Business Details
10 Years
experience
Trusted Accounting Services in Petersburg, IL
Central Illinois Accounting Group (CIAG) was founded on July 1, 2016, in Petersburg, Illinois, by Randy Atwater, a certified public accountant with over 25 years of experience in public accounting. Our team combines decades of expertise with personalized service to simplify financial management for individuals and businesses. We specialize in tax preparation, payroll processing, and compliance reporting while prioritizing client education about financial regulations. Our staff includes experienced professionals like CPA Julie Atwater and emerging accountants Sam Wenda and Sophie Atterberry. We serve clients across Menard County, Illinois, and multiple states, offering tailored solutions for diverse financial needs.Our commitment to community involvement reflects our belief in supporting local families and businesses through sound financial guidance. We maintain transparent communication and ethical practices to build long-term trust with our clients. Our office operates extended hours during tax season to accommodate client needs efficiently. By focusing on accuracy and regulatory compliance, we help clients navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence. Our goal remains to eliminate the stress associated with accounting obligations while delivering professional expertise.
Services
Tax Preparation
Payroll Services
Business Accounting
Tax Planning
Financial Statements
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of CPA experience in public accounting
- Our team includes certified professionals and emerging accounting talent
- We provide personalized financial education alongside technical services
- Our office maintains extended hours during critical tax seasons
- We serve clients across multiple states with local community focus
Services
Tax Preparation
We prepare income tax returns for individuals, corporations, trusts, and partnerships. Our service includes analyzing financial records, identifying deductions, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Clients receive clear explanations of their tax situations and guidance for future planning.
Payroll Services
Our comprehensive payroll services handle employee wage calculations, tax withholdings, and regulatory filings. We manage federal and state reporting requirements while maintaining accurate records. Businesses benefit from timely processing and compliance assurance with evolving employment tax laws.
Business Accounting
We provide full-cycle accounting solutions including accounts payable processing and financial statement preparation. Our services ensure accurate bookkeeping and compliance with reporting standards. Businesses receive organized financial records that support informed decision-making and audit readiness.
Tax Planning
Our proactive tax planning helps clients minimize liabilities through legal deductions and strategic financial arrangements. We analyze current situations and project future scenarios to optimize tax outcomes. Services include year-round consultation and regulatory compliance guidance.
Financial Statements
We prepare accurate financial statements including balance sheets and income statements. Our work follows accounting standards while presenting clear financial pictures for stakeholders. Clients receive properly formatted reports that meet regulatory requirements and support business analysis.
People
Randy Atwater
Owner/CPA
Certified Public Accountant since 1997 with 25+ years in public accounting. Graduated from Western Illinois University. Active community member involved in local organizations and family-focused financial guidance.
Julie Atwater
CPA
Licensed CPA assisting with office operations and accounting services. Focuses on financial expertise beyond tax preparation. Active in local community activities alongside her husband Randy.
Sam Wenda
Accountant
Full-time staff member since 2021 with finance degree from Illinois College. Aspiring CPA candidate bringing fresh perspective to tax and accounting services while developing technical expertise.
Sophie Atterberry
Accountant
Team member since 2022 with Southeast Missouri State University education. Demonstrates strong analytical skills and attention to detail in processing financial information for clients.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide tax preparation, payroll processing, financial statements, accounts payable management, and tax planning services for individuals and businesses.
Do you serve clients outside Illinois?
While based in Petersburg, we serve clients throughout Illinois and multiple other states with our accounting and tax services.
What experience does your team have?
Our team includes CPAs with over 25 years of public accounting experience and emerging professionals with recent accounting degrees and practical training.
How do you help with tax compliance?
We ensure accurate tax filings while educating clients about regulations. Our services include proper documentation, deadline tracking, and audit preparation support.
What are your office hours?
We operate Monday-Friday 8AM-6PM Jan-Apr, with Saturday hours during tax season. May-Dec hours include afternoon availability for client convenience.
