Starting a CPA practice guide
Starting your own accounting practice can be a challenging and somewhat daunting task but The Ohio Society of CPAs is here to help. The following resources, including various Web site addresses and reference materials, will provide you with a good foundation to get started.
All CPA firms are required to register with the Accountancy Board of Ohio. If your firm performs any audits, compilations or reviews, your firm must also register for Peer Review.
The Ohio Society of CPAs is the administering agent for the ABO's Peer Review process. For firm registration information/peer review information:
Articles of Incorporation
Are you thinking about incorporating your firm? The Ohio Secretary of State's Web site has information regarding corporate filing forms, including articles of incorporation. Just visit their Web site for more information.
Small Business Development Centers
In order to assist small businesses with development and growth, the Ohio Department of Development partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration to establish the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC provides a number of professional services to small businesses, including funding resources, counseling, training, advocacy, etc.
For more information on SBDC, you can visit the Ohio Department of Development's Web site, or the U.S. Small Business Administration's Web site.
Forms of Practice
Whether you’re planning to establish a sole proprietorship, general or limited partnership, limited liability company or corporation, this State Law Attribute Comparison Grid prepared by Society member Steven A. Martin of Blaugrund Herbert & Martin is an excellent reference for you to have at your fingertips.
View the Business Organizations―State Law Attribute Comparison Grid or right-click on the link and "save as" to download this document.
If you're looking for information that has not been provided under "Starting a CPA practice," just call CPAnswers, the Society's member service center, at 888.959.1212 or 614.791.1212 for assistance.
Work Paper Records
The Accountancy Board of Ohio (ABO) has a statute regarding the ownership of working papers. Visit the ABO's Web site for an explanation.
Retention of Client Records
The Accountancy Board of Ohio (ABO) has a rule that outlines instances where the retention of client records is not permitted. In order to review this rule, visit the ABO's Web site.
Record retention for not-for-profit organizations
What's the average salary for employees in CPA firms today? Although salaries are contingent on many factors, The Ohio Society suggests a number of resources to consider for more information:
A vital part of any CPA practice is having the best and latest software to help you practice more efficiently. The following Web sites have been recommended by Society staff for the latest information on software for CPAs.
LAST UPDATED 1/14/2008