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Image for event: Closing Strong

Closing Strong

Year-End Financial & Tax Strategies for Small Business

2026-01-20 18:00:00 2026-01-20 19:30:00 America/Chicago Closing Strong Main Library - Robeson Pavilion Room A & B

Tuesday, January 20
6:00pm - 7:30pm

Add to Calendar 2026-01-20 18:00:00 2026-01-20 19:30:00 America/Chicago Closing Strong Main Library - Robeson Pavilion Room A & B

Main Library

Robeson Pavilion Room A & B

Year-end is not just about closing your books - it’s about opening opportunities. When you combine solid financial management with proactive tax planning, you turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Identify key year-end accounting and bookkeeping tasks (reconciliations, adjustments, financial statements).
  • Apply tax-saving strategies before December 31 - including expense timing, retirement plan contributions, and depreciation elections.
  • Understand common compliance filings (Forms W-2, 1099, 940/941, and state reports).
  • Plan proactively for the new fiscal year with budgets, forecasts, and tax strategy alignment.

About the presenter: Helen Zhang, President and Partner, Financial Brillance Accounting Firm, provides startups with high-quality financial, tax advisory and virtual CFO services. Helen is a Certified Public Accountant, senior Human Resources management certified, and Six Sigma Black Belt certified. Helen holds Master's Degrees in Business and Accounting, and she has management experience in Fortune 500 companies, higher education, tech startups, and accounting firms. She as taught managerial accounting courses at the Gies College of Business at University of Illinois. Helen serves as an Entrprepreneur-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 Brillance Accounting Firm to win a Worldwide Finance Award for Best Community-Focused Acccountancy Firm 2025-Illinois. 


Starting or growing a business? We can help. champaign.org/launch

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Business |

TAGS: | |

Main Library

librarian@champaign.org
Phone: 217-403-2000

Hours
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Mon, Mar 02 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Mar 03 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Mar 04 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Mar 05 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Mar 06 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Sat, Mar 07 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Mar 08 12:00PM to 6:00PM

About the branch

Our beautiful, state-of-the-art Main Library opened on January 6, 2008. You’ll find a wide variety of books, movies, and music, as well as free events for all ages. Looking for tech options? We offer free Wifi, dozens of public computers with internet access, and public meeting rooms.

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Busey Bank Conference Room (222)

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Nate & Lillie Story Room

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Busey Bank Conference Room (222)

Tue, Mar 24, 9:45am - 10:05am
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Tue, Mar 24, 10:00am - 11:00am
Robeson Pavilion Room A & B,The Studio

Tue, Mar 24, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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Busey Bank Conference Room (222)

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Robeson Pavilion Room A & B,The Studio

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