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 Chicago?” Or searching for the firms with the best reviews for accounting?
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, 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 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 business broker or a CPA who isn’t on top of their business and potentially lets your business slip by the wayside.
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 CPA’s within Chicago, Illinois 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.
Tips for Vetting CPA’s
Testimonials & Reviews- This is the most crucial aspect of finding the right 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 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 Chicago CPA’s
Greene Forensic Accounting Solutions
The most unique Chicago CPA firm we have endorsed, Green Forensic Accountants stand apart and perhaps alone in their expertise and services offered. Being forensic accountants, they are not your normal CPA offering bookkeeping and tax preparation. They offer Forensic Accounting, Litigation Services, Fraud Examinations, and both individual and Corporate Tax Accounting. The expertise of Craig Greene and his staff are second to none. CPA malpractice claims, contract disputes, estate and trust disputes, M&A, asset recovery, on and on. This firm is specialized and can handle just about anything. Serving both Chicago and Las Vegas.
Phone: 312-692-1000
Website: www.greeneforensicas.com
BMK Tax Group
Focusing on household income earners of $180K to $500K they help businesses and individuals succeed by way of making sure you are seeing all areas to save money on taxes, but more importantly keeping you in compliance on a federal and state level. They help businesses of all types, with 40% of all returns being a small business and 6-% being individuals. They are not in the market trying to get every client from every walk-in life, rather, they strive for their specific clientele that matches their target. Higher-income individuals, foreign income, real estate holders, and the self-employed are who they love to work with. BMK is in the market and marketing for clients, ready to serve you in all your accounting needs.
Phone 312-223-8411
Website: www.bmkbusinesssolutions.com
SRJ Consulting
Since 1975, SRJ Consulting has served their community with results, personalized attention, and experience. They pride themselves on offering focused services and not allowing their customers to be lost like many do when they hire large firms. SRJ Consulting is trying to make a difference in their clients’ financial health by providing tax returns, IRS audit defense, IRS appeals, Tax return amendments, payroll, business accounting, and consulting. Located in the heart of Chicago they are accepting new clients and focusing on retaining their book of clients through performance and service while providing peace of mind.
Phone: 773-313-9141
Website: www.srjtax.com
John J. Griffin CPA
John Griffin is a comprehensive solution to the needs of small businesses. Working with construction companies, Real Estate agents, investors, and brokers. John also works with technology companies and start-ups. Saving money is the name of the game, and for startups that is critical to implement a strategy to win long term. The company provides top-quality service in local, state, and federal tax preparation, and matters like complex IRS tax problem resolution. Reviews and testimonials of John have been verified by us, and John is good at answering his phone and being there for his clientele.
Phone: 773-545-6750
Website: johngriffincpa.com
J H Brands & Associates
As a full-service accounting firm with a decade of experience, John H. Brands and his company helps businesses and individuals, and services include tax management, audits, IRS representation, penalty abatement and offers in compromise, entity restructuring, and more. Complete accounting services are available, including quick books pro advisor, small business incorporation, and entities. John is known by his clientele to be professional, personable, and trustworthy.
Phone: 312-226-8622
Website: www.jhbrandscpas.com
Reed Accounting
Jessica Reed came from a background of working for a large firm as a controller. She ventured out on her own as an accountant for friends and colleagues, and the business has grown tremendously and as a result, this firm has outstanding reviews based on exceptional service and knowledge. Reed Accounting works with small business accounting, book-keeping and individual tax returns.
Professionalism, Responsiveness, and Quality are values they stand firm on and they have wonderful reviews and satisfied clients online reflecting their values.
Phone: 312-857-4075
Website: www.reedaccounting.com
Ryan Goulding CPA
From basics to the complicated, Ryan and his team do it all. Located in Chicago, Illinois. This Chicago CPA firm focuses on having clients for a lifetime. This firm works with business clients through all cycles of business and encourages the self-employed to master their bookkeeping to run a successful business. Most of their business comes from referrals, and Ryan and his team have glowing reviews online that back up their marketing message to prospective clientele is what makes this firm hit the top ten list.
Tax prep, accounting, bookkeeping, monthly accruals, payroll, bank reconciliation, payables and receivables with a personal touch
Phone: 773-867-1702
Website: www.gouldingcpa.com
The ACT Group
“We nurture growing businesses, giving them the resources needed to help them succeed”. This Chicago CPA firm offers cutting edge technology and immediate access to all info needed to successfully run a business. Tax solutions, auditing, training of technology and software is offered to businesses and individuals making this accounting firm one to check into. They love working with small businesses, individuals and trusts. In addition, they are business consultants and your partner in helping you manage the self-employed journey. They also help with small business startups and helping those who wish to become self-employed.
Phone: 773-657-9810
Website: www.actgroupltd.com
J&R Accounting
From start-ups to established enterprises, J&R Accounting Group can help you navigate your goals with record keeping and full-scale tax planning. A full-service CPA in Chicago, Illinois and is committed to providing clients with exceptional tax accounting services by way of providing practical solutions for their clientele.
Accounting, book-keeping, tax consulting and education is what they do. Above all, they aim to add value to their client’s business and long-term planning.
Phone: 855-270-1120
Website: www.jracct.com
Wilson & Associates, CPA
Wilson Atiabet and his firm offer Income Tax Preparation and CPA services in and around Chicago Illinois. In addition to CPA services, Wilson and Associates are also registered Investment Advisors. Regardless of your profession, or an individual or corporation, Wilson and Associates CPA can facilitate your needs. Small Businesses, and Individuals.
Small business accounting, Payroll, part-time CFO services, bank loans, succession planning, new business formation. Wilson and Associates has a tremendous reputation for helping you navigate your financial lives and keeping you safe from the taxman.
Phone: 773-274-3627
Website: www.chicagocpaservices.com