About Lighthammer Bookkeeping, Inc.

CPA Quality at Bookkeeping Rates.

That’s not just a tagline—it’s how we operate.

Based in Madeira, Ohio, our firm combines CPA-level insight with small business accessibility. With more than two decades of real-world experience as a CFO and controller in the real estate industry, we’re uniquely positioned to offer the kind of strategic bookkeeping and business support most small firms can’t touch.

Today, about 75% of our business is monthly bookkeeping—not just number crunching, but consulting, analysis, and QuickBooks support for small businesses that want real answers. We also provide payroll, tax preparation, and entity formation, all with a CPA’s eye for accuracy and strategy.

Most of our clients work in or around real estate. If you’re looking for Cincinnati bookkeeping services for landlords or Realtors, you couldn’t be in a better place.

We work with:

  • Realtors

  • House flippers

  • Property investors and landlords

  • Roofers and real estate-adjacent trades

  • Service-based businesses earning $250K to $3M/year

Why choose us? Because if you’re hiring a bookkeeper… why not hire a CPA?

Our Founder's Journey

Meet Jim, the driving force behind Lighthammer Bookkeeping Inc. With over a decade of experience running his own CPA firm, Jim has served many companies across the Cincinnati area, including business owners in Butler County, Warren County and Hamilton count - with their QuickBooks, bookkeeping and providing invaluable business advice and personalized solutions.

Jim's career path shifted into roles within the accounting industry, including serving as the Chief Financial Officer for companies in the real estate investment industry.

Workcation

“"I love Lighthammer Bookkeeping Inc.! I can't say enough about Jim. Lighthammer has taken us from the dark ages into the future. We had tried everything, inhouse bookkeeping and 2 outsourced bookkeepers in the last 4 years. I was so naive, thinking a bookkeeper is a bookkeeper, folks this is not the case. Jim / Lighthammer is bookkeeping on steroids! It's like I have my own CFO! He has automated our credit cards, our payroll, payroll taxes, our PTO time, and quarterly taxes. Oh, and he's reasonably priced! Globe Insurance has been around since 1926, I'm the third owner and I sleep well at night knowing I can grow my business and not have to worry about the tax/payroll side! Jim is the "Whiz-bang" enough said!" ”

Rob Wilkerson
Globe Insurance Agency

The Turning Point

Yet, amidst the professional accolades, Jim faced a significant challenge: a grueling daily commute that consumed precious hours each day. Spending an entire workweek away from his cherished family—his wife, three sons, two granddaughters, and beloved dog, Maverick—prompted a pivotal realization. Something had to change.

Our Journey to VirtualBookkeeping Excellence

Thus, Lighthammer Bookkeeping Inc. was born—a solution forged from Jim's desire to reclaim time for himself and his clients. Harnessing cutting-edge technology, we offer virtual bookkeeping services nationwide, eliminating the need for cumbersome in-person meetings. Now, we revel in spending quality time with our families whenever we desire.

Empowering Your Success

As a QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor, we are dedicated to extending the same freedom to you, your business, and your family. At Lighthammer Bookkeeping Inc., our mission is clear: to empower you to focus on what truly matters while we handle the intricacies of your financial management.

Let's Get Started
Find out how to connect with Lighthammer Bookkeeping Inc. and begin your journey to financial freedom. Reach out to discover how we can support your business with expert bookkeeping and financial services.