Business Details
Certified Public Accountants in Bloomington, MN
Barthe & Wahrman PA is a boutique accounting firm that combines the expertise of large-firm professionals with the personalized service of a smaller practice. Our team brings decades of experience from global firms and industry roles, specializing in complex accounting, tax, and advisory services for businesses, executives, and high-net-worth individuals. We prioritize timely responsiveness, continuity of staff, and a client-first approach, ensuring tailored solutions that align with each client's unique needs. Our professionals maintain deep expertise in diverse industries, including public finance, real estate, and international tax compliance. We foster a collaborative, approachable culture that values work-life balance, which translates to consistent, high-quality service for our clients.With a focus on organic growth through referrals, we remain committed to the same size and structure that enable our personalized attention and competitive advantage. Our team's extensive background in mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, and audit defense positions us to deliver strategic value beyond standard accounting services. We leverage advanced software tools while maintaining a hands-on approach to bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial reporting. Our professionals hold prestigious certifications including CPA and MBT designations, reflecting our commitment to technical excellence. This combination of experience, technology, and client-centric values has made us a trusted partner for businesses and individuals seeking reliable, forward-thinking accounting solutions.
Services
Tax Preparation
Bookkeeping Services
Audit & Review
International Tax
Business Succession
Public Finance
Tax Planning
Outsourced Accounting
Estate Planning
IRS Representation
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in public accounting and industry roles
- Our team includes CPAs with expertise in complex tax structures and audits
- We provide responsive service with no hourly charges for quick questions
- Our professionals maintain active involvement in client businesses beyond tax returns
- We guarantee continuity with consistent team members handling your accounts
Services
Tax Preparation
We prepare individual and business tax returns for complex entities including C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and trusts. Our CPAs handle high-net-worth individuals with international tax obligations, FBAR reporting, and foreign account compliance. We also prepare specialized returns for private foundations and gift taxes while ensuring compliance with evolving tax regulations.
Bookkeeping Services
Our outsourced bookkeeping handles accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation for businesses across industries. We use QuickBooks Online and Desktop to maintain accurate records while providing monthly financial reports. Our real estate-specific bookkeeping tracks property portfolios and manages complex tenant billing arrangements for commercial clients.
Public Finance
We provide cash flow verification, arbitrage rebate calculations, and escrow restructuring for municipal bond issuances. Our team handles advance refundings, current refundings, and defeasance transactions while maintaining compliance with federal tax regulations. We serve clients nationwide with independently created software tools for yield verification and compliance reporting.
International Tax
We assist expatriates and businesses with cross-border tax compliance including Form 5471, 8865, and 8858 reporting. Our services cover FBAR filings, foreign tax credit calculations, and tax treaty planning. We help clients navigate US tax obligations for foreign accounts while optimizing international tax positions through strategic planning.
Business Succession
We develop comprehensive succession plans addressing business continuity and family estate matters. Our advisors help owners prepare for leadership transitions, structure ownership transfers, and implement tax-efficient exit strategies. We coordinate with legal and financial professionals to ensure seamless transitions while preserving business value across generations.
People
Matt Ritz
CPA, MBT
Former Big Four accountant with 15+ years of experience serving small businesses. Specializes in strategic tax planning and consulting. Holds CPA and MBT certifications. Joined firm in 2015 after industry experience.
Chris Ritz
CPA
25+ years of auditing and tax experience at regional firms. Former financial futures trader with expertise in outsourced bookkeeping. Graduated from University of Notre Dame with accounting degree in 1997.
Jason Price
CPA, MBT
20-year public accounting veteran with Grant Thornton and CliftonLarsonAllen. Specializes in family-owned businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Focuses on mergers and acquisitions, audit defense, and succession planning.
Craig DeBerg
CPA
40+ years of public finance experience with KPMG, Grant Thornton, and RSM. National expert in municipal bond transactions. Maintains long-term industry relationships while avoiding litigation in his practice area.
Lisa Kirscht
CPA
25+ years at Big Four and regional firms. Former hedge fund consultant with expertise in complex individual tax returns. University of Minnesota graduate specializing in non-profit tax compliance and planning.
Questions
What accounting services do you specialize in?
We specialize in tax preparation, audit & review services, international tax compliance, business succession planning, and outsourced accounting for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
How are you different from other accounting firms?
We combine big-firm expertise with personalized service, offering continuity of staff, responsive communication, and strategic advisory beyond standard accounting functions.
Do you work with specific industries?
Yes, we serve diverse industries including public finance, real estate, family-owned businesses, and companies with international tax obligations.
What tax planning services do you offer?
We provide individual and business tax projections, estate tax planning, research credit optimization, and strategic entity structuring to minimize tax liabilities.
How do you handle IRS or state audits?
Our team offers audit defense services with experienced CPAs who have represented clients before tax authorities nationwide for decades.
Can you assist with business succession planning?
Yes, we help business owners develop comprehensive succession plans addressing both business operations and family estate considerations.