Mark Smith
We are a leading NYC based accounting firm located in the Noho/Greenwich Village area. By combining our expertise, experience and the team mentality of our staff, we assure that every client receives the close analysis and attention they deserve. Our dedication to high standards, hiring of seasoned tax professionals, and work ethic is the reason our client base returns year after year.
Tell us about yourself?
I am a New York State Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and a Charted Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
After taking a career test and learning that my skills resided in accounting, I turned my grades around and began getting straight A’s and B’s in high school and college. In 1982, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College with a BBA in Accounting and am now the owner of my accounting firm, C York CPA, P.C.
In 1986, I started handling clients who were interested in my accuracy and expertise. In 1993, I decided to work as managing partner for Braverman and York PC by combining clients from Braverman with my clients. However, in 1996, I left the company to focus solely on my own business. After years of chasing my dream of becoming my own boss, Chris founded C York CPA, P.C. in 1997. In 2002, I bought another accounting firm and started another firm named Lefstein-Suchoff & York, Inc., which specialized in tax-related problems such as offer in compromise, wage garnishments, payment plans, levies, etc. In 2014, I was listed as one of the top CPAs in New York City on AmericaTop10.com and am listed ever since.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
One takeaway from this year that my marketing coach has helped me reach is the concept of opportunity costs. While I have limited my amount of clients through screening and consultations, I have learned that the time that I have freed up have allowed me to increase the quality of my work and create longstanding relationships with my current clients, which will only benefit the firm in the long run.
What problem does your business solve?
Financial information is personal to clients, their business, and their future. With an increasing amount of fraudulent tax cases and inaccurate recording of financial transactions, IRS is constantly cracking down and sealing the shortcuts. Here at C York CPA, every penny is recorded to ensure clients receive every legal benefit you can get! Your trust, quality, and security that you receive are of the utmost importance and that reflects in our work.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
I like to help clients feel that they are not alone and that freedom and security are around the corner, and that there is a way back to normalcy. I feel that I can make the world a little bit better if I can solve a person’s issues so they no longer feel worried and helpless about their tax situation.
What is your magic sauce?
Most companies hire dozens of accountants and perform low-quality work on tax returns for cheaper rates in order to attract more clients from the competition. I provide an honest and quality work product and service to my clients so they feel confident in their choice.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
My plan for the next 5 years is utilize technology and new software systems to streamline our workflow. Currently, we are making steps to bring more of our programs to the cloud so that our resources can be accessed and worked on online.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
The biggest challenge I have faced so far was a few years ago, when one of my senior accountants retired, and the other passed away. I was left with the burden of the remaining work, as well as the task of finding new team members in their place. However, this challenge has helped me grow as an accountant as well as a business owner, and I can say I have successfully transitioned the company with the help of my longstanding accountant Phil Fiorenza, as well as my current employees.
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
Interested clients can reach out to us at [email protected], or visit our website at chrisyorkcpa.com.
