moment and if it’s not one fire you’re putting out, it’s another. That’s why you need a plan in place for managing your business and workload.

As a small business, you don’t have the luxury of calling upon a handful of employees to help you out. One area that’s always intriguing is how to expand your company. It’s important you have a solid foundation first before you try to develop further. See strategies for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to grow their business.

Networking

In order to grow your business you have to be willing to put yourself out there and meet new people. You want individuals in your company to know who you are and where your business is located. Be involved in the community and join organizations and clubs that keep you engaged with others. Attend networking events and conferences where you can meet new faces and share information about your business and services.

Training & Education

You need to have the proper training and knowledge in place before you start advertising additional services and growing. For example, there are IRS approved tax preparation courses that will help you gain more clients, and you’ll be included in the Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with credentials and select qualifications. You’ll be provided with crystal clear high definition video based courses that meet IRS standards and include the latest tax law updates and exceptional tax tips. This is a great opportunity to improve your skills and increase your knowledge on topics that will help you advance in your career and grow your business.

Social Media

Use social media and the Internet to target your specific audience and find customers who are going to benefit from your services. Open accounts on various platforms and create a company page with information about what you do and how you can help your clients. If you have the capacity, be available to answer customer service type questions online and post content that will help them better understand the industry and what they need to know as a taxpayer. Be open to advertising your business on social media and bringing in more clients through a digital media strategy.

Focus on Customer Service

A proven way to grow your business is to deliver exceptional customer service and, therefore, be awarded with referrals and recommendations from satisfied clients. Even though you may be a small operation, be sure to give each customer your undivided attention that they deserve. Be on time for meetings, return messages and fix issues promptly. Your customers need to be your number one focus, and then you can worry about expanding and growing your business. Take pride in knowing your clients are happy and continue to do business with you.

Conclusion

Use these tips for creating a plan to expand your company. Keeping your customers pleased is one area of your business that’s worth focusing on. Without them you aren’t going to get too far with your company. These are strategies for CPAs to grow their business.