Use a CPA directory when you need a professional

Turn to a CPA directory when you need tax or financial advice or it's time to audit your books. A CPA assists business owners with business analysis, budgeting, tax returns and financial statements. Many CPA firms also offer bookkeeping and payroll services.

I recommend: Since different CPAs may advertise on different CPA directories, check these three websites for a CPA near you: CPAWeb.net, DirectoryCPA.com and The List of CPA Firms. You can search each of these CPA directories by state.

Search accounting firm directories by specialty

If you know exactly what type of accounting help you need, use an accountant directory that categorizes professionals by specialty. These accountant directories allow you to narrow your search to only those professionals who offer the accounting services you need.

I recommend: AccountantsWorld lets you search by specialty, language spoken and allows you to specify if you only want a list of CPAs. In addition to searching by specialty, BookkeepingHelp.com lets you search by designation, including CPA, CPP, ATA and CFP.

Find a bookkeeper using directories of accounting firms

You can search online for a full-charge bookkeeper if you want to outsource bookkeeping tasks such as accounts payable and receivable, payroll and bank reconciliation. Bookkeepers can even maintain your Quickbooks or other accounting software and help prepare quarterly and annual tax forms.

I recommend: Samarak Business Services and US Bookkeeping Directory both provide listings of bookkeepers by state.