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Best Accountants in Chicago

2023

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Last updated: August 23, 2023

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2100 Sanders Road, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062
  • Tax Planning

Business Description

CJBS serves a range of Chicago-based clients, from non-profit organizations and closely-held businesses to high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs. For more than 30 years, the firm has been providing various accounting solutions, such as computerized bookkeeping, financial statements preparation and analysis, job costing, QuickBooks setup and training, cloud accounting, and sales tax services. It utilizes ADP technology to assist customers in simplifying business functions, including benefits and HR. CJBS has accomplished projects across multiple sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, cannabis, and real estate.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
2.5
Yelp
2.5 / 5 (4)
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Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL 60614

Business Description

Build Accounting specializes in individual and business tax preparation. It also offers bookkeeping and financial advisory for small, medium, and growing businesses in Chicago. It strives to deliver responsive communication and innovative ideas, and helping you and your business succeed. It offers CFO and bookkeeping services on a one-time cleanup, monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Prospective clients are encouraged to schedule complimentary scope of engagement consultations. Build Accounting's president, Brett Rosenstein, worked for a national public accounting firm for ten years, and his team has over 40 years of customer relationship management experience. Brett is a QuickBooks, Xero, and Gusto HR and Payroll certified advisor.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (34)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
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6228 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

Business Description

The A.C.T. Group, LLC in Chicago, IL North Shore specializes in offering tax strategies and financial planning to individuals, businesses, and organizations. The firm's accountants provide bookkeeping assistance and QuickBooks services that include setup, training, support, and monthly reviews. They also handle personal and business tax preparation, non-profit audits, and business consultation. The A.C.T. Group extends its comprehensive accounting and tax services to clients with its additional offices in Wheaton and Downtown Chicago.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.8
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (26)
Facebook
3.7 / 5 (3)
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656 West Randolph, Chicago, IL 60661

Business Description

Founded by Mary Lou Pier in 1991, Pier & Associates offers life planning, business, and tax planning services in the Chicago metro area. Clients receive personal attention, practical assessment, and future growth targets from the CPA team. Services can be customized to make sure all needs are achieved. Staff members continually update technological qualifications, attend educational seminars, and have their ears towards the newest developments in the industry.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
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5242 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641

Business Description

John J. Griffin, CPA, P.C., is a Chicago-based accounting firm. It serves small businesses and individuals, as well as customers in the construction, technology, and real estate industries. Its tax and accounting services include business incorporation, outsourced accounting, tax preparation, tax planning, and payroll services. John Joseph Griffin, the owner of the company, became a CPA in 2001 and established his firm in 2010. John J. Griffin, CPA, P.C., tailors its services to each business's needs and requirements.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (19)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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4306 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Business Description

Upchurch & Associates is a Chicago accounting firm established in 2009. Its services include accounting, bookkeeping, incorporation, and payroll management. The firm also offers tax preparation, tax planning, and handling of IRS tax problems. Its founder, Jeffrey Upchurch, has been practicing in the industry for nearly two decades. He is knowledgeable and experienced at assisting experienced professionals, retiring individuals, nonprofits, startups, and small businesses. Jeff also serves as a guest lecturer for local nonprofit organizations and at area colleges and universities.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (5)
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6336 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646

Business Description

D Tax People is a full-service accounting firm based in Chicago. It is a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor that can help small-sized and mid-sized businesses access data through the software. Furthermore, its team handles financial statement preparation and daily financial data back-up. The company's other services include bank reconciliation, tax preparation, and tax audit representation. D Tax People operates under the management of DM ENT Inc., which has been providing accounting solutions for more than two decades.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (109)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (32)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
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4320 Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555

Business Description

Dugan & Lopatka is a full-service public accounting firm based in Chicago providing services in the metro for almost 50 years. It is made up of a mix of professionals with decades of experience and those who are fairly new in the field. Its services include accounting, auditing, tax compliance and planning, and mergers and acquisitions. The firm specializes in middle-market, private companies, and nonprofit organizations. Dugan and Lopatka is a member of the Illinois CPA Society.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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1717 Deerfield Road, Deerfield, IL 60015

Business Description

Established in 1949, Warady & Davis LLP offers accounting, tax, consulting, and audit services to businesses, wealthy individuals, and their families. Based in Deerfield, their client base includes relationships that have spanned several decades and are located in the Unites States and abroad. The firm (fully staffed at ninety-five plus people) focuses on building enterprises and the healthy sustenance needed to maintain and foster growth.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
Google
3.7 / 5 (3)
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17646 Crestview Court, Orland Park, IL 60467

Business Description

1st Chicago Accounting works with small business owners, healthcare professionals, and lawyers in Chicago and the surrounding areas. It specializes in creating solutions that decrease income taxes and increase cash flow and profits. The company handles tax planning, accounting, and CFO services and offers consultancy solutions to educate its clients in financial management and budgeting. Its other services include bookkeeping, IRS resolution, and payroll. Owner Brad Filmanowicz has been in the industry since 1997. He previously worked as a financial planning accountant.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)
Google
2.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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1006 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

Business Description

South Loop CPA is an accounting office based in Chicago. The firm provides a holistic approach to financial issues through its accounting and tax services. Its principal accountant, Gaurangkumas Patel, specializes in forensic accounting. South Loop helps small businesses and professional individuals with complex tax laws, IRS resolution, and accounting processes. Businesses can avail themselves of the firm's services in company formation, business tax, bookkeeping, and valuation. It also offers forensic accounting services to spouses going through a divorce to identify assets in a fair settlement.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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200 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60606

Business Description

Since 1968, Mueller has provided tax, assurance, accounting, and consulting services for businesses, local governments, and non-profit outfits in the Chicago metro area. Industry involvement includes healthcare, technology, construction, non-profits, transportation, and manufacturing. A staff of over one hundred employees and eighteen partners place considerable focus on listening, development, assessment, and actualization to achieve targeted goals for clients. They were awarded as one of the “Best Places to Work in Illinois, 2011- 2016,? and give considerable time to community endeavors.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
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425 Huehl Road, Northbrook, IL 60062

Business Description

The Dolins Group is an accounting firm that serves clients located in the Chicago area. It specializes in providing tax and accounting services to individuals and businesses, including financial planning and investing, estate planning, IRS and multi-state tax representation, bookkeeping, and computer software-based accounting integration. Established in 1993, the firm rebranded to its current name in 2011 after expanding its list of partners. Leonard Dolins, its founder, has been in the accounting industry since 1961.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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709 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202

Business Description

Reed Accounting has been serving the Chicago area since 2009. Its founder and certified public accountant, Jessica Reed, worked as a controller for an eSourcing and nonprofit firm before opening Reed Accounting. The company originally focused on individual tax returns, but it now handles the tax-related concerns of small businesses and sole proprietors. In addition, the team offers bookkeeping services on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. The accounting office also has an enrolled agent on staff.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (53)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)
Google
4.7 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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10268 Central Park Blvd, Huntley, IL 60142

Business Description

Accountants at U-Nique Accounting Services help small business owners make smarter business decisions in Chicago. They automate the accounting process, catch up on overdue books, and reduce the tax burden. Their services include budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, exit planning, financial controller services, monthly booking, and virtual CFO services. U-Nique Accounting Services is led by Matt Cianciarulo and Joe Priola. Matt has 15 years of accounting and CFO experience, while Joe has 30 years of banking experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)
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4010 South California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632

Business Description

Corcoran Ender & Associates is an accounting firm serving individuals and businesses in the Chicago area. It offers a wide array of tax and accounting services, including tax management services, IRS representation, cash flow and budgeting analysis, and bookkeeping. The company's team of professionals has more than 25 years of experience and is well-versed in tax laws. Corcoran Ender & Associates arranges for continued education and training programs to its employees and utilizes industry-standard equipment and software to meet clients' needs in reaching their financial goals.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.1 / 5 (7)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
––
Detail
––
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475 Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Business Description

Based in Lincolnshire, Mowery & Schoenfeld offer tax services, financial consulting, and accounting and assurance services for businesses in the Chicago metro area. Since 1996, a team of over twenty certified CPAs have built personal relationships with clients that focus on the mission of growth and betterment of businesses. They are part of GGI, a global network for firms that desire international expansion or collaboration.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Four main types of accountants are available to serve the accounting needs of individuals, large organizations, small businesses, and government agencies. These types of accounting include corporate, forensic, government, and public.

    • Corporate accountants maintain and file financial information for corporations. The focus is on keeping the corporation in legal compliance with tax laws and financial reporting requirements.
    • Forensic accountants gather and recreate financial data that isn’t readily available. These accountants might do that as part of a criminal investigation or if key financial information has been lost and needs to be recovered for legal reasons.
    • Government accountants work for government agencies, such as the IRS or a state tax department. They might also be found working in government offices in positions such as city treasurer or county auditor.
    • Public accountants are the accountants most likely to work with individuals or smaller businesses. These accountants manage financial statements, file tax returns, and record financial transactions. Preparing and filing tax returns are tasks these accountants might do for individuals. For companies, these accountants might handle payroll or bookkeeping besides preparing tax information for reporting purposes.

  • What does an accountant do?

    Accountants maintain financial records and interpret financial information. An accountant at one firm might maintain financial ledgers, while another might take on payroll management duties. Accountants can also specialize in specific areas, such as tax codes.

  • What is the difference between an accountant and a CPA?

    Accountants and CPAs handle many of the same accounting tasks. However, a CPA is an accountant who has passed a state exam to become a certified public accountant. A CPA is typically more trusted in an advisory position when in a business setting.

  • Does everyone need an accountant?

    Most individuals don’t need to hire an accountant, except for when tax season arrives. A small business owner is more likely to need an accountant than an individual because business owners have more complex record-keeping requirements.

  • What does a forensic accountant do?

    Forensic accountants use generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to investigate and solve financial mysteries that are typically related to uncovering or resolving suspected criminal activity, such as embezzling. These accountants may work for individuals, businesses, and government agencies.

  • What does a payroll accountant do?

    Processing payroll and employee benefits are key roles of payroll accountants. Some other duties performed by payroll accountants include using software and handling financial statements. These professionals might also analyze financial ledgers, prepare and present reports to management, and advise regarding investment opportunities.

  • Do I need an accounting major to become an accountant?

    You can work as an accountant without majoring in it. However, earning a degree and becoming a CPA offers more earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified public accountants who have received at least a bachelor’s degree earn a median annual wage of $73,560.