Wisconsin accountants provide valuable consulting and accounting services that are important to small businesses. You may need tax advice or assistance with implementing an accounting system and an accountant can help you with that, or point you in the right direction if it is something you want to undertake yourself.

Having an idea of what you want out of the relationship with your accountant is the first step in finding a Wisconsin accountant that will meet all of your current and future needs. Follow these steps to help you find Wisconsin accounting firms that provide the services you need:

1. Search for accountants or CPA firms in Wisconsin.

2. Investigate the validity of the licenses and affiliations of Wisconsin accountants.

3. Decide which Wisconsin CPA professional or firm fits best.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Perform a broad-spectrum search of accountants in Wisconsin

Not every WI CPA is full-service. Some specialize in only a few areas of accounting such as estate planning or bookkeeping while others may tackle the gamut of small business accounting needs.

I recommend: The CPA Firms website helps you locate Wisconsin accounting firms for small businesses as well as giving you their websites and email addresses. CPA Finder is another option to locate a Wisconsin CPA listing. Finally, the Accountants World website is a great tool to do a directory search of CPA firms in Wisconsin.

Investigate the credentials of the Wisconsin CPA that you are considering

Make sure that the CPA firms in Wisconsin that you are looking at are professional and licensed. One way to check this is by their affiliation with local and national accounting associations as well as the status of their professional license.

I recommend: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants website has a search tool to help you find a licensed accountant in your area. Etaking verifies the licenses of participating accounting firms and lists them on their website. CPADirectory is a good option for checking the licensing information on a specific accountant in Wisconsin.

Choose Wisconsin accountants that meet the specific needs of your company

Your business has special accounting needs and it is important to find a CPA in Wisconsin that will fit the best with your company. You will be working closely with this person or firm, so finding one that compliments your team is essential.

I recommend: If you are looking to get started with an accounting system or if you need help with payroll, Innovative Solutions for Business LLC is a good choice, serving the areas of Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Milwaukee and Fond du Lac. For more involved services like tax planning, you need Wisconsin accounting firms with that specialty like Technology Advisory Group, LLC. who serves areas throughout western Wisconsin. For a firm that specializes in the needs of small companies, you may consider Jezeski Accounting and Tax Service LLP who serves the areas of Seymour, Black Creek, Appleton and Green Bay. Finally, if you are looking for well-known firm that serves companies of all sizes and industries, Grant Thorntan, LLP is one option and they have an office in Milwaukee.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Interview multiple firms. Talk to colleagues and members of local accounting associations to find accounting firms in Wisconsin with an outstanding reputation for integrity and professional service. Wisconsin CPA firms serve clients in a many industries. Find clients in your industry and then weigh the pros and cons of a particular accountant or firm before making a final decision.