Business Details
24 Years
experience
Trusted CPA and Advisory Services in Saint Paul, MN
Founded in 2002, Ballenthin Funk & Johnson (BFJ CPAs) is a Minnesota-based CPA and advisory firm dedicated to propelling businesses financially forward. Our expertise spans construction, real estate, manufacturing, and franchise industries, with niche specializations in trust and estate, professional services, and retail. We combine strategic vision with meticulous attention to detail, tailoring services to meet each client's unique needs. Over two decades, we've grown alongside our clients, developing deep industry knowledge and a reputation for solving complex financial challenges. Our team of over 30 professionals prioritizes workplace well-being, fostering a culture where excellence and innovation thrive. We specialize in transaction services, financial statement audits, and corporate tax advisory, helping clients navigate regulatory complexities and seize growth opportunities.Our mission is to make public accounting a transformative career choice, reflected in our commitment to client success and industry leadership. With a focus on mid-to-large companies and private equity firms, we deliver actionable insights that drive operational excellence. Our history with construction and real estate clients has honed our ability to manage compliance pressures while maximizing profitability. By blending technical expertise with entrepreneurial energy, we empower clients to focus on strategic growth while we handle financial intricacies.
Services
Tax Advisory
Audit Services
Financial Consulting
Transaction Analysis
Industry-Specific Accounting
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We specialize in construction, real estate, and franchise industry accounting with 20+ years of experience
- Our team provides tailored financial solutions combining strategic vision with operational expertise
- We maintain a modern office culture focused on workplace well-being and professional excellence
- Our firm has grown to serve national private equity clients while maintaining local service roots
- We offer comprehensive transaction analysis beyond standard audit and tax services
Associations and certifications
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
Services
Transaction Services
Our transaction services specialize in real estate syndications, industry roll-ups, and merger/acquisition support. We provide comprehensive analysis for both buy and sell-side transactions, helping clients structure deals for optimal financial outcomes. With expertise in franchise industry transactions, we deliver strategic guidance that maximizes value while minimizing risks through detailed due diligence and market analysis.
Tax Advisory
We offer specialized corporate tax services navigating complex regulations, including representation in tax disputes and identification of savings opportunities. Our expertise covers construction industry compliance, real estate tax optimization, and manufacturing sector incentives like research and development credits to enhance client profitability through strategic tax planning.
Audit Services
Our audit team delivers reliable financial statements that meet investor and banking requirements. We focus on construction and real estate sectors, ensuring accurate reporting through rigorous verification processes while providing actionable insights to improve financial controls and regulatory compliance for mid-to-large enterprises.
Franchise Consulting
We provide comprehensive franchise industry expertise covering multi-unit operations, financial reporting, and growth strategy. Our services include transaction analysis, tax structuring, and operational efficiency improvements tailored to franchisees' unique needs, helping clients achieve scalability and long-term success in competitive markets.
Construction Accounting
Specializing in construction industry financial management, we address compliance challenges, cost tracking, and regulatory requirements specific to contractors. Our services include job costing systems implementation, cash flow optimization, and tax strategy tailored to construction firms' cyclical nature and operational demands.
People
Jeff Ballenthin
Founding Partner
As founding partner, Jeff Ballenthin leads BFJ's strategic direction with 20+ years of public accounting experience. He specializes in construction and real estate sectors, focusing on client growth through innovative financial solutions while maintaining the firm's entrepreneurial culture.
David Johnson
Founding Partner
David Johnson contributes extensive expertise in financial advisory services, working closely with clients across manufacturing and franchise industries. He emphasizes operational efficiency improvements and tax optimization strategies that align with long-term business objectives for mid-market companies.
Bryan Olson
Partner
Partner Bryan Olson specializes in transaction services and franchise industry accounting. With deep expertise in merger/acquisition structuring, he helps clients navigate complex deals while maintaining focus on delivering practical financial solutions that drive business growth.
Kevin Tuhy
Partner
Kevin Tuhy brings specialized knowledge in real estate syndications and multi-entity structures. As partner, he focuses on providing strategic tax guidance and financial advisory services to private equity clients and commercial real estate investors nationwide.
Tom Nordquist
Partner
Partner Tom Nordquist leads audit and assurance services, ensuring financial reporting excellence for construction and manufacturing clients. He emphasizes regulatory compliance while helping clients implement internal controls that improve financial accuracy and operational efficiency.
Questions
What industries does Ballenthin, Funk & Johnson specialize in?
We specialize in construction, real estate, manufacturing, and franchise industries, with additional expertise in trust and estate, professional services, and retail accounting.
How does BFJ support business growth through accounting services?
We combine strategic financial vision with detailed execution, providing tailored solutions for tax planning, transaction analysis, and operational efficiency improvements that drive business growth.
What sets BFJ apart from other CPA firms?
Our industry-specific expertise, entrepreneurial approach, and focus on long-term client relationships create unique value through proactive financial guidance and specialized advisory services.
Do you work with national clients or focus on local businesses?
While based in Saint Paul, we serve both Minnesota clients and national private equity firms, leveraging our expertise in multi-entity structures and franchise operations.
How does BFJ handle complex tax situations?
Our team navigates complex tax laws through specialized knowledge in real estate syndications, merger/acquisition structuring, and industry-specific tax optimization strategies.
What is BFJ's approach to client relationships?
We build long-term partnerships by deeply understanding client industries, providing proactive advice, and maintaining transparent communication to support informed financial decision-making.
