A CPA or Certified Public Accountant helps individuals and businesses manage taxes, stay compliant, and make informed financial decisions. Beyond filing returns, a CPA can provide guidance on planning, structure, reporting, and strategies that support long-term financial clarity.

When should I consider working with a CPA?

Many people consider working with a CPA when their financial situation becomes more complex, such as: increased income, business growth, payroll, investments, or ongoing tax questions. A CPA can help provide direction before issues arise, not just after deadlines.

Do I need a CPA if my finances seem simple?

Not always. Some individuals and small businesses only need limited support. However, a CPA can still be helpful when you want a second set of eyes, proactive planning, or reassurance that things are set up correctly as circumstances change.

What's the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

An accountant is a general term for someone who works with financial records, bookkeeping, or tax preparation. A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is an accountant who has met additional education, licensing, and experience requirements and is regulated by the state. CPAs are qualified to provide higher-level services such as tax planning, compliance guidance, and financial advisory support. Many people work with accountants and/or bookkeepers for day-to-day needs and turn to a CPA when situations become more complex.

Is working with a CPA only for businesses?

No. CPAs work with both individuals and businesses. Individuals often seek help with tax planning, investments, or life changes, while businesses may need ongoing accounting, payroll oversight, and strategic guidance as they grow.

How much does a CPA typically cost in Cleveland?

CPA costs in Cleveland vary based on the complexity of your situation and the level of support you need. For individuals, this may depend on income sources, investments, or planning needs. For businesses, factors often include structure, payroll, transaction volume, and whether support is ongoing or limited to specific filings.

Do you offer one-time services or ongoing support?

Both options are available, depending on the situation. Some clients need help with a specific filing or project, while others benefit from ongoing accounting and tax planning support. We'll walk through your needs together and help determine the right level of support.

Do you charge hourly or on a monthly basis?

We structure our services in different ways depending on the work involved. For ongoing support, many of our clients appreciate a monthly approach that provides clarity and consistency, rather than worrying about hourly charges.

What should I expect when working with your team?

You should expect clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and a responsive team that understands your goals. Beyond compliance, we focus on helping you understand your financial picture so you can make decisions with confidence.

What's the difference between tax preparation and tax planning?

Tax preparation focuses on filing tax returns after the year ends, based on what has already happened. Tax planning looks ahead and happens throughout the year, helping individuals and businesses anticipate tax obligations, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions before deadlines. We often recommend a hybrid approach that pairs accurate filing with ongoing planning, so tax decisions support larger financial goals.

Do individuals benefit from tax planning, or is it just for businesses?

Tax planning isn't just for businesses. Individuals often benefit when their finances start to change — whether that's higher income, new investments, retirement planning, or a major life event. Planning ahead helps avoid surprises and makes it easier to make confident financial decisions holistically.

Is tax planning something that happens once or throughout the year?

Tax planning is most helpful when it happens over time. Regular check-ins make it easier to adjust as circumstances change, instead of scrambling at tax time.

Do I still need tax planning if my taxes seem straightforward?

Not always. But even straightforward situations can benefit from a periodic review. Tax planning can confirm that things are structured properly and help identify opportunities that may not be obvious, especially as goals or circumstances change.

How does tax planning fit into your overall approach?

We view tax planning as part of an ongoing relationship. When it's paired with clear communication and consistent guidance, it helps clients make financial decisions with more confidence throughout the year.

What accounting support does a business typically need?

Most businesses need help staying organized and confident as they grow. That often includes oversight of bookkeeping, payroll coordination, tax planning, and help understanding financial reports. The right level of support usually depends on how big the business is and how complex things have become.

When does it make sense for a business to get ongoing accounting support?

Ongoing support can be helpful when finances start to feel harder to manage — like when revenue grows, payroll expands, or questions come up more often. Having consistent guidance makes it easier to plan ahead instead of reacting to issues as they arise.

How involved is a CPA in day-to-day business finances?

That depends on what the business needs. Some businesses check in periodically for guidance and oversight, while others involve their CPA more regularly as decisions come up. The goal is to provide support without making things feel overly complicated.

Can a CPA help beyond taxes and compliance?

Yes. Beyond taxes and compliance, a CPA can help business owners make sense of their numbers, talk through real decisions, and plan for what's next. Many owners appreciate having someone they trust to turn to as questions come up throughout the year.

How does accounting support change as a business grows?

As a business grows, its accounting needs tend to change as well. What starts with basic recordkeeping often expands into tax planning, cash flow guidance, and higher-level financial insight. Adjusting support along the way helps keep everything running smoothly.

Can a CPA help with payroll?

While payroll processing may be handled by software, a CPA helps ensure payroll is set up correctly, filings are accurate, and everything stays aligned with tax and compliance requirements.

When should a business consider outsourcing payroll?

Many businesses consider outsourcing payroll when it starts to take up too much time or when mistakes become a concern. Having support in place can reduce stress, improve accuracy, and free up time to focus on running the business.

Do you work with individuals and families?

Yes. We work with individuals and families as well as business owners. Many people come to us for help with tax planning, filing, and financial questions that come up as their lives and income change.

When does it make sense for an individual to work with a CPA?

Many individuals consider working with a CPA when their finances feel more complex — like higher income, investments, multiple income sources, or major life changes. A CPA can help bring clarity and reduce stress around tax decisions.

Can a CPA help beyond filing my tax return?

Yes. In addition to filing returns, a CPA can help you plan ahead, understand how financial decisions affect your taxes, and avoid surprises. Many individuals appreciate having guidance throughout the year rather than only at tax time.

What types of life changes affect personal taxes?

Career changes, buying or selling a home, investments, retirement planning, or family changes can all affect your tax liability. Having a CPA involved can help you understand what to expect and make informed decisions as those changes happen.

Does it make sense to switch accountants mid-year?

In many cases, yes. If your needs aren't being met or your situation has changed, switching mid-year can help address issues sooner rather than waiting until year-end. With the right coordination, the transition can be handled smoothly.

Is switching accountants complicated?

It doesn't have to be. Most of the work involves transferring prior records and getting familiar with your situation. When handled properly, the process is straightforward and designed to keep everything on track without added stress.

What information is needed to switch accountants?

Typically, this includes recent tax returns, financial statements, and any relevant payroll or accounting records. We'll walk you through what's needed and help coordinate the transfer so nothing important is missed.

How can a CPA help during major life or financial changes?

Life changes, such as starting or selling a business, career changes, retirement, investments, or family transitions often bring new financial questions. Having a CPA involved during these moments can help you understand the impact and make decisions with more confidence.

Career Growth with Henton & Associates

CAREERS

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do great work.

We’re a close-knit team of CPAs and financial professionals who take our work seriously — and take care of each other. If you’re looking for a career where your contributions are noticed and your growth is supported, we’d love to hear from you.

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Open Positions

Bookkeeping Manager, Full-Time | Location: Greater Cleveland

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Bookkeeping Manager to join our CPA firm in Cleveland, Ohio. This role is responsible for managing the full cycle of bookkeeping services for multiple clients while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, professionalism, and client service. The ideal candidate is a self‑starter who works well independently, demonstrates strong leadership skills, and aligns with our firm’s core values of integrity, professionalism, cultivating work‑life balance, teamwork, and a client‑focused mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
Process and oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable
Manage bank reconciliations, general ledger reconciliations
Track fixed assets and prepare depreciation schedules
Prepare monthly and quarterly sales tax filings along with year-end 1099 preparation
Perform month‑end and year‑end closing activities
Prepare and maintain the trial balance
Supervise, train, and mentor accounting clerks and entry‑level bookkeepers
Communicate directly with clients to address questions and provide exceptional service
Ensure compliance with firm standards, internal controls, and accounting best practices

Qualifications

Associate degree or above, in business, accounting, or a related field required
Minimum of five (5) years of full‑charge bookkeeping experience (CPA firm experience strongly preferred)
Proven ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously
Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills

Technical Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Proficiency with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online
QBO Pro-advisor certification is preferred
Ability to adapt to changing technology and accounting systems
Experience using ADP payroll platform to generate and analyze client payroll reports

Core Competencies & Attributes

Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Self‑motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Demonstrated leadership and team‑mentoring skills
Professional demeanor and high ethical standards
Proven demonstration of elite customer service, consistently meeting needs and addressing concerns with a collaborative approach
Commitment to maintaining client confidentiality
Collaborative team player who supports firm goals
Demonstrate a growth mindset

Core Values Alignment

The successful candidate will consistently demonstrate our firm’s core values:

Integrity: Honest, ethical, and trustworthy in all work
Professionalism: Reliable, respectful, and service‑oriented
Cultivate Work-Life Balance: Supports a culture of sustainable performance
Teamwork: Willing to collaborate, mentor, and support others
Client Focused: Dedicated to providing responsive, high‑quality client service

What We Offer

Competitive compensation based on experience
Supportive and collaborative CPA firm environment
Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
Emphasis on work‑life balance
Self-Managed time off, outside of January – April
Benefits/401K+match
Company paid Life Insurance
Company paid Long and Short-Term Disability
Flexible work hours and work-from-home options

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