About The Charleston CPA.
At The Charleston CPA, we understand that accounting is the backbone of any successful business. Whether it’s maintaining accurate records, minimizing taxes, or using data to drive better decision-making, we are your one-stop shop for all your accounting needs. Our firm is driven by the belief that the entrepreneurial spirit is the most powerful tool for achieving financial freedom and the American Dream. We are passionate about using our accounting expertise to help you maximize the value of your business.
We take a selective approach to client partnerships, working closely with business owners to understand their goals and aspirations. Our mission is to reduce your workload, allowing you to focus on what matters most in life, or to help you scale your business and improve efficiency, putting more money in your pocket. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can support your business journey.
About our Founder.
Ian Shaute, CPA – Founder of The Charleston CPA
Ian Shaute is a Certified Public Accountant with over 15 years of experience in taxation, IRS representation, and financial compliance. Before founding The Charleston CPA, Ian built a career that uniquely bridges both sides of the tax system—first as an Internal Revenue Agent for the IRS, and later as a tax manager and controversy specialist in top regional accounting firms.
His time with the IRS included high-level compliance and audit work, including Bank Secrecy Act enforcement and examination of complex business entities, partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals. After nearly a decade in federal service, Ian transitioned to public accounting, where he specialized in IRS audit defense, tax planning, and advisory services for closely held businesses, high-income individuals, and entities with international reporting requirements.
Ian’s clients benefit from his insider understanding of how the IRS operates, what they look for, and how to proactively navigate the system. From tax preparation and bookkeeping to fractional CFO support and complex audit representation, Ian offers a strategic, experienced, and trustworthy approach.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Kean University and is licensed as a CPA in South Carolina.
When he's not advocating for his clients, you’ll likely find Ian enjoying life in Charleston with his family—or analyzing the latest developments in tax law (because yes, he genuinely enjoys it).
