New to the Village, looking for bank, accountant etc for self and business

[BRMC]

Hi, I'm about to become a new resident of the village and Atlanta (mid Dec). Moving down from the great north via the midwest (Canada then Illinois) running from the snow and cold. I'm hoping I might be able to get some suggestions for getting myself set up in the village.
I need to find a new bank for personal banking and more importantly, for my business. I'm a photographer, mostly commercial (though I'm probably going to be up for shooting some portraits and pet photography), so it's a small business, but creative and with it's own quirks. I'm currently with a small college town credit union, but I'm not just looking for another credit union. I'd like somewhere I can actually talk to the manager (or assistant) and get things done (getting checks cleared quickly is very important) and that allows me to deposit checks quickly. Good ATM service both locally and nationally without too many fees or messing around with rebates. I don't necessarily need credit right now, but it's good to know if they have a history of lending (I've heard SunTrust and BB&T still do business loans in GA). Then, of course, reasonable fees and good customer service. And online banking. Must have good online banking.
I also need to find a good accountant. Be great to find someone with experience of creative businesses, but my stuff is pretty simple. Be great to find someone who OK with Macs.

Thanks for any suggestions!
 

[Cap'n Ken]

Hi and welcome in advance.

Check out SunTrust in the Village (right there at Flat Shoals and Glenwood). Very much a neighborhood bank; it's where my business checking account is. If you want that personal touch with a bank that has a big footprint, I think that might be the right approach around here.

We also have several good credit union options around town.

[TraciDeb]

Hi! Welcome soon!

I'm a graphic designer with a small business and I use Wells Fargo on Glenwood Ave, next to the Publix. I have my business account there. They have 2 drive-up ATMs. Everyone seems to be pretty nice folks and are helpful the few times I have gone in. Online banking is a breeze. Checks clear promptly for me, too...

[littlelizard]

BOND Credit Union in Little 5 Points is close enough and really is great if you want to stay out of the big bank business. We have our animal rescue account there, and my husband's car loan. We are otherwise Wells Fargo customers (mortgage, savings, checking, credit card) and haven't had any issues.

Welcome (soon) to the best 'hood in Atlanta!

I assume you'll be needing to adopt a beagle or a pitbull or both?

[Flower Lady]

Hey BRMC, you Canadian? I am.
We are at BB&T, they are OK. We have gotten extremely good rates through them (our friend is a broker for them) so if you go that route and want a contact we can hook you up. There is no banking location close to us though, but the main BB&T we use isn't that far, fast travel during the day. They do not have great ATM service but you can use other ATM's. Their online payment systems are archaic.
There's an accountant in the Village that many people use. We use a super small business accountant (but for our personal stuff) but it's a drive. He's really knowledgeable though, and really easy going (and not very expensive).

[BRMC]

Thanks for info guys!
Apologies for not being attentive to my threads - busy with moving down etc  - got to figure out how to keep updated with posts....

Checking out Delta, Associated and maybe Bond (they're very small and not sure how protected they are in the Credit Union FDIC equivalent). Apart from being a bit further away (not a big deal), anyone have any thoughts about which might be better?   

Hey Flower Lady! Naturalized Canadian. Lived in Toronto for many years. Love it, but not a fan of the winters. Where are you from? I might be interested in talking with your accountant if that's OK. I normally only need to meet my accountant once a year at tax time, so a drive is fine.

Thanks!

No beagles thank you!! My neighbor in Illinois had beagles and they'd bark at the coyotes all night..... Don't know if I could deal with dogs in Atlanta - I used to free ride my dogs every day at a state park next to my mountain bike for 5-10 mile runs. Don't think Brownwood would cut it : )
 

[Flower Lady]

BRMC, I'm from Toronto. I will get you the accountant's info as soon as I can find it! Are you down here yet?

[BRMC]

Where in TO?
I was in Riverdale (before it got too expensive), then Little Portugal and Parkdale (plus a brief stint in a loft in the Carlaw studio District). I move a lot!
Down here a week now. Getting setup and settled in.
Be great to get accountant info. PM me?

I'm going with Delta Credit Union. Seem like good people there. Spoke with a fellow named Raj who was super helpful. Fee structure either zero or very easy to keep at zero, unlike the banks. Awesome used car loan rate. It's only a 12 min drive to the branch in Decatur, which is fine, even for a business account.
   

[Payinthedues]

I have used Botwinick & Botwinick over in Grant Park for the last 17 years+

Botwinick & Botwinick, Certified Public Accountants

587 Grant Street SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 223-5950
Contact: Jay Botwinick

[Flower Lady]

I lived first at Yonge & Welsley and then in Kensington Market/Chinatown at Dundas and Spadina.  I worked (day job) in Parkdale for many years, and most of my clients lived in Little Portugal so I was there regularly. I really liked that area but needed to live a block or two from clubs for a short walk (nite jobs, other day job).  I worked 3 jobs just to afford living in a total dive. Didn't even have a car, much furniture or anything. Toronto was expensive.

[BRMC]

Know what you mean. All cities are expensive though, but so much better than living in the 'burbs! 

[mongo]

+1 for Jay and Michelle Botwinick.  They do my small business's bookkeeping and taxes and are FANTASTIC!

I have used Botwinick & Botwinick over in Grant Park for the last 17 years+

Botwinick & Botwinick, Certified Public Accountants

587 Grant Street SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 223-5950
Contact: Jay Botwinick

[Gmoney]

Since we're talking accountants...

What is a typical fee for personal tax preparation?  The guy I've been going to since we bought our house has seemed a bit pricy, and I wonder if it's just me being cheap or if he's overpriced.