Recommendations on small business accountant in South Bay, CA?

Question

I've co-founded an internet start-up company near San Jose, CA and have been looking for a small business accountant with positive reviews from other entrepreneurs. There doesn't seem to be a good online source of reviews and I wasn't happy with our previous accountant we used in our last venture. The basic characteristics I'm looking for are:
- Good reviews and positive results with other entrepreneurs
- Located between Palo Alto and San Jose, CA
- Familiar with online QuickBooks
- Has worked with other internet start-ups

Can anyone honestly refer a good accountant or point me to some reviews/references online?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Go through a placement agent such as Robert Half. They specialize in finding an accountant that will suit your needs. They know what things to look for, they know what questions to ask, they check the references, and they will make sure that the candidate will work out for you. If you're not happy with the candidate, they can choose someone else for you.

Answer 2

You may want to join a local networking organizations for small businesses like yours. (Network in the sense of meeting people in similar situations as you, of course, not the Cisco variety). If you're unsure of how to find one, contact an Angel Investor's group (I know they have plenty up your way). They should know of these organizations or could refer you to other start-ups. Or, if you're a customer of a small firm you can ask them who they use.