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Looking for Madison Accounting Services That Go Beyond Bookkeeping?

Madison bookkeepers don’t do taxes, so they can’t answer many of your questions.
Our Madison bookkeeping services are done by CPAs, reducing mistakes, headaches, unanswered questions, and can provide valuable business insights.
Serving the greater Madison area’s 269,840 residents and 25,988 businesses spanning Dudgeon-Monroe, Maple Prairie, and Hill Farms-University, and beyond for all of your Madison small business accounting needs.
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Madison Bookkeeping

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We’re the Perfect Madison Accountants for You if You’re…

✓ Overwhelmed trying to do your books and you want to free-up you and your staff.
✓ Done with finicky bookkeeping software and you’re ready to kiss the headaches good-bye.
✓ Fed-up with your Madison bookkeeper and you want someone who can assist you with all of your small business accounting needs.
✓ Ready to outsource your accounting department so you can grow your revenue and profits.
✓ Looking for a bookkeeper who can also do your taxes so you can streamline your business financials.
«Most CPAs don’t do bookkeeping, and most bookkeepers don’t do taxes, leaving holes for their clients. Our accounting services give you the best of both worlds. We’ll handle your bookkeeping, payroll, transactions, and final reporting, so you can focus on growing your business and enjoying the process.»
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Case Study

How We Helped a Couple Save $160,000 in Taxes After a Big Whoopsie!

Trusted by Madison Business Owners



“They were quick to get back to us and set up an in person appointment to discuss final taxes on an estate. The office was professional and in a great easy to get location.”

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Doddie Dunbar



“We have had our taxes done here for many years. They have always been professional and provided excellent customer service.”

Rhiannon O'Brien



“Tim is wonderful. Easy to work with and very thorough, saving me money on my business taxes. I wouldn't use anyone else.”

Tessie Adams

CPAs Who Go Beyond Bookkeeping

Established in 1964 in Portland’s Hollywood district, this firm already offered extraordinary tax planning services. Since then, I have evolved our company beyond the typical Madison accounting firm to include estate planning and wealth advisory because I wanted to take care of my family’s legacy wealth and help others do the same.

That’s why I show up for my clients, not just from January through April, but ALL year long. I’ve seen the disaster that is created as a result of bookkeeping that is kept separate from tax planning. And I don’t want that for you.

I enjoy connecting with my clients to understand what’s most important to them so I can help them make their dreams a reality, in this life and for the legacy they leave behind.

On behalf of my family and our amazing team at Downing & Co, I look forward to working with you so you can save in taxes today and ensure your legacy for the future.

Tim Downing

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Tim Downing, CPA, Oregon | Downing & Co. Managing Principal

Proactive & Holistic
Accounting Services

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Customized Action Plan
We’ll take you through our proprietary client interview process to review your unique situation in detail and come up with a customized action plan that ensures your accounting needs are fully met.
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Save $50K to $150K in Taxes
Because we are CPAs, we’ll make sure your tax liability is as low as possible so you don’t have to worry you left money on the table. You’ll be able to keep more of your hard earned money.
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Save 11+ Hours/Month
The average business owner saves 11 hours every month by automating their bookkeeping services for small business. We take your accounting automation even further, saving you more time and increasing your profitability.
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Long Term Strategy

Our relationship doesn’t have to end with Madison bookkeeping services. We have 70+ professionals as part of our holistic family office services to help you manage your business and your wealth long term.

Your World-Class Madison
CPA Firm

24 hours

Response Within 24 Hours

10x

3-10x ROI

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No Surprises Guarantee

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Proactive CPAs

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Holistic Strategy

Friendly Advisors

Friendly Advisors

Secure Client Portal

Secure Client Portal

4 Reasons to Work With Our CPA Firm

1

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Results-Focused

Your results are our success; that’s why it’s our number one priority. We design our work to generate at least a 3x ROI, and in most cases, we hit 10x. You can count on us to work hard for you and your money.

2

Innovative

Proactive Advisors

Most accountants wait for you to come to them when you need something. Instead, we will proactively guide you to ensure your net worth is protected today and in the future for your family.

3

Holistic

Work Holistically

Our comprehensive range of small business accounting services ensures you get convenient access to all the experts you need, including tax planning, risk mitigation, wealth management, legal services, and business advisory.

4

Care

CPAs Who Care

We’ve replaced stale formalities and technical jargon with down-to-earth, conversational relations. Our clients become friends. Many of our friends (clients) work with us for decades and become family. Our close friendly relationship is what we love most about our work.

Meet Your Madison CPA Team

Tim Downing, CPA

Tim Downing, CPA, Oregon

Managing Principal
Jeannie Ryall, EA

Jeannie Ryall, EA

Tax Manager
Dachelle Hattan

Dachelle Hattan

Tax Accountant
Lee Schwartz

Lee Schwartz

Advanced Planning Team Lead
Shirley McArthur

Shirley McArthur

Office Manager

Switching CPA Firms is Easier Than You Think

Switching from your current Madison tax accountant seems like a major pain in the butt…
But in reality, all it requires is a brief email with your current accountant/bookkeeper:
“It’s time for a new direction. Please send my books over to Downing & Company, LLC. Thank you for your services.”
Your accountant is professionally mandated to provide your books to whomever you request they go to. It’s really that easy.

Book a Free
Consultation

We’ll start your journey through our proprietary client interview process to review your unique situation and develop actionable recommendations that meet or exceed your tax, bookkeeping, estate, or wealth planning needs quickly and conveniently.

Fixed Fee

No Surprises
Guarantee

We believe in full transparency and respect, which is why we offer a fixed fee for our accounting and bookkeeping services. That way, there are never any surprises!
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Yes, We Offer Small Business Accounting in Madison, Wisconsin

Fitchburg, WI Middleton, WI Sun Prairie, WI Verona, WI Monona, WI McFarland, WI Waunakee, WI Stoughton, WI Oregon, WI DeForest, WI Cottage Grove, WI Windsor, WI Marshall, WI Maple Bluff, WI Belleville, WI Cross Plains, WI Mount Horeb, WI Cambridge, WI Evansville, WI Lodi, WI Brooklyn, WI Deerfield, WI Lake Mills, WI Edgerton, WI New Glarus, WI Waterloo, WI Blue Mounds, WI Dane, WI Mazomanie, WI Rockdale, WI

Multnomah
Washington
Clackamas
Columbia
Yamhill
Marion
Polk
Tillamook
Hood River
Clatsop
Lincoln
Linn
Benton
Wasco
Jefferson
Lane
Skamania (WA)
Klickitat (WA)
Cowlitz (WA)
Clark (WA)
Pacific (WA)
Wahkiakum (WA)
Sherman
Morrow
Gilliam
Crook
Deschutes
King (WA)
Pierce (WA)
Thurston (WA)

Madison Small Business Accountants is near Madison Children’s Museum which is close to Shorewood Hills, Fitchburg, Westmorland, and Maple Bluff. Warner Park, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and Overture Center for the Arts are also nearby.

FAQs

How much is a business accountant in Madison, Wisconsin?
In Madison, Wisconsin, a business accountant typically charges between $150 and $350 per hour, depending on experience and services offered. Monthly bookkeeping or accounting packages may range from $300 to $1,200, with tax preparation fees generally falling between $500 and $2,000 annually.
What type of accountant is best for small business?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with small business experience is often the best choice. CPAs offer tax planning, financial strategy, and audit representation. For daily bookkeeping, a professional bookkeeper or Enrolled Agent may suffice, but a CPA provides broader expertise and long-term value.
Is it worth it to hire an accountant for a small business?
Yes, hiring an accountant is worth it for most small businesses. They help reduce costly mistakes, manage taxes, ensure compliance, and provide financial insights that support growth. The time and stress saved often outweigh the cost of professional services, especially during tax season or business expansion.
How do I check if an accountant is qualified?
You can check an accountant’s qualifications by verifying their CPA license with your state’s Board of Accountancy. Look for professional memberships (e.g., AICPA), certifications, client reviews, and experience with similar businesses. A consultation can also help assess their communication and expertise.

1 Fun And 1 Interesting Fact About Madison!

Dane County
Madison, WI a home to the world’s largest producer-only farmers’ market: the Dane County Farmers’ Market. Held on the Capitol Square, this vibrant weekly event showcases local farms and artisans, drawing thousands of visitors and residents alike. The city is also known for its highly educated population, with a large percentage holding college degrees, thanks in part to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. This creates a dynamic mix of academic culture, youthful energy, and progressive values. Residents enjoy a balance of intellectual life and outdoor adventure, often biking to work or kayaking on the lakes before attending concerts, lectures, or political rallies. Madison blends small-town friendliness with big-city amenities, and its residents take pride in civic involvement, environmental consciousness, and a strong sense of community. Whether exploring the university campus or wandering through the lakeside parks, Madison offers a vibrant, nature-connected lifestyle year-round.

Madison Small Business Accounting Resources

Oregon Society of CPAs

 
10206 SW Laurel St
Beaverton, OR 97005

 
(503) 641-7200

Oregon Association of Tax Consultants

3075 S.E. Century Blvd.
Suite 110
Hillsboro, OR 97123

(503) 726-0100

Portland Accounting Office

 
1120 SW 5th Ave #1250
Portland, OR 97204

 
(503) 823-5288

What is the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA)?
The WICPA represents CPAs and accounting professionals across Wisconsin, including a strong presence in Madison. It offers continuing education, professional development, networking events, and advocacy for accounting professionals. The Madison Chapter hosts local events tailored to CPAs working in public accounting, private industry, government, and education.
What is the Department of Safety and Professional Services?
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is a state agency in Wisconsin responsible for licensing and regulating a wide range of professions, businesses, and safety-related services. Its primary role is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that professionals and facilities meet established standards and follow relevant laws and codes.

Madison, WI Local Resources

Small Business Accountant Madison

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

1 S. Pinckney St
Suite 330
Madison, WI 53703

(608) 256-8348

City of Madison – Finance Department

210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Room 406
Madison, WI 53703

(608) 266-4671

Madison IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center

1242 Fourier Dr
Suite 200
Madison, WI 53717

(608) 421-7898

Madison Police Department

211 S. Carroll St
Madison, WI 53703

 
(608) 255-2345

City of Madison

210 Martin Luther King Jr.
Blvd
Madison, WI 53703

(317) 327-4720

Top Companies in Madison, WI

American Family Insurance

6000 American Parkway
Madison, WI 53783

(800) 692-6326

Exact Sciences

5505 Endeavor Lane
Madison, WI 53719

(608) 284-5700

Promega Corporation

2800 Woods Hollow Road
Madison, WI 53711

(608) 274-4330

UW Health – University Hospital

600 Highland Ave
Madison, WI 53792

(608) 263-6400

TDS Telecom

3416 University Ave
Madison, WI 53705

(866) 571-6662

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)

133 South Blair St
Madison, WI 53703

(608) 252-7000

More About Small Business Accounting in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and the second-largest city in the state, with a population of about 275,000 and over 680,000 in the metro area. Known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, the city sits on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona. Demographically, Madison is approximately 75% White, 8% Asian, 7% Black or African American, and 8% Hispanic or Latino, with a growing international community influenced by the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Residents are known for being active, educated, and civically engaged. The city consistently ranks high for quality of life, thanks to its excellent public services, walkable neighborhoods, and abundance of parks and bike trails. Madison blends college-town energy with progressive values, a strong tech and biotech industry, and deep ties to public service and research. Locals enjoy year-round events, farmers’ markets, and a balance of urban and natural experiences. The mix of students, families, professionals, and retirees creates a diverse and welcoming atmosphere, making Madison a dynamic place to live, work, and explore.

Small business accounting in Madison, WI is essential for entrepreneurs looking to manage finances, comply with state and federal regulations, and support long-term growth. With a diverse economy that includes tech startups, healthcare providers, local artisans, and service businesses, Madison’s accountants offer customized solutions tailored to each industry’s needs. Services typically include bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, and financial planning.

Many accountants in Madison specialize in working with small businesses, offering flexible pricing options such as monthly packages or hourly rates. They help business owners navigate Wisconsin tax codes, manage cash flow, and ensure accurate financial reporting. Cloud-based tools like QuickBooks and Xero are commonly used, making it easy to collaborate and access real-time financial data.

Whether you’re launching a new venture on State Street or expanding in the suburbs, having a trusted accountant can make a big difference. Their insights not only reduce errors and stress but also help uncover tax savings and strategic opportunities. In Madison’s collaborative and innovative business community, professional accounting support is a smart investment that empowers small businesses to thrive.

Downing & Co works with businesses and high-networth individuals to minimize their taxes and grow their bottom line, while building and preserving their legacy. Offering tax planning, accounting services, estate planning, and wealth management services in the greater Madison area, we work holistically and proactively for you. Our clients love our quick response time, fixed fees, friendly advisors, and our creative, results-focused approach.

Your Proactive & Holistic Small Business Accountant

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Available to US-based business owners through scheduled consultations and secure online collaboration. Services are subject to applicable state rules and engagement acceptance.