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Your Trusted Accounting Partner in San Francisco
Karkiainen & Associates has been delivering comprehensive accounting and financial planning services for over three decades. Our team combines deep expertise in tax compliance, bookkeeping, and business consulting to support small and medium-sized enterprises across diverse industries including real estate, construction, hospitality, and technology. We specialize in helping clients navigate complex financial landscapes, offering tailored solutions for domestic operations and international market expansions. Our commitment to accuracy and strategic insight has made us a trusted partner for businesses seeking sustainable growth.

With decades of collective experience, we provide personalized attention to every client, ensuring their financial operations align with long-term objectives. Our services extend beyond traditional accounting, encompassing payroll management, financial statement preparation, and compliance consulting. By maintaining a client-centric approach, we empower business owners to focus on core operations while we handle financial complexities. Our international experience and industry-specific knowledge position us as a valuable resource for companies operating in dynamic markets.
Services
Tax Accounting Bookkeeping Business Consulting Financial Planning Payroll Services Real Estate Accounting Construction Accounting International Tax Compliance Financial Statement Preparation Sales Tax Compliance
Highlights and features
  • We offer 30+ years of experience serving diverse industries like real estate and technology.
  • Our team specializes in international tax compliance for foreign businesses entering the U.S.
  • We provide personalized financial reporting systems tailored to client needs.
  • Our staff includes CPAs and tax experts with specialized industry knowledge.
  • We maintain long-term client relationships built on trust and financial expertise.
Services
Tax Accounting
We provide comprehensive tax accounting solutions for businesses and individuals. Our services include federal and state tax preparation, compliance consulting, and strategic tax planning. With expertise in multi-jurisdictional tax regulations, we help clients minimize liabilities while maintaining full compliance. Our team stays current with evolving tax laws to ensure accurate filings and optimal financial outcomes.
Bookkeeping
Our bookkeeping services maintain accurate financial records for businesses of all sizes. We manage accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. Using modern accounting software, we ensure real-time financial visibility. Our systematic approach helps businesses track cash flow, monitor expenses, and maintain organized records for audits and decision-making.
Business Consulting
We offer strategic business consulting focused on financial health and growth. Services include budgeting, cash flow analysis, and operational efficiency assessments. Our consultants help businesses develop financial strategies aligned with growth objectives. We provide industry-specific insights to improve profitability and long-term sustainability for clients in diverse sectors.
Financial Planning
Our financial planning services help businesses and individuals achieve long-term financial goals. We create customized plans covering investment strategies, retirement planning, and risk management. For businesses, we develop growth strategies and succession plans. Our approach combines tax optimization with wealth preservation techniques tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
International Tax Compliance
We specialize in international tax compliance for foreign businesses operating in the U.S. Services include cross-border tax planning, entity structuring, and compliance with U.S. tax regulations. Our team helps foreign companies navigate complex tax requirements when establishing U.S. operations, ensuring compliance while optimizing tax efficiency in both domestic and international contexts.
People
Aini Karkiainen
Founder
Aini has over 30 years of experience in corporate tax and financial consulting. She specializes in helping foreign businesses establish U.S. operations and provides strategic financial guidance to clients in real estate and construction industries.
Jennifer Chester
VP of Operations
With 30 years of experience, Jennifer manages accounting operations for major clients. She specializes in real estate and garment industry accounting, developing financial systems for residential and commercial projects while overseeing international accounts.
Kathrine Kong
Payroll Specialist
Kathrine has 25 years of expertise in payroll systems and financial statement preparation. She manages accounting needs for wholesale and retail clients, specializing in sales tax compliance and international accounting requirements for global businesses.
Alex Klonsky
Tax Manager
Alex specializes in individual tax services and holds a business degree with focus on international law. He manages tax compliance for real estate and technology firms, currently pursuing a master's degree in taxation.
Carolyn Cotter
CPA
Carolyn is a licensed California CPA with 10 years of experience in tax compliance. She works with technology and life sciences companies on sales tax matters and stock compensation taxation, providing expertise in state and federal tax regulations.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide tax preparation, bookkeeping, financial planning, payroll services, and business consulting for small to mid-sized businesses across multiple industries.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, we specialize in helping foreign businesses establish U.S. operations with tax compliance, entity structuring, and cross-border financial planning services.
Which industries do you specialize in?
We have expertise in real estate, construction, hospitality, technology, retail, and professional services industries with tailored accounting solutions for each sector.
How do you handle business tax compliance?
Our team manages federal and state tax filings, sales tax compliance, and strategic tax planning while staying current with regulatory changes to ensure complete compliance.
Can you assist with financial reporting systems?
Yes, we develop customized financial reporting systems for real estate projects, inventory management, and accounts receivable/payable tracking to improve financial visibility.
What makes your firm different from others?
Our 30+ years of experience, industry-specific expertise, and personalized approach create long-term client relationships focused on strategic financial growth and compliance.