Porte Brown

Get tailored accounting support and financial insights to manage finances, make informed decisions, and focus on business growth.

Receive tailored audit and review counsel informed by industry experience and a commitment to completing engagements on time.

Get representation throughout federal and state tax audits, with support for documentation, agency meetings, progress updates, and sales and use tax compliance.

Help protect organizational data with cybersecurity services, consulting, and assistance creating continuity and incident response plans.

Plan for a legacy, address estate and gift tax matters, and organize asset distribution according to personal goals.

Uncover financial misconduct, identify risk areas, and support legal matters with investigative findings and expert testimony.

Help CPA firms monitor accounting and auditing practices, strengthen operations, and support high-quality service.

Identify qualified professionals and make informed hiring decisions with customized, cost-conscious recruiting support.

Get tailored plan design, administration, and compliance support to help meet plan goals and fiduciary responsibilities.

Bring knowledgeable Porte Brown professionals to events for informative in-person or virtual presentations on tax, markets, and nonprofit topics.

Prepare returns, manage tax obligations, identify potential tax-saving opportunities, and make informed decisions as tax rules change.

Select and implement business technology to improve efficiency, productivity, and access to financial information for better decisions.

Plan a business transition with guidance on value, succession, transactions, taxes, and continuity to support informed ownership decisions.

Get holistic financial guidance tailored to personal and business goals across investments, retirement, taxes, and other planning needs.

Elevate365 outsourced accounting and advisory services

Elevate365 provides customized outsourced accounting and advisory services for small and mid-sized businesses. Support ranges from transactional accounting to controllership and virtual CFO services, or can supplement an internal accounting team. Packages may include transaction recording, reconciliations, month-end close, financial reporting, forecasting, cash flow management, payroll, tax services, accounts payable, and more. Dashboard options include standard and custom metrics. Scope and pricing are tailored to each company’s accounting needs, transaction volume, close complexity, balance sheet accounts, and reporting requirements.

Category: Accounting Services

• Match Accounting Support To Your Needs
  Choose a package that reflects your accounting processes and goals, whether you need additional team support or full-service accounting.
• Scale Services As Your Business Grows
  Select a service level ranging from transactional accounting to controllership or virtual CFO support, with services designed to scale alongside the company.
• Forecast Cash Flow And Plan Ahead
  Use forecasting and cash flow management to inform planning and assess potential future investments, locations, hiring, or inventory expansion.
• Guide Strategic Financial Decisions
  Access virtual CFO-level financial management and analysis to support strategic planning, informed decisions, and business growth.
• Record And Reconcile Financial Activity
  Outsource recording bank and credit activity and reconciling bank and credit card accounts as part of the selected service level.
• Close Books And Prepare Statements
  Receive month-end close support and financial statements through the selected controllership or virtual CFO service level.
• View Current Financial Results And Performance
  Use standard or selected custom metrics, compare budgets with actuals, assess departmental and project performance, and access current business information through dashboards.
• Access Experienced Accounting Professionals
  Work with an accounting team with more than 75 years of combined experience and knowledge across a range of industries.
• Assess Systems And Clean Up Ledgers
  Review accounting technology needs and address general ledger or QuickBooks cleanup as part of selected add-on services.
• Manage Tax Filings And Projections
  Add tax-related support that can include sales tax filing, 1099 reporting, corporate or personal tax filing, and tax planning and projections.
• Tailor Pricing To Service Requirements
  Pricing reflects transaction volume, close complexity, reconciliation needs, and reporting depth, aligning service scope and cost with company requirements.
• Protect Sensitive Financial Information
  Porte Brown says it prioritizes security, compliance, and confidentiality in safeguarding sensitive financial information.
• Coordinate Audit And Professional Matters
  Receive support preparing for an audit and coordinating with the audit firm, legal counsel, and banking representatives.
• Administer Payroll And Retirement Plans
  Add payroll administration or retirement plan design and administration to the selected accounting services.
• Manage Payables And Spending
  Add accounts payable and spend management support to the outsourced accounting package.
• Document And Implement Accounting Processes
  Obtain support documenting and implementing accounting processes as part of the selected service package.

Audit & Review Services

Porte Brown provides audit, review, and attest services, taking a big-picture approach to understand each client’s business and offer solutions and counsel. The practice focuses on manufacturing, construction, not-for-profit organizations, professional services, and employee benefit and welfare plans. Specialized engagements include Uniform Guidance, Yellow Book and HUD audits; employee benefit plan audits; ESOP company and plan engagements; and agreed-upon procedures. Its CPAs bring audit, review, tax, and general business consulting experience. A no-extension policy is intended to ensure work is completed on time. For debt covenant concerns, Porte Brown works with clients and lending institutions on strategies to maintain or return to compliance, with follow-up during the audit process.

Category: Audit and Assurance Services

• Receive Audit, Review, And Attest Services
  Engage Porte Brown for audit, review, and attest work, with the team taking time to understand the business and provide counsel.
• Apply Industry-Focused Audit Expertise
  Clients in the practice’s focus industries can work with a team experienced in their sectors.
• Gain Broader Audit And Business Counsel
  Receive a broad perspective informed by audit, review, tax, and general business consulting experience, with counsel beyond the basic attest engagement.
• Complete Engagements On Time
  Porte Brown’s no-extension policy is intended to ensure audit and review work is completed on time across covered engagement types.
• Address Debt Covenant Compliance
  Work with Porte Brown and a lending institution on strategies to maintain or restore compliance, with follow-up during the audit process.
• Address Specialized Audit Requirements
  Access agreed-upon procedures and specialized audits and engagements, including Uniform Guidance, Yellow Book, HUD, employee benefit plan, and ESOP work.

Compliance & Audit Representation

Porte Brown represents businesses and individuals in tax audits by federal and state agencies, including the IRS, Illinois Department of Revenue, Department of Employment Security, and other state revenue departments. The team helps gather and review documentation, meets with agency representatives, and provides progress reports. Services also include sales and use tax compliance and consulting. Porte Brown reports that 80% of the audits it handles are resolved through no-change letters.

• Get Representation Throughout Governmental Tax Audits
  Porte Brown represents clients throughout the audit process, helping them navigate proceedings with federal and state agencies.
• Pursue No-Change Audit Resolutions
  Porte Brown cites a record in which 80% of the audits it handles are resolved through no-change letters.
• Prepare And Review Audit Documentation
  The team assists with gathering audit information and checks materials for completeness.
• Meet With Agency Representatives
  Porte Brown’s team meets with agency representatives while representing the client during the audit.
• Stay Informed Throughout The Audit
  Progress reports keep clients updated as the audit proceeds from the initial response through its conclusion.
• Address Sales And Use Tax Compliance
  Receive support and consulting on sales and use tax compliance.

Cybersecurity Services

Porte Brown partners with Ntiva, a managed service provider, to offer cybersecurity solutions. Services include cybersecurity risk assessments, vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, multi-factor authentication, phishing prevention training and testing, endpoint and intrusion detection and response, and CIO and CISO consulting. Porte Brown also assists with business continuity and incident response plans and offers a free initial conversation to discuss cybersecurity needs and possible preventative measures.

• Assess Cybersecurity Risks
  Review cybersecurity needs and identify preventative measures an organization may need to implement.
• Detect And Respond To Threats
  Use endpoint and intrusion detection and response services as part of an organization’s cybersecurity measures.
• Test Systems For Security Weaknesses
  Use vulnerability scanning and penetration testing as part of an organization’s cybersecurity services.
• Add Authentication Factors
  Implement multi-factor authentication as one component of an organization’s cybersecurity measures.
• Access CIO And CISO Consulting
  Consult with CIO and CISO specialists about an organization’s cybersecurity needs.
• Create Continuity And Response Plans
  Receive assistance creating business continuity and incident response plans or policies.
• Access A Full Cybersecurity Suite
  The partnership with Ntiva enables Porte Brown to offer cybersecurity solutions to help protect client data.
• Train And Test Against Phishing
  Provide phishing prevention training and use phishing testing to support an organization’s cybersecurity efforts.
• Discuss Needs At No Cost
  Start with a free conversation about cybersecurity needs and possible preventative measures.

Estate Planning & Trust Services

Porte Brown provides estate, trust, and gift tax planning and preparation tailored to clients’ financial circumstances and goals. Services include trust planning, gifting strategies, estate tax exposure planning, executor assistance, fiduciary and estate tax returns, charitable trust returns, generation-skipping tax strategies, estate tax projections, and integration of exit planning with estate planning. Porte Brown does not draft or modify trusts, estate plans, or wills, but can advise on strategies to help mitigate estate tax exposure and ease asset distribution.

• Plan Asset Transfers Around Your Goals
  Get support developing an estate plan that reflects goals for distributing assets and addresses trust planning considerations.
• Address Estate Tax Obligations
  Receive estate tax return preparation and planning support, including projections and recommendations related to trust vehicles and estate tax exposure.
• Plan Gifts With Estate Taxes In Mind
  Coordinate gift tax return preparation and gift planning with considerations related to overall estate tax exposure.
• Manage Fiduciary Income Tax Matters
  Get preparation and planning support for fiduciary income tax returns, including matters involving trusts and closely held businesses.
• Address Generation-Skipping Tax Matters
  Get support with generation-skipping tax elections and strategies related to estate and trust planning.
• Ease Executor And Distribution Tasks
  Receive executor assistance and support intended to ease the burden of asset distribution.
• Align Business Exit And Estate Plans
  Coordinate exit planning with estate planning when considering how a business transition fits estate goals.
• Prepare Charitable Trust Returns
  Receive charitable trust return preparation and related calculations.

Fraud & Forensic Accounting Investigations

Porte Brown conducts confidential fraud detection and forensic accounting investigations, including employee theft, hidden or misappropriated assets, shareholder disputes, and family law matters. The team reviews business operations, identifies risk areas, and recommends safeguards. Investigations can conclude with an expert witness report suitable for law enforcement or civil damage lawsuits, and the team communicates findings to attorneys and provides testimony in litigation.

• Investigate Suspected Fraud
  Receive confidential investigation of suspected or discovered fraud, including employee theft schemes.
• Present Findings In Legal Proceedings
  Use investigative findings in an expert witness report suitable for law enforcement or civil damage lawsuits, with testimony available in litigation.
• Identify Fraud Risk Areas
  Assess fraud risks and examine business operations to identify areas where the organization may be vulnerable.
• Trace Concealed Or Misused Assets
  Investigations address hidden assets, corporate asset misappropriation, and marital funds dissipated in divorce matters.
• Support Financial Disputes
  Get investigative accounting support for shareholder disputes and family law matters, with findings communicated to an attorney.
• Strengthen Internal Safeguards
  Receive recommendations for safeguards and systems designed to minimize opportunities for employee fraud.

Peer reviews

Porte Brown conducts peer reviews for CPA firms, from sole proprietors to multi-state, multi-partner firms handling complex engagements. Services include system reviews, engagement reviews, and monitoring. Qualified peer reviewers assess accounting and auditing practices and may suggest improvements to operating processes and techniques. Clients can learn from practices observed at other reviewed firms and receive mentoring for staff interested in becoming peer reviewers.

• Engage Qualified Audit Reviewers
  Firms work with auditors whom Porte Brown qualifies to serve as peer reviewers.
• Assess Accounting And Auditing Practices
  A system review helps a CPA firm examine its accounting and auditing practices as part of the peer review process.
• Serve Firms Of Varied Sizes
  CPA firms can request peer reviews whether they are sole proprietors or larger firms with complex engagements.
• Review CPA Firm Engagements
  Engagement reviews provide a defined option within Porte Brown’s peer review services.
• Improve Processes And Identify Efficiencies
  Reviewers may share practical suggestions to improve operations, enhance revenue, or lower costs.
• Learn Best Practices From Other Firms
  Experience reviewing other firms gives clients an opportunity to learn observed practices.
• Monitor Accounting And Audit Practices
  The monitoring service helps CPA firms monitor their accounting and auditing practices.
• Develop Future Peer Reviewers
  Client-firm staff interested in becoming peer reviewers can receive mentoring from Porte Brown.

Recruiting Services

Porte Brown provides customized recruiting and talent acquisition support to help organizations attract and secure qualified candidates. Services include job analysis, job description development, interview preparation, candidate search support, pre-employment screening, and onboarding assistance. The service focuses on professional-level placements in accounting, HR, marketing, and IT—not temporary or clerical staffing—and uses a transparent, fee-based model.

• Align Hiring With Your Organization
  A customized process considers staffing needs, goals, values, and culture to support informed hiring decisions.
• Find Qualified Professionals
  Candidate search support helps organizations identify potential candidates for full-time professional roles in accounting, HR, marketing, and IT.
• Hire For Professional Roles
  Seek recruiting support for full-time professional positions in accounting, HR, marketing, and IT rather than temporary or clerical staffing.
• Manage Recruiting Costs Transparently
  The fee-based model is presented as a straightforward, cost-conscious way to access recruiting support.
• Clarify Roles And Develop Job Descriptions
  Job analysis and description development help establish a clear foundation for filling a role.
• Screen Candidates Before Hiring
  Pre-employment screening is among the service options that support organizations through hiring.
• Support New-Hire Onboarding
  Onboarding assistance helps clients with the transition after hiring.
• Prepare For Candidate Interviews
  Interview preparation supports an important step in evaluating candidates.

Retirement & Employee Benefit Plans Consulting

Porte Brown provides personalized consulting, design, compliance review, and administration for retirement and employee benefit plans. Specialists tailor plans to client needs and goals, including safe harbor 401(k), cross-tested, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. As a third-party administrator, Porte Brown helps plan sponsors meet fiduciary responsibilities and offers 401(k) vendor and fee reviews.

• Design Plans Around Your Needs
  Receive retirement plan design and consulting tailored to your organization’s circumstances and goals.
• Simplify Plan Administration
  Access plan administration through a practice group focused on retirement and employee benefit plans.
• Support Fiduciary Responsibilities
  Get third-party administrator support to help meet fiduciary responsibilities while focusing on business operations and employees.
• Review Plan Compliance
  Receive a review to help evaluate plans against IRS and Department of Labor requirements.
• Review 401(K) Vendors And Fees
  Assess 401(k) plan vendors and fees through a dedicated review.

Porte Brown Speakers Bureau

Porte Brown’s Speakers Bureau connects organizations with professional speakers on staff who are knowledgeable in their fields, industries, and service areas. Speakers have experience presenting at in-person seminars and conferences, as well as virtual webinars and webcasts. Topics include tax legislation, market insights, tax law changes for nonprofits, and tax credits and deductions. Organizers can review speaker expertise and past speeches, then request a speaker through the bureau’s contact form.

• Choose In-Person Or Virtual Formats
  Arrange presentations for in-person seminars and conferences or virtual webinars and webcasts.
• Invite Knowledgeable Speakers
  Select from Porte Brown professionals who bring expertise in their fields and knowledge of different industries and service areas.
• Explore Tax Legislation Topics
  Hear presentations on tax legislation, tax policy, and changes.
• Request Speaker Availability
  Contact Porte Brown through the speaker request form or request availability for a listed speaker.
• Explore Market Insights
  Review market-related presentations, including past speeches about market recoveries and investing during an election year.
• Address Nonprofit Tax Law Changes
  Choose presentations focused on tax law changes and tax matters affecting nonprofit organizations.
• Review Speaker Expertise And Past Speeches
  Compare speaker expertise and review previous presentation topics to help identify a suitable speaker.
• Cover Tax Credits And Deductions
  Request a presentation focused on tax credits and deductions.

Tax services

Porte Brown provides tax planning, preparation, consulting, and compliance services to businesses and individuals. Its CPAs monitor tax laws and policy changes and advise on federal, state, local, and international tax matters. Services include personal and business return preparation, tax strategy, multistate and international tax support, and guidance on tax credits, deductions, and government programs. Specialized matters include FBAR filings, trusts and estates, exempt organizations, cryptocurrency tax planning, tax audit representation, and sales and use tax compliance. The offering encompasses state and local tax planning, compliance, nexus reviews, multistate returns, international tax planning and reporting, and estate, trust, and gift tax services.

• Prepare Personal And Business Tax Returns
  Get help preparing individual and business returns, with planning intended to simplify filing, identify applicable tax breaks, and support compliance.
• Plan Tax Decisions With Expert Guidance
  Receive tax advice tailored to individual circumstances to help consider tax consequences in business, financial, or organizational decisions.
• Manage Tax Obligations Across Jurisdictions
  Get support with tax requirements across relevant jurisdictions and guidance informed by changes in tax laws and policy.
• Identify Applicable Tax Savings Opportunities
  Explore credits, deductions, and tax programs that may reduce tax burden or support reinvestment, subject to eligibility and circumstances.
• Navigate Cross-Border Tax Requirements
  Organizations and individuals with international activities can receive tailored guidance on cross-border planning, reporting, compliance, and structuring.
• Address Multistate Tax And Nexus Issues
  Identify potential state tax obligations and exposure, plan for operations across jurisdictions, and receive support with multistate returns and Illinois tax matters.
• Plan And Prepare Estate And Trust Returns
  Receive tax preparation and planning for estate, gift, and fiduciary matters, including projections and related recommendations.
• Address Tax Problems And Audit Matters
  Get guidance on resolving tax problems and representation through federal and state audits, with help organizing documentation, communicating with agencies, and tracking progress.
• Prepare FBAR Filings
  Receive assistance with FBAR filings as part of tax service needs.
• Plan Cryptocurrency Tax Treatment
  Get guidance on cryptocurrency tax considerations and the evolving rules that apply.

Technology Consulting

Porte Brown’s Technology Consulting Group helps clients assess their goals and business environment, select financial and accounting software, and implement software, add-ons, integrations, and hardware. Services include training and ongoing support, with guidance on securing systems. Software expertise includes QuickBooks and QuickBooks Online, as well as options for sales tax automation, bill payment, reporting, expense and time tracking, and workforce management.

• Choose Software That Fits Your Needs
  Receive software recommendations based on business environment and goals.
• Implement Software And Convert Systems
  Set up software, add-ons, and compatible systems, including supported conversions.
• Use Accounting Software With Expert Support
  Get help selecting and using QuickBooks products, along with implementation, training, conversion, reporting, and support.
• Connect Compatible Business Applications
  Integrating software adds functionality and enables compatible systems to work together without necessarily replacing existing software.
• Train Teams To Use Their Software
  Training helps client staff learn selected software as part of implementation.
• Get Support After Implementation
  Receive help after setup, including software assistance and specified QuickBooks services such as company cleanup and custom reports.
• Select Hardware For Your Software
  Choose hardware that can support selected software without buying equipment that is insufficient or more expensive than needed.
• Help Secure Business Systems
  Receive guidance on protecting technology systems that store private customer information from outside threats.
• Extend Software With Business Tools
  Explore software for sales tax, payments, reporting, expenses, time tracking, and workforce management that integrates with accounting systems.

Business Transition Planning & Advisory Services

Porte Brown advises privately held businesses on ownership transitions, including sales to third parties and transfers within families. Services include succession and exit planning, business valuation and appraisal, value building, mergers and acquisitions support, transfer strategies, buy/sell agreements, due diligence, tax planning and compliance, cash flow analysis, business continuity planning, and financial planning. Valuation support also addresses shareholder buyouts, estate and gift tax planning, purchase price allocations, strategic planning, and financing. Advisory work considers alignment with estate planning goals and owners’ financial needs after a transition.

• Understand Your Business Value
  Access valuation information to inform ownership decisions, growth, investment, insurance coverage, financing, or a potential sale.
• Plan A Successful Exit
  Set goals and develop an exit or ownership succession plan, considering timing and alignment with personal and business goals.
• Evaluate Transaction Details
  Receive transaction support that includes due diligence and examination of relevant values, risks, liabilities, and strategic synergies.
• Plan For Transition Tax Impacts
  Consider tax consequences and compliance when planning a business transfer or transaction.
• Choose An Ownership Transfer Path
  Consider transfer strategies for different ownership transition scenarios, including third-party sales and family business transfers.
• Identify Business Value Drivers
  Use value driver analysis and business value-building support to inform strategic planning and a future transition.
• Align Business And Estate Plans
  Include gift and estate planning considerations when evaluating ownership transitions and trust and estate goals.
• Assess Post-Transition Finances
  Use financial planning and cash flow analysis to consider whether a transition supports the owner’s financial needs and post-transition lifestyle.
• Inform Ownership Agreements
  Use valuation information to support shareholder buyouts and valuation needs associated with buy-sell agreements.
• Support Estate And Gift Planning
  Bring business valuation information into estate and gift tax planning and related filings.
• Prepare For Business Disruptions
  Address contingency and continuity planning when preparing the business for ownership transition and potential disruptions.
• Allocate Purchase Prices
  Obtain support for purchase price allocation as part of business valuation and transaction planning.
• Identify Asset Gaps
  Identify asset gaps when evaluating transition needs and planning for the owner’s financial goals.
• Plan Post-Acquisition Integration
  Address post-closing needs through integration planning, budgeting and forecasting, and post-closing audit services.
• Address Corporate Conversion Needs
  Access valuation-related assistance for C-to-S corporation conversions.

Porte Brown Wealth Management

Porte Brown Wealth Management provides holistic financial planning for individuals, families, and businesses. Services include retirement, debt, estate, education, tax, business, and investment planning, as well as support for special situations, income protection, asset preservation, and insurance. Advisors seek solutions specific to each client’s goals and needs.

• Get Planning Tailored To Your Goals And Needs
  Porte Brown Wealth Management describes its approach as holistic, with solutions specific to clients’ goals and needs.
• Plan For Retirement With Personalized Guidance
  Retirement planning supports clients working toward their financial goals for retirement.
• Plan How Your Assets Will Be Distributed
  Address goals for a legacy and the distribution of assets.
• Align Investment Planning With Your Goals
  Address investment needs as part of a holistic approach tailored to client goals.
• Address Tax Needs In Your Financial Plan
  Include tax planning alongside other wealth management needs.
• Plan For Your Business's Financial Needs
  Business planning is available as part of the wealth management offering.
• Plan To Preserve Your Assets
  Address asset preservation as part of wealth management planning.
• Address Debt Within Your Financial Plan
  Include debt management in broader wealth planning.
• Include Education Goals In Your Financial Plan
  Address education goals within broader financial planning.
• Plan For Income Protection
  Address income protection as one component of financial planning.
• Include Insurance In Your Financial Plan
  Consider insurance within the broader range of financial planning services.
• Address Special Situations In Your Plan
  Discuss special situations as part of wealth management planning.