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How to Find Certified Public Accountants Guide

  • Writer: DM Monticello
    DM Monticello
  • Jun 10
  • 7 min read
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Searching for “certified public accountants near me” is one of the smartest financial decisions a business owner, freelancer, or startup founder can make.

Whether you’re in Manila, Davao, Cebu, or San Fernando, finding a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) near you ensures your finances are:

  • Compliant with BIR requirements

  • Accurate, organized, and audit-ready

  • Positioned for long-term success

In this guide, we’ll break down how to evaluate nearby CPAs, compare service types, and choose the right one based on your needs.



Why Work With a Certified Public Accountant?

Hiring just any accountant might help you meet deadlines, but a certified accountant brings next-level value:

  • Legal credibility – CPAs are licensed by the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC)

  • BIR compliance experts – They stay updated on eFPS, eBIRForms, VAT filing, and quarterly reporting

  • Audit-ready support – If the BIR flags something, a CPA can represent and defend your books

  • Strategic insight – Great CPAs also help with forecasting, budgeting, and business structuring

A CPA’s signature can be the difference between a rejected and approved financial report—especially for government compliance and loans.



Certified Public Accountants Near You

Here are well-reviewed CPA firms and practitioners across the country:


Metro Manila

  • Ramon F. Garcia & Co. CPAs (Crowe PH) – Full-service CPA audit and tax firm

  • Simply Accounting PH (Alvin Sta. Ana, CPA) – Ideal for SMEs and remote bookkeeping


North Luzon (Ilocos, La Union, Baguio)

  • 101 Solutions Accounting Firm – Bookkeeping, tax prep, audit help

  • Accounting Solutions PH – Local consultancy focused on BIR reporting and payroll


Cebu

  • P&A Grant Thornton – Cebu Office – Mid to large business focus

  • FJC Accounting Services – Small business tax, daily bookkeeping


Davao & Mindanao

  • R.S. Guevarra CPA Services – Specializes in payroll, tax registration, small business support

  • Masicon Accounting Firm – General consultancy with strong BIR experience

💡 Want more reach? Some of these firms also offer remote options for clients outside their base city.



What to Look for in a CPA Near You

Not all certified public accountants are created equal. Here’s what sets the best ones apart:


1. Active CPA License + PICPA Membership

Always confirm:

  • Their CPA license is active (check prc.gov.ph)

  • They’re part of PICPA (Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants), which promotes ongoing ethics and professional training


2. BIR Familiarity & Industry Experience

Look for a CPA who understands:

  • Your region’s BIR district office (RDO)

  • Your industry’s unique expenses, requirements, or risks

  • Compliance with forms like 1701Q, 2551Q, 2316, 1601C, etc.

For example, an e-commerce seller in Quezon City might need a different setup than a restaurant in Davao.



3. Tools & Technology Integration

The best CPAs know how to work smarter—not just harder. Ask about:

  • Familiarity with eFPS and eBIRForms

  • Tools like Xero, QuickBooks, or Taxumo

  • Shared document storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)

Bonus: If you’re running a remote-first team, check if they work well with virtual assistants who can help handle receipts, invoices, and data.



4. Transparent Pricing Structure

Avoid surprises by asking:

  • Is this monthly, per-filing, or annual billing?

  • Are urgent filings or audit support extra?

  • Can you scale the engagement if your needs grow?

Example: A solo freelancer might need only ₱3,000/month in support, while a VAT-registered SME might spend ₱10,000–₱20,000 for full services.



5. Reputation and Reviews

Look for:

  • Google or Facebook reviews

  • Referrals from friends, co-founders, or local business groups

  • CPA profiles on LinkedIn with verified client feedback

💬 If they’re confident in their work, they’ll be happy to share references.



Where to Find CPAs Near You

Need help finding “certified public accountants near me”? Start here:



Should You Choose a Freelancer or CPA Firm?

Type

Best For

Benefits

Considerations

Freelance CPA

Freelancers, startups, micro-SMEs

Flexible pricing, direct access

May have limited capacity during busy season

Local CPA Firm

SMEs, companies with permits or payroll

Team support, BIR process experience

Slightly higher cost

National Firm

Growing companies, audit-prone industries

Strategic planning, full-suite services

More formal onboarding, higher cost




Questions to Ask Before Hiring a CPA

Once you've shortlisted a few certified public accountants near you, book a discovery call and ask:

  1. Are you a licensed CPA with an active PRC number?

  2. Are you a PICPA member?

  3. How many clients like me (freelancer, small business, etc.) have you handled?

  4. Which BIR forms and filing systems are you most familiar with (e.g., eFPS, 1701Q, 2316)?

  5. Do you offer both compliance and advisory services (e.g., tax strategy, forecasting)?

  6. How do you handle urgent filings, audits, or BIR letters?

  7. Do you collaborate with virtual assistants or internal finance teams?

  8. Can you provide a breakdown of fees and what's included?

  9. Do you offer remote services if I move or travel?

  10. Can you provide references from active clients?

These questions will help you separate task-takers from strategic partners.



CPA Red Flags to Watch For

A certified title alone isn’t enough. Look out for these warning signs:

  • No updated PRC license

  •  Can’t explain BIR deadlines or forms clearly

  • No digital tools (everything is manual)

  • Unclear about scope or pricing

  • Slow response times or poor documentation habits

A good CPA makes you feel confident, informed, and supported—not overwhelmed.



How CPAs Can Help Beyond Tax Filing

While most people hire CPAs for tax season, the most valuable accountants contribute year-round. Here are five overlooked ways CPAs support business growth:


1. Business Structure Optimization

Should you be a sole proprietor, OPC, or corporation? CPAs analyze your revenue model, tax exposure, and growth plan to recommend the most efficient legal structure.


2. Financial Forecasting

Your CPA can help you plan quarterly budgets, cash flow projections, and capital needs—so you’re not just reacting to financial surprises.


3. Internal Controls & Fraud Prevention

A CPA can help set up approval workflows and checks to minimize internal risks, especially as your team grows or when you begin outsourcing financial tasks.


4. Government Compliance Beyond Taxes

This includes BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and SEC or DTI reporting. Staying current with all agencies protects you from penalties and suspensions.


5. Funding & Loan Preparation

Need a bank loan, grant, or investor funding? A CPA-prepared financial statement lends you instant credibility and minimizes processing delays.

💡 Pairing your CPA with a virtual assistant ensures all supporting documents are organized and available when you need them. Here’s how OpsArmy clients streamline finance operations with hybrid teams.



Case Study: Scaling Compliance with a CPA + VA Team

Nadine, an online course creator in Cebu, was buried in late receipts, quarterly filings, and BIR notices. She hired a freelance CPA from Simply Accounting PH, who handled:

  • Monthly 1701Q and 2551Q filings

  • Year-end 1701 and financial summaries

  • Responses to BIR letters and registration updates

To reduce workload and improve accuracy, she also hired an OpsArmy virtual assistant to:

  • Log receipts and income

  • Prep files for CPA submission

  • Track deadlines using Notion

In 6 months, Nadine:

  • Filed 100% of taxes on time

  • Reclaimed ₱18,000 in missed deductions

  • Saved 12 hours/month

The hybrid system let her focus on growth while staying fully compliant.



Final Checklist Before Hiring a CPA

Use this quick checklist before signing any agreement:

  • CPA license (PRC-verified)

  • PICPA membership

  • Familiar with your RDO + industry

  • Uses modern tools (Xero, Google Sheets, Taxumo)

  • Clear quote or proposal

  • Available for audits or urgent needs

  • Bonus: can work with a VA or internal ops team

Want help building a full back office process around your CPA? Here’s how to do it with OpsArmy.



When to Switch Your CPA (and How to Do It Smoothly)

Even if you already have a CPA, it’s important to reevaluate the relationship as your business evolves.

Here are signs it might be time to switch:

  • You’ve outgrown their services (e.g., moving from freelance to corporation)

  • They’re slow to respond or miss deadlines

  • They don’t use digital tools, causing delays or confusion

  • They charge increasing fees without improved service

  • You’ve received BIR penalties due to preventable errors

Switching CPAs doesn’t have to be messy. Follow these steps:


1. Secure Your Documents

Request copies of all BIR filings, receipts, ledgers, and past financials. Ensure you have full digital access.


2. Choose Your New CPA First

Don’t terminate your current one until the next accountant is ready. This avoids lapses in filings or responses to BIR notices.

3. Request a Handover


A professional CPA will support a brief transition call or data handoff to keep things smooth.

Switching may seem uncomfortable, but the cost of staying with a poor-fit CPA is often much higher than starting fresh.



Conclusion: The Best CPA Near You Brings Peace of Mind

Hiring a certified public accountant near you isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s about:

  • Protecting your business

  • Making confident financial decisions

  • Scaling sustainably with fewer risks

Whether you go with a freelance CPA, a boutique firm, or a national provider, make sure they:

  • Understand your needs

  • Work efficiently

  • Prioritize your success

The right CPA becomes a long-term partner, not just a deadline helper.



About OpsArmy

OpsArmy is building AI-native back office operations as a service (OaaS). We help businesses run their day-to-day operations with AI-augmented teams, delivering outcomes across finance, admin, sales, and hiring.

In a world where every team is expected to do more with less, OpsArmy provides fully managed “Ops Pods” that blend deep-knowledge experts, structured playbooks, and AI copilots. Think of us as your operational infrastructure: running faster, leaner, and smarter business execution. Visit https://www.operationsarmy.com to learn more.



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