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Supporting a Chicago-Based CPA Firm Through Tax Season
10
Dec
Client Background
A mid-sized CPA firm based in Chicago, founded in 2005, specializing in tax advisory services for high-net-worth individuals. With a team of over 50 professionals serving more than 500 clients, the firm had built a strong reputation. Yet each tax season brought overwhelming pressure: long hours, missed deadlines, and exhausted staff.
Business Challenge
Each filing season revealed the same pain points:
- Overworked team: Routinely working 60+ hours per week, including weekends.
- Missed deadlines: Delayed filings leading to client dissatisfaction.
- High payroll costs: Nearly 45% of revenue spent on salaries, making local hiring unsustainable.
- Burnout risk: Declining morale and stalled growth plans.
Burnout risk: Declining morale and stalled growth plans.
Caramel Advisor’s Solution
We focused not only on cost savings but on reducing stress and creating capacity for growth
Step 1: Identify workflow bottlenecks
An operational audit revealed duplicated data entry, inefficient reconciliations, and manual compliance checks
Step 2: Start small to build confidence
Initiated support with bookkeeping and tax preparation before expanding into audit assistance.
Step 3: Deploy a dedicated offshore team
Five accountants trained in U.S. GAAP and IRS compliance were integrated into the firm’s workflows.
Step 4: Ensure seamless collaboration
Implemented a secure portal for data exchange. Used AI-based task tracking for full visibility.
Results Achieved
The impact was immediate and sustainable:
Results Achieved
The impact was immediate and sustainable:
70% faster turnaround: Tax returns completed in 3 days, down from 10
$250K in annual savings: Reinvested into new client acquisition
Higher client satisfaction NPS score improved from 72 to 91.
Client Testimonial
Our partner didn’t just take work off our plate—they became an extension of our firm. For the first time, we could focus on advisory while knowing the day-to-day was handled
Managing Partner, , Chicago CPA Firm
