Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Accounting and Tax Solutions
Founded in 1984, Great Lakes CPA's has served as a trusted advisor to businesses and individuals, specializing in accounting, tax, and financial management services. Our team of certified professionals, including CPAs, CFPs, and CVAs, delivers expert guidance tailored to each client's unique needs. We prioritize personalized service, leveraging decades of combined experience to provide actionable insights and strategic financial solutions. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our use of advanced tools like financial calculators and client portals to enhance transparency and client engagement. We focus on building long-term relationships by maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, ethical integrity, and community involvement.Through monthly newsletters and educational resources, we keep clients informed about evolving tax regulations and financial planning opportunities. By combining technical expertise with a client-centered approach, we empower individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals confidently. Our practice is built on the principles of accuracy, reliability, and proactive problem-solving, ensuring clients receive the support needed to navigate complex financial landscapes. With a legacy of service rooted in Westlake, Ohio, we continue to adapt our offerings to meet the dynamic needs of modern clients while maintaining our founding commitment to quality and trust.
Services
Tax Preparation
Financial Statements
Business Valuations
Payroll Services
Tax Planning
Bookkeeping
Financial Planning
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience serving the Westlake, OH community.
- Our team includes CPAs, CFPs, and Certified Valuation Analysts with specialized expertise.
- We provide personalized financial strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
- We offer innovative tools like financial calculators and secure client portals for transparency.
- We deliver actionable insights through monthly tax and financial planning newsletters.
Services
Tax Preparation
We prepare individual and business tax returns with precision and compliance. Our CPAs stay updated on evolving tax codes to maximize deductions while maintaining regulatory compliance. Clients receive clear explanations of their filings and proactive strategies to minimize future tax liabilities. This service ensures accurate submission while optimizing financial outcomes for both taxpayers and business entities.
Business Valuations
Certified Valuation Analysts determine accurate business valuations for mergers, acquisitions, or succession planning. We analyze financial statements, market conditions, and operational metrics to provide defensible valuations. This service supports informed decision-making for business owners seeking to understand their company's worth through rigorous quantitative analysis and industry-specific benchmarks.
Payroll Services
We manage complete payroll processing including tax withholding calculations and compliance reporting. Our system ensures timely payments while handling federal, state, and local tax requirements accurately. This service reduces administrative burdens for businesses by maintaining compliance with evolving employment regulations and providing year-round payroll recordkeeping solutions.
Financial Planning
Certified Financial Planners create customized strategies for personal financial goals. We evaluate income, investments, and risk management needs to develop comprehensive plans. This service helps individuals and families achieve long-term security through retirement planning, estate strategies, and optimized investment allocation tailored to specific financial circumstances.
Tax Planning
We develop proactive tax reduction strategies throughout the year rather than just during filing season. Our specialists analyze income streams, business structures, and deductions to optimize tax positions. This ongoing service helps clients legally minimize obligations while aligning tax strategies with broader financial objectives for both personal and corporate financial success.
People
C. Clay Miller
Owner
With CPA, CFP, and CVA credentials spanning three decades, C. Clay Miller leads Great Lakes CPA's as founder and principal. His expertise combines tax strategy with business valuation experience, serving Westlake clients since 1984 while maintaining a focus on personalized financial counsel and community impact.
Karen S. O'Connor
Manager
As CPA and senior manager, Karen S. O'Connor oversees client portfolios with meticulous attention to compliance requirements. Her work ensures quality control across accounting services while providing clients with expert guidance on tax matters through her extensive local regulatory knowledge and commitment to professional standards.
Sharon K. Miller
Client Development Director
Sharon K. Miller builds client relationships as Client Development Director. She translates complex financial concepts into actionable plans while coordinating service delivery across departments. Her role focuses on ensuring client satisfaction through clear communication and connecting clients with appropriate firm resources for their financial needs.
Stephanie McClellan
Staff Accountant
Stephanie McClellan provides detailed accounting support as Staff Accountant. Her responsibilities include preparing financial statements and assisting with tax filings while maintaining compliance standards. She applies technical expertise to client-specific issues, ensuring accurate financial reporting and contributing to the firm's reputation for thorough service delivery.
Gordana Stefanov
Staff Accountant
Gordana Stefanov contributes to client services as Staff Accountant with expertise in payroll processing and bookkeeping. She maintains accurate financial records and supports tax preparation activities while staying current with regulatory changes. Her work emphasizes precision and reliability in handling day-to-day accounting operations for business clients.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide complete accounting solutions including financial statements, payroll processing, tax compliance, and business advisory services tailored to small business needs across Westlake, OH.
How can Certified Business Valuations benefit my company?
Our certified valuation services help business owners understand their company's worth through rigorous analysis of financial performance, market position, and growth potential for transactions or succession planning.
Do you offer tax planning throughout the year?
Yes, we provide year-round tax strategy services that identify legal tax reduction opportunities and help clients implement effective financial planning strategies aligned with their goals.
How do you support financial planning for individuals?
Certified Financial Planners create personalized strategies covering retirement, investment management, and estate planning while adapting to changing financial circumstances and long-term objectives.
Can I access client resources online?
Yes, our secure client portal provides document sharing, financial calculators, and tax update access to enhance communication and streamline information exchange between appointments.
What's your approach to client communication?
We maintain clear, regular communication through personalized meetings and monthly newsletters while using technology to ensure timely, transparent information sharing about financial matters and regulatory changes.
