Switching accountants after 6 years — how to evaluate a new CPA for small business?

Carol from Hartwell CPA. Great question and here's what I'd ask any CPA you're evaluating: 1. 'How many retail or product-based businesses do you currently serve?' — you want someone who understands inventory accounting, COGS, and shrinkage. 2. 'What depreciation methods do you use for retail fixtures and equipment?' — if they can't answer this quickly, red flag. 3. 'When did you last proactively reach out to a client about a tax-saving opportunity?' — ask for an example. Good CPAs are proactive, not reactive. 4. 'What's your average response time for client questions?' — should be under 24 hours for anything non-urgent. Also: fixed monthly fee structures are usually better for you than hourly — aligns incentives properly.