Top fractional CFO and outsourced accounting firms in Illinois, ranked by ChatGPT answers

Places ChatGPT showed

• Pasquesi Partners LLC · 5.0★ · Accounting firm
• Third Road Management · 5.0★ · Financial consultant
• The 10X Accountant · 5.0★ · Accounting firm
• DBS Accounting Solutions LLC · 5.0★ · Accounting firm
• Pasquesi Partners · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant
• Apex CPAs & Consultants · 4.9★ · Certified public accountant
• Midwest CFO · 5.0★ · Financial consultant
• Build Accounting · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant
• Tavola Group · 4.7★ · Accounting firm
• Benjamin Koppel and Associates · 4.9★ · Accountant

If you're looking for both fractional CFO leadership and outsourced accounting—rather than a traditional tax-only CPA—I’d put the following Illinois firms on the shortlist.

I’m weighting depth of CFO work, ability to handle the accounting underneath it, client track record, breadth of services, and fit for small/midsize businesses. Current 2026 rankings and firm materials support several of these choices.

My top Illinois picks

Firm	Best for	My take
Pasquesi Partners LLC	Best overall / growing businesses	⭐ Top pick
Solve for (X)	Strategic CFO + financial modeling	⭐ Top pick for CFO work
Third Road Management	CFO + outsourced accounting together	⭐ Excellent all-around option
The 10X Accountant	Small/midsize businesses	⭐ Best value-oriented option
DBS Accounting Solutions LLC	Established owner-led businesses	Strong CPA/CFO hybrid
Pasquesi Partners	Startups, professional services, real estate	Strong specialized option
Apex CPAs & Consultants	Outsourced accounting department	Strong accounting-first choice
Midwest CFO	$1M–$50M growth companies	Strong CFO-centric boutique
Build Accounting	Startups & small businesses	Strong founder/startup option
Tavola Group	Accounting + tax + CFO + M&A	Broad-service option

1\. Pasquesi Partners — best overall

I'd put Pasquesi Partners at or near the top if you want one firm to handle the accounting foundation and provide actual CFO-level thinking.

They offer bookkeeping/monthly accounting, financial statements, payroll, tax planning and fractional CFO services. Their CFO work includes forecasting, cash-flow management, scenario modeling, growth planning, fundraising support and KPI dashboards.

They also have particularly good specialization in professional services, law firms, real estate, nonprofits and startups.

Best fit: roughly $1M–$20M businesses that have outgrown basic bookkeeping and need a finance partner.

• * *

2\. Solve for (X) — best for sophisticated fractional CFO work

This is one I'd interview if your primary concern is strategic finance rather than bookkeeping.

Clutch currently ranks Solve for (X) among the leading Illinois fractional-CFO providers, with a 5.0 rating across 13 reviews. Its work emphasizes financial modeling, forecasting, cash-flow optimization, financial controls and finance operations.

Best fit: startups, funded companies, professional services, manufacturing, real estate and companies facing a major growth/financing decision.

Caveat: I'd clarify exactly how much day-to-day accounting they perform versus CFO/advisory work.

• * *

3\. Third Road Management — best CFO + accounting combination

Third Road is particularly interesting if you don't want to cobble together bookkeeper + controller + CFO.

It's a Glen Ellyn-based fractional CFO and outsourced accounting firm serving small and midsize organizations. Its model combines strategic finance leadership with actual accounting execution. It also has a strong local review profile: 5.0 from 11 reviews in the current business listing.

Best fit: owner-led and midsize companies that want an embedded finance team rather than just a CFO consultant.

• * *

4\. The 10X Accountant — best value for smaller businesses

The 10X Accountant is based in Schaumburg and combines 45% accounting with 35% fractional CFO services, according to its current Clutch profile. Clutch shows a 5.0 rating from four reviews.

Its model is particularly attractive for a business that isn't ready for a full finance department but needs more than a bookkeeper. The firm also advertises fixed monthly pricing and outsourced accounting packages.

Best fit: ~$500K–$10M businesses that need accounting + CFO guidance without boutique-CFO pricing.

• * *

5\. indinero — best scalable outsourced finance platform

If you want a team rather than an individual fractional CFO, I'd seriously consider indinero.

Its Illinois offering combines outsourced accounting, bookkeeping, payroll and financial strategy, with fractional CFO advisory layered on top. It supports systems including QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Bill.com and Expensify.

Clutch currently shows 4.9/5 from 20 reviews, with 50% of its Chicago service mix classified as finance/accounting outsourcing and 15% as fractional CFO services.

Best fit: companies that want a scalable outsourced finance department rather than a highly personalized solo CFO.

• * *

6\. NOW CFO — best for a more substantial finance function

NOW CFO is a larger, more structured alternative. Its Chicago operation provides fractional/temporary CFOs, controllers and staff accountants, so you can add finance capacity at multiple levels.

Its CFO services include modeling/forecasting, capital raises, M&A, exit strategy and governance, while controller services cover close, dashboards, budgeting, reporting and controls.

Best fit: $5M–$100M+ companies, companies with complex accounting, or businesses that need controller/CFO/staff-accounting capacity.

• * *

7\. Apex CPAs & Consultants — best outsourced accounting department

Apex, based in St. Charles, has an explicit Apex Flex outsourced-accounting offering designed to function like a complete accounting department. It also offers outsourced CFO, financial analysis, accounting-system implementation and M&A/succession support.

Best fit: businesses primarily looking to outsource accounting but wanting the option to graduate into CFO/advisory support.

• * *

8\. Midwest CFO — best pure CFO boutique for growth companies

Chicago-based Midwest CFO positions itself around businesses roughly in the $1M–$50M revenue range, with a focus on helping companies "grow, scale, and sell."

Best fit: companies that already have decent bookkeeping/accounting but need a senior finance leader to improve profitability, forecasting, cash flow and strategic decision-making.

• * *

A few more worth interviewing

• DBS Accounting Solutions LLC — particularly interesting for established, owner-operated companies needing accounting plus CFO/operational expertise.
• Build Accounting — strong startup/small-business orientation, with accounting, tax and fractional CFO capabilities.
• Tavola Group — unusually broad combination of outsourced accounting, tax, virtual CFO, business brokerage and related services.
• Benjamin Koppel and Associates — Chicago firm with accounting, bookkeeping and outsourced controller/CFO capabilities.
• Accounting solutionZ, LLC — worth considering for professional-service businesses, particularly law firms; offers bookkeeping, fractional controller and fractional CFO services.

How I'd narrow it down

If I were selecting three firms to interview, I'd choose:

1. Pasquesi Partners — best combination of accounting + tax + CFO + industry expertise.
2. Solve for (X) — if CFO strategy, modeling, fundraising or growth is the priority.
3. Third Road Management — if you want an integrated outsourced finance department.

For a smaller company under ~$5M revenue, I'd substitute The 10X Accountant for Solve for (X).

For a $10M+ company with a more complex finance operation, I'd add NOW CFO or indinero to the shortlist.

One important distinction: don't hire a "fractional CFO" simply because they advertise CFO services. A true CFO engagement should generally involve forecasting, cash-flow management, KPI analysis, budgeting, scenario modeling, financing/transaction support and strategic decision-making—not merely producing monthly financial statements. That's the difference between paying for an expensive bookkeeper and actually getting CFO leverage.

If you tell me your approximate annual revenue, industry, number of employees, and whether you need bookkeeping/accounting replaced or already have an accounting team, I can narrow this to the 3–5 best Illinois firms for your specific situation, including likely pricing and what I'd ask each one in the initial interview.

Places ChatGPT showed

• Pasquesi Partners · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant
• The 10X Accountant · 5.0★ · Accounting firm
• Build Accounting · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant
• Third Road Management · 5.0★ · Financial consultant
• Apex CPAs & Consultants · 4.9★ · Certified public accountant

If your goal is growth rather than just tax compliance, I’d shortlist firms that can handle both the accounting engine and higher-level finance—cash-flow forecasting, budgeting, KPIs, hiring decisions, financing, and eventually fundraising/M&A.

Based on current Illinois offerings, client-review data, and fit for growing SMBs, these are the firms I’d put at the top of the list:

Firm	Best fit	Why I’d consider it
Pasquesi Partners	Best overall for owner-led SMBs	Strong combination of bookkeeping/accounting, tax, and fractional CFO. Their CFO work includes forecasting, cash-flow planning, growth modeling, fundraising and KPI dashboards.
The 10X Accountant	Best for $500K–$10M businesses	Specifically targets growth companies in this range and combines bookkeeping, payroll, tax and fractional CFO under one outsourced-finance model. It also offers fixed monthly pricing and emphasizes Illinois-specific tax knowledge.
Build Accounting	Best for startups / tech / venture-backed companies	Particularly strong if you're a startup, SaaS company or Delaware C-corp. Services include startup accounting, investor reporting, financial modeling, runway projections and fractional CFO support.
FGMK	Best for a more sophisticated/mid-market business	Chicago-based firm with outsourced accounting, controller and CFO services. Particularly compelling if you're approaching a more complex stage involving PE, M&A, audit readiness or sophisticated reporting.
indinero	Best scalable/national option	Serves Illinois and combines outsourced accounting with fractional CFO services. Its model is explicitly designed to scale from founder-stage businesses into larger companies.
Third Road Management	Best hands-on fractional CFO + accounting combination	Particularly interesting if you want one team handling bookkeeping, AP/AR, payroll, controllership and CFO-level finance leadership rather than merely hiring a virtual CFO.
Apex CPAs & Consultants	Best traditional CPA + outsourced accounting hybrid	Its “Apex Flex” offering is designed as a full outsourced accounting department, while the firm also provides CFO and broader business advisory services.

My top 3

1\. Pasquesi Partners — best all-around choice. I'd start here for a typical established Illinois small business that wants an accounting partner to grow with it. The combination of CPA/tax expertise and actual CFO work is valuable: you're not getting a CFO who looks at numbers generated by someone else; the firm can connect accounting, tax and financial strategy.

2\. The 10X Accountant — best if you're around $500K–$10M. This is probably the most directly aligned with the phrase “growing small business.” Their stated sweet spot is $500K–$10M in revenue and 5–50 employees, with bookkeeping, AP/AR, payroll, tax, cash-flow management and fractional CFO services. Clutch currently lists it among Illinois' top fractional-CFO providers, with a 5.0 rating from four reviews.

3\. Build Accounting — best if growth involves fundraising or a startup ecosystem. If you're a startup or tech company, I'd move Build to #1 or #2. Its services are specifically built around startup accounting, investor reporting, runway projections, financial models and fundraising.

A particularly strong alternative: FGMK

If you're already doing several million dollars in revenue—or expect substantial complexity soon—I'd have FGMK in the mix. It can provide bookkeeping/accounting, a fractional controller and CFO-level leadership, while also giving you access to tax, audit, valuation and transaction-advisory expertise. Its CFO offering includes 13-week cash-flow forecasting, KPI dashboards, board/investor reporting, budgeting, M&A readiness and strategic planning.

That's a different proposition from a small bookkeeping shop: you're essentially getting access to a broader finance department.

What I'd avoid

I'd be cautious about firms marketed primarily as “fractional CFOs” if your underlying books aren't already excellent. A CFO can't produce good decisions from bad financial data.

For most growing businesses, the ideal setup is:

Bookkeeping → monthly close → management reporting → controller oversight → CFO strategy

rather than simply:

Bookkeeper + occasional CFO meeting

The market data supports this distinction. For example, Clutch's current Illinois listings show firms such as The 10X Accountant combining accounting with fractional CFO, while Fiscal Advocate combines CFO services with finance/accounting outsourcing and financial consulting.

How I'd choose among them

If you tell me your approximate annual revenue, industry, number of employees, whether you're bootstrapped or VC-funded, and what you currently have in-house, I can narrow this to the 3 best Illinois firms for your specific situation and compare likely pricing, services, and pros/cons.

Worked for 9s

1. Searching the web
2. I’ll compare Illinois firms on the factors that matter most here: depth of cash-flow forecasting, FP&A/planning, client fit, and evidence of relevant CFO services.
3. Searching the web
4. Searched 21 websites

Map data is currently unavailable Pasquesi Partners 5.0Certified public accountantOpen P&G Advisors 4.9Accounting firmClosed The 10X Accountant 5.0Accounting firmClosed Third Road Management 5.0Financial consultantClosedNow Cfo - ChicagoPayroll ServicesClosed Pillar & Company, CPAs 4.9AccountantClosed

If cash-flow forecasting and forward-looking financial planning are the priority, I’d put these Illinois firms near the top of the list. I weighted actual forecasting/FP&A capabilities more heavily than generic “fractional CFO” marketing.

Firm	Best fit	Why I’d shortlist it
Pasquesi Partners	SMBs, growth companies	Strong combination of cash-flow planning, scenario forecasting, budgeting, and growth modeling; particularly good if you also want CPA/tax capabilities under the same roof.
P&G Advisors	$1M–$30M private businesses	Boutique outsourced-CFO model focused on improving profitability, cash flow and decision-making.
Solve for (X)	Startups / founder-led growth companies	Particularly strong for financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, runway/burn management and fundraising. Clutch currently lists 13 verified reviews at 5.0.
The 10X Accountant	Owners wanting very hands-on cash management	Explicitly offers rolling 13-week cash forecasts, daily cash monitoring, scenario/stress testing, 3-year planning and CFO-level financial scorecards.
Third Road Management	Established SMBs, manufacturing/distribution, professional services	Good fit if forecasting needs to connect closely to operations, inventory, profitability and working capital. Their process includes monthly KPI analysis and quarterly forecast/risk updates.
NOW CFO - Chicago	Companies wanting a larger outsourced-finance team	Broader bench covering FP&A, budgeting/forecasting, cash management, treasury, KPIs and board/investor reporting.
Pillar & Company, CPAs	Naperville / western suburbs	Combines CPA services with short- and long-term cash-flow projections, financing support and part-time CFO services.

My top 3

1\. Pasquesi Partners — best all-around choice. If you want a CFO who can build a meaningful forecast rather than simply produce monthly financial statements, this is probably my first call. Their offering specifically covers best/worst/most-likely scenarios, cash needs, working capital, hiring decisions, inventory and growth investments.

2\. The 10X Accountant — best for intensive cash-flow management. The explicit 13-week rolling forecast + daily cash monitoring + stress testing makes this particularly compelling if the immediate problem is cash predictability rather than fundraising or M&A.

3\. Solve for (X) — best for startups/growth companies. I'd favor this one if your financial planning is tied to fundraising, runway, investor reporting, pricing or growth scenarios. Its Chicago practice focuses heavily on financial models and founder/operator decision support.

One other firm worth considering

Third Road Management stands out if you're an established operating company rather than a venture-backed startup. Its focus on manufacturing/distribution, inventory, cash flow and operational profitability makes it more attractive for businesses where the forecast has to reflect the actual operating cycle.

For comparison, FGMK is a good larger-firm alternative: its fractional CFO offering explicitly includes 13-week cash-flow projections, budgeting/forecasting, strategic financial planning, KPI dashboards, covenant compliance and board/investor reporting.

Bottom line: if you tell me your annual revenue, industry, Chicago/suburb location, and whether you need a 13-week cash forecast vs. a full 3–5 year FP&A model, I can narrow this to the 3 best firms for your situation, including likely pricing and what each would actually deliver.

Places ChatGPT showed

• Pasquesi Partners · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant
• Lauzen Accounting · 4.5★ · Accountant
• Third Road Management · 5.0★ · Financial consultant
• Accounting Freedom · 4.6★ · Accounting firm

If your priority is reliable monthly bookkeeping + a disciplined month-end close, rather than just tax preparation, I’d put these Illinois firms on the shortlist:

Firm	Best for	Why I’d consider it
Pasquesi Partners — Chicago	Best overall for SMBs / professional services	CPA-led monthly accounting, reconciliations, financial statements, AP/AR, payroll and tax coordination. Their Growth package adds budgeting and cash-flow forecasting. Published pricing starts at $1,500/mo for Core and $4,500/mo for Growth.
Porte Brown — Arlington Heights / Chicago area	Best for a more traditional outsourced accounting department	Explicitly handles month-end close, reconciliations, financial statements, budget-vs-actuals, forecasting, cash flow, departmental/project reporting and audit support. Pricing is based partly on close complexity and reporting depth.
Dugan + Lopatka CPAs — Chicagoland	Best for controller-level depth	Goes well beyond bookkeeping: month-end close, customized reporting, monthly financial meetings, audit support, forecasting, cash management, KPIs and banking/covenant support.
Lauzen Accounting — Warrenville	Best for small/midsize companies wanting an integrated back office	Their CAS model essentially acts as an outsourced accounting department, combining bookkeeping, payroll, monthly financial statements, tax planning and business guidance. They emphasize a team approach and flat-fee service.
Third Road Management — Glen Ellyn	Best if you may need fractional CFO/controller support later	More finance-function oriented than a basic bookkeeping shop, with bookkeeping, AP/AR, payroll, controllership and fractional-CFO capabilities.
Accounting solutionZ, LLC	Best smaller-firm option	Strong fit if you want outsourced bookkeeping/accounting plus advisory rather than a large CPA-firm experience.
Accounting Freedom — Mundelein	Best all-in-one small-business option	Combines monthly accounting/bookkeeping with tax, payroll and higher-level advisory/CFO support.

My top 3

1\. Pasquesi Partners — I'd start here for a typical $1M–$10M privately held company that wants clean books, monthly close, financial reporting and a CPA relationship. Their published scope is unusually clear, and they explicitly support monthly accounting/close and financial statements.

2\. Dugan + Lopatka — I'd favor them if the phrase "month-end close" means more than bank reconciliations. Their offering gets into management reporting, forecasting, KPIs, cash management, audit support and banking relationships.

3\. Porte Brown — Particularly attractive if you want a structured outsourced accounting function with different service depths. They explicitly price around transaction volume, close complexity, balance-sheet reconciliations and reporting requirements.

One important distinction

I'd separate these firms into two categories:

• Bookkeeping-centric: primarily transaction coding, reconciliations and basic financial statements.
• True outsourced accounting: owns the close, prepares/maintains balance-sheet schedules, posts accruals/prepaids/depreciation, produces management reporting, explains variances, and potentially provides controller/CFO oversight.

For a company asking specifically for "monthly bookkeeping and close," I'd strongly favor the second category. A good test in the sales call is:

> "Walk me through your month-end close checklist. What balance-sheet reconciliations and adjusting entries do you perform, who reviews them, and what day after month-end will I receive finalized financials?"

The answer will tell you much more than a generic "we provide monthly bookkeeping."

If you tell me your approximate annual revenue, industry, number of entities, accounting system (e.g. QuickBooks, NetSuite), and desired close deadline (e.g. Day 5/10/15), I can narrow this to the 3 best Illinois firms for your exact situation and compare likely pricing/service levels.

Places ChatGPT showed

• Pasquesi Partners · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant
• Midwest CFO · 5.0★ · Financial consultant
• Founder's CPA · 4.7★ · Accounting firm
• Third Road Management · 5.0★ · Financial consultant

Yes. Chicago has an unusually deep market for outsourced finance, but the firms differ substantially: some are really bookkeeping + controller shops, while others can function as a genuine fractional CFO, including forecasting, capital strategy, M&A, board reporting, and operational decision support.

Based on current Chicago-area offerings, firm scale, breadth of services, and available client/reputation evidence, I’d put these on a serious shortlist:

Firm	Best fit	My take
FGMK	$10M–$100M+ private companies, PE-backed businesses	Best overall for a sophisticated mid-market company
RSM US	Growing/mid-market companies needing a deep bench	Best for scale, systems & complexity
Baker Tilly	Companies wanting CFO + tax/audit/advisory capabilities	Best full-service CPA/advisory option
Pasquesi Partners	$1M–$20M-ish businesses, professional services, startups	Best boutique / hands-on option
Midwest CFO	Small/midsize businesses wanting a true CFO	Worth considering for a CFO-centric relationship
Founder's CPA	Startups, SaaS, venture-backed companies	Strong startup-oriented choice
Third Road Management	Small/midsize businesses in the western suburbs	Interesting boutique suburban option

1\. FGMK — my strongest all-around recommendation

FGMK is particularly interesting because its offering isn't just "we'll do your books." It explicitly combines outsourced accounting, fractional Controller and fractional CFO services, with CFO work including 13-week cash-flow forecasting, budgeting, board/investor reporting, KPIs, covenant compliance, M&A and transaction readiness.

The other advantage is that you can tap into FGMK's broader tax, audit, valuation and transaction-advisory capabilities. That makes it particularly attractive if you anticipate financing, acquisition, sale, PE investment, or audit requirements.

I'd interview them first if: you're an established private company and want something substantially more sophisticated than a bookkeeping service.

2\. RSM — best if you want a deep bench

RSM's Finance as a Service offering is much broader than a typical fractional-CFO practice. It can cover the GL, month-end close, financial reporting, AP/AR, payroll, technical accounting, financial analysts, Controllers and fractional CFOs.

It's especially compelling if you're growing quickly or have complicated accounting/technology requirements. RSM also has substantial industry specialization and can scale from relatively straightforward outsourcing to a much more sophisticated finance function.

Tradeoff: you may get less of the intimate "founder + one senior CFO" experience you'd get from a boutique.

I'd interview them first if: you're $20M+ in revenue, PE-backed, multi-entity, acquisitive, or have a complicated ERP/accounting environment.

3\. Baker Tilly — excellent full-service alternative

Baker Tilly is another strong Chicago choice if you want fractional CFO capability backed by a large accounting/advisory organization. Its Chicago team includes professionals with actual CFO/operator experience; for example, Baker Tilly's Eric Ward has served as an outsourced CFO and has extensive ERP implementation experience.

Baker Tilly also has a substantial managed-services/accounting capability, so it can be a good choice when CFO + accounting infrastructure + technology/ERP all need attention.

I'd interview them if: you want a large firm but don't necessarily need RSM's particular scale.

4\. Pasquesi Partners — probably my favorite boutique

This is the one I'd put high on the list for a $2M–$20M privately held company that values responsiveness and senior-level attention.

They combine bookkeeping/accounting, tax and fractional CFO work rather than treating them as completely separate functions. Their CFO services include forecasting, cash-flow planning, growth modeling, fundraising support and financial analysis.

The firm was founded in Chicago and its founder, Rob Pasquesi, has Big Four experience.

There's also useful local-market evidence: the Chicago business listing currently shows 5.0 stars across 43 reviews, although I'd treat review counts as supplemental rather than proof of accounting quality.

I'd interview them if: you're an owner-led company and want a CFO who is close to the business rather than a large consulting team.

5\. Midwest CFO — worth a look for a CFO-first relationship

Midwest CFO

★ 5.0 · Financial consultant · Closed

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Midwest%20CFO%2C4013%20N%20Southport%20Ave%20%231%2C%20Chicago%2C%20IL%2060613%2C%20United%20States) [Website](https://midwestcfo.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 773-904-1792)

This is more of a fractional-CFO-centric proposition than a traditional CPA firm. That's potentially an advantage if your books are already in good shape and your actual problem is that nobody is doing the CFO-level thinking.

I'd consider them particularly for:

• Cash-flow management
• Profitability analysis
• Forecasting
• Scaling operations
• Strategic financial decisions
• Preparing the company for a sale

The local business profile currently shows a 5.0 rating, though the review sample is small.

6\. Founder's CPA — particularly good for startups

Founder's CPA

★ 4.7 · Accounting firm

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Founder%27s%20CPA%2C850%20W%20Jackson%20Blvd%20%23330%2C%20Chicago%2C%20IL%2060607%2C%20United%20States) [Website](https://www.founderscpa.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 773-627-3603)

Founder's CPA has a notably startup-oriented model: accounting department-as-a-service combined with tax and fractional CFO support. It's therefore more compelling for a startup/technology company than for, say, a $50M industrial distributor.

It's worth considering if you need accounting, tax and CFO support to evolve together as the company grows.

• * *

One important distinction

I'd separate the market into three categories:

A. You need someone to actually run the accounting department

Look hardest at FGMK, RSM, Baker Tilly and Pasquesi. They can provide accounting personnel/Controller infrastructure and CFO-level oversight.

B. You already have a good bookkeeper/controller but need a CFO

Look harder at Midwest CFO, FGMK and boutique CFO practices. You don't want to pay a large firm to perform work your controller already handles.

C. You're a startup

I'd prioritize Founder's CPA, Pasquesi Partners and RSM, depending on stage and complexity.

What I'd ask every firm before signing

The biggest trap with fractional CFO firms is hiring a person who sounds like a CFO but spends most of the engagement reviewing bookkeeping.

Ask each candidate:

1. Who exactly will be my CFO?
2. How many hours/month will that person personally spend with us?
3. Who actually does the bookkeeping and monthly close?
4. Will you own the month-end close, or merely review it?
5. How quickly after month-end will I receive financials?
6. Do you provide a 13-week cash-flow forecast?
7. Will the CFO attend management/board meetings?
8. What KPIs will you establish and monitor?
9. Can you handle lender reporting, covenant compliance and financing?
10. Can the same firm support us through an acquisition or sale?
11. What happens if our assigned CFO leaves?
12. What is the all-in monthly fee—including accounting, CFO, software and cleanup work?

That last point is particularly important. A "$5,000/month fractional CFO" can become a $10,000–$15,000/month engagement once bookkeeping, controller work, cleanup and special projects are added.

My shortlist

If I were narrowing this to three firms to interview without knowing anything else about your company, I'd choose:

1. FGMK — strongest combination of CFO + accounting execution + transaction capability.
2. Pasquesi Partners — strongest boutique option for an owner-led/growing company.
3. RSM — strongest if you're larger, more complex, or expect substantial growth.

For context, independent Chicago-market estimates currently put fractional CFO engagements around $4,500–$13,000/month, with many mid-market engagements around $6,500–$9,500, although actual pricing varies enormously with accounting scope and CFO seniority.

If you tell me your approximate annual revenue, industry, number of employees, whether you already have a controller/bookkeeper, and what you want the CFO to accomplish, I can narrow this to the 3 best Chicago firms for your specific situation and give you a side-by-side on likely pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and questions to ask each one.

Places ChatGPT showed

• Sikich · 5.0★ · Accountant
• Noren, Nordling, and Associates · Accountants
• Taxstra PLLC · 4.9★ · Certified public accountant
• MH CPA PLLC · Accounting firm
• Kemper CPA Group LLP - Accounting & Tax Services · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant
• Jilek Accounting & Consulting, LLC · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant
• Dunbar Breitweiser & Company, LLP · Certified public accountant

Yes. I’d put the following firms on a shortlist for Central and Southern Illinois, with an important distinction: some are true fractional-CFO/outsourced-finance specialists, while others are larger CPA firms whose outsourced accounting/advisory practices can function as a CFO relationship.

My top choices

Firm	Best fit	Geographic strength	CFO depth	Outsourced accounting
Sikich	Growing companies needing a sophisticated finance function	Central IL / Springfield / Decatur	★★★★★	★★★★★
DMO Accounting	Contractors & privately held businesses	Peoria / Bloomington-Normal / Central IL	★★★★½	★★★★★
NNA – Noren, Nordling & Associates	SMBs wanting a local CPA + fractional finance team	Springfield / Central IL	★★★★½	★★★★★
Taxstra	Owner-led SMBs wanting transparent, hands-on CFO + accounting	Springfield / Central IL	★★★★½	★★★★½
DHJJ	Mid-market companies wanting robust CFO/controller capabilities	Central IL, including Peoria/Champaign/Bloomington	★★★★★	★★★★★
KEB CPA	Established Central/Southern IL businesses wanting CPA + controller support	Springfield / Southern IL	★★★★	★★★★½
MH CPA	Peoria-area businesses wanting local CPA + virtual CFO	Peoria	★★★★	★★★★
Kemper CPA Group	Southern Illinois businesses wanting a broad CPA relationship	Southern IL	★★★½	★★★★½
Jilek Accounting & Consulting	Smaller Southern IL businesses	Herrin / Carbondale / Southern IL	★★★★	★★★★
Dunbar, Breitweiser & Co.	Bloomington-area growing businesses	Bloomington-Normal	★★★★	★★★★

1\. Sikich — probably the strongest overall

Firm	Best fit	Geographic strength	CFO depth	Outsourced accounting
Sikich	Growing companies needing a sophisticated finance function	Central IL / Springfield / Decatur	★★★★★	★★★★★
DMO Accounting	Contractors & privately held businesses	Peoria / Bloomington-Normal / Central IL	★★★★½	★★★★★
NNA – Noren, Nordling & Associates	SMBs wanting a local CPA + fractional finance team	Springfield / Central IL	★★★★½	★★★★★
Taxstra	Owner-led SMBs wanting transparent, hands-on CFO + accounting	Springfield / Central IL	★★★★½	★★★★½
DHJJ	Mid-market companies wanting robust CFO/controller capabilities	Central IL, including Peoria/Champaign/Bloomington	★★★★★	★★★★★
KEB CPA	Established Central/Southern IL businesses wanting CPA + controller support	Springfield / Southern IL	★★★★	★★★★½
MH CPA	Peoria-area businesses wanting local CPA + virtual CFO	Peoria	★★★★	★★★★
Kemper CPA Group	Southern Illinois businesses wanting a broad CPA relationship	Southern IL	★★★½	★★★★½
Jilek Accounting & Consulting	Smaller Southern IL businesses	Herrin / Carbondale / Southern IL	★★★★	★★★★
Dunbar, Breitweiser & Co.	Bloomington-area growing businesses	Bloomington-Normal	★★★★	★★★★

★ 5.0 · Accountant

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Sikich%2C3051%20Hollis%20Dr%203rd%20Floor%2C%20Springfield%2C%20IL%2062704%2C%20United%20States) [Website](https://www.sikich.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 217-793-3363)

If you're looking for a real outsourced finance department rather than just a bookkeeper, Sikich is one of my first calls.

Its outsourced accounting practice explicitly covers bookkeeping, FP&A, controller and CFO support, including forecasting, cash-flow management, budgeting and financial reporting. Its CFO practice also handles growth planning, acquisitions, financial processes and strategic decision-making.

Sikich has a substantial Springfield presence and an office in Decatur, making it particularly relevant to Central Illinois. A 2025 Springfield business directory ranked its Springfield operation #1 among local accounting firms by number of CPAs, with 49 CPAs.

I'd favor it for: $10M–$100M+ businesses, manufacturing, construction, distribution, professional services, companies preparing for an acquisition/sale, or companies that need a controller/CFO team rather than one individual.

• * *

2\. DMO Accounting LLC — my favorite Central Illinois boutique

★ 5.0 · Accounting firm · Closed

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=40.4459575%2C-89.071039) [Website](https://dmocpa.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 309-215-6410)

This is an especially interesting option if you're in Peoria, Morton, Bloomington-Normal or the surrounding Central Illinois market.

DMO explicitly structures its offering around three layers:

• Accounting / monthly close
• Financial operations — AP, payroll oversight, job costing, WIP, cash management and controls
• Advisory — forecasting, budgets, profitability and financial decisions

It also has a particularly strong contractor/construction orientation, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, flooring and other specialty trades.

I'd favor it for: privately held companies and contractors that have outgrown a bookkeeper but aren't ready for a $150K–$250K+ full-time CFO.

• * *

3\. Noren, Nordling, and Associates — excellent local CPA/CFO hybrid

Accountants · Closed

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Noren%2C%20Nordling%2C%20and%20Associates%2C2501%20Chatham%20Rd%2C%20Ste%20N%2C%20Springfield%2C%20IL%2062704) [Website](https://nnacpa.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+12176068576)

NNA is attractive because it can cover the entire financial stack: outsourced accounting/bookkeeping, AP/AR, reconciliations, payroll, financial statements, interim/fractional CFO work, cash-flow forecasting and budgeting.

That makes it a particularly good option if you don't want to coordinate a separate bookkeeper, CPA and CFO.

I'd favor it for: Springfield/Central Illinois privately held businesses that want a local relationship and relatively comprehensive finance support.

• * *

4\. Taxstra PLLC — very interesting for smaller/midsize owner-led businesses

★ 4.9 · Certified public accountant · Closed

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Taxstra%20PLLC%2C3201%20W%20White%20Oaks%20Dr%20Ste%20401%2C%20Springfield%2C%20IL%2062704%2C%20United%20States) [Website](http://www.taxstra.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 217-788-0750)

Taxstra is based in Springfield and combines:

• Fractional CFO/controller
• Outsourced accounting
• Bookkeeping
• Payroll
• Tax planning
• Tax compliance

Its CFO offering includes forecasting, KPI reporting, profitability analysis and growth/banking support. It also publishes monthly pricing tiers, which is unusual and useful when you're comparing providers.

Its local Google/business profile currently shows a 4.9 rating across 114 reviews, although I wouldn't treat review count as a substitute for evaluating the actual CFO assigned to you.

I'd favor it for: $1M–$15M-ish owner-led companies that want hands-on support without the infrastructure of a national firm.

• * *

5\. DHJJ — strongest "serious finance department" alternative

DHJJ is headquartered in the Chicago-area market but specifically lists Springfield, Peoria, Champaign and Bloomington among the Illinois markets it serves.

It offers both fractional CFO and outsourced/fractional controller services, with industry experience in construction, trucking, restaurants, franchises, healthcare, food & beverage and IT.

I'd favor it for: a company that needs a controller/CFO infrastructure and has more complexity than a typical small business.

• * *

6\. KEB CPA — very strong traditional CPA option

★ 5.0 · Accountant

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Sikich%2C3051%20Hollis%20Dr%203rd%20Floor%2C%20Springfield%2C%20IL%2062704%2C%20United%20States) [Website](https://www.sikich.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 217-793-3363)

KEB is a particularly good choice if you want outsourced accounting/controller services combined with tax and CPA expertise.

The firm has a large Springfield operation and offices throughout Illinois/Missouri. Its accounting practice includes outsourced bookkeeping, financial statements, payroll and cash-flow analysis, while its professionals include people specifically providing outsourced controller/Treasurer services.

I'd favor it for: established businesses, nonprofits, insurance, retail and companies where tax/CPA expertise is important alongside the finance function.

• * *

7\. MH CPA PLLC — Peoria-area contender

Accounting firm · Closed

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=MH%20CPA%20PLLC%2C4801%20N%20Prospect%20Rd%2C%20Peoria%20Heights%2C%20IL%2061616%2C%20United%20States) [Website](https://mh.cpa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 309-270-2000)

MH is worth a serious look if you're in the Peoria market. Its services span conventional accounting/tax through Client Advisory Services and virtual-CFO-level guidance, including transaction support.

I'd favor it for: a Peoria-area SMB that wants a local firm rather than a national provider.

• * *

8\. Kemper CPA Group LLP - Accounting & Tax Services — particularly strong footprint in Southern Illinois

★ 5.0 · Certified public accountant · Closed

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Kemper%20CPA%20Group%20LLP%20-%20Accounting%20%26%20Tax%20Services%2C3401%20Professional%20Park%20Dr%2C%20Marion%2C%20IL%2062959%2C%20United%20States) [Website](https://www.kempercpa.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 618-997-3055)

Kemper is interesting because its Illinois footprint is unusually broad: Marion, Mt. Vernon, Harrisburg, Effingham, Mattoon, Olney, Robinson, Mt. Carmel and Champaign, among others.

The Marion office provides accounting, audit, tax, payroll and consulting/advisory services.

I'd favor it for: a Southern Illinois company where having a CPA firm with actual local offices matters more than finding a pure-play fractional-CFO boutique.

• * *

9\. Jilek Accounting & Consulting, LLC — one I'd investigate for Southern Illinois

★ 5.0 · Certified public accountant · Closed

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Jilek%20Accounting%20%26%20Consulting%2C%20LLC%2C1820%20W%20Monroe%20St%2C%20Herrin%2C%20IL%2062948%2C%20United%20States) [Website](http://jilekaccounting.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 618-988-1265)

Jilek is based in Herrin and specifically markets accounting/bookkeeping as an alternative to maintaining all of those functions internally. It also offers advisory and part-time CFO/controller-style services.

I'd favor it for: smaller businesses around Herrin/Marion/Carbondale where a hands-on local advisor is more valuable than a large national firm.

• * *

10\. Dunbar Breitweiser & Company, LLP — Bloomington-Normal

Certified public accountant · Closed

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Dunbar%20Breitweiser%20%26%20Company%2C%20LLP%2C1907%20Jumer%20Dr%20A%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IL%2061704%2C%20United%20States) [Website](http://www.dbc-llp.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Call](tel:+1 309-827-0348)

Dunbar Breitweiser is another good local option in Bloomington. Its offering includes outsourced bookkeeping, financial statements, payroll and part-time CFO services for growing businesses.

I'd favor it for: Bloomington-Normal companies wanting a traditional local CPA firm with the ability to step into a CFO role.

• * *

How I'd narrow it down

If I were selecting a firm for a privately held Central/Southern Illinois company, my first calls would probably be:

1. DMO — if you're in Central IL and especially if you're a contractor.
2. Taxstra — if you're an owner-led SMB and want transparent, hands-on service.
3. NNA — if you want a local CPA firm that can grow into a broader finance function.
4. Sikich — if you're larger/more complex or anticipate M&A, financing or significant growth.
5. DHJJ — if you want a sophisticated fractional controller/CFO infrastructure.
6. KEB — if traditional CPA, tax and accounting depth are particularly important.
7. Kemper / Jilek — if you're specifically in Southern Illinois and local presence is important.

One important caveat: "fractional CFO" is a very broad label. Some firms use it to mean a few hours a month of high-level advice; others actually take responsibility for the monthly close, forecasting, cash management, KPIs, banking relationships and finance-team management. Those are very different products.

If you tell me (1) your approximate annual revenue, (2) industry, (3) location, (4) number of accounting employees, and (5) whether you need bookkeeping + CFO or CFO only, I can narrow this to the 3–5 firms I'd actually interview, including estimated fee ranges and what I'd ask each one in the first call.

Places ChatGPT showed

• The 10X Accountant · 5.0★ · Accounting firm
• Third Road Management · 5.0★ · Financial consultant
• Pasquesi Partners · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant
• Solve for (X) · local_business
• Lauzen Accounting · 4.5★ · Accountant
• DBS Accounting Solutions LLC · 5.0★ · Accounting firm
• Jedidiah CPA PLLC · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant

If by “best value” you mean the most finance/accounting capability for the monthly fee, rather than simply the lowest hourly rate, I’d put these Illinois providers at the top of the list.

Chicago is a fairly competitive market: current benchmarks put fractional-CFO retainers around $4,500–$13,000/month, with many engagements around $6,500–$9,500, although smaller firms can come in substantially below that.

My Illinois shortlist

Firm	Published pricing	Best value for	My take
The 10X Accountant — Schaumburg	Accounting from $650/mo	$500K–$10M growth companies	Best overall value
Third Road Management — Glen Ellyn	Quote-based	SMBs needing accounting + CFO together	Best local full-service option
Pasquesi Partners — Chicago	Quote-based	Established businesses needing CPA + CFO	Best CPA/CFO combination
Accounting solutionZ	Quote-based	Small/midsize professional services	Strong bookkeeping-to-controller value
Solve for (X) — Chicago	$200–$300/hr	Companies primarily needing strategic CFO work	Best pure fractional-CFO value
Lauzen Accounting — Warrenville	Quote-based	Traditional outsourced accounting	Best accounting-department alternative
DBS Accounting Solutions — Northbrook	Quote-based	Owner-led/midsize companies	Good accounting + CFO hybrid

1\. The 10X Accountant — my #1 value pick

This is probably where I'd start for a typical Illinois company in the $500K–$10M revenue range.

They publish outsourced accounting starting at $650/month, use fixed monthly pricing rather than hourly billing, and bundle bookkeeping, tax, payroll, AP/AR, cash-flow management and fractional CFO capabilities. Their stated sweet spot is 5–50 employee growth companies.

The interesting part isn't the $650 starting price—at that level you're primarily buying accounting. It's the ability to move up into CFO support without changing firms. The Schaumburg operation is led by an Illinois CPA/CGMA/MBA with 20+ years of financial-leadership experience.

Why I like the value proposition: you're getting an outsourced finance department rather than paying a CFO consultant to tell your bookkeeper what to do.

Best for: $1M–$10M companies that need accounting now and increasingly need budgeting, KPIs, cash forecasting and CFO guidance.

• * *

2\. Third Road Management — strongest local accounting + CFO combination

Third Road Management is particularly interesting if you want the accounting execution and CFO function under one roof.

Its service model combines day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll, AP/AR, treasury and controllership with fractional CFO services. That's important because one of the biggest traps in this market is hiring a “fractional CFO” who doesn't actually own the underlying accounting data.

Best for: an established small/midsize Illinois company that wants someone to actually run finance rather than just provide occasional CFO advice.

The downside is that I don't see the same level of public pricing transparency as 10X, so I'd insist on an apples-to-apples scope comparison.

• * *

3\. Pasquesi Partners — best if CPA expertise matters

Pasquesi Partners is a Chicago CPA firm offering bookkeeping, payroll, financial statements, tax and fractional CFO services. Its CFO work includes cash-flow planning, growth modeling, fundraising support and scenario analysis.

The differentiator is that the CFO service sits inside a CPA/accounting/tax organization, rather than being a standalone CFO consultancy.

That can be particularly valuable if you're dealing with:

• complex tax issues
• multiple entities
• real estate
• professional services
• law firms
• fundraising
• acquisitions
• owner compensation/distributions

Best for: companies where the interaction between accounting, tax and financial strategy is important enough to justify paying somewhat more.

• * *

4\. Solve for (X) — excellent value if you don't need bookkeeping

Solve for (X) is a different proposition. Clutch currently lists it at $200–$300/hour, with 50% of its service mix devoted to fractional CFO work. It has a 5.0 rating across 13 reviews on Clutch.

I'd seriously consider this if you already have competent bookkeeping/accounting but need a senior financial thinker.

For example:

> “Our books are good. We need someone to build the forecast, establish KPIs, evaluate pricing, prepare for fundraising and help the CEO make decisions.”

That's a better use case for Solve for (X) than paying a full-service outsourced accounting firm to redo work you already have covered.

Best for: $2M–$20M-ish companies with accounting handled internally but no CFO.

• * *

5\. Accounting solutionZ — strong lower/mid-market option

Accounting solutionZ is worth getting a proposal from if your priority is solid outsourced accounting with progressively more sophisticated financial management.

Its offering spans bookkeeping through fractional controllership and advisory work, including budgeting, KPIs, cash-flow management and process improvement.

I'd put it on the shortlist particularly for professional-services businesses that don't need a heavyweight CFO organization.

• * *

6\. Lauzen Accounting — good if you mainly need an outsourced accounting department

Lauzen Accounting in Warrenville has a more traditional accounting-firm model, but its outsourced-accounting approach combines ongoing accounting/bookkeeping, payroll and tax planning. It appears particularly geared toward small and midsize businesses.

I'd favor it when the actual problem is:

“We need someone to reliably run accounting, payroll and reporting.”

rather than:

“We need a strategic CFO to help us decide whether to acquire a competitor.”

That distinction can save a lot of money.

• * *

One wildcard: Jedidiah CPA

Elgin, Illinois-area Jedidiah CPA is unusually transparent about pricing.

Their published ranges are:

• $499/mo — basic outsourced accounting
• $995/mo — accounting + monthly management rhythm
• $2,499/mo — fractional finance department including FP&A and embedded CFO
• Fractional CFO: from $275/hr
• Fractional controller: from $165/hr

Their $2,499 Strategic package includes AP/AR, FP&A, a 13-week cash forecast, board reporting and fractional CFO support.

That is extremely competitive on paper.

I'd put them on the RFP list if you're a startup, nonprofit, or smaller growing company. Their published CAS range is $500–$2,500/month, depending on transaction volume and reporting requirements.

• * *

What I would actually do

If I were comparing firms for a typical Illinois business, I'd request proposals from four:

1. The 10X Accountant — benchmark the value-oriented outsourced-finance model.
2. Third Road Management — benchmark a local accounting + CFO hybrid.
3. Pasquesi Partners — benchmark a CPA-centric CFO model.
4. Solve for (X) — benchmark what a pure CFO/advisory engagement costs.

That gives you four genuinely different approaches rather than four firms selling essentially the same thing.

The pricing target I'd use

For a company around $2M–$10M revenue, I'd generally want to see:

• Accounting/bookkeeping: ~$1,000–$3,000/month
• Accounting + controller: ~$2,500–$5,000/month
• Accounting + genuine fractional CFO: ~$4,000–$8,000/month
• Heavy CFO / fundraising / M&A: ~$7,500–$12,000+/month

Those are benchmarks, not hard market prices; complexity, transaction volume, inventory, number of entities and CFO involvement can move them considerably. Current Chicago market estimates broadly support those ranges.

The biggest value mistake is buying too much CFO. If your books are messy, hiring a $7,000/month CFO isn't necessarily the answer. A good outsourced accounting/controller engagement may solve 80% of the problem for half the cost.

Conversely, if you're doing $5M+ and making decisions around hiring, debt, acquisitions, pricing or expansion, a cheap bookkeeping firm can become very expensive if nobody is actually managing the financial model.

If you tell me your approximate annual revenue, industry, number of employees, whether you already have a bookkeeper/controller, and your target monthly budget, I can narrow this to the 3 best-value Illinois firms for your specific situation and build a side-by-side cost/scope comparison.

Places ChatGPT showed

• Lauzen Accounting · 4.5★ · Accountant
• Third Road Management · 5.0★ · Financial consultant
• Pasquesi Partners · 5.0★ · Certified public accountant

Yes. If by “trusted” you mean owner-led/local firms with evidence of strong client relationships—not just large national outsourced-CFO platforms—there are several Illinois firms I’d put on a serious shortlist.

I’d separate the market into true family-owned firms and locally founded/owner-led firms, because the distinction matters.

My Illinois shortlist

Firm	Location	Best fit	Why I’d consider them
Lauzen Accounting	Warrenville	Established small/midsize businesses	Family-owned, 3 generations, outsourced accounting department, very strong local review volume
Third Road Management	Glen Ellyn	$2M–$50M-ish growth companies	Strong fractional-CFO + accounting model; founder-led Illinois roots and substantial client track record
Pasquesi Partners	Chicago	Startups and established owner-led companies	Founder-led, boutique, CFO-level advisory + bookkeeping; unusually strong verified client feedback
Wiggs CPA Tax and Accounting	Chicago	Small businesses wanting accounting + tax + CFO guidance	Local CPA firm with outsourced accounting and fractional-CFO-style KPI/reporting support
CFO Anywhere	Naperville	Owner-led/family-owned companies, roughly $2M–$50M	Very hands-on founder model; accounting team plus one senior CFO relationship
Filotto Professional Services	Joliet	Family businesses and closely held companies	Family business itself, with the second generation involved and explicit fractional-CFO work

1\. Lauzen Accounting — my strongest “family-owned” match

Lauzen is probably the cleanest answer to your question. The company says its accounting operation has served small businesses for three generations, and its sister payroll company describes Lauzen as locally owned and independent.

Lauzen Accounting has a particularly compelling combination of:

• outsourced accounting department services
• monthly financial statements
• bookkeeping
• payroll
• tax planning/preparation
• ongoing business-owner guidance

And the local customer signal is strong: its current Google-derived profile shows 5.0 stars from 106 reviews, including reviews specifically discussing the value of monthly financial statements and hands-on guidance for business owners.

I'd shortlist Lauzen if: you want an actual outsourced accounting department, not merely a CFO consultant who reviews your books once a month.

• * *

2\. Third Road Management — strongest pure fractional-CFO contender

Third Road Management is different from a traditional family CPA firm. John Frank founded it in Illinois in 2015 specifically around fractional financial leadership, and the firm now provides fractional CFO, controller and accounting services.

What stands out is the client feedback. Their own published testimonials include business owners describing the CFOs as becoming part of their management team, while another client specifically praises the firm's bookkeeping and related services over several years.

The firm has also worked with 100+ growth-oriented businesses, according to its company announcement.

I'd shortlist Third Road if: you need more than bookkeeping—forecasting, financial strategy, management reporting, cash management, M&A/strategic planning, or an eventual transition to a full-time CFO.

• * *

3\. Pasquesi Partners — strongest boutique “trusted adviser” signal

Pasquesi Partners is a small Chicago firm founded by Rob Pasquesi, rather than a regional accounting conglomerate. Its services span bookkeeping, accounting, tax and fractional CFO advisory, including cash-flow planning, forecasting and growth strategy.

The verified client evidence is unusually good for a boutique firm. Clutch currently shows 5.0/5 from two verified reviews, with both clients giving perfect scores for quality, schedule, cost and willingness to refer. One client said Pasquesi effectively “acted as a CFO” for the company.

There's also a broader local-review footprint showing 5.0 stars from 10 Google reviews.

I'd shortlist Pasquesi if: you're an owner who wants a CPA/accounting partner who can grow into the CFO role, rather than hiring a large outsourced-finance department.

• * *

4\. CFO Anywhere — interesting fit for established owner-led/family businesses

CFO Anywhere is one I'd investigate if your business is already substantial. Its model is unusually explicit: one senior CFO relationship backed by a real accounting team handling close, reconciliations, AP/AR, payroll and lender packages. The firm says it focuses on owner-led companies and family offices and has been operating from Naperville since 2002.

Their stated sweet spot is companies around $2M–$50M, and they specifically work with family-owned real estate, construction, transportation, dealerships, restaurants, manufacturing and professional services.

I particularly like the transparency of their model: fixed monthly pricing, named people accessing financial information, written approval for payments, and willingness to provide current-client references.

I'd shortlist CFO Anywhere if: you want a CFO who is actually close to the business while the accounting work is done underneath them.

• * *

5\. Filotto Professional Services — one of the better true family-business matches

Filotto is particularly interesting because the firm itself is a family business. Robert Filotto founded the Joliet practice in 1999, and his son Reid subsequently joined the business. Reid has developed a focus on fractional CFO work, forensic accounting and tax accounting.

That makes it a particularly natural candidate if your own company is family-owned and you want an adviser who understands the dynamics of closely held businesses.

I'd shortlist Filotto if: family-business experience and a personal relationship with the owners matter more to you than having a large CFO bench.

• * *

6\. Wiggs CPA — worth considering for a smaller owner-operated business

Wiggs CPA Tax and Accounting is another local Chicago option. It offers bookkeeping, payroll, outsourced finance/accounting and owner/executive reporting with KPI tracking positioned as outsourced/fractional CFO support.

This is more of an integrated CPA + outsourced accounting + CFO advisory model than a standalone CFO consultancy.

I'd look at Wiggs if: you're smaller and want tax, accounting and financial management under one roof.

One I'd put in a second tier

Accounting solutionZ, LLC is interesting for small/midsize businesses needing outsourced accounting, controllership and CFO services. Its reviews emphasize accessibility, cleanup work, professionalism and helping owners understand their numbers.

However, there's an important caveat: the company now operates in conjunction with DJE Advisors, so I wouldn't classify it as quite as cleanly “independent/local family-owned” as Lauzen or Filotto.

How I'd rank them

If I were an Illinois business owner choosing among them, I'd start here:

1. Lauzen Accounting — best combination of family ownership + outsourced accounting + local trust.
2. Third Road Management — strongest choice when the fractional CFO component is the priority.
3. Pasquesi Partners — excellent boutique choice with particularly strong verified client feedback.
4. CFO Anywhere — compelling for established owner-led/family businesses that want CFO + accounting execution together.
5. Filotto Professional Services — particularly attractive for a family-owned business wanting a family-owned adviser.
6. Wiggs CPA — good smaller-business option where tax + accounting + CFO advisory need to be integrated.

One important distinction: “family-owned” and “trusted by business owners” aren't things I'd infer merely from a firm's marketing. I gave considerably more weight to firms where I could verify the ownership/leadership story and find substantive client-review evidence.

If you tell me your approximate annual revenue, industry, and whether you need bookkeeping/accounting handled or already have an accounting team, I can narrow this to the 3 Illinois firms I'd actually interview first, including likely pricing level and what each would be best/worst at.