A few more questions...

1) We are looking to conduct a financial audit on the HOA books. What is a good way to find the right person for the job?

2) We would like to conduct a reserve assessment. We do not have any ammenities, just common areas: Grass, trees, and private roads w/parking circles. How would we find the right person for the job?

3) What are a few ways to 'grade' the performance of our MC (fair and accurate). This year has been bumpy with a new MC in place since the beginning of the year. As the year comes to a close, we want to make an assessment of their performance and discuss why we should or why we shouldn't increase their rate, etc. What should be the key elements of this analysis?

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

First, thanks for the response. I realize the Internet has a lot of information, but that is part of the problem too. Sometimes it's simply too much to sort through or based too much on sales - with the 'advice' stearing you to a product or service. I am hoping for experiences people have found to work for them.

Audit: Our HOA documents just state a public accountant should perform an annual audit. I don't think they have ever done this. In the past (when looking for bookeepers in general) I have pulled a huge list of local public accountants (certified and not) off the Internet and tried to determine through talking with them and obtaining price quotes, which might be a good choice. However I found myself without a way to measure them to know if they are worth their salt or not. Didn't have someone to turn to for references, so I came here for a way to qualify them over the phone. Basically, what kind of questions should we be asking the CPA, etc?

Reserve Study: Again, I doubt this has ever been done in the past. Same thing as above, what questions should we be asking them? Thanks for the links, I'll check them out.

Management Company:
"Did they do the job we contracted them to do in a timely and competent manner?"
Yes and No.

In many respects they met the basics, however attention to detail, communication, and competency seem to be lacking. One concern: we just switched MCs this year and are hesitant to do the same again. We definately do not want to drop them until we are in bed with another and ready to move on with all data transferred (while they are still under contract). Some kind of checklist would help to grade their work. One major problem I have discovered is finding competent MCs. Unfortunately the price they charge does not dictate their competency or performance and there seem to be few to choose from in our area. Looking around, it makes me want to get in the business because I feel I could do a better job, but maybe that is just frustration talking.

Thanks again for your feedback.