Who it's for: Business ow ners\, founders\, and the finance or operations people who keep the books - anyone who'd rather start January with a plan than a scramble.
\n< strong>Why it matters: Most businesses treat year-end as a deadli ne. The ones who get ahead treat it as a decision point. Clean books are w hat make those decisions possible. A business in decision-making mode uses those same weeks to make proactive choices - about when income lands\, ho w assets are expensed\, how the owner is paid\, and which elections get ma de. This session covers how to close the year properly\, what to do with t he picture once you can see it and how to plan for the new year.
\n< strong>What we'll cover: \;By the end of the session\, you'll be able to:
\nAbout the presenter: \;Helen Zhang\, Presiden t and Partner\, Financial Brilliance Accounting Firm\, provides startups w ith high-quality financial\, tax advisory and virtual CFO services. Helen is a Certified Public Accountant\, senior Human Resources management certi fied\, and Six Sigma Black Belt certified. Helen holds Master's Degrees in Business and Accounting\, and she has management experience in Fortune 50 0 companies\, higher education\, tech startups\, and accounting firms. She has taught managerial accounting courses at the Gies College of Business at University of Illinois. Helen serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Research Park at University of Illinois. Her services aim to support clients' financial health\, business growth\, operational efficiency\, and long-term sustainability. She has led Financial Brilliance Accounting Fir m to win a Worldwide Finance Award for Best Community-Focused Accountancy Firm 2025-Illinois. \;
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Starting or growing a bus
iness? We can help. \;champaign.org/launch