Define the work before comparing firms.
Explain the planning gap and the current CPA’s scope. Ask candidates to define how analysis, implementation, and filing will be shared before assuming that a new engagement requires replacing the preparer.
Why the operating context matters.
For advertising agencies, the brief needs to explain campaign budgets, production vendors, and client billing. Explain the timing between supplier commitments and customer payment.
Use that context to request a shared advisory and preparation responsibility map. Identify the decision still open, the date it becomes binding, and which existing advisors are already responsible for part of the work.
Prepare a decision-ready record list.
- Campaign ledger
- Vendor terms
- Billing schedules
- Existing engagement
- Decision list
- Entity map
Mark each item as available, incomplete, or held by another professional. Ask the candidate what it needs before quoting or performing analysis. A record gap should become an assigned task with a deadline, rather than an assumption that the information is complete.
Interview the person who would do the work.
- Who reconciles campaign economics with the company’s operating reports?
- What remains with the current CPA?
- Who implements recommendations?
- How will the advisors communicate with permission?
- Which information is missing, and who will obtain it?
- What are the complete fees, exclusions, and support dates for this work?
What a useful proposal should settle.
Request a named professional, the records reviewed, a defined output, implementation assignments, support dates, and the complete fee. Ask which work requires a separate engagement with a preparer, attorney, administrator, or specialist. Match every important deadline to a responsible person.
Compare the answer with the work you actually need. An impressive firm name or a broad service description cannot settle scope. If the proposal is unclear, record the open question and ask for clarification before engaging.
Your scope comparison worksheet
Use public business context here. Keep tax returns and private financial records for a secure process agreed with your advisor.
Download the comparison worksheet (CSV). Notes stay in this page while it is open and are not submitted by this form.
Research the provider as well as the proposal.
Browse sourced firms, review credential checks, and use the proposal comparison tool. This brief supports hiring research; it does not establish that any strategy applies or that every firm covers this work.