07.07.20
Is it Time to Update Your Company’s Drug Use Policy?
Given the safety risks involved with many manufacturing jobs, it is a good idea for manufacturers to adopt and consistently enforce a drug and alcohol policy. However, the evolving legal environment — particularly with many states moving toward legalizing marijuana — greatly complicates the process. Alcohol vs. marijuana When marijuana was illegal everywhere, determining how […]

06.17.20
SECURE Act: New Tax Incentives for Employers to Offer Retirement Benefits
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act authorizes a new, cost-effective type of retirement plan: The pooled employer plan (PEP) beginning in 2021. This is a new type of multiple employer plan (MEP). MEPs have been available for many years, but they suffer from some serious drawbacks and inherent complexities that make […]

05.28.20
Keys to Effective Bring-Your-Own Device Policies
Manufacturers may implement bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies for salespeople who travel, customer service representatives who work from home and managers who use mobile devices to perform business tasks. But allowing access to the company’s systems on an unsecured device presents risks. How can you protect your company’s data without violating employees’ privacy rights? Evaluating the pros […]

05.15.20
Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Spring 2020
Our Manufacturing and Distribution Group's Spring newsletter looks into how amending previous years’ tax returns can possibly free up cash, as well as provides four strategies for closing the skills gap.

02.20.19
Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Winter 2019
Our Manufacturing & Distribution Group's Winter 2019 Newsletter offers five tips for boosting your profits, as well as insight on how tax reform may benefit your company.

11.13.18
Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Fall 2018
Our Manufacturing & Distribution Group's Fall 2018 Newsletter explains the new limitations on business interest expense deductions, as well as the benefits of consulting employees for solutions regarding potential operating problems within your company.

06.03.20
What You Need to Know About Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness
Join ORBA’s Frank L. Washelesky on Friday, May 29, for a complimentary webinar that will provide clarity on the PPP Loan Forgiveness rules. 

05.07.19
The Impact of the New Tax Law on Manufacturers and Distributors
Managing and operating a manufacturing and distribution business in the wake of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) can feel like an overwhelming task. However, there are provisions under the new tax law that present both opportunities and challenges to the industry. Join ORBA for this free breakfast seminar as Joel Herman, Tom Vance, […]

04.13.20
ORBA Named to Accounting Today’s 2020 “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch”
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, has been named as one of Accounting Today’s “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch” for 2020.  

04.17.19
ORBA Announces Cloud CFO and Accounting Service Hires
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to welcome Carissa Coppola as an Associate in the Accounting Services Department, and Emily Cohen, Jason Dion and Joshua Trezek as Associates in the Cloud CFO Services Department

04.08.19
ORBA Appoints Chief Financial Officer
CHICAGO — Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cara Sample, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer.

06.24.20
Paycheck Protection Program New Guidance Clarifies When to Apply for Forgiveness and Owner-Employee Limits
Borrowers that received PPP funds prior to June 5, 2020 have the option to use either a 24-week forgiveness period or an 8-week forgiveness period. On June 22, 2020, the SBA issued updated guidance that provides an additional option allowing a borrower to apply for forgiveness before the 24-week period ends.

06.19.20
Paycheck Protection Program Revised Forgiveness Applications
On June 17, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued updated guidance to reflect the Payroll Protection Flexibility Act.  The SBA also provided a revised PPP loan forgiveness application, Form 3508 and instructions, along with a simplified Form 3508 EZ and instructions for qualified borrowers.

06.08.20
Message from Managing Director Mark Thomson
Over the past two weeks, I have watched the many peaceful protests across the City of Chicago, our local communities and across the nation. People of all backgrounds are speaking out against the continuing injustice against people of color, specifically Black people.

04.08.19
Various Media – ORBA Appoints Chief Financial Officer
ORBA is mentioned in the media for announcing the appointment of Cara Sample, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer of the firm. Reporting media include Yahoo! Finance, Spoke, The Daily Herald, NewsBlaze, Star Tribune and ABC 7. Click here to view the official press release.

04.04.19
Various Media – ORBA Ranked Among 2019 ‘Top Firms to Watch’ by Accounting Today
ORBA is mentioned in the media for being ranked among the “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch” list for 2019, as well being listed among the top 20 firms in the Great Lakes Region.

01.02.19
Various Media – Crain’s Business Ranks ORBA Among Chicago’s Largest Accounting Firms
ORBA was recently mentioned in the media for being ranked 18th out of the 25 largest accounting firms in Chicago, listed by Crain’s Chicago Business. Reporting media include MarketWatch, Pittsburgh Business Times, the Daily Herald, Daily Penny Alerts and Chicago City Room. Click here to view the official press release.

06.08.20
Message from Managing Director Mark Thomson
Over the past two weeks, I have watched the many peaceful protests across the City of Chicago, our local communities and across the nation. People of all backgrounds are speaking out against the continuing injustice against people of color, specifically Black people.

04.17.19
ORBA Announces Cloud CFO and Accounting Service Hires
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to welcome Carissa Coppola as an Associate in the Accounting Services Department, and Emily Cohen, Jason Dion and Joshua Trezek as Associates in the Cloud CFO Services Department

04.08.19
ORBA Appoints Chief Financial Officer
CHICAGO — Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cara Sample, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer.