Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Accounting, Tax, and Business Advisory Solutions
Founded in 1987, CJBS has established itself as a trusted accounting and consulting firm serving clients across Chicago and beyond. Our team of seasoned professionals specializes in delivering tailored financial solutions, combining deep industry expertise with a collaborative approach to meet the unique needs of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. With decades of collective experience, we prioritize proactive advisory services that extend beyond traditional accounting, helping clients navigate complex tax landscapes, optimize operations, and achieve long-term financial success. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our adoption of cutting-edge technology and our focus on building lasting relationships through transparency, responsiveness, and personalized service.Recognized for our work with diverse industries including cannabis, healthcare, and senior living, we maintain rigorous professional standards through affiliations like the AICPA. By blending technical proficiency with strategic insight, we empower clients to make informed decisions that drive growth and sustainability. Our core values of trust, collaboration, and creativity form the foundation of every client interaction, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed expectations in every engagement.
Services
Accounting Services
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Forensic Accounting
Estate Planning
Business Valuation
Small Business Advisory
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of specialized expertise in accounting and tax advisory services.
- Our team provides customized solutions tailored to your industry's unique challenges.
- We maintain AICPA membership, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards.
- Our client relationships average 15 years, reflecting exceptional service consistency.
- We combine technical proficiency with proactive consulting to drive business growth.
Associations and certifications
- AICPA
What people say
Exceptional dedication
Responsive and accessible
Knowledgeable accountants
Proactive financial guidance
Trusted long-term partner
Services
Accounting Services
Our accounting services provide comprehensive financial management solutions tailored to your business needs. We offer financial statement preparation, cloud accounting implementation, payroll processing, and sales tax compliance. Our team leverages advanced technology to ensure accurate, timely financial reporting while maintaining cost-effectiveness. With specialized knowledge across multiple industries, we help businesses streamline their accounting processes and maintain regulatory compliance.
Business Consulting
Our business consulting services focus on strategic operational improvements and financial optimization. We conduct internal control evaluations, develop business succession plans, and provide cash flow analysis. Our consultants help clients implement process improvements, evaluate mergers and acquisitions opportunities, and develop growth strategies. By combining accounting expertise with industry-specific knowledge, we deliver actionable insights that drive business performance.
Forensic Accounting
Our forensic accounting services specialize in fraud detection, asset recovery, and litigation support. We conduct thorough financial investigations, provide expert testimony, and implement fraud prevention controls. Our team assists with shareholder disputes, bankruptcy accounting, and economic damage calculations. With expertise in both financial analysis and legal proceedings, we help clients resolve complex financial disputes and mitigate future risks.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services focus on protecting your wealth and ensuring smooth asset transfer. We develop comprehensive strategies for tax-efficient estate transfers, trust creation, and succession planning. Our CPAs work closely with legal professionals to coordinate wills, trusts, and tax planning strategies. We help high-net-worth individuals and business owners create customized plans that align with their financial goals and family needs.
Tax Services
Our tax services encompass year-round strategic tax planning and compliance solutions. We specialize in corporate and individual tax preparation, tax-exempt organization filings, and IRS representation. Our team stays current with evolving tax regulations to identify savings opportunities while ensuring compliance. We provide proactive tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
People
Jeffrey Stuart
Managing Member
Jeffrey Stuart leads CJBS as Managing Member, bringing decades of accounting expertise and strategic leadership. He oversees firm operations and client relationships, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards while driving innovation in service delivery.
Lorena Johnson-Engelman
Senior Member
Lorena Johnson-Engelman specializes in accounting and tax services, providing personalized financial guidance to businesses and individuals. With extensive experience in cloud accounting implementation and tax planning, she helps clients optimize their financial operations and achieve long-term goals.
Andrew Lotts
Senior Member
Andrew Lotts focuses on audit and assurance services, bringing technical expertise to financial statement analysis and compliance. He works closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that enhance financial reporting accuracy and support business decision-making.
Matthew Bergman
Senior Member
Matthew Bergman specializes in tax services and business advisory, offering strategic guidance to minimize tax liabilities. His expertise in corporate tax planning and government representation helps businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements effectively.
Ryan Guedel
Member
Ryan Guedel provides accounting and consulting services, focusing on small business needs. He helps clients with financial reporting, tax compliance, and operational improvements, delivering practical solutions that support business growth and financial stability.
Questions
What accounting services does CJBS offer?
CJBS provides comprehensive accounting services including financial statement preparation, cloud accounting implementation, payroll processing, sales tax compliance, and QuickBooks support tailored to businesses of all sizes.
How does CJBS approach business consulting?
Our business consulting services focus on strategic improvements through internal control evaluations, cash flow analysis, merger/acquisition guidance, and operational efficiency enhancements customized to each client's industry needs.
What tax planning strategies are available?
We offer year-round tax planning, corporate and individual tax preparation, IRS representation, and tax-exempt organization services, leveraging current regulations to optimize clients' tax positions.
How does CJBS handle forensic accounting needs?
Our forensic accounting team specializes in fraud detection, asset recovery, litigation support, and economic damage calculations, providing expert analysis for legal proceedings and dispute resolution.
What estate planning services are available?
We offer comprehensive estate planning including trust creation, tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, and succession planning coordinated with legal professionals to protect clients' financial legacies.
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Reviews (5)
Thomas Carlson
Jun 24, 2021
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CJBS has been our accounting firm for over 25 years. They are a firm that is professional, friendly and most of all well staffed with knowledgeable accountants in several departments within the firm. Our company, WE Carlson Corp., is very satisfied with the service and consultation CJBS has provided us all these years. We look forward to continuing our relationship for many more years. Tom Carlson - VP of Finance at WE Carlson Corporation
Ryan May
Jun 18, 2021
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Darren Jossel at CJBS has proven to be an incredible asset. He is knowledgeable, professional and forward thinking. He is not just a tax professional he has shown his skills helping small businesses plan for the future. I highly recommend Darren.
Mark Lekas
May 11, 2021
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Most unprofessional firm I have ever dealt with in my 31 years of business. Padded the bill and all the work had to be redone by another firm. Be ware of this firm. One item charged me 4 hrs for something I can do in less then 30 min, that's when I had to review
Holly Schmid
Apr 19, 2021
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I have found that working with CBJS is easy. They are thorough and are always able to answer my questions. I would highly recommend this company.
Joyce Younger
Jan 13, 2021
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My Business and personal accountant, Lorena Johnson, is the most professional accountant I have ever had that spends copious amounts of time helping me plan my future for my business and my personal financial goals. She has helped me get everything to the point of hands-off for me which provides more time for me to focus on my business. I would recommend Lorena to anyone and everyone.
