CCPA Whitepaper:

Financial Insight Accounting (FIA) Firm

A Financial Insight Accounting (FIA) Firm bases its work on the principle that every choice is a financial choice. A bold assertion for sure, but go ahead, try to think of one that isn’t! And yet, where is our training in making financial choices? Did we all miss that day in school?! We know we need help but where do we go?

Financial questions come in many varieties –

  • “Will the salary at this new position be worth making the change?”
  • “Should one of us stay home with the children or should we pay for childcare?”
  • “We were approved for this mortgage but how will we make these payments?”
  • “I have all of this debt, shouldn’t I pay it off before I start saving?”
  • “When do you think I will have enough money to retire?”
  • “I’m going to start a business. What entity is best?”

 

No matter what the topic, in a FIA Firm, we hear one question – “Can you show me how to make this decision?”

With every choice we make being financial, an accountant who understands your values is a critical resource. At the heart of accounting there is a connection between understanding the financial data and understanding the individual. This connection is the access to Financial Insight and the path to living confidently. A Financial Insight Accountant works with you to bring all of the pieces together.

A good financial choice is the one that matches your financial circumstances with what matters most to you. That combination is unique for each person. An accountant who knows you intimately and can guide you based on your individual situation is a game changer.
Our engagements often begin with the tax return but that is just the entry point to a relationship that can and should be much more. Collaborative communication and frequency of contact are the two key elements that differentiate a FIA Firm from other accounting firms.

Collaborative communication is about building our relationship. Traditionally, accountants have been perceived as stressed and pressured, due to deadlines and compliance. In a FIA Firm, we share openly about how we work and how we manage time constraints. In doing so, we increase our availability and are able to give our best to you. This shift creates an opportunity for us to provide more support for you. Unburdened by unnecessary time constraints, we can take the time to learn about your unique circumstances, build our relationship and be there for you when you need to make decisions.

Frequency of contact is determined with you each and every year. We avoid relationships where we only speak once per year for tax preparation because we don’t believe that provides enough time or detail for us to work with you on planning. Each year, we look ahead at the decisions pending and the dreams on the horizon. By designating a schedule for contact- monthly, quarterly or semi-annually- we shift the conversation to Financial Insight. This combination of looking at data while maintaining focus on what matters most to you is vital to creating a measurable, success-focused path forward.

With a deep knowledge of your goals and circumstances, we can guide you towards an understanding of how your choices and finances work (or don’t work!) together. Collaborating with a FIA Firm provides you with a feeling of confidence and keeps you on a path to achieving what matters most in your life.

some of our clients

“A testimonial? five words.... there is no one better.”

“It is hard to believe we have worked with Carter CPA for over 40 years, originally with the founder, Jerald Elkins, and then with Jodi Carter for the past twenty years. We have had a relatively complicated tax situation stemming from one of us being a salaried employee, the other a business owner and our many ventures into real estate investments, both residential and commercial. Additionally, we have been primary residents of four different States over the years. Despite this and the changing tax laws on real estate and other investment strategies, Carter CPA has maintained the necessary expertise and advice that has allowed us to optimize our tax situation. The transition in technology over the years was extremely smooth and the service has remained at the highest levels. Carter CPA is defined by the word "professionalism.”

Joan Childs and Jerry Zaret

“I have been very fortunate to have Carter CPA by my side during the development of my new business. Jodi and her team have guided me through all of the financial and organizational challenges of a start up. Their knowledge and support has been instrumental, and I look forward to growing together. They truly understand my vision, and are proactive in helping me achieve my goals.”

Ian Velardi

“I am a free-lance medical writer and a children's book author -- now on the edge of retirement. For me, tax preparation was complicated and disorganized. For Jodi Carter, not at all. For many years now she has me orderly, and amused rather than confused about my taxes. Jodi has organized my financial transactions and transitions, shaped up the IRS for me, and has always been responsive to my questions and concerns — even if they are silly. Of all the "services" I have that make my life easier, Carter CPA tops the list.”

Jane Sarnoff

“For over 20 years, we have had great confidence in the services we have received from Carter CPA. Most recently, Jodi introduced us to the firm’s Financial Planning Services. She paired us with a Certified Financial Planner that is part of her team and together, they have been instrumental in developing a well balanced financial plan for our retirement. They are quick to respond to all our questions and concerns and most importantly we feel they truly have our best financial interest in mind. They are an impressive team and always a delight to work with.”

Tom and Barbara Dougherty

“A number of years ago, a close friend referred Jodi Carter to me when I need a good tax advisor. I have continued to work with her as I've found both her accounting and her communication skills to be excellent. More recently, when I needed help with financial planning and estate planning, she made recommendations of people and a process that has worked out extremely well. Spearheaded by Jodi, I now have a coordinated team of top professionals working diligently on my behalf.”

Lester Barnett

“Jodi is the consummate professional. In more than 20 years of working with her, I've learned to trust her implicitly, and she functions as the CFO for my two businesses. Her work and advice are invariably terrific, her responsiveness is unmatched, and her up-do-date systems enhance my business efficiency. It's exactly what you want in a CPA.”

Laura Schneider

“As a performer and consultant that I have been a long term “legacy” client working with Carter CPA, LLC for over 20 years. They have prepared my yearly taxes with a high level of expertise, great efficiently, accuracy and speed for so many years my gratitude cannot be overstated.

I would whole heartedly recommend Jodi Carter and the team at Carter CPA LLC to any individual or company for their financial needs."

Hal E. Gross

“Going through a divorce is emotionally and financially exhausting. Jodi and her team were extremely patient and helpful. They advised me about my finances, put together a monthly budget, prepared my taxes, reviewed my interim agreement and tax implications. I am finally on track and able to plan for my future wisely with their guidance.”

Michelle

 

 

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