Christianson CPA and Consultants is a full-service firm providing accounting, tax, attestation, compliance, and business advisory services since 1987.
We are comprised of dynamic teammates who are community–minded and believe the work they do makes a difference for our clients every day. Our mission is to be client-focused and driven to find solutions through our knowledge, experience, and vision.
Throughout the years we have forged niches in agriculture and renewable fuels. Because of our early connections in renewable fuels, we have built global expertise in carbon markets and validations for low carbon fuel standards. We are often consulted or provide suggestions for improvements as governing bodies develop or modify programs in renewable fuels.
We have been fortunate to develop a strong team of professionals who can tackle complex issues, while offering a personal approach from our “Minnesota-nice” roots.
Our Origins
The story began when John Christianson bought a box of tax files from a retiring local CPA and set out to build a business, known then as Christianson & Associates. Joel Gratz was hire #7 and quickly rose through the ranks, now serving as our Managing Partner.
Together with their agricultural backgrounds, they focused on helping their neighbors. In the late 1990’s the firm was approached by a group of local farmers wanting financial consulting to start an ethanol plant, one of the first in Minnesota. The launch was a success. Soon Christianson & Associates was known as part of the ‘Minnesota Model’ and were supporting ethanol start-ups and clients across the nation.
Our Partner Group
left to right: Managing Partner Joel Gratz, Sara DeRoo, Dustin Kotrba, Chelsey Mueller, Teresa Carlson, Bradley Pederson, Kari Buttenhoff, and Jamey Cline.
Our Evolution
Part of our company progression has included strategic mergers and acquisitions. In 2011, we merged with Mark C. Nicholson, PA, of Litchfield, letting us expand our footprint beyond our headquarters in Willmar. In 2023, after six years in a small shared office space, we moved into our own, newly renovated Paynesville office building. That year, we also merged with DM Hoffbeck PLLC, adding our presence to Redwood Falls, Fairfax and Morgan.
In 2020 we split into 3 entities to continue serving niche clientele through restructured ownership. These companies remain headquartered together in our Willmar office:
- Christianson PLLP remains a tax, accounting and consulting firm focused on helping business owners and agri-business operations with compliance and strategy.
- Beyond, A Christianson Company leads software solutions connecting plant operations and accounting.
- Christianson Benchmarking LLC confidentially collects data from subscribing biofuels plants and distributes data back for comparisons in operating statistics.
- Additionally, we are the home of Christianson Financial Advisors LLC, a referral solution for our clients needing investment advice and products.
Our Present and Future
We continue to proudly serve our neighbors – business owners, farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals and more. Our continued Minnesota roots include office locations in Willmar, Litchfield, Paynesville, Redwood Falls, and Fairfax.
We are not limited by our Midwest origins. We employed remote experts across the nation long before it became the norm. This allows us better access to industry talent and create nimble working arrangements.
Our Alliance
In 2024, Christianson PLLP joined as an alliance member of CLA Global in the United States. CLA Global is a worldwide organization of independent accounting and advisory firms. CLA Global member firm professionals provide audit, accounting, tax, and advisory services to help guide organizations and individuals through the increasingly complex global business and financial environment
Our collaborative efforts with CLA Global include technical resources and network experience, as well as leadership and growth opportunities.