CTM Partner Todd Coughlan is at his best when he is helping others achieve their goals. Whether providing an individual with tax planning strategies, reviewing a company’s financial statements or helping a franchise owner/operator with ownership transfer, Todd conceives of solutions that facilitates the financial results desired by his clients. Over the years, he has developed a special aptitude working with quick-service restaurant franchise owner/operators with which he has a personal connection.
He started his first job at a McDonald’s restaurant while in high school, and eventually ran store operations while obtaining an Accounting degree from Northern Illinois University. This first-hand experience gave him a greater understanding of the challenges faced by many of his clients as they manage and grow their businesses.
Todd tackles problems head on and believes clients should be able to focus more on business operations rather than back office responsibilities. For example, when a client came to the firm behind in their reporting requirements, Todd quickly brought the client into compliance and developed accounting processes that minimized the burden of future reporting practices.
Todd has participated in several webinars discussing business relief provisions contained in the stimulus packages, including the Paycheck Protection Program and the Employer Retention Tax Credit. Additionally, as CTM’s technology innovation leader, Todd regularly hosts internal as well as client-based learning sessions. For example, he has given numerous presentations on implementing technology to automate bookkeeping processes and how to streamline back-office functions for small businesses. Todd is a member of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce and the McHenry Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he is a member of the National Franchise Consultants & Accountants, an alliance of public accounting firms specializing in franchise accounting for McDonald’s Owner/Operators, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University and received his C.P.A certificate from the University of Illinois.
Todd and his family reside in Crystal Lake, Illinois. His wife, JoAnn is a middle school teacher and volleyball coach, and their daughter Riley is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When not in the office, Todd enjoys a wide variety of activities, including basketball, bicycling, softball and football. He is also an avid fan of both the Chicago Cubs and Bears.
