Award-Winning CPAs in Chicago, IL (2026)
Choosing the right cpa in Chicago, IL can be overwhelming. With 318 cpas operating across the Chicago metro area, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely adequate? At Top CPAs, we analyze publicly available data to rank every cpa on a transparent, editorial basis -- no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
This 2026 ranking evaluates cpas in Chicago, Illinois using our Guide Score percentage, which normalizes captured evidence from reviews, credentials, press recognition, web presence, experience, and profile completeness. We reviewed 318 active businesses in the Chicago market and selected the top 11 for this list. Every cpa on this list has earned at least one industry award or professional accolade, distinguishing them as leaders in Chicago's market.
By the numbers: Guide Score percentages on this list range from 59% to 78%, 7 of 11 hold professional certifications, the average firm has 32 years of experience. Updated June 2026.
Each entry below includes the business's Guide Score, star rating, review count, and a data-driven explanation of why they earned their spot. Click through to any profile for the full breakdown including contact information, specialties, credentials, and related businesses in Chicago.
The Top 11 CPAs in Chicago, IL
-
#1 Founder's CPA 78%
Selected for Licensed, CPA, EA certified; team of 28 professionals; specializes in 500 +, our comprehensive service lines for growth oriented startups, complimentary resource guide.
Founder's CPA is a certified accounting firm based in Chicago, IL, holding credentials in licensed, cpa. The team holds professional credentials including licensed, cpa, mba. Reach them at 7736273603…
View full profile → -
#2 CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) 71%
Selected for CPA certified; specializes in get to know us, get started, call us at 1 888 529 2648 ..
Audit, tax, consulting, outsourced accounting, and financial planning services in the Chicago, Illinois, area. CLA is a top public accounting and professional services firm.
View full profile → -
#3 RubinBrown 70%
Selected for 74 years of experience (est. 1952); team of 2 professionals; specializes in assurance services, consulting services, entrepreneurial services.
RubinBrown, an accounting firm in Chicago, IL, focuses on quality and client satisfaction. Reach them at 3124251099. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 225 W Wacker Dr Ste…
View full profile → -
#4 Expedient Tax Inc. 69%
Selected for team of 7 professionals; specializes in about us, quick menu, contact.
An accounting firm in the heart of Chicago, Expedient Tax Inc. is just a phone call away at 7734138291. Learn more on their website.
View full profile → -
#5 Pasquesi Partners LLC 68%
Selected for 12 years of experience (est. 2014); Licensed, CPA certified; team of 12 professionals.
Pasquesi Partners LLC is committed to delivering outstanding accounting services in Chicago, IL. The team holds professional credentials including licensed, cpa. Reach them at +18472349000 or email i…
View full profile → -
Selected for 62 years of experience (est. 1964); team of 7 professionals.
Discover best practices for strategic account managers and B2B companies with the Strategic Account Management Association (SAMA). SAMA membership provides world-class training, development, and rese…
View full profile → -
#7 ORBA 67%
Selected for 5 years of experience (est. 2021); Licensed, CPA certified; team of 6 professionals.
Looking for an trusted accounting firm in Chicago? ORBA brings deep expertise to every project. The team holds professional credentials including licensed, cpa. Reach them at +13126707444 or email in…
View full profile → -
#8 NDH LLP 66%
Selected for Licensed, CPA certified; team of 29 professionals; specializes in client accounting services, tax services, family office services.
NDH LLP is an accounting firm firm serving Chicago and surrounding areas in IL. The team holds professional credentials including licensed, cpa. Reach them at +13129292183 or email info@prosperityllc…
View full profile → -
#9 Benford Brown & Associates 63%
Selected for 11 years of experience (est. 2015); CPA certified; team of 5 professionals.
Benford Brown & Associates is an full-service accounting firm based in Chicago, IL. Reach them at +17737311300 or email info@benfordbrown.com. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Loca…
View full profile → -
Selected for 30 years of experience (est. 1996); team of 5 professionals.
Need an accounting firm in Chicago? Anderson Financial Management and Accounting is ready to help with your next project. Reach them at +13124747763 or email 20jeff@andersonfma.com. Visit their websi…
View full profile → -
#11 Grant Thornton US 59%
Selected for Licensed, CPA certified.
Grant Thornton US is an accounting firm firm serving Chicago and surrounding areas in IL. Reach them at +13128560200. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 171 N Clark St. Re…
View full profile →
How We Ranked These CPAs
Our Guide Score percentage combines verified ratings, review volume, web presence, profile completeness, professional credentials, press recognition, and experience. Scores are normalized across categories where positive evidence was captured, so a missing category is shown as not captured rather than counted as a failing grade. No business can pay for a higher ranking.
Data sources include Google Business Profile, professional registries, portfolio sites, press databases, and direct business submissions. Every piece of data is publicly verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we rank the best cpas in Chicago?
Top CPAs ranks cpas using our Guide Score percentage, a composite metric computed from publicly available data. The score uses weighted evidence from ratings, review volume, web presence, profile completeness, credentials, press recognition, and experience, then normalizes across categories where positive evidence was captured. Categories with no captured signal are not counted as failing grades. There is no paid placement -- every ranking is purely editorial.
Who is the #1 cpa in Chicago, IL?
As of 2026, Founder's CPA holds the #1 ranking in Chicago with a Guide Score of 78%. Rankings are recalculated with every data update and reflect the latest available information.
How often is this list updated?
Core data (ratings, reviews, contact information) is re-verified on a rolling monthly cadence. Credentials and awards are audited quarterly. Guide Scores recalculate automatically with every data update, so rankings may shift as new reviews are posted or credentials are verified.
How many cpas are there in Chicago?
Our database currently tracks 318 active cpas in the Chicago, IL metro area. This list highlights the top 11 based on Guide Score. Browse our full Chicago directory to see every listed business.
Can a cpa pay to be ranked higher?
No. Top CPAs does not accept payment for rankings. Guide Scores are computed algorithmically from verified public data. Businesses can claim and update their profile with accurate information, but the ranking algorithm treats all profiles equally. Our editorial independence is core to our methodology.
What should I look for when hiring a cpa in Chicago?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the Chicago market, (4) portfolio quality and range of work, (5) budget alignment with your project scope, and (6) responsiveness and communication style. Our Guide Score weighs these factors so you can compare at a glance.