Choosing the right accountant in Clearwater can make or break your financial success. A great accountant offers clarity, saves you money, ensures compliance, and supports growth over time. At Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services, we help businesses and individuals in Clearwater and Greater Tampa Bay find accounting support that truly fits their needs—and we can coordinate while we handle accounting & bookkeeping, tax preparation & planning, Outsourced Controller/CFO, and business consulting.

Why Location & Local Expertise Matter

Knowledge of Florida & Pinellas County: Local pros understand state rules and regional considerations.
Accessibility for face-to-face meetings: Complex decisions (entity choice, sale/exit, audits) benefit from in-person collaboration.
Network & reputation: Established relationships with banks, attorneys, and business groups in Clearwater.

Essential Criteria When Selecting an Accountant

Professional credentials: Florida CPA or Enrolled Agent; confirm active licensure.
Industry experience: Similar complexity to yours (real estate, multi-state, self-employed, e-commerce, etc.).
Services offered: Beyond tax prep—look for bookkeeping, advisory, audit support, payroll, and planning.
Communication & responsiveness: Clear explanations, SLAs for response times, and proactive guidance.
Fees & transparency: Written scopes and itemized pricing (hourly, flat, or value-based) with no surprises.
Client reviews & referrals: Testimonials, references, and long-term relationships.

Benefits of Making the Right Choice

Optimized tax strategy and minimized IRS exposure (see Tax Preparation)
Improved financial visibility through structured reporting and CFO dashboards
Proactive planning & advisory support year-round
Confidence in compliance, audits, and growth decisions
Long-term partnership and financial peace of mind

How We Support Your Accountant Search

Assess your needs and priorities, then help interview a shortlist
Coordinate onboarding, secure data handoff, and workflow setup
Stand up clean books, payroll, and Florida sales tax processes
Provide ongoing quality checks and advisory as needed

Need help finding your perfect accountant?

Let’s discuss your situation, goals, and criteria—and together find the best accounting partner for you. We’ll also ensure tax-ready records from day one. Schedule Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch accountants mid-year?

Yes. As long as your books are current and you request full copies of prior returns and records, switching is feasible. Align timelines and fees before the handoff.

Is an accountant only for taxes?

No. Modern practices provide bookkeeping, advisory, audit support, payroll, and planning services.

How should I evaluate their communication & ethics?

Look for clarity in proposals, prompt responses, transparent fees, and active licensure. Strong references and long-term clients are good signals.

Finding the Right Enrolled Agent or CPA Clearwater, FL