Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Accounting & Business Advisory Services in Modesto
Since 1973, Ristau has been a trusted partner for businesses seeking expert accounting, tax, and advisory services. Our team of certified professionals brings decades of experience to agribusiness, construction, and real estate sectors, combining industry-specific knowledge with personalized solutions. We prioritize understanding each client's unique needs to deliver strategic financial guidance that fosters sustainable growth.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our advanced software integration, cloud-based accounting systems, and tailored workshops that empower clients to make informed decisions. With a legacy of community involvement and a focus on building lasting relationships, we ensure our clients' financial success aligns with their long-term goals.
Services
Tax Planning
Business Advisory
Client Accounting
Wealth Management
Audit & Assurance
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of specialized experience in agribusiness and construction accounting.
- Our team includes CPAs, CVA-certified valuators, and industry-specific tax experts.
- We provide tailored financial dashboards and cloud-based accounting integrations.
- Our proactive business workshops enhance client teams' financial fluency.
- We maintain a proven track record of community leadership and client retention.
Associations and certifications
- BDO Alliance Affiliation
- AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Coalition
Services
Tax Planning
Our tax planning services combine industry expertise with proactive strategies to minimize liabilities while ensuring compliance. We specialize in agricultural, construction, and real estate tax complexities, offering entity selection analysis, year-end planning, and cryptocurrency tax guidance. With certified professionals and deep sector knowledge, we help clients navigate evolving federal and state regulations to protect their financial interests.
Business Advisory
We provide hands-on business advisory services focused on profit improvement, succession planning, and team development. Our CPAs and advisors deliver customized solutions through operational analysis, leadership training, and acquisition strategy guidance. By understanding each client's unique challenges, we help businesses in agribusiness and construction sectors achieve sustainable growth and operational efficiency.
Client Accounting
Our client accounting services offer tailored financial management solutions using cloud-based platforms like QuickBooks and Bill.com. We provide outsourced CFO support, financial statement preparation, and software conversions to streamline operations. Designed for businesses needing flexible accounting resources, our services ensure accurate, timely financial insights that support informed decision-making and long-term success.
Audit & Assurance
We deliver comprehensive audit and assurance services that build trust through accurate financial reporting. Our team performs audited, reviewed, and compiled financial statements while maintaining a client-focused approach. Specializing in employee benefit plan audits and regulatory compliance, we help businesses meet lender requirements and improve internal controls through transparent, collaborative processes.
Estate & Trust Planning
Our estate and trust planning services help clients protect their legacy through strategic asset distribution and tax minimization. We assist with trust creation, succession planning, and charitable giving strategies while addressing complex estate tax regulations. By combining technical expertise with personalized guidance, we ensure clients' financial wishes align with their family and business objectives.
People
Chad Van Houten
CPA/CVA, MST
Chad leads tax strategy initiatives with 20+ years of experience in complex tax planning and business valuations. He specializes in agricultural and construction industry taxation while overseeing firm-wide quality control.
Doug DeBoer
CPA
Doug serves as audit engagement partner, directing assurance services for construction and real estate clients. He has 25 years of experience in financial statement audits and regulatory compliance for mid-sized businesses.
Jane Johnson Simmons
MBA, PAFM
Jane manages client accounting services, specializing in cloud-based financial systems implementation. She oversees outsourced CFO engagements and trains client teams in financial process optimization for agribusiness clients.
Jeffrey Bowman
CPA, MBA, MST
Jeffrey directs business advisory services, focusing on succession planning and acquisition strategies. He has guided over 100 agricultural businesses through leadership transitions and operational improvements.
Tami Davis
CMA
Tami leads team coaching programs, developing financial literacy workshops for construction industry professionals. She has trained over 500 employees in budget management and operational efficiency techniques.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We specialize in agribusiness, construction, and real estate accounting with tailored solutions for each sector's unique financial challenges.
Do you offer outsourced CFO services?
Yes, our experienced team provides outsourced CFO support including financial strategy, cash flow management, and reporting.
How do you handle tax planning for agricultural businesses?
We address crop insurance, equipment depreciation, and land transactions while optimizing tax credits specific to agricultural operations.
What audit services do you provide?
We offer audited, reviewed, and compiled financial statements along with employee benefit plan audits required by the Department of Labor.
Can you help with business succession planning?
Our advisors have guided over 100 businesses through leadership transitions, including valuations, tax implications, and leadership development.
