Chicago Illinois Outsourced Accounting Services
75% of CPAs plan to retire within 15 years
The accounting profession faces a looming wave of retirements that will significantly reduce the workforce.
84% of CFOs report an accounting talent shortage
Finance leaders are struggling to fill key roles and maintain operational capacity amid increasing demand.
80% of companies face finance talent gaps
Industry studies estimate a 3.5 million–person shortfall in accounting professionals.
Chicago Illinois’ Accounting Workforce Is Changing.
So Should Your Strategy.
Chicago businesses are feeling the impact of a shrinking accounting talent pool and fast-moving industry demands, which is why so many organizations in the region turn to Schneider Downs for dependable outsourced accounting support.
For more than 30 years, business leaders have shared the same concern: finding and keeping skilled accounting talent is difficult, and limited internal capacity makes it hard to stay ahead. Even with an in-house hire, turnover, rising labor costs and staffing gaps often leave teams focused on day-to-day tasks instead of strategy.
Schneider Downs helps organizations in the greater Chicago region close that gap with scalable outsourced accounting solutions that are cost effective, practical and backed by deep expertise. Whether you need fractional financial leadership, controller support or a fully customized accounting function, we deliver real-time financial clarity that helps you operate efficiently and make confident decisions.
Outsourced Accounting Solutions in Chicago, IL
CFO Services
Scalable outsourced financial leadership from a team of CFOs and CPAs. Get strategic guidance and ongoing support without the cost of a full-time hire.
Controller Services
Accurate reporting and financial insight that help your leadership team make confident decisions, with flexible expertise when your accounting function needs it most.
Full Accounting Solutions
Timely transaction processing, smooth month-end execution and reliable financial reporting, available as a complete outsourced solution or support for your in-house team.
Contact Us Today
Discover how we can support your accounting goals.
Illinois Outsourced Accounting Solutions You Can Trust
Schneider Downs provides scalable outsourced accounting solutions designed to strengthen your finance function, fill talent gaps, and ensure reliable day-to-day execution.
Flexible Support
Whether you need to supplement existing staff or fully outsource your accounting function, we tailor our services to your current structure and priorities to deliver the right strategy and level of support.
Holistic Expertise
Partnering with Schneider Downs gives you access to more than 500 professionals across a wide range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, risk management, advisory, and wealth management.
Proven Fundamentals
Sound accounting and finance practices are essential to every successful organization. Our track record reflects proven processes, strong fundamentals, and modern technology that allow us to outsource nearly any accounting or finance function with accuracy and consistency.
Seasoned Leadership
Every engagement is led by senior consultants with extensive experience in accounting, finance, and administration across diverse industries and corporate structures. From CPAs to CFOs, you gain the benefit of experienced leadership and meaningful depth on your team.
Common Accounting Problems We Solve
Here are common pain points we help clients turn into strengths. If any of these feel familiar, contact us to discuss your organization and goals.
Struggling to Manage Cash Flow While Staying Financially Healthy
Our experienced professionals provide strategic financial leadership and customized solutions to help manage working capital, optimize cash flow, and improve overall financial performance.
Facing Turnover and Losing Consistent Financial Leadership
Our Managed Accounting team delivers scalable support, continuity, and real-time visibility so leadership can make confident decisions and achieve long-term success.
Keeping Up With Changing Tax Laws
Schneider Downs Tax Advisors help you navigate complexity, maximize tax advantages, and stay compliant with ongoing obligations.
Spending Too Much Time on Manual Accounting Tasks
We customize solutions to support existing staff or provide a fully outsourced structure, enabling your team to focus on growth and strategy.
Lacking Bandwidth to Manage Complex Accounting
With access to more than 500 professionals, we handle intricate challenges and deliver senior-level expertise across industries and corporate structures.
Difficulty Scaling Infrastructure Without Adding Staff Immediately
Schneider Downs Managed Accounting Services provides a flexible model with proven processes and leading technology to scale infrastructure quickly alongside your growth.
Illinois Outsourced Accounting FAQs
Have questions about outsourced accounting? Here are some of the most common topics we discuss with clients.
Why Should I Outsource My Accounting Function?
Outsourcing accounting offers numerous advantages, including reduced overhead costs, access to specialized expertise, streamlined processes, improved accuracy, and the ability to focus on core business competencies.
What Kinds of Accounting Responsibilities and Tasks Can Be Outsourced?
Any accounting task can be outsourced with our model. Typically, the accounting tasks that have been outsourced are recording daily transactions, cash application to outstanding accounts receivable, paying suppliers and vendors, processing payroll and monthly financial reporting detailing company operating results.
How Do I Choose the Right Outsourced Accounting Provider for Me?
When selecting an outsourced accounting provider, prioritize experience in your industry, a comprehensive service offering, advanced technology utilization, frequent and transparent communication, and robust security measures to safeguard your financial data.
How Do I Ensure a Smooth Transition with an Outsourced Accounting Partner?
For a smooth transition to outsourced accounting, start by sharing your goals with the provider and making sure you are on the same page. Bring your staff into the selection process since they will be working with the provider every day. During onboarding, provide the financial information they need to get a clear picture of your business. Create an onboarding plan together and keep the conversation going to track progress and confirm the services are meeting your needs.
Our Process
Initial Assessment
Analyze your goals, technology, and gaps to understand your organization’s unique needs.
Tech Strategy
Optimize existing tools or implement new software to streamline accounting operations.
Tailored Approach
Define the right engagement model, partnering with your team or fully managing the function.
Resource Access
Provide cost-effective access to CFOs, Controllers, and accounting professionals for strategy and daily operations.
Strategic Reporting
Deliver clear financial reports and forward-looking analysis to inform budgeting and decision-making.
Our Certifications
About Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago business market is one of the world’s largest and most diversified urban economies, with the Chicagoland region generating roughly $886 billion in output in 2024 and hosting the nation’s third-largest labor pool. Its central location and multimodal infrastructure—air, rail, road, and lake shipping—make it a critical hub for finance, logistics, manufacturing, and professional services, while corporate headquarters and major exchanges reinforce its global financial stature. The industrial market has transitioned from the breakneck expansion of 2021–2023 to a more measured but still solid phase, with strong fundamentals underscoring Chicago’s continued importance in national supply chains. Office dynamics mirror other large U.S. cities, with elevated downtown vacancy and a flight to amenity-rich, modern space, but the region’s scale, talent depth, and diversified sector mix continue to provide a durable foundation for long-term business activity.