Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Accountants in Chicago, IL

Our Recommended Top 20

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Chicago Accountants on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

610Reviewed

374Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Chicago, IL

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.9 (548)
Google
4.9 (337)
Facebook
4.9 (29)

Why choose this provider?

Dimov Tax Specialists serves Chicago businesses by providing accounting services. It assists with transaction categorization, financial statements, invoice and payment reconciliation, and income and sales tax work. The company provides payroll preparation as well as financial statement auditing, compilation, and review. It supports its clients' preferred online accounting platforms, such as QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, and Wave. George Dimov, president and managing owner, has over a decade and a half of consulting and accounting experience in a variety of industries.

  • Consulting
  • Audits
  • Individual Tax
  • Accounting
  • Business Taxes

Chicago, IL

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Clutch
4.6 (4)
Google
4.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

NSKT Global is a consulting firm that addresses the financial management needs of Chicago businesses. Its certified public accountants reconcile bank statements, customer ledgers, and vendor payments for companies in the healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and retail sectors. They set up and implement accounting procedures, update daily transactions, and provide financial reviews and reports. NSKT Global has managed more than 100 accounting projects across more than 15 states. Recognizing that each business is unique, the firm serves clients with a tailored approach.

  • IT Consulting Services
  • Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
  • VAT Services
  • Business Advisory Services
  • Company Formation Services
Gnesist logo

GnesistExpertise.com

Chicago, IL
Website
Free Consultation

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Gnesist is an accounting firm serving businesses in the Chicago metro. It offers virtual accounting services, including income and expense tracking, payroll, financial reporting, tax preparation and filing, and setting up QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage Intacct. The firm tailors its services to fit businesses' specific needs and budgets. Its accountants use a proprietary, user-friendly software that provides clients with real-time visibility into their finances. Gnesist services have been employed by over 1,000 businesses across the country.

  • Accounting Services
  • Tax Planning
  • Business Tax Services
  • Bookkeeping Services
1-800Accountant logo

1-800AccountantExpertise.com

Chicago, IL
Free Business Tax Consultation

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

1-800Accountant was founded in 1999. Led by veteran CPAs, the firm assists small businesses in the Chicago metro in keeping track of their financial dealings and taxes. Its local professionals handle various tasks, including bookkeeping, LLC formation, payroll management, and tax filing. They also offer year-round tax strategies to prevent issues with authorities. Should one arise, the agency has enrolled agents to represent people in audits. 1-800Accountant serves the trucking, real estate, e-commerce, freelancing, and nonprofit industries.

  • Business Tax Preparation
  • Small Business Taxes
  • Tax Advisory
  • Accounting
  • Bookkeeping
  • Catch Up Bookkeeping

Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL 60614

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (34)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Build Accounting provides tax preparation, financial advisory, and accounting services for individuals and small, medium-sized, and growing businesses in Chicago. The company focuses on two fundamental principles: to help clients minimize taxes through tax strategy assistance in each service and to communicate clearly and responsively while generating out-of-the-box ideas for clients' success. Build Accounting acts as a year-round advisor. Its goal is to provide guidance throughout the year rather than to enter historical numbers on a tax return.

2100 Sanders Road, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
2.5 (4)

Why choose this provider?

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.

  • Tax Planning

Berwyn, IL 60402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (85)
Facebook
4.8 (22)
Yelp
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Del Real Tax Group is a CPA firm that proudly serves Brookfield, Cicero, and Lyons in the Chicago area. They provide accounting and tax services to both individuals and businesses. From Quickbooks assistance, small business accounting, to personal tax preparation, they aim to complete every job with honesty, efficiency, and promptness. Small businesses can sign up for fixed monthly services; discounts are listed online, and informational seminars led by one of the professional CPAs on staff.

5242 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (19)

Why choose this provider?

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.

709 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (53)
Facebook
5.0 (9)
Google
4.7 (7)

Why choose this provider?

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.

4306 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

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.

6228 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (26)
Facebook
3.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

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.

1717 Deerfield Road, Deerfield, IL 60015

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (4)
Google
3.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

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.

200 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60606

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

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.

17646 Crestview Court, Orland Park, IL 60467

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (2)
Yelp
5.0 (2)
Google
2.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

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.

5243 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60656

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (162)
Facebook
4.9 (66)
Yelp
4.8 (16)

Why choose this provider?

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.

10268 Central Park Blvd, Huntley, IL 60142

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

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.

425 Huehl Road, Northbrook, IL 60062

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

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.

4010 South California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (7)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

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.

4320 Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

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.

1006 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (7)

Why choose this provider?

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.

Compare our Top Accountants

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Dimov Tax Specialists
Chicago, ILCall for quote
NSKT Global
Chicago, ILCall for Quote
Gnesist
Chicago, ILFree Consultation
1-800Accountant
Chicago, ILFree Business Tax Consultation
Build Accounting
Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL 60614
CJBS
2100 Sanders Road, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062
Del Real Tax Group
Berwyn, IL 60402
John J. Griffin, CPA, P.C.
5242 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641
Reed Accounting
709 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202
Upchurch & Associates
4306 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
The A.C.T. Group, LLC - Chicago, IL North Shore
6228 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Warady & Davis LLP
1717 Deerfield Road, Deerfield, IL 60015
PFK Mueller
200 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60606
1st Chicago Accounting
17646 Crestview Court, Orland Park, IL 60467
D Tax People
5243 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
U-Nique Accounting Services
10268 Central Park Blvd, Huntley, IL 60142
The Dolins Group
425 Huehl Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
Corcoran Ender & Associates
4010 South California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632
Dugan & Lopatka
4320 Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555
South Loop CPA, LLC
1006 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

FAQs

  • 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.