Our commitment to quality service originated in 1925 when our firm was founded on a simple mantra:
Take care of clients.
Today, our approach is based on a well-respected history of providing sound, insightful, tax
accounting and business consulting services to clients ranging in size from startup companies to
multi-million dollar organizations. Because of our low staff turnover, many of our team members have
been a part of JAK for decades, giving our clients the stability and perspective they need.
Andy is a fourth-generation CPA. He wasn’t pressured to be an accountant, so he’s pretty sure it’s just part of his genetic code. When he did choose this path, there was only one firm Andy wanted to work for: he joined JAK in 2003 right out of college. (Full disclosure: he had worked here part-time and seasonally since 1997, so he knew what he was getting into.) As a partner at JAK, Andy gets to help clients within several industries solve problems and seize opportunities. From helping a contractor revamp an inefficient accounting system to assisting a retailer to outline a succession plan, no two days are alike. He’s honored to be the first person a client calls when he or she needs help—even if they simply need a sounding board for their ideas. At home, Andy stays busy by keeping up with his two kids, serving as treasurer of his church, and following Minnesota sports teams. He likes to catch a movie and hack up a golf course every now and then, too. Andy would love to help you with whatever situation you’re facing. Get in touch with him anytime at 651-379-5724 or aknutson@jakcpa.com.
Ever since he started his career at JAK in 1995, Jason’s been continually inspired by the opportunity to do good work for his clients. His day is made when he’s able to help a business improve their financial statements, obtain financing, or save tax dollars. These types of accomplishments may not be flashy, but Jason knows they can make a big difference for his clients.As a natural communicator, Jason lives for helping business owners get a better grasp on the financial side of things. He has a strong background in construction accounting, so walking clients through things like job costing and overhead costs is a big part of his practice. Understanding the finances is a key to running a successful business. And Jason finds it incredibly rewarding to see what happens when a business owner has the information he or she needs.At this point in his career, Jason is really excited about what the future holds for JAK, and for our clients. He loves to work hard, and also have a lot of fun – which contributes to the great energy at JAK. When he’s not at the office, Jason enjoys getting up north. His cabin agenda usually includes hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling and golfing (depending on the season, of course). If he’s not at home, you’ll find him at one of his kids’ activities or volunteering time elsewhere.Jason would love the opportunity to help you get clarity around your finances. Call or email him anytime: 651-379-5721 or jloven@jakcpa.com.
You might say “family” has been the theme of Brian Knutson’s accounting career. Brian came to JAK through a family connection after graduating from college in 1977, and became managing partner in 2004. One of the things he cherishes most about his role within the firm is the opportunity to mentor staff. He finds it immensely fulfilling to see young staff members flourish—as managers, directors and partners—within the JAK family.To Brian, making clients feel like part of the family is equally important. He provides both financial and tax accounting services across multiple industries, and regularly advises his clients on business sales and acquisitions. Many days, he can be found guiding clients through difficult and often personal situations, such as transitioning a business or planning an estate. Regardless of the matter at hand, he’s there for his clients—no matter what. With four young grandkids, Brian’s family life beyond JAK is quite vibrant. He’s found it especially fun to introduce the little ones to lake life up at the cabin. When he’s not up north hunting, fishing or collecting agates, Brian can usually be found volunteering at his church, or reading a good sci-fi book.Remember, our JAK family is here to help yours. You can reach Brian at 612-379-5702, or via email at bknutson@jakcpa.com.
John was hired at JAK after earning a master’s degree in accounting in 1999. His history with the firm, however, dates back much further: JAK’s office is the former site of his childhood tree fort. His parents’ house is only two blocks away—and it’s where he was taught the work ethic that continues to drive his practice to this day. As a partner, John helps his clients adopt and implement new tax rules, and assists them in solving various accounting and tax issues. Regardless of the task at hand, he simply enjoys being a member of his client’s team. For John, being responsive to his clients’ needs isn’t an option; it’s the only option. He can go home happy when his advice has helped a client meet his or her financial goals. Family absolutely comes first in John’s world. He can often be found practicing Tae Kwon Do with his wife and son, or planning the family’s next overseas trip. John and his wife also enjoy watching—and sometimes coaching—their son as he plays soccer.John is here to help you sort out any financial conundrum you may be facing. Connect with him at 651-379-5733 or at jammann@jakcpa.com.
When you need an audit, review, or compilation, give us a call. In addition to meeting current financial reporting requirements and your specific needs, we look for ways to maximize your profitability and efficiency. Expect our team to provide constructive solutions for all levels of assurance:
Audit – An intensive examination with the highest level of assurance
Review – Inquiry and Analytical procedures conducted with limited assurance
Compilation – Based upon information you provide
Financial Statement Preparation – Engagement to prepare financial statements outside of an audit, review or compilation of your financial statements
Agreed Upon Procedure – Assurance on a specific area or business process. The procedures are designed and agreed upon by the client and an appropriate third parties
Getting your affairs in order leads to security for your beneficiaries—and peace of mind for you.
Transfer assets to your beneficiaries in a stress-free manner with assistance from our estate planning and tax professionals. Benefit from expert guidance in your estate, trust or gift return preparation, and get recommendations for reducing or even eliminating tax due. We’re here to help you in all areas of your estate and trust tax needs:
Gift Tax Return
Fiduciary Tax Returns
Estate Income Tax Returns
We’re willing to bet that doing your taxes isn’t your favorite pastime. And, frankly, that’s why we’re here. Our individual tax services range from tax preparation and tax planning strategies to IRS representation.
We start our process by getting to know you, which gives us the insight we need to guide you toward your goals. From there, we devise tax planning strategies to minimize your current and future tax liabilities, helping you keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket.
Our individual tax services include:
Tax preparation
Tax planning
IRS and state controversy representation
Residency issues
You don’t have to fret about the ins and outs of tax law developments—that’s what we’re here for. And if you should need it, we can work on your behalf to iron out any issues you may face involving state and federal tax agencies.
With JAK on board, you stay focused on what you do best. As a business owner, your to-do list may seem like it never ends. But there’s one item you can go ahead and cross off: your corporate taxation. Expect our team to provide constructive solutions for all entity types
Our business tax services include, but aren’t limited to:
Business tax compliance and planning
Business succession planning
Cost segregation studies
Employee benefit plan reporting and compliance
Mergers and Acquisitions
Sales and use tax reporting and planning
Research and development studies
Accounting methods
Regardless of your entity type, our professionals can help with tasks such as business tax preparation, tax planning, and will provide IRS representation should you need it.
Meaningful, well-organized financial records are the foundation of a successful operation. Without them, a business can easily find itself with cash-flow troubles.
JAK’s professionals work as a part of your team to manage day-to-day small business accounting and bookkeeping tasks to keep your organization on track. We can also forecast and evaluate your company’s financial condition, determine financing requirements, and track cash coming in and going out.
Our accounting services offer a wide variety of solutions that can be tailored to your needs, including, but not limited to:
Sales tax reporting
Accounts payable and receivable processing
Bank statement reconciliation
Financial statement processing
Budgeting and forecasting
Cash flow analysis
QuickBooks assistance from a certified ProAdvisor
Sage 50 and other software assistance
The power of collaboration.
With a solid background in tax and other financial matters, our business and tax consultants can take care of the issues keeping you awake at night. Let us support the next big thing for you or your business with a full lineup of succession, financial and retirement planning services that includes the following:
Management Advisory Services
Even the most qualified managers can benefit from competent, objective feedback. As your advisor, we help you develop long-term strategies that keep your business moving ahead.
Business Entity Selection
Deciding on a business entity type isn’t as glamorous as deciding colors for your logo, but it’s just as important. The entity you choose—whether it’s an “S” corporation, LLC, or sole proprietorship—comes with longstanding tax implications, both good and bad. Our tax consultants can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each one, so you can choose the most advantageous entity type for your business.
Business Succession Planning
Deciding to remove yourself from your company’s day-to-day operations isn’t easy, especially if you’re unsure of how to coordinate the transition. The JAK team can help you address complex issues surrounding business continuation while providing you with a strategic plan for a successful transition.
Financial Planning
A properly structured financial plan is key to overcoming the financial challenges present in each stage of life. Through our financial planning process, we assess your needs and design a plan for reaching your goals and strengthening your financial security.
Retirement Planning
Implementing and periodically reviewing your financial plan is key to securing your financial independence for years to come. Our team can help you set goals for retirement and design a path for getting there.
Cyber Solutions, LLC
Through Cyber Solutions, LLC, a division of JAK, we can help you keep your technology systems and applications running as smoothly as possible. With the ability to provide server and workstation management, local help desk support, backup and disaster recovery, and cloud services, we can optimize, maintain and protect your systems.
Construction Solutions, LLC
For our clients within the construction industry, we offer ComputerEase Software implementation, training and support through Construction Solutions, LLC, a division of JAK.
ComputerEase offers an easy-to-use job costing and project management solution that can be fully integrated with Microsoft Office. Our construction-focused CPAs provide training and support on site, online or over the phone. Webinars and classroom sessions are also available for various training programs.