Closing Strong
Year-End Financial & Tax Strategies for Small Business
Year-end is not just about closing your books - it’s about opening opportunities. When you combine solid financial management with proactive tax planning, you turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify key year-end accounting and bookkeeping tasks (reconciliations, adjustments, financial statements).
- Apply tax-saving strategies before December 31 - including expense timing, retirement plan contributions, and depreciation elections.
- Understand common compliance filings (Forms W-2, 1099, 940/941, and state reports).
- Plan proactively for the new fiscal year with budgets, forecasts, and tax strategy alignment.
About the presenter: Helen Zhang, President and Partner, Financial Brillance Accounting Firm, provides startups with high-quality financial, tax advisory and virtual CFO services. Helen is a Certified Public Accountant, senior Human Resources management certified, and Six Sigma Black Belt certified. Helen holds Master's Degrees in Business and Accounting, and she has management experience in Fortune 500 companies, higher education, tech startups, and accounting firms. She as taught managerial accounting courses at the Gies College of Business at University of Illinois. Helen serves as an Entrprepreneur-in-Residence at the Research Park at University of Illinois. Her services aim to support clients' financial health, business growth, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. She has led Financial Brillance Accounting Firm to win a Worldwide Finance Award for Best Community-Focused Acccountancy Firm 2025-Illinois.
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Main Library, Robeson Pavilion Room A & B
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