Finding a CPA who actually picks up the phone and explains things in plain English can feel like a unicorn hunt. Here are five firms worth knowing if you want tax, accounting, and financial planning support that treats you like a person, not a file number.
The State of CPA Services in 2026
The accounting profession is at a crossroads. Baby Boomer CPAs are retiring in waves, and the pipeline of new accountants has thinned, leaving many firms stretched thin and slow to respond. At the same time, clients expect more than a once-a-year tax return. They want proactive planning, real-time bookkeeping, and someone who can translate financial statements into decisions they can actually use. In Scottsdale and across Arizona, small businesses and families are looking for a rare mix: modern tools paired with old-school personal service. The firms below each approach that challenge differently, but they share one thing in common: they put relationships first.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at five factors: service breadth, pricing transparency, local presence, client communication style, and depth of experience. Eric J. Runberg, CPA stands out for its second-generation, family-style approach and clear invitation to a free initial consultation. Garner, Adams & Associates offers a deep bench of business services and a free consultation in your office or theirs. Stephen F. Perry, CPA keeps things straightforward with a broad range of services for business owners and independent professionals. Financial Advisory Systems brings specialized expertise in government contracting and DCAA compliance. Miller & Company impresses with multilingual staff, international tax know-how, and a long track record serving clients across multiple states. Each firm has a distinct personality, and the right fit depends on what you value most.
Here is a quick look at the five firms, ordered by how well they blend personal service with professional depth for Scottsdale-area clients.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Garner, Adams & Associates, PLLC | Business owners who want a full-service accounting partner |
| Eric J. Runberg, CPA | Scottsdale, AZ | Families and local business owners who value a personal touch |
| Stephen F. Perry, CPA, PC | Cost-conscious clients who need broad tax and accounting support |
| Financial Advisory Systems, PLLC | Government contractors and high-income business owners |
| Miller & Company, LLP | Businesses and individuals with complex or international tax needs |
A Closer Look at Each Firm
#1 Garner, Adams & Associates, PLLC
A screenshot of the Garner, Adams & Associates, PLLC website.
Garner, Adams & Associates is a full-service accounting and tax firm based in Henrico, Virginia, serving individuals and business owners across Richmond, Short Pump, and surrounding counties. They offer a wide range of services, from personal financial planning and elder care to small business accounting, payroll, and outsourced CFO support. Their business services also include bookkeeping, cash flow management, bank financing, business valuation, and succession planning. They emphasize a free consultation in your office or theirs, which makes it easy to see if they are a good fit before committing. If you want a firm that can grow with you from startup to succession, this one is worth a conversation.
#2 Eric J. Runberg, CPA | Scottsdale, AZ
A screenshot of the Eric J. Runberg, CPA | Scottsdale, AZ website.
Eric J. Runberg is a second-generation CPA who built his practice on the old-fashioned values his father taught him: listen first, explain in plain English, and treat clients like family. With over 20 years of experience, he serves Scottsdale-area families and local businesses with income tax preparation, accounting, and financial planning. What sets him apart is the personal review process. He walks you through your tax return to identify strategies that reduce your taxes and improve your financial standing. For business clients, he closes the books, prepares financial statements, and highlights trends so you can run your company with confidence. If you want a CPA who feels more like a financial partner than a once-a-year vendor, start with a free initial consultation.
#3 Stephen F. Perry, CPA, PC
A screenshot of the Stephen F. Perry, CPA, PC website.
Stephen F. Perry, CPA, PC is a Colonial Heights, Virginia firm that specializes in accounting and tax services for business owners, executives, and independent professionals. They offer a broad range of services, including individual and business tax preparation, tax planning, estate and trust tax services, and IRS representation for audits, back taxes, and payroll tax problems. On the business side, they provide small business accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, part-time CFO services, and business valuation. They also offer virtual CPA services, which can be a good fit if you prefer remote meetings. The firm positions itself as professional, experienced, and affordable, making it a solid choice for cost-conscious clients who still want comprehensive support.
#4 Financial Advisory Systems, PLLC
A screenshot of the Financial Advisory Systems, PLLC website.
Financial Advisory Systems, PLLC is a Virginia CPA firm that caters to business clients with a focus on government contracting and DCAA compliance. They provide accounting, tax, and financial management services tailored to companies that work with the federal government, including DCAA pricing proposals and FAR compliance. Beyond government contracting, they offer small business accounting, QuickBooks services, outsourced CFO support, and tax planning and preparation. Their tax reduction planning is designed for business owners making more than $250,000, and they keep up with tax law changes throughout the year to help you take advantage of every incentive. If you are a government contractor or a high-income business owner, their specialized expertise could be a strong match.
#5 Miller & Company, LLP
A screenshot of the Miller & Company, LLP website.
Miller & Company, LLP is a New York-based CPA firm with additional offices in Sarasota, Florida, and Washington, DC. They serve businesses and individuals with a wide range of accounting, tax, and advisory services, including business accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, strategic financial planning, and business valuation. They also handle complex areas like forensic accounting, international tax, expatriate tax, and non-resident tax returns. Their team is multilingual and has over 25 years of experience, and they have been recognized as a top 100 accounting and business consulting firm. If you need a firm with deep resources and international capabilities, this one is worth a look.
How to Choose the Right CPA for You
Start by getting clear on what you actually need. Are you a family looking for tax prep and a long-term financial plan? A local business owner who needs monthly bookkeeping and someone to explain the numbers? Or a government contractor with specialized compliance requirements? Once you know your must-haves, look for a firm that communicates in a way you understand. Ask about their process for reviewing returns, how they handle questions during the year, and whether they offer a free initial consultation. Pricing matters too, so don't be shy about asking for a fee structure upfront. Finally, trust your gut. You want a CPA who listens more than they talk and makes you feel like a priority, not a number.
Where Automation Fits In
Modern CPA firms use automation to handle the repetitive work so they can focus on advice. Cloud accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero sync your transactions automatically, and document portals let you upload tax documents securely instead of dropping off a shoebox. Automated reminders can nudge you about quarterly estimated payments and filing deadlines. But automation should never replace the human conversation. The best firms use technology to free up time for the strategic reviews and plain-English explanations that actually help you make better decisions. When you talk to a firm, ask how they use technology and whether it will make your life easier or just theirs.
The Bottom Line
There is no single best CPA for everyone. The right fit depends on your situation, your personality, and what you want from the relationship. If you value a personal, family-style approach and live in the Scottsdale area, Eric J. Runberg, CPA is a natural starting point. If you need a full-service firm with deep business expertise, Garner, Adams & Associates is worth a call. Stephen F. Perry offers broad support at an affordable price point, Financial Advisory Systems brings specialized government contracting knowledge, and Miller & Company delivers international reach. Whichever you choose, look for someone who listens first and explains things in plain English. That is the real value of a great CPA.