many of your assumptions are incorrect. I worked for more than 6 different CPA firms in my career. a couple were sole proprietors others had hundreds of employers with departments that specialized in Technology, Audit, Valuations, Taxes, Forensic Accounting, Gift Taxes, Estate Planning, Financial Planning, and more.
one sole practitioner I worked for was capable of doing the most complex of tax returns and did handle traders and investors. He didn't do any audits. The other I wouldn't trust to do a child return that only had a W-2. What I saying is size doesn't dictate the capabilities of the firm. Many other cities have a large number of CPA firms ranging from small to international. Many law firms also specialize in taxes and other legal areas. use the web to search for firms and see if provide details on the services they offer. Of course, fees are based on the location and size of the firm. law firms in the same location and of the same size generally charge more than CPA firms. also, be aware that in an accounting firm if just one partner is not a CPA it can not use CPA in its title.
