The Lighthouse Group

What The Lighthouse Group does

The Lighthouse Group is a privately held, California-incorporated modernized accountancy firm headquartered in Eureka, California, founded by Wyatt D. Kneaper. The firm delivers a comprehensive suite of financial services for small to mid-sized businesses, high-income individuals, real estate investors, and specialized sectors including non-profits, cannabis, and professional practices. Core offerings include managed bookkeeping (flat-rate monthly tiers at $499-$1,199), tax preparation (individual from $1,000, business from $1,800), payroll and benefits via an exclusive partnership with Gusto, cost segregation studies ($5,000-$15,000 flat rate), Outsourced CFO (LighthouseCFO, scheduled for 2026 relaunch), People Advisory, IRS representation, and entity formation. As of January 1, 2023, the firm absorbed three professional accountancy organizations, expanding its client base across the United States, and currently operates with approximately 20+ team members.

The technology stack is cloud-based and integrated rather than proprietary in the deep sense: QuickBooks Online for accounting, Gusto for payroll and benefits, Moxo for the client portal (LighthouseAPP), and Taxfyle for simple-return referrals, augmented by AI tools used under human supervision for data processing, bookkeeping, tax preparation, and client communications. The firm posts a Lighthouse Accounting Group mobile app on iOS and Android, and supports 24/7 dashboard analytics for premium clients. The GTM motion is sales-led and consultation-driven, with Calendly-scheduled discovery calls, $500 deposits to hold tax-season slots, and channel co-marketing through Gusto and Taxfyle partnerships; most clients are served fully remote.

Revenue mechanics blend subscription recurring revenue (managed bookkeeping tiers, payroll) with project-based professional services (tax preparation, cost segregation, advisory) and managed services (outsourced CFO, People Advisory). The firm is privately held with no disclosed institutional funding, a flat ownership structure under the founder, and active hiring for Director of Operations and Tax Accountant roles to support scaling.

Name

The Lighthouse Group

Legal name

The Lighthouse Group

Website

https://lighthousehq.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Lighthouse Group is a Eureka, California-based modernized accountancy firm serving SMBs, high-income individuals, and real estate investors nationwide with managed bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, cost segregation, and outsourced CFO services through cloud-based tools and remote delivery.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Accounting & Tax Advisory Services

NAICS

Offices of Certified Public Accountants (541211), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416), Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (523940)

SIC

Investment Advice (6282), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Family Office Advisory (Single/Multi-Family) (FSAEAAAI)

Keywords

• Managed bookkeeping services
• Tax preparation services
• Outsourced cfo services
• Payroll processing services
• Cost segregation studies

Headquarters

HQ city

Eureka

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Managed Bookkeeping Services: Flat-rate monthly bookkeeping service providing Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements with quarterly reviews. Priced tiers from $499-$1,199/month based on annual expense volume.
2. Tax Preparation Services: Individual, business, and estate & trust tax preparation. Individual returns starting at $1,000, business returns starting at $1,800. Includes audit defense support.
3. Payroll Services: Payroll processing and benefits administration through Gusto platform. Scalable solution from DIY to full-service payroll and benefits processing.
4. Cost Segregation Studies: Engineering-based tax strategy service accelerating depreciation on real estate. Flat-rate pricing $5,000-$15,000 per study with 30-90 day turnaround.
5. Outsourced CFO Services: Full-service accounting package including bookkeeping, payroll, benefits, 401(k) management, tax preparation, and financial analytics. Being redesigned with LighthouseCFO launch expected 01/01/2026.
6. People Advisory: HR advisory services combining payroll, benefits administration, people operations support, staffing and compensation planning through Gusto partnership.
7. Additional Financial Services: Estate & trust planning, financial & retirement planning, forensic accounting, litigation support, debt advising, entity formation, IRS representation, and regulatory audits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Lighthouse Group is a modernized accountancy and advisory firm providing managed bookkeeping (flat-rate monthly subscriptions), tax preparation for individuals, businesses, estates and trusts, payroll processing, cost segregation studies, outsourced CFO services (LighthouseCFO), people advisory, IRS representation, regulatory audits, entity formation, and supplementary financial services such as estate planning, retirement planning, financial projections, forensic accounting and debt advising. Services are delivered primarily remotely across the United States through the proprietary LighthouseAPP client portal, with a physical headquarters in Eureka, California.

Product overview

The Lighthouse Group is a modernized professional tax and accountancy organization offering a comprehensive suite of financial services for individuals and businesses. Their core offering consists of integrated services including Managed Bookkeeping (flat-rate monthly service), Tax Preparation (individual, estate, trust, and business returns), Payroll Services (powered by Gusto), Cost Segregation Studies, and Outsourced CFO (LighthouseCFO being redesigned for 2026). Additional services include People Advisory (HR and benefits support), IRS Representation, Regulatory Audits, Entity Formation, and specialized financial planning services (estate/trust, retirement, forensic accounting, debt advising). The firm also offers QuickBooks Services and a mobile app for client access. Services are delivered through integrations with Gusto (payroll), QuickBooks Online (accounting), Moxo (client portal), and TaxFyle (simple returns), with AI tools employed under human oversight for data processing and communications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Managed Bookkeeping Service Flat-rate monthly managed bookkeeping service providing accurate financial reports (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statements) with quarterly reviews and optional monthly video overviews. Priced in monthly subscription tiers of $499, $699, $899 and $1,199 based on annual expense volume. Designed for small to mid-sized businesses seeking reliable ongoing financial reporting without hourly billing surprises.
• Cost Segregation Study Services Tax strategy service that accelerates depreciation on real estate by reclassifying building components into shorter asset lives (5, 7, or 15 years) to generate larger deductions and improved cash flow. Delivered as ASCSP-certified engineering reports formatted for tax software import, with 30–90 day turnaround and flat-rate pricing of $5,000–$15,000 per study. Includes no-obligation preliminary review and audit defense support.
• Tax Preparation Services Comprehensive tax planning and preparation for individuals, businesses, estates and trusts. Individual returns start at $1,000 (typical range $1,000–$1,500; complex returns $1,000–$2,500). Business returns start at $1,800 (typical $2,000–$3,500+). Estate & trust returns typical range $1,000–$3,500+. Includes $1,000,000 audit defense with Protection Plus, identity theft policy, and after-tax-season advisory meeting.
• People Advisory People-focused advisory service combining financial expertise with HR support including payroll, benefits administration, staffing, compensation planning, and retention strategies. Delivered via the firm's Certified People Advisory Accounting Partner status with Gusto, leveraging the #1 rated HR platform for payroll and people operations support.
• LighthouseCFO (Outsourced CFO) Full-service outsourced CFO package including bookkeeping, payroll processing, benefits administration, 401(k) management, tax return preparation (individual & business), advanced dashboard analytics for 24/7 review, accounts payable/receivable management, and customizable monthly reports with business check-in options. Being redesigned for 2026 launch as LighthouseCFO.
• Payroll Services Scalable payroll processing services from DIY training and software for small business owners to full-service payroll and benefits processing/setup for larger companies. Powered by the Gusto platform via the firm's Certified People Advisory Accounting Partner status. Includes preparation of related tax returns.
• IRS Representation Professional audit defense and IRS/state agency representation services. Includes $1,000,000 Tax Audit Defense with Protection Plus coverage. Led by CPA-qualified Tax & Regulatory Defense Specialist staff.
• Regulatory Audits Financial, payroll, workers' compensation and risk management audit services providing objective analysis for controlling costs and increasing efficiency across client operations.
• Entity Formation & Selection Business entity selection and formation advisory with document filing and registration services, advising on optimal tax structures from inception through growth for entrepreneurs and start-ups.
• Estate & Trust Planning Estate and trust planning services ensuring financial security for loved ones with trust and will formation services available upon request, paired with the firm's estate & trust tax return preparation (1041, 709).
• Financial & Retirement Planning Financial planning services including asset allocation, investment performance monitoring, retirement plans, insurance, and tax and estate planning integration.
• Financial Projections Financial forecasting and projection services combining business expertise with market trend analysis to help manage business plans and spending.
• Forensic Accounting & Litigation Support Litigation support and forensic accounting services for commercial litigation, financial investigations, business valuations, and fraud investigation.
• Debt & Finance Advising Debt management and financing advising services to lower payments and reduce interest, supported by a referral network of banks, credit unions, financial advisors, and lenders.
• QuickBooks Services QuickBooks setup, training, conversions to QuickBooks Online, and ongoing support services with individualized solutions for current and future business needs.
• Lighthouse Accounting Group Mobile App Mobile application available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store providing client access to the LighthouseAPP/Moxo client portal, document uploads, e-signatures and account management on iOS and Android.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cost segregation: $5M building yields approximately $250,000 NPV tax benefit
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GustocoreTechnology or IntegrationExclusive payroll and benefit system partnership. The Lighthouse Group is a Certified People Advisory Accounting Partner with Gusto, leveraging their #1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and people operations. Lighthouse Accounting Group utilizes Gusto exclusively for all payroll and benefit processing.
• TaxfyleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for directing clients with simple tax returns (one W-2, retired with only SSA, student filers) to Taxfyle for more appropriate lower-cost service. Maintains The Lighthouse Group's focus on complex tax situations.
• QuickBooks OnlinecoreTechnology or IntegrationPreferred accounting software integration. The Lighthouse Group provides QuickBooks services including setup, training, and ongoing support. Conversions to QuickBooks Online performed on behalf of clients.
• MoxocoreTechnology or IntegrationClient portal provider for secure document exchange and client communication. Client Portal (Web) available at lighthouseaccountinggroup.moxo.com
• American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional certification body for cost segregation studies. Reports are certified per ASCSP standards and reviewed by engineers. Includes audit defense support for IRS challenges.
• Banks, Credit Unions & Financial AdvisorsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral network for debt & finance advising services. Includes banks, credit unions, financial advisors, and lenders for client referrals on debt management and financing options.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• CFOshare: CFOshare provides fractional and outsourced CFO services combined with bookkeeping and tax for growth-stage SMBs. Comparable to Lighthouse's LighthouseCFO outsourced CFO bundle launching in 2026.

Direct peers

• Ignite Spot Accounting: Ignite Spot is a virtual bookkeeping and accounting firm providing monthly bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services to SMBs nationwide. Directly comparable subscription-based remote bookkeeping delivery to Lighthouse.
• Bench: Bench provides virtual bookkeeping and tax services to small businesses with a software-plus-human delivery model. Comparable to Lighthouse's managed bookkeeping subscription tiers and tax preparation services targeting SMB owners.
• Bookkeeper360: Bookkeeper360 is a tech-enabled accounting firm offering bookkeeping, payroll, tax, and CFO services with Xero/QuickBooks integration to SMBs. Comparable subscription-based bookkeeping and CFO bundles align closely with Lighthouse's offering.
• Pilot: Pilot is a tech-enabled bookkeeping and accounting services firm serving SMBs, founders, and investors with monthly bookkeeping, tax, and CFO services. Directly comparable to Lighthouse's managed bookkeeping, tax, and outsourced CFO offerings delivered to a similar SMB/startup customer base.
• Botkeeper: Botkeeper combines AI-driven automation with human accountants to deliver bookkeeping services at scale for SMBs and accounting firms. Comparable AI-assisted bookkeeping technology stack to Lighthouse's AI-enhanced delivery model.
• 1-800Accountant: 1-800Accountant is a virtual accounting firm providing bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and advisory services to SMBs and entrepreneurs nationwide. Closely mirrors Lighthouse's broad service catalog and remote-delivery model.

Others

• Gusto: Gusto is Lighthouse's exclusive payroll/HR platform partner and Certified People Advisory Accounting Partner. While primarily a payroll/benefits platform, Gusto has been expanding into partner-led advisory services, making it both a critical distribution channel and adjacent competitor for Lighthouse.

Broad incumbents

• RSM US: RSM US is a national accounting and consulting firm serving middle-market clients with tax, audit, and CFO/advisory services. Overlaps with Lighthouse's mid-market client focus on the CFO and tax advisory side.
• BDO USA: BDO USA is a top-tier national accounting and advisory firm offering tax, audit, advisory, and outsourced CFO services to mid-market businesses. Comparable service breadth but at much larger scale than Lighthouse's SMB focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/lighthouseaccountingllc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lighthouseaccountinggroup

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Lighthouse Group