Business Details
Your Trusted Accounting Partner for Startups & Small Businesses
Gillingham CPA is a specialized accounting and tax advisory firm dedicated to empowering small businesses, seed-stage startups, and equity-compensated employees. With roots in San Francisco, our team combines deep technical expertise with an educational approach to deliver actionable financial insights. We prioritize building trust through transparent communication and personalized service, helping clients navigate complex tax landscapes and strategic decisions. Our founder, John Gillingham, brings decades of experience from leading CPA firms, focusing on tailored solutions for high-growth ventures and individuals with unique financial needs.We emphasize proactive planning and advisory services to move clients beyond compliance toward long-term financial optimization. Our commitment to client education is reflected in our proprietary resources, including the Accounting Play platform, which simplifies complex financial concepts. By integrating tax compliance, accounting, and strategic planning, we aim to become a trusted partner in our clients' financial journeys.
Services
Tax Preparation
Bookkeeping Services
Startup Advisory
Equity Compensation Planning
Financial Forecasting
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in tax advisory for tech startups and equity compensation.
- Our proprietary Accounting Play platform provides exclusive educational resources for financial literacy.
- We specialize in stock option taxation and pre-series A startup accounting.
- Personalized advisory approach combining tax compliance with strategic planning.
- Proven track record with clients across San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley.
What people say
Expert stock option guidance
Proactive tax planning
Collaborative approach
Remote service efficiency
Educational resources
Services
Tax Preparation
We prepare comprehensive tax returns for individuals and businesses while identifying optimization opportunities. Our service includes year-round tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities. Clients receive detailed explanations of deductions and credits specific to their industry and financial situation.
Startup Advisory
Specialized guidance for early-stage companies covering entity selection, equity structuring, and tax-efficient growth strategies. We help navigate funding cycles and investor requirements while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
Equity Compensation Planning
Expert analysis of ISO, NSO, and RSU tax implications. We develop timing strategies for option exercises and sales while coordinating with broader financial planning objectives for high-net-worth individuals.
Bookkeeping Services
Monthly bookkeeping with actionable financial reporting tailored to business needs. Our service includes cash flow analysis, expense categorization, and preparation of financial statements for decision-making.
Financial Forecasting
Custom financial projections for business growth and tax planning. We create models for different scenarios to help clients make informed decisions about investments, expansions, and personal financial matters.
People
John Gillingham
Founder & CPA
John brings decades of experience from top CPA firms, specializing in startup taxation and equity compensation. He founded AccountingPlay.com and focuses on transforming tax advisory into strategic financial partnerships for growth-oriented clients.
Questions
Do you specialize in startup tax services?
Yes, we focus on pre-series A startups and equity compensation tax planning.
Can you handle complex stock option taxation?
Our team specializes in ISO, NSO, and RSU tax planning for tech employees.
What accounting software do you support?
We work with QuickBooks Online and provide optimization services for existing systems.
Do you offer remote accounting services?
We serve clients nationwide through secure digital collaboration tools.
What tax deductions do you help maximize?
We focus on startup costs, home office deductions, and R&D tax credits.
