Running a professional services business means juggling a lot at once, like managing clients, delivering work, and planning for growth. It’s easy for your finances to fall to the bottom of the list, so having the right accountant is crucial for your business.
A good, strategic accountant does more than just record your numbers; they will help you understand them. They show you where your profits come from, how your projects perform, and what steps to take to build stability and long-term growth.
Here are four Milwaukee-based accounting firms that stand out for their work with professional services businesses.
1. Affinity Accounting
Affinity Accounting is a Milwaukee-based CPA firm built specifically for professional services businesses. Their team helps owners of marketing agencies, consulting firms, legal practices, and other service-based companies manage bookkeeping, accounting, taxes, and CFO services.
Affinity’s advisors take the time to explain what the numbers actually mean for your business and also help clients plan ahead with forecasting, pricing analysi,s and profit-by-client reporting, areas where many traditional firms stop at compliance.
If you want an accountant who understands the day-to-day realities of running a service-based business and can act as a true financial partner, Affinity Accounting is a strong choice.
Client review:
“Our firm is a long-time client of Affinity, and I cannot say enough good things about them. They are professional, attentive, personable, and have taken the time to understand our business inside and out. As a result of our work with Affinity, we have confidence in all aspects of our finances and accounting. Affinity is a true extension of our team. They are fantastic.”
Best for: Professional services firms that want accuracy and insight, more than just tax prep.
2. Locatelli & Company
Locatelli & Company has been serving Milwaukee’s small and mid-sized businesses since 1996, with deep experience in professional services fields like marketing, law, and communications. Founder Jim Locatelli brings a CFO’s perspective after years leading finance at a marketing communications firm, which gives him firsthand insight into the unique financial pressures that service businesses face.
Locatelli & Company also goes beyond the basics with strategic planning, business transitions, and growth consulting.
Best for: Marketing, law, and real estate firms that want straightforward, personalized financial guidance from a local advisor.
3. The Giersch Group
The Giersch Group offers bookkeeping, accounting, and outsourced CFO services designed for small businesses and nonprofits in the Milwaukee area. Many of their clients are creative or consulting firms that need better visibility into their numbers but don’t have an in-house finance team.
The Giersch Group combines hands-on bookkeeping with high-level advisory, making them a great fit for owners who want someone to think strategically about their business.
Client review:
“For the past 4 years, The Giersch Group has given me clarity in my financials and solid business counsel. I have found everyone in their group to be knowledgeable and trustworthy. Knowing I have The Giersch Group helping me organize and understand my financials allows me to focus on what I love to do- design beautiful buildings. It is with joy that I recommend Peter and his group to yours.”
Best for: Growing firms that want outsourced financial leadership and proactive advice without hiring a full-time CFO.
4. Sorge CPA & Business Advisors
Sorge CPA has offices in Milwaukee and Madison and works with a wide range of small businesses, including professional service firms. Their team offers bookkeeping, accounting, tax planning, and fractional CFO services, which means they can support businesses through every stage of growth.
Sorge CPA is a good option if you want the depth and reliability of a larger regional firm but still value a personal, relationship-driven approach.
Client review:
“This will be my third year using Sorge CPA for my personal and small business tax filing. I’ve been really happy with my past year’s fillings, they have gotten me a great return every year, and they are very knowledgeable and respond quickly to any questions I have.”
Best for: Professional service firms that want full-service accounting with a strong local presence and quick, responsive support.
Choosing The Right Fit
Every professional services business is unique. Some need clean books and reliable tax filings, while others want a hands-on financial partner to help plan for growth. The key is finding a firm that understands how your professional services business works, how clients are billed, and what drives your profitability.
Locatelli & Company offers straightforward, CFO-level guidance with a personal touch. The Giersch Group helps growing firms turn data into decisions. Sorge CPA provides full-service accounting with strong local expertise. Affinity Accounting gives professional services business owners in Milwaukee and beyond a partner who not only handles the numbers but helps them use those numbers to grow.
The best way to select your accounting firm is to speak with them. Communication is everything. Ask questions, see how they explain things, and notice whether they make your finances feel clearer or more confusing. A good accountant should make you feel supported, not overwhelmed.
If you’re ready to see how the right accounting partner can help your business thrive, book an intro call with Affinity Accounting today.
