Business Details
11 Years
experience
Expert CPA Services for Durham Businesses & Individuals
Founded in 2015, Chris Arena, CPA, PLLC is dedicated to providing stress-free tax and accounting solutions tailored to individuals and small businesses. Our approach centers on understanding each client's unique needs through personalized consultations and proactive financial guidance. With over a decade of combined experience in accounting, finance, and business advisory services, we specialize in tax compliance, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. Our team prioritizes transparent communication and practical solutions, ensuring clients receive actionable insights without hidden fees.We serve Durham, NC and surrounding areas, focusing on industries ranging from startups to established enterprises. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our recognition as Best Accountant by Durham Magazine and finalist status in Indy Weekly's Best Accounting Firm category. By combining technical expertise with a client-first philosophy, we aim to be a trusted partner in our clients' financial success.
Services
Business Tax Services
Personal Tax Preparation
Bookkeeping Services
QuickBooks Support
Business Advisory Services
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized tax planning tailored to your business's unique needs
- Our team provides proactive financial guidance with quarterly business reviews
- Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor support for seamless accounting integration
- Free initial consultation to assess your specific requirements
- Proven track record serving Durham's small business community since 2015
Associations and certifications
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant) - North Carolina
Services
Business Tax Services
Comprehensive business tax compliance and planning services tailored to various entity types. We specialize in proactive tax strategy through quarterly financial reviews, ensuring timely filings and penalty avoidance. Our approach combines in-depth industry knowledge with personalized advisory to optimize tax outcomes for small businesses.
Personal Tax Preparation
Expert preparation of personal tax returns for complex financial situations. We specialize in handling independent contractors, multi-state income, investment K-1 statements, and stock option planning. Our service ensures maximum deductions while maintaining full compliance with federal and state regulations.
Business Advisory Services
Strategic financial guidance for business growth and operational efficiency. Services include performance analysis, industry benchmarking, compliance reviews, and customized QuickBooks training. We focus on empowering business owners through data-driven insights and proactive financial management solutions.
QuickBooks Support
Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor services for system implementation and ongoing support. We help businesses optimize their accounting processes through tailored training, system configuration, and integration with tax compliance workflows to improve financial management capabilities.
Bookkeeping Services
Comprehensive bookkeeping solutions to maintain accurate financial records. Our services include transaction categorization, account reconciliation, and financial reporting tailored to small business needs. We ensure organized financial data that supports effective tax planning and business decision-making.
People
Chris Arena, CPA
President
Licensed CPA with over 10 years in accounting and finance. UNC graduate with Masters in Accounting. Specializes in small business advisory and tax strategy. Active community member serving local organizations. Provides personalized financial guidance focused on client success.
Lauren Gregory
Tax & Bookkeeping Manager
Licensed CPA with expertise in tax compliance and consulting. Former large firm experience now focused on personalized service. Specializes in federal/state taxation for closely held businesses and high net worth individuals. Committed to making tax compliance stress-free for clients.
Sherri Stewart
Seasonal Tax Manager
35-year CPA veteran with public accounting and audit experience. Specializes in small business taxation and nonprofit organizations. Former Executive Director of medical research institute. Provides deep industry knowledge and personalized tax solutions for Durham's business community.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide business tax compliance, quarterly financial reviews, bookkeeping, QuickBooks support, and strategic tax planning tailored to small businesses.
Do you handle both business and personal tax preparation?
Yes, we specialize in both business tax services (including S-Corp elections) and personal tax preparation for complex situations like multi-state income.
What makes your tax planning approach different?
We conduct proactive quarterly reviews of your financials and provide year-round advisory to optimize tax outcomes before deadlines.
Are you available for consultations outside regular business hours?
We offer flexible scheduling with periodic check-ins throughout the year, including after-hours communication when needed.
How do you handle business compliance requirements?
We manage compliance tasks including business personal property listings, 1099 forms, and industry-specific reporting requirements.
