Top 10 St Louis CPAs & Best Accounting Firms in St. Louis

Have you been looking for a reliable Certified Public Accountant? Have you been searching the web for a phrase like “CPA near me?” Or “best CPA St Louis?” Or searching for St Louis accounting firms with the best reviews for accounting services? Being in business requires a proficient CPA to make sure your business keeps up with the books, filing proper documentation to the IRS, filing comprehensive tax returns, and keeping tabs on the company’s current health by way of profit and loss statements, incoming revenue and outgoing expenses. Often, your CPA is one of your most trusted advisors, and should be, for good reason. They are the ones counting the beans, so to speak. Any business, organization (even nonprofits), corporations, small and large, need valuable and competent CPA’s to run the accounting aspects of the business while you remain with your head down running the business. Let’s face it—a CPA can make or break your business by ensuring you are protecting yourself from losses, excessive taxation, and ensuring you are maximizing your write offs in accordance to IRS tax code. As a business owner, accounting, probably isn’t your specialty. For that reason alone, whether you want to hire a St Louis Financial Advisor or CPA, you really need to leave it up to someone who is active in the market and has the credentials to do so.

Choosing the wrong St Louis CPA can hurt your business and bring pain to you emotionally and financially.

One of the most common complaints of business owners is “My accountant is hard to reach.”  You don’t want to work with a  St Louis CPA who isn’t on top of their business and potentially lets your business slip by the wayside.  The same goes for our business: you want to work with the top Saint Louis business brokers in order to get the best outcome. Doing research on CPA’s is a must, to make sure you are making the right decision. Therefore, we have done our research for you to narrow down the top 10 best CPA’s within St. Louis, Missouri who are talented and experienced with good reviews, history, ratings, cost and provide exceptional services. Before we dive into our list of preferred Certified Public Accountants, let’s talk about a few things to take into consideration.

Advantages of using a CPA over an accountant

CPA’s have an advantage over an accountant; they are held to a higher standard, are more effective when it comes to handling IRS issues, and have more extensive training and education than an accountant. You will also find that accountants aren’t as “serious” about their business. CPA’s are the ones who are building firms, helping small and large corporations, and handling everything from A-Z for business owners as a one stop shop.

Tips for Vetting CPA’s

Testimonials & Reviews- This is the most crucial aspect of finding the right St Louis CPA. Real reviews are a sure way to do your research. Look for a CPA who is active in marketing, with good reviews, and social proof of their work performance. Online reviews within Google and Yelp can be a telling resource. Referrals- Do you have an attorney? I bet your attorney knows a good CPA. Ask other business owners, venders or contractors you do business with. Ask them who they like to use and why. Check the CPA out- Have others recommended them online within Google, LinkedIn, and Yelp? If you call them, do they answer or get back to you in a timely manner? Set up a time to visit face to face and discuss your needs and concerns around your business and financial goals. It’s helpful, but not necessary for the CPA to specialize in your specific industry or market. Lastly, its critical you have a good working relationship, after all you are paying them for their services. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions or requesting information, you should consider finding a new accountant. Full time- Ideally, you want to find a St Louis CPA who is a full time CPA. Working with someone who does it part time or is gone most of the year and not able to serve your organization or small business can pose challenges. Cost- Ask the CPA how much he or she will cost you annually. To prevent overspending, make sure the costs are discussed upfront and not exceeded. Set the expectation first, and make sure it is adhered to. Price doesn’t necessarily indicate quality of work; it represents how they alone value their time and expertise.

These are the Top 10 Best St. Louis CPA’s

Anders

Covering disciplines for high-income individuals, non-profits, and private companies in industries like health care, entertainment, and construction. The company provides top-quality service in local, state, and federal tax preparation, and matters like in-depth audits, forensic accounting, employee benefit plan audits, and complex tax planning. The company’s accountants assist clients in succession planning, trust and estate preparation, charitable giving planning, and review of investment and insurance strategies. Phone: 314-655-5500 Website: www.anderscpa.com

Botz, Deal & Company

One of the only multi location firms in St. Charles County, with three locations, Botz, Deal & Company has over 45 years of experience in providing accounting and tax services to small business, large corporations, non-profits, and governmental entities. The company’s accountants assist clients with computerized payroll services, personal financial statements, litigation support, tax returns, and accounting systems set-up. Additional services include audits, compilations, and financial projections. The company performs expert consulting service for accounting software selection, retirement planning, business valuations, and sales and purchases of businesses. Phone: 636-946-2800 Website: www.botzdeal.com

Brown Smith Wallace

Brown Smith Wallace is a large St. Louis accounting firm. With more than 300 employees, locations in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Madison County. The company’s tax professionals prepare individual and business tax returns, and offer additional services like litigation support, forensic accounting, insurance consulting, retirement planning, and financial and profit analysis. The company’s entrepreneurial group provides accounting and tax services for small businesses and start-ups. Other services include advising on risk management, Internet technology, and fraud investigations. The company serves healthcare providers, non-profits, financial institutions, and other industries. Phone: 314-983-1200 Website: www.bswllc.com

Conner Ash

Founded in 1926, Conner Ash is a certified public accounting firm that serves individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Services for high net-worth individuals include expert tax preparation, college planning, retirement planning, and financial management for aging family members. The company’s accountants assist businesses with business valuations, employee benefit plans, software solutions, fraud prevention, and management assistance. Additional professional service is available for non-profits like labor unions, affordable housing entities, fraternities, religious organizations, and trade associations. Phone: 314-205-2510 Website: www.connerash.com

Kerber, Eck & Braeckel

Kerber, Eck & Braeckel’s accountants and management consultants provide audit, accounting and tax services as well as management consulting, and employee benefit plan services. The firm supports a variety of clients with a special focus on construction, banking and financial services, not-for-profit, religious organizations, privately held and family-owned businesses, and high net worth individuals. (KEB) was founded in 1931 by Louis J. Kerber and Albert O. Eck Sr., two certified public accountants (CPAs), who opened offices simultaneously in Springfield, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri. In 1938 Walter E. Braeckel joined the firm, establishing the name that continues today. Through the years, KEB has grown both in number of our office locations and in the extent of services we can provide to our clients. After the initial two offices opened in 1931, the following offices have opened: Phone: 314-231-6232 Website: www.kebcpa.com

Mueller Prost

With locations in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Orange County California, and 57 CPA’s Mueller Prost provides certified accounting and consultation services to clients across the country and supports customers in industries like real estate, construction, health care, technology, and non-profits. The company’s tax services include assistance with state and federal tax compliance, tax planning, and estate planning. Customers receive a full range of accounting services, including forensic accounting, valuations, corporate renewals, litigation support, and employee benefit plans. The company’s accountants are knowledgeable in the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit. Phone: 800-649-4838 Website: muellerprost.com

Purk & Associates

Services for individuals include complete tax preparation, retirement planning, and wealth management. Purk & Associates provides full-service accounting, auditing, and business advising for individuals, companies, and tax-exempt entities. The company serves a range of businesses and industries and offers services like cash flow analysis, tax compliance, cost segregation, succession planning, overhead analysis, and operational and systems reviews. The company has grown to seventeen professionals offering personalized service to clients. Phone: 314-884-4000 Website: www.purkpc.com

Rubin Brown

Founded in 1952, RubinBrown LLP is one of the nation’s leading accounting and professional consulting firms. The RubinBrown name and reputation are synonymous with experience, integrity and value. RubinBrown redefines the full-service experience by combining technical and industry expertise with a commitment to personal and high-level relationships. The firm has expanded to seven locations today and provides services to numerous industry specialties. Phone: 314-290-3300 Website: www.rubinbrown.com

Thousand CPA Services

Thousand CPA Services provides complete accounting and tax services for individuals, and small and medium-sized companies. Business services include QuickBooks installation and support, strategic business planning, bookkeeping, expense statement preparation, and comprehensive assistance in new business formation. The company’s accountants and staff help businesses train employees in proper procedures, and document policies and inventories. Expert tax preparation is available, as well as assistance in issues like IRS audits, payroll taxes, and unpaid back taxes. Phone: 636-532-9004 Website: www.thousandcpaservices.com

Tzinberg & Associates

Company offers two locations, serving both St. Louis and the communities to the east in Southern Illinois, Tzinberg & Associates is a tax and accounting firm that provides expert service for small businesses. The company assists business with bookkeeping, and assists with streamlining accounting processes, employee payroll, billing and collecting, and filing sales and payroll taxes. Other accounting services include tax planning, reconciling bank statements, and preparation of tax returns. The company provides computerized options, like time and attendance terminals to accurately record employee hours. The company also uses the BOSS computerized back office support system. Phone: 314-880-0189 Website: www.tzinberg.com

Searching For A St. Louis Business Broker?

Peterson Acquisitions is rated as one of the best St. Louis business brokers and #1 among all business brokers in the nation! If you have any questions on our top 10 lists, please contact Chad Peterson to discuss partnership opportunities.