Butler & Stowe

Personal accounting from a long-established firm

Butler & Stowe has more than 70 years of experience as a certified public accounting firm. The firm says it is more than a typical CPA firm and that its work rests on objectivity, independence and integrity. It describes its personal service as a commitment, and says its advice is the kind a trusted family member would give, with no one-size-fits-all answers.

Long-term plans before any recommendation

Before making any recommendation, the partners say they discuss a client's long-term plans together with its day-to-day challenges. The firm invites clients to call with questions about taxes, accounting, business structure and financial software, and it presents this conversation as the starting point for everything that follows.

Tax, audit and representation

The traditional accounting and tax service covers tax consultation, planning and preparation for individuals and businesses. It also includes audits, reviews and compilations of financial statements, special reports, and representation before the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities.

Estate, trust and gift tax

The estate work includes estate tax planning, the preparation of estate and gift tax returns and charitable giving planning. The firm also offers executor and trustee services, so that a family can have the administration of an estate handled by the same practice that prepares its tax returns.

Business and personal advisory

The advisory side of the firm covers business structure, cash flow management, mergers, acquisitions and succession planning, and litigation support. The firm presents this as advice that draws on its accounting work, so that decisions about a company's structure or its future are informed by its financial records.

Bookkeeping and payroll

Ongoing bookkeeping includes general ledger processing, monthly and quarterly compiled financial statements, sales tax reports and quarterly payroll tax returns. The firm also prepares W-2 and 1099 forms and processes payroll for clients who need it.

Computer and software support

The firm gives both business and personal clients help with computers. It recommends accounting software, installs it, provides training on its use and maintains it afterwards, so that clients can run their financial records on systems that suit their needs.

Practice areas and standing

The partners concentrate on audits of financial statements for nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and fund accounting and employee benefit plans. The managing partner has been a certified public accountant since 1997. The firm says it is part of the AICPA Peer Review Program, and that it has received a pass rating each time it was reviewed under the program.