CJBS

09/04/2026

Some of the most useful conversations with your CPA happen long before there is a tax return to prepare.

If you are considering a new location, a major equipment purchase, a key hire, an ownership change or another significant investment in the business, there may be financial and tax implications worth understanding before you commit.

Bringing those decisions to your CPA early gives you an opportunity to look at cash flow, timing, financing, tax consequences and the broader impact on the business while there is still room to evaluate different options.

You do not need to have every detail figured out before starting the discussion. In many cases, the earlier your advisors understand what you are considering, the more helpful they can be as you work through it.

Have a significant business decision on the horizon? Bring your CJBS advisor into the discussion early.

09/02/2026

Building an audience online can turn into a business faster than many creators expect. As brand deals multiply and platform revenue becomes more consistent, creators may also begin launching merchandise, hiring support, traveling for sponsored work or earning income from companies across the country.

The creative side may still feel familiar, but behind the scenes, there is suddenly a lot more to keep track of.

For influencers and content creators earning meaningful income online, working with an accountant should go beyond sending over a few 1099s at tax time. A good accountant can help you keep the business organized, plan for taxes as your income changes and flag issues you may not even realize need attention.

We spoke with Georgia Maskalunas, CPA, Senior Associate at CJBS, and Mitchell Johnson, Manager at CJBS, about what they are seeing with influencers, content creators and other professionals earning income through social media and sponsorships.

Here are eight things they recommend keeping in mind.

08/31/2026

A buyer offers the number you were hoping for.

Great. But is it actually a good deal?

When buying or selling a business, the headline price is only one part of what ultimately lands in your pocket or determines what you’re really taking on.

There can be tax liabilities, working capital considerations, debt, transaction costs, deal structure and future obligations that substantially change the economics.

That’s why your CPA should be involved before the deal is finalized, not brought in afterward to figure out the tax consequences.

At CJBS, our M&A work can include valuation, transaction pricing, financial forecasting, tax planning and due diligence to help clients understand the entire transaction.

Because a good deal has to make sense beyond the number at the top of the term sheet.

Learn more about CJBS' M&A services here: https://cjbs.com/services/mergers-acquisitions/

08/28/2026

“Do we need a forensic accountant?” usually isn’t a question business owners expect to ask.

Until something doesn’t add up.

Maybe there are unexplained transactions in the books. Business partners disagree about where money went. Assets appear to be missing. A shareholder dispute is getting more complicated. Or litigation requires someone to calculate the actual financial damages involved.

That’s where forensic accounting comes in.

The work can involve tracing transactions, analyzing financial records, identifying irregularities, locating assets and helping attorneys and business owners understand what the numbers actually show.

And while fraud investigations may be the first thing people associate with forensic accounting, the work can also be important in shareholder disputes, business dissolutions, lost-profit calculations and litigation.

When the financial story is unclear, the job is to follow the numbers until it becomes clearer.

Learn more about CJBS' Forensic Accounting services here: https://cjbs.com/services/forensic-accounting/

08/26/2026

When production starts slowing down, it’s natural to look at equipment, labor or the production process itself.

But sometimes the real problem is sitting in inventory.

Too much of one item. Not enough of another. Redundant processes. Recording errors. Materials moving through the facility without the right controls.

For manufacturers and distributors, understanding inventory often requires more than reviewing a spreadsheet.

There’s real value in seeing how materials are received, stored, moved and counted throughout the operation.

That’s one reason CJBS's work with manufacturing and distribution clients can include inventory analysis and on-site observation.

The financial statements tell part of the story.

Sometimes you have to walk the floor to understand the rest.

Learn more: https://cjbs.com/industries/manufacturing-distribution/

08/24/2026

A clean set of financial statements is only part of the picture.

Sometimes the more interesting questions are happening behind the scenes:

Who can approve a payment?
Who records it?
What happens when someone is out of the office?
Have your processes kept up as the business has grown?

That’s where an audit can uncover more than numbers alone.

CJBS Partner Ryan Guedel takes a closer look at audits, internal controls, flowcharting and the areas businesses may want to revisit as they become more complex.

We unpack it here → https://cjbs.com/does-your-business-need-an-audit-a-closer-look-at-audits-reviews-and-compilations/

08/21/2026

Reminder: Illinois’ sales tax rate change is now in effect.

As of August 1, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) occupation and use tax rate increased by 0.25% in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.

If your business collects sales tax in these areas, now is a good time to double-check that the new rate is showing up correctly everywhere it should, including your:

• Point-of-sale system
• Accounting software
• Cash register settings
• Third-party sales tax tools

Even if your software provider handles tax rate updates automatically, it’s worth confirming the change was made correctly.

If you have questions about how the new rate applies to your business, reach out to your CJBS advisor.

08/19/2026

Does your business actually need an audit?

Sometimes the answer is simple: a lender, investor or other outside party requires one. But as a business grows, prepares for financing or considers a sale, it may also be worth taking a closer look at the financial reporting and processes behind the numbers.

And a full audit isn’t always the only option.

In our latest article, we break down the differences between an audit, review and compilation, what each provides and how to think about which level of service makes sense for your business.

🔗 Read more:

Does Your Business Need an Audit? A Closer Look at Audits, Reviews and Compilations CJBS August 11, 2026 7 MIN READ Tags: Accounting News Most business owners do not spend much time thinking about financial statement audits until a lender requests one, an investor starts asking questions or the comp...

08/17/2026

⛳ A great day on the course for an even better cause!

Members of the CJBS team recently participated in the Hunger Resource Network Annual Golf Outing, supporting the organization’s work to help address hunger in communities across Chicagoland.

We’re always grateful for opportunities to step outside the office, spend time together and support organizations doing important work in our community.

Thank you to Hunger Resource Network for putting together such a great event! 💙

08/14/2026

A little friendly competition made for a great CJBS summer outing! ☀️🏆

Our team recently stepped away from the office for an afternoon of shuffleboard, laughs and time together outside of work. It was a great chance to catch up, enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the people who make CJBS such a special place to work. 🎉

We’re grateful for every opportunity to bring our team together and make a few memories along the way.