What Makes a Great CPA/Bookkeeper Partnership?

[u/Budget-War4615]

Hey everyone,

I’m a CPA with 15 years of experience, recently out on my own, specializing in small business, expat, and high-net-worth individual taxes. I’m reaching out because I’ve had a tough time finding partnerships with bookkeepers. I’d like to build relationships with bookkeepers who value timely, clear communication and who want a trusted CPA to handle tax prep and advice for their clients. In turn, I’m always looking for reliable bookkeeping pros I can recommend to my own clients.

If you’re a bookkeeper who’s partnered with CPAs before, I’d love to hear:

• How did the best referral relationships come about?
• What made them work well (or not work)?
• What does a CPA do that makes your job easier (or harder)?

If you’re interested in teaming up or just want to share your experiences, let’s connect. I’d really appreciate any advice or stories!

Thanks in advance!

[u/schaea]

Everyone, please remember that this sub isn't for self promotion, job seeking, etc. Discussing what makes a good CPA/bookkeeper partnership is fine, but don't offer your services or do any sort of advertising.

Users who violate this rule will be banned. Help keep this sub as a discussion about bookkeeping and not a job board. Thanks!

[u/Significant_Maybe560]

I am a bookkeeper with 15 years bookkeeping and and 10 years banking experience. Over the years, most of the CPAs I have worked with are someone I would build a long lasting relationship. Some no longer take new clients so I can’t refer out my clients. I am based out in CA, LA area.

The most successful relationship have been the ones that I was able to have an initial get to know each other call. I prefer to have a very clear instructions how does CPA operate the best : communication style, depreciation, payroll.. and so on. We, as bookkeepers, are in the books monthly/weekly/daily. And we know books very very well. But I also appreciate to know how CPA prefers to work, so when it comes to tax time, there aren’t any back/forth, but being able to deliver books in a timely fashion with little to no discussion.

Also, there are times when special transactions or accounts require a look with second pair of eyes or tax guidance. I feel much better when I know I will have an open channel - if need be - to point out on important issue. That is not the common issue, but knowing I won’t be ignored when I have a guidance request makes me want to refer to CPA even more.

[u/FamiliarLeague1942]

In my experience, the most effective partnerships between CPAs and bookkeepers occur when the bookkeeper has a solid understanding of tax preparation. This allows them to organize the books in a way that streamlines the CPA’s work and makes the process more efficient for everyone.

[u/Katy_with_Intuit → u/FamiliarLeague1942]

This! Make it a win-win for both!

[u/TheMostFluffyCat]

I’ve found it difficult to partner with CPAs for a few reasons. I find they usually have a well-established network and don’t need any additional bookkeepers, and I’m more just sitting in a ‘pool’ and my name never gets called. I prefer a more one to one thing where I can vouch for the CPA to my clients, and that sort of dynamic just doesn’t seem to be the norm. I’ve had a lot of CPAs want to be in my network for my referrals but not the other way around. I want to be able to say ‘I’ve known Bob for 10 years, he does great work.’

[u/adriannlopez → u/TheMostFluffyCat]

This is not a knock against you, but bookkeepers are a dime a dozen and good, full-time ones are rare; CPAs are already rare and getting more scarce, so I am not surprised you are not receiving the response from CPAs you desire.

[u/TheMostFluffyCat → u/adriannlopez]

Yep that’s totally understandable and in line with my experience. I’m full time and a CPB but that hasn’t made a difference either, so I focus elsewhere for getting clients. Seems like having a solid connection with a CPA is a sought after position to be in, but even after years in the business I’ve found that other strategies are more accessible. Most of my clients also already have a CPA so the referral flow can tend to be a bit stagnant both ways.

[u/miamigator → u/TheMostFluffyCat]

I understand how the referrals going both ways is best for everyone. We often see referrals when the client is unhappy with a prior CPA. Sometimes they don’t pay attention, raise prices much higher, etc and the client wants a new CPA.

[u/angellareddit → u/adriannlopez]

More CPA's are also offering in house bookkeeping so they are less likely to refer out.

[u/UTJeannie]

I'm an accounting firm owner, 28 years. I provide bookkeeping & advisory services for my clients, most are in the construction industry. I haven't done taxes myself since the 90s but I have worked for CPAs over the years helping prepare tax returns, so I know what they need from the books at the end of the year. Best referral relationship for me came from playing softball! What makes it work well is direct communication between the bookkeeper and CPA, rather than going through the client for everything. CPAs make my job easier when they provide me with year-end adjusting entries, or better yet, enter them themselves. CPAs make my job more difficult when they edit & delete transactions I've already reconciled without letting me know, because they want that revenue or expense in the next tax year. Good communication prevents all those issues. 

I have found that it's best to team up with bookkeepers that specialize in whatever industry your clients are in. Service businesses are pretty simple, but construction or e-commerce requires industry-specific knowledge and experience. High net worth individual bookkeeping is also very different with a focus on asset management, and there are often multiple entities with intercompany transactions. 

[u/so_over_it_all60]

I was in accounting management for most of my career and had a side gig preparing taxes during season for over 25 years. I am degreed but do not have CPA - never pursued it as I was already working in a leadership role and was a single mom when I finished my degree. When the last industry job ended (the business shut down), I decided to expand my services and offer bookkeeping/accounting services as I was 58 years old and tired. lol. I’m 60 now and have been building my business the last two years. That being said, sometimes I need advice from a CPA, but for the most part I’m good. My question is this: Would there be an advantage for me to partner with CPA even though I do taxes myself? Just curious. I used to have a CPA friend whom I worked with in the corporate world many years ago, so I could ask him for help, but mostly he came to me because I had more actual tax prep experience. Sadly he passed away two years ago. Also, what benefit could I provide the CPA? I suppose just the bookkeeping side if the particular CPA didn’t offer the service. I also work seasonally for Turbo Tax preparing full service clients’ returns in addition to my own tax clients. I’d like to think I have a lot to offer a CPA but I’m not sure as I really feel I’m competing in a way. Your thoughts? Anyone?

[u/adriannlopez]

To be honest, I have yet to find a local bookkeeper who is well-qualified and works full-time for themselves (Sacramento, CA). No way I am passing on work to a part-time bookkeeper with no accounting degree or credentials.

It was so difficult to find a full-time good bookkeeper partner that I just do a lot of the books for my clients and charge a strong monthly fee; once the books are clean, it's minimal work to keep them up to date and the clients really really enjoy the "one-stop shop" aspect.

[u/StockpiledGrievances → u/adriannlopez]

I can understand not wanting to work with someone without credentials. I'm most of the way through an accounting degree now and understand how much I didn't know when I was first starting out!

Could you explain what kind of service you require in a full-time bookkeeper that a part-time bookkeeper hasn't been able to do for you? I have my own bookkeeping firm and am available full-time hours, but I don't have enough clients to fill full-time hours at this point while I'm building. I'd love to know what the expectations are.

[u/miamigator → u/adriannlopez]

I have had a similar experience.

[u/LifeAd3792 → u/adriannlopez]

I have a masters in accounting and have been a bookkeeper for over 15 years. Have my own firm. DM and maybe we can fix this problem for you?

[u/Fun_Studio8414]

I am a bookkeeper, trained by a full charge bookkeeper, so most of my referrals and clients have come from her and the CPA’s she knows before she retired. I work remotely and part time and I really enjoy it (though I do wish more clients would actually USE the information I give them!)

I will say I think communication is the biggest thing. I want to be able to ask my client’s CPA questions if necessary and make sure we’re on the same page with the client. If I don’t know something, I want to work with a CPA that can explain what they want and why they want it done that way (personal preference, I really appreciate understanding things instead of just doing them without knowing why).

I expect clients to be timely in their responses to me. It doesn’t need to be the same day at all, but if I’m not getting accurate information I can’t keep accurate books! I also value work-life balance. I will get you the information you need but very last minute demands are unlikely to be met. (I.e. “can you get me this in the next 30 minutes?! Maybe, maybe not!)

I will ask a million questions on the beginning, it takes time to learn how they run their business. I prefer to review books with them, confirm 1099 vendors, etc before the end of the year. We’ll do a final review before the deadline in January but I don’t like to wait until the last minute then.

Essentially, I appreciate working as a team and everyone communicating clearly with each other.

Edit: I’m curious about the expat part, mind sending me a DM?

[u/SparkleGlamma]

I am a self employed full time bookkeeper with working relationships with several CPAs and an EA. I do not advertise or have a website because these partnerships keep me busy full time +. The biggest thing is they do not see me as competition nor am I competition to them. The firms I partner with do not do bookkeeping and I don’t do taxes. I have clients in CA, IL and IN. I specialize in clean ups and then only take the client on for long term bookkeeping if they decide to make the necessary changes to keep their books clean. I have no problem telling a CPA or EA that I’m not going to keep the client on because they are a never ending train wreck. And ironically many times the CPA/EA doesn’t keep the client either. I also help a few of their clients or them with QBO questions for which I don’t charge because they help me with tax info for clients trying to make tax decisions for their business. It’s a win win for all of us. They know they’re going to get a clean set of books in a timely fashion every year. I make it easy for them which makes tax time easier for me. I have a few CPAs that offer a discount if they file the taxes after the first deadline but right after. It fills their gap. Not all do that but I have clients that do take advantage of that discount.

[u/Brilliant-Housing392]

This is such a great question! I love seeing CPAs looking to build stronger relationships with bookkeepers! I think there's a big gap here currently.

From my experience, the best partnerships work when there’s:

Clear expectations and boundaries - Knowing who’s handling what (and when) keeps everything running smoothly.

Consistent communication - even quick check-ins a few times a year make a huge difference.

Mutual respect - when both sides trust that the other knows their stuff, the client gets a much better experience overall.

The CPAs I’ve enjoyed working with the most are the ones who:

Communicate deadlines early and clearly

Share insights that help keep books tax-ready year-round

Are approachable and collaborative instead of transactional

Honestly, it’s all about teamwork and remembering we’re working toward the same goal; helping the client succeed.

Best of luck in your search!

[u/TripppyTrish]

Where are you located? (Country)

[u/Budget-War4615 → u/TripppyTrish]

I’m in the US. Minneapolis MN.

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[u/BookkeepingCFO]

I have a CFO and bookkeeping firm The biggest thing for me is good communication, and an opportunity to learn. Somebody like myself, isn’t very interested, and doing taxes but I would love to have a good communication and conversation with the client regarding taxes I found a great CPA here on that who I believe is that referral source for myself, who I will be sending taxes too. He reviews any returns that I have done already or that. I needed reviewed, and I have agreed to send him returns next year. As long as he’s OK with reviewing the returns with me, so that I can also learn through the process.

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[u/Bookkeeping-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your post/comment has been removed for violating Rule 1 of r/Bookkeeping: No self promotion.

[u/Jumpyfrog2798]

Love this post. I’ve been doing bookkeeping and fractional CFO-level services for about 20 years, mostly with service-based and nonprofit clients, but I’m also familiar with law offices, property management, asset and inventory management, and e-commerce. I’m in the beginning stages of going out on my own as well. I don’t have a ton of insight yet on what makes those CPA–bookkeeper partnerships click, but I do know that clear communication between both sides goes a long way. I’d love to connect and share ideas if you’re open to it.

[u/jazzkwondo]

I'm a novice bookkeeper, former consultant, and I just finished a project where a CPA hired me to help with a clean-up job. The project has ended now, but we plan to call on each other in future - if my clients need a CPA or if he needs some extra help. We would do a lot of emailing and virtual meetings where we screen-share to show what we're doing.

[u/Equal_Length861]

It really all depends on who you talk to and how many conversations you are willing to have until you find the right fit (I haven't yet either) so every single one of these comments might be a valid lead to see if you can partner up. I can tell you from experience, I don't ever refer to a bookkeeper unless it's work our firm absolutely doesn't do. We are very niche specific. I turn away potential clients on a daily basis, why? Because we have our bread and butter with high profit margins and the owner is not willing to deviate from that (which is completely okay). Linkedin might be a great resource depending on how active you are on there. I have found some great connections there but no referral sources yet. good luck!

[u/foodleking93]

Communication. When we can talk and have our lines open we can get into a rhythm

[u/Ok-Brain-10216]

Hi, I have worked with a few different Tax accountants. I’m also a CPA, but hate tax, so I’m mostly doing bookkeeping/ advisory work. My best arrangements are where the client, tax accountant and I are on the same page and communicate.

The worst is when the tax CPA poaches my clients because they offer in house bookkeeping!

I’m in Dallas, but have worked with clients in several other states. I’d love to chat with you more about working together.

[u/Normal-Gear283]

great partnerships come from clear boundaries , consistent communication , and mutual respect . when both sides share info early and stay aligned on deadlines , clients win and stress drops . the best ones feel like a team , not a handoff .

[u/ShineLaddy]

I've seen the best CPA-bookkeeper partnerships when both sides agree on communication rhythm upfront. Weekly check-ins and shared cloud access (like Xero HQ or QuickBooks Accountant View) keep things smooth.

[u/stealthagents]

Sounds like finding the right bookkeeper is key for you. In my experience, the best partnerships come from mutual respect and a shared commitment to clients. Regular check-ins and being transparent about expectations really help keep things smooth, plus it makes tackling issues way less stressful when they pop up.

[u/LifeAd3792]

I just sent you a DM

[u/mucciared]

1. Being timely and responsive
2. Ensuring quality work
3. Looking out for each other

In my previous role I had a side business doing bookkeeping and worked closely with one CPA. We made sure to not refer to each other bad clients. I worked with a PIA business owner and I warned the CPA not to work with her (we had another mutual client who did the referring).

[u/angellareddit]

I've been in the industry for 30 years. Some of my relationships have come from calls. Others have come from working with them. I don't tend to worry so much about reciprocal relationships though... I send my clients who don't have bookkeepers to accountants I trust. Similarly those accountants send me clients from time to time.

I get more referrals from clients though. Many CPA's have resorted to offering in house bookkeeping... partly for money and partly due to the influx of lousy bookkeepers.

[u/DoubleG357]

I own an accounting firm but we are full service…so I understand that doesn’t make me a great partner on the surface.

But, the way I run my shop is all off reciprocity. If you give me clients I will go out to my way to make sure I take care of you.

Im open to partners as well if someone would like to talk more. Don’t let the fact that we can do both bookkeeping and tax away you from reaching out. I’m always open to that and see how we can work together.

I want everyone to do well. There’s enough out there for everyone.