Perform a general search of accountants and New Mexico accounting firms

Accounting firms in New Mexico specialize in different aspects of the business and not all of them are full-service. Some specialize in only bookkeeping or tax consulting and others specialize in the full range of small business accounting needs such as assisting with payroll and IRS representation.

I recommend: The New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants website offers a free referral service to help you find an accountant in your area that meets your needs. CPA Finder lists accountants in your areas and provides contact information and website addresses. The CPA Firms website allows you to search for CPA firms in New Mexico and lists corporate as well as branch offices.

Verify the licensing information of the New Mexico accounting firms that you are interested in

It is important to make sure that the CPA in New Mexico that you are considering is honest and professional. Check their affiliation with recognized accounting associations or clubs on the state and national level. Finding out that a New Mexico CPA has allowed their licenses to expire should be a red flag that they aren't as professional or reliable as they may want you to think.

I recommend: Etaking verifies the credentials of participating accounting firms and lists them on their website. The State of New Mexico Public Accountancy Board not only allows you to search for local accounting firms, but they also provide detailed information regarding their license such as when it was issued and if it is in good standing. CPADirectory is still another option to check licensing information on a specific NM CPA.

Decide on a New Mexico accountant that meets all of your specific accounting needs

Your business has specific accounting needs and not New Mexico accountants are one-size-fits-all. It is important to find a professional or firm that will satisfy all of your criteria such as level of service, personal attention and availability.

I recommend: For matters such as setting up an accounting system to help with payroll, accounts payable or accounts receivable, consider using a New Mexico CPA that specializes in bookkeeping. Lohf Business Services, LLC is one option and serves the Santa Fe area. For more complicated issues like tax planning, a more advanced New Mexico business accounting service is required. Contafix Business Solutions offers tax services including IRS representation, and serves the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. For a firm that specializes in small businesses and startups, you may consider Padgett Business Services that serves the cities of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Los Lunas. Finally, if you want a firm with a national presence that serves companies of all sizes, you may consider Grant Thornton, LLP who has an office in Albuquerque.