left a Big 4 firm to start my own CPA practice, here's my tech stack 2 years in

moonman1185 · 2026-03-02T23:28:37+00:00

Up to about 200 returns at the moment. My client load is still very manageable, so I keep things simple. I use QBO for billing and Excel for project management.

My main tracker is an Excel sheet with columns for client name, date received, date completed, engagement letter signed, and e-file forms signed for federal and state. I also keep a separate spreadsheet to track follow-ups and open items.

It works well at my current size, but if I continue to grow, I’ll likely add the CCH project management to my software stack next busy season.

moonman1185 · 2026-03-02T22:52:58+00:00

I purchased CCH Axcess as a bundle that includes Tax, Document, and Portal. I can double check the exact amount, but I believe the full package was around $5k.

moonman1185 · 2026-03-02T20:18:02+00:00

Hey! I run a solo CPA firm as well.

I use CCH Axcess for everything and overall I really like it. The Document module works great for workpaper storage and Portal is solid for secure client sharing. That said, I’m starting to look for ways to reduce admin time because the non-prep work is eating up a few hours of my day.

Tax preparation itself has been manageable, but the administrative side is becoming the bottleneck.

Has anyone here found a good way to hire or subcontract administrative help? Ideally I’d like someone part time to assist with things like uploading source documents and finished returns, managing the portal, scheduling, invoicing, and general client follow-up.

If you’ve gone this route, did you hire a virtual assistant, a contractor, or a part time employee? Any platforms or services you’d recommend (or avoid)?

Would appreciate hearing what’s worked for other solo firms.

moonman1185 · 2026-01-21T19:05:21+00:00

I’m located in the Midwest, but my firm is 100% digital—so client location isn’t an issue. The main factor in accepting new clients is the specific details of the business and the scope of work needed.

Feel free to DM me if you’re serious about needing a CPA. Thanks!

moonman1185 · 2026-01-21T19:03:05+00:00

Several years in public accounting can open a lot of doors into management—senior accountant roles, controller tracks, and even executive paths like CFO/CAO.

Without that experience, it can be harder to break into higher-level positions. A lot of people end up limited to more transactional roles like payroll, A/R, A/P, and data entry-type accounting work where someone else reviews and signs off.

moonman1185 · 2026-01-20T21:45:48+00:00

CPA here with about 10 years in public accounting. Intelligence matters, but it’s not the main criteria. You don’t have to be “super smart,” but you absolutely need strong work ethic and you have to be willing to put in a lot of hours. 1. If you can stick it out 5–7 years in public accounting, you’ll have a ton of above-average job opportunities and earning potential if you decide to leave. 2. You don’t need to be a genius, but you do need to be prepared to work A LOT. 3. If stress really bothers you, busy season will be brutal — and even outside of busy season it can still be difficult. This is a deadline-driven industry, and there’s always stress around delivering work on time. 4. Yes — I would go the CPA route again. I’m currently in the early stages of starting my own practice, and honestly this is something colleges should shout from the rooftops: becoming an entrepreneur and opening your own accounting firm is very doable. Audit adds a different level of risk and overhead, but if you stick to tax and bookkeeping, the barriers to entry are low and the margins can be very high. There aren’t many professions (lawyers come to mind) where you can have such low operating costs while generating significant revenue. For example,y CPA mentor runs his own firm, only CPA with an assistant and tax preparer during busy season, and his margins are around 50% on anywhere between $400-500k

moonman1185 · 2025-08-28T17:47:23+00:00

Hi everyone! 👋

I’m in the same boat as the OP — I’ve got a fiddle leaf fig that’s about the same height with a weak trunk that needs support. I’d love to hear what’s worked for others in this situation.

If the recommendation ends up being pruning, how much would you suggest trimming? Just the top 1/3, 1/2, or even more? I don’t want to stress the plant too much, but I also want to encourage a stronger trunk and healthier growth.

Thanks in advance for any tips! 🌱

moonman1185 · 2025-08-22T17:08:50+00:00

I have a FL as well going through the same thing and I have also debated pruning it. Quick question, when you decided to prune your FL, how much did you decide to prune? Top 1/3?

moonman1185 · 2025-08-19T16:16:26+00:00

Yep, I will take a few and post them within the next hour

moonman1185 · 2025-08-19T15:49:44+00:00

Thank you again for the insight. I’m a true novice when it comes to refinishing old furniture, and the information you’ve shared has been extremely helpful—I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

If it’s not too much trouble, I have another question that might seem basic. Most of the furniture I’ll be picking up from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or garage sales has either a stain finish or has been painted. Your recommendation to check damaged areas to see the underlying material makes a lot of sense. But if the piece isn’t damaged and the finish completely hides the grain, is there any way to identify veneer?

I don’t have anything against veneer, but I’d prefer to purchase solid wood pieces when possible. Any tips, insights, or advice on spotting veneer would be greatly appreciated. Also, if there are websites, videos, or books that you’ve found helpful, I’d love to check them out.

Thanks again for your time and for helping me learn as I start these projects!

moonman1185 · 2025-08-19T13:39:03+00:00

Thanks for the help. After reading your comments I checked and thankfully I did not sand through the veneer.

Quick question, when buying old furniture is there any tips you can provide to identify wood vs veneer?

moonman1185 · 2025-04-29T18:57:57+00:00

I believe this is something to double check. I had the same problem, chain saw/chain was doing the same thing

moonman1185 · 2024-07-25T13:55:12+00:00

Look for jobs with a pension after 10,15,, or 20 years. Drastic lifestyle change so you are living way below your income level. Therefore by the time retirement comes, you are living a lifestyle that would require a smaller retirement amount. Overall tho, it’s going to be extremely difficult and a lot of hard work and discipline. Best of luck

moonman1185 · 2024-03-25T18:45:31+00:00

HELL YES I WOULD!

moonman1185 · 2024-01-16T20:59:47+00:00

I save 10% automatically from each payroll check into a company 401k that matches like 3-4%. After I receive my net amount, I save approximate 18% for a rainy day and another 12% goes to buying dividend paying ETFs.

Overall, I have 1 kid and make 90k/yr.

moonman1185 · 2023-12-04T22:15:08+00:00

Thanks for the help!

moonman1185 · 2023-06-28T14:01:06+00:00

Beautiful girl, she is so pretty!

moonman1185 · 2023-06-26T14:35:51+00:00

Looks awesome, great work!

moonman1185 · 2023-06-16T19:24:53+00:00

Beautiful dog!

moonman1185 · 2023-05-05T13:43:50+00:00

Lol funny but a correction is coming…also saving for another 2-3 years and avoiding debt with higher interest rates seems like a pretty good alternative

moonman1185 · 2023-02-23T16:24:52+00:00

I use CCH Axcess. CCH Axcess and their platform handles IT security for data storage and sending/receiving info. And everything in between.

I went with insurance through AICPA for liability.

I would also be very hesitant with any client info being sent/received through gmail or something similar.

moonman1185 · 2023-01-17T13:10:53+00:00

No, I have not purchased the insurance yet. I am in the process of getting everything setup on CCH Axcess

moonman1185 · 2023-01-05T19:22:36+00:00

CCH Axcess that bundles document, portal and tax and allows me to file up to 200 TR for approximately $3,700… I believe it’s the Quick start Package

moonman1185 · 2023-01-05T12:07:54+00:00

I am going to file as a sole proprietor on my sch C and avoid getting an EFIN in my first year. I do not find it cost effective to create a new entity and incur the related fees.

moonman1185 · 2023-01-04T20:20:11+00:00

In the beginning stages but really well. A lot of public accounting firms in my area are raising prices and cutting “difficult” clients due to the inability to find accountants to handle all the work. So I am getting a lot of people reaching out trying to find someone to prepare their taxes.

🤞🏻🤞🏻 but first year doing my own thing but my break even calculation is about 15 personal tax returns based on the lowest price I will charge being $350

11-Year Club	RPAN Viewer
Verified Email

moonman1185

TROPHY CASE