131 Main Street, 8 th Floor PO Box 5777 Burlington, VT (802) Toll free in Vermont (800) Fax (802)

Transcription

1 131 Main Street, 8 th Floor PO Box 5777 Burlington, VT (802) Toll free in Vermont (800) Fax (802) FIRM PROFILE Wallace W. Tapia, CPA, founded the Firm bearing his name in January, 1990 after having served as the Lead Tax Specialist for Tax- Exempt Organizations with the regional public accounting firm of Smith, Batchelder & Rugg. At present, the Firm offers auditing, accounting, tax, and consulting services to a variety of nonprofit organizations throughout Vermont. All professional staff are members of both the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The Firm s commitment to providing complete professional services to its clients is evidenced by the regular enrollment of Firm personnel in continuing education courses which are normally concentrated in the areas of nonprofit auditing, accounting, and taxation. Since its inception, Firm personnel have given numerous presentations on accounting, auditing, management, and tax issues to members of the Vermont Community Foundation s Non-Profit Technical Assistance Program, the Vermont Society of Association Executives, the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Specialty Food Association, and the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce. In August, 1992 and again in 1995, 1998, 2001, and 2004, the Firm underwent, and successfully completed, an independent Peer Review. The review, which is part of the practice-monitoring program implemented by the American Institute of CPA s, resulted in the Firm receiving an unqualified opinion in each case with respect to its quality control policies and procedures. NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCE Our professional staff has extensive experience in offering accounting and audit services to not-for-profit organizations, including museums, cultural and educational organizations, public access television stations, social service agencies, and private foundations, including those whose audit requirements arise under the provisions of the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133. All of the firm s present audit clients are not-forprofit, tax- exempt organizations. For the most recent fiscal year, over 76% of the Firm s billings represented services rendered to not-for-profit organizations. Of this total, approximately 57% related to audit and accounting services, 28% to tax services, and 15% to consulting services.

2 Firm personnel also have extensive experience in dealing with the tax and compliance issues specific to tax- exempt, not-for-profit organizations, including the preparation of annual information returns for public charities, private foundations, social welfare organizations, and trade associations, preparation of Internal Revenue Service submissions in support of non-private foundation status, Unrelated Business Income issues, planning for tax- advantaged charitable contributions, and private foundation terminations. In addition, Wallace W. Tapia has over nineteen years specific experience in planning for the organizational restructuring of not-for-profit entities, including corporate reorganizations, the use of affiliated and subsidiary organizations, and addressing the tax implications of current or proposed new activities. ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE SERVICES In addition to customary audit, accounting, and tax services, the Firm assists its not-for-profit clients in matters such as: Design or implementation of internal record-keeping systems Payroll, grant reporting, and other compliance requirements Planning for receipt of charitable contributions, including the use of charitable giving vehicles and related advisory services to you and/or potential donors Budgeting Fringe benefit consultations Assistance in drafting the corrective action plan (i.e., responses to auditor s findings) required of Federal funding recipients Tax reporting, compliance, and planning issues We welcome your inquiries concerning our Firm, the services we offer, and how we can be of service to you and your not-for-profit organization. Please contact us for more information.

3 FIRM AFFILIATIONS

4 THE FIRM AND/OR ITS MEMBERS MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: (Since 1990) American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) (Since 1990) AICPA Tax Division (Exempt Organizations Subcommittee) (Since 1990) Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (Since 1990) (Since 1991) Vermont Community Foundation Technical Assistance Program (subsequently assumed by the Vermont Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations) Accountants for the Public Interest (Since 1992) Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance (Since 1994) Environmental Support Center (Designated Service Provider) (Since 1998) The Vermont Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (Founding Associate Member) (Since 2001) Vermont Secretary of State s Nonprofit Advisory Board (Since 2004) Private Companies Practice Section (AICPA Alliance for CPA Firms) (Since 2005) Society for Nonprofit Organizations

5 STAFF BIOGRAPHIES

6 WALLACE W. TAPIA, CPA PRINCIPAL Agraduate of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, Wallace W. Tapia began his career in public accounting after completing graduate and undergraduate level accounting studies at the University of Vermont in He has also successfully completed advanced levels of the National Tax Education Program co-sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the University of Illinois. He specializes in tax planning and advisory services and is a frequent speaker on both subjects. Formerly a tax partner with the regional CPA firm of Smith, Batchelder & Rugg, he served as the firm s Lead Tax Specialist for Exempt Organizations and his client base is drawn from a wide range of not-for-profit organizations and small businesses throughout Vermont. Mr. Tapia has extensive experience in dealing with the tax and compliance issues specific to tax-exempt, not-forprofit organizations, including the preparation of annual information returns for public charities, private foundations, social welfare organizations, cultural and educational institutions and trade associations, applications for tax-exempt status, preparation of Internal Revenue Service submissions in support of public charity status, Unrelated Business Income issues, planning for tax-advantaged charitable contributions, including the use of charitable giving vehicles and related advisory services to charitable recipients and/or potential donors, and private foundation terminations. His professional activities include membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Tapia is also a member of the Exempt Organizations Subcommittee of the AICPA s Tax Division, and is a member of the Vermont Museum and

7 Gallery Alliance. Active in a number of nonprofit organizations as well, he currently serves as a Trustee of the Vermont Humanities Council, and previously served as both a Trustee and Treasurer of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the Vermont Retail Association, and Vermont Stage Company, as well as a Trustee of the Children s Discovery Museum of Essex. He also serves as a financial advisor in the Non-Profit Technical Assistance Program sponsored by the Vermont Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (VANPO), and has conducted workshops on accounting, auditing, tax, and financial management issues relevant to not-for-profit organizations for the Vermont Community Foundation, the Vermont Society of Association Executives, VANPO, the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the New England Museum Association, Lorman Education Services, and the National Business Institute, among others. His articles on tax planning and accounting issues have appeared in Nonprofit Vermont, the Vermont/New Hampshire Healthcare Financial Management Newsletter, the state-wide Vermont Retail Association newsletter, and Vermont Public Radio s North By Northeast.

8 WILLIAM S. HUCKABAY, CPA Bill graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. degree in Accounting from California State University- Hayward in 1987 and was an Elijah Watts Sells award winner on the May 1987 Uniform CPA examination. He began his accounting career with the regional CPA firm of Smith, Batchelder, and Rugg in Burlington, Vermont. He spent six years in the private sector as Controller for Bruegger s Corporation and then as Vice President Controller for Waterbury Holdings of Vermont a food manufacturing and distribution company before returning to public accounting in Bill has also been affiliated with and operated his own small accounting practice in Addison County. Bill s auditing, tax and consulting experience encompasses a wide range of clients in both the public and private sectors, including small businesses in a variety of industries, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities. His work in the private sector included business analysis and tax planning involved in acquisitions, cost accounting, computerized accounting system selection and installation, and the development of business plans and financing proposals. Bill is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has been a speaker on small business and nonprofit taxation, cost accounting, and nonprofit auditing issues. In addition to his professional activities, he has worked with a variety of charitable and religious organizations. He is a past board member of the Lund Family Center in Burlington, deacon of his local church, and has worked with a number of other religious organizations to improve their financial systems. He currently resides in Vergennes with his wife and two children.

9 KRISTY J. MCLEOD, CPA Kristy J. McLeod graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.A. in Business Administration in Upon graduation she joined the audit staff of Deloitte, Haskins, & Sells in Boston. She returned to Vermont in 1980, assuming a position as a senior auditor with the regional firm of Smith, Batchelder & Rugg. Her auditing experience encompasses a wide range of clients in the nonprofit sector (including single audit engagements), as well as those in the retail, manufacturing, governmental, and healthcare fields. She has completed professional education courses dealing with both the Single Audit Act and the Audit Requirements under OMB Circular A-133. She was admitted to partnership in Smith, Batchelder & Rugg in 1987 and was designated Firm-wide Director of Auditing and Accounting that same year. Her position charged her with overseeing quality control policies and procedures for the firm s audit and accounting engagements, instructing firm-wide continuing education courses in auditing and accounting, and determining the proper application of accounting principles on client audit and accounting engagements. Since her departure from the firm in 1990, she has continued working as a consultant and technical advisor on various audit and accounting issues to Wallace W. Tapia, P.C. Ms. McLeod is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants and has been active in a variety of civic organizations in Chittenden County, including service as a Trustee of the Peck Estate Funds, an elected position charged with the oversight of funds bequeathed to the town of Hinesburg, where she presently resides.

10 MIREYA TORRA Mireya Torra, Originally from Florida, Mireya Torra moved to Vermont in 1995 and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She holds an Associate s Degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting and has continued her professional education by pursuing various accounting, management, and business courses at Champlain College in Vermont. Mireya is currently undertaking the Uniform Certified Public Accountants examination. Mireya s 20+ years career in public and private accounting experience includes work with nonprofit associations, as well as with the captive insurance, retail, restaurant and hospitality, manufacturing, construction, and real estate industries. Mireya is also well-versed in various accounting and database systems. Her primary responsibilities at Wallace W. Tapia, P.C. include auditing nonprofit organizations and tax return preparation.

11 MARY E. MAHEUX, CPA Mary Maheux began her accounting career in 1982 shortly after receiving her Bachelor s degree in Business Administration (graduating with distinction) from Castleton State College. She also completed accounting studies at the University of Vermont. In addition to her public accounting background, initially in Connecticut and later in Vermont, Mary has held accounting positions in private companies in the insurance and real estate management fields. Mary s public accounting experience has focused on the planning, supervision, and completion of audit and accounting engagements in the not-for-profit, municipal, healthcare, nursing home, and small business sectors. Her far-ranging audit experience has led to her assuming incharge responsibility for social service agency audits, as well as a variety of large school district audits. In addition, Mary served as in-charge accountant of the State of Vermont Department of Employment and Training audit for three consecutive years. Mary has completed professional education requirements pursuant to both the Single Audit Act and the Audit Requirements under OMB Circular A-133. Ms. Maheux is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants. She has also served in a volunteer capacity for Vermont Public Television and the Chittenden County Humane Society and resides in South Hero.

12 KAREN M. LEBIECKI Karen Lebiecki graduated Summa Cum Laude from Champlain College with an Associate of Science Degree (Accounting) in August of In addition to her Associate s degree, Karen earned a certificate in Advanced Accounting. While at Champlain College, Karen was active in the Peer Tutoring and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs. Prior to her entry into the accounting profession, Karen worked as a public librarian, certified by the State of Vermont. Karen s experience includes grant writing, programming, reference, research, and overseeing various volunteer and governmental training programs. She has also served as a labor union president and is experienced in negotiations and grievance work. Since graduation, Karen has worked in public accounting and has been primarily responsible for the preparation of tax returns for individuals, small businesses, estates, and not-for-profit organizations. Karen also prepares applications for tax-exempt status and conducts research on related issues. She is proficient in a variety of accounting and tax software applications. Karen is currently studying for the Uniform CPA Examination. Beyond accounting, Karen is involved in youth sports, mentoring, and enjoys reading and family life in Shelburne with her husband and two children.

13 DONNA M. RENAUD Donna M. Renaud, an accountant and consultant, enjoys working with clients to improve their effectiveness and efficiency. She is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and has been consulting with and providing support for QuickBooks since Donna holds a BS degree in Business Management (magna cum laude). Recently she successfully completed graduate classes in organizational development and human resource management; in addition, she is undertaking the Journey to Performance Excellence coursework through the Vermont Council on Quality to learn the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria. Donna s employment and volunteer experience encompasses accounting, operations management, and human resource management in public accounting firms, and religious and charitable nonprofit organizations. She also operated her own QuickBooks consulting business for four years. She resides in Milton with her family.

14 EMMA M. ALEN Emma M. Alen, originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, joined the Firm in January of 1998 as Administrative Assistant bringing with her over 10 years of administrative, executive, marketing and management experience from the banking, hospitality, and captive insurance sectors. With her husband s move to Jacksonville, Florida in the summer of 1999, she took a position as Office Manager/Firm Administrator for the 6 th largest CPA firm in Jacksonville. As Office Manager, she was responsible for the management of the administrative staff in addition to supporting 16 staff accountants, and the Firm s top management. As Firm Administrator, she was responsible for maintaining the Firm s network system, including all troubleshooting with hardware and software issues. In May of 2001, Emma relocated to Reno, Nevada and accepted a position as Executive Assistant to the President for a large privately held corporation. As Executive Assistant, she was responsible for supporting the President and Senior Staff. Emma also provided support to the field offices with hardware and software troubleshooting for 64 individuals along with maintaining the company s entire network system. Emma returned to Vermont in September of 2003, where she accepted the position as Office Manager with Wallace W. Tapia P.C., bringing with her a new level of management, technology and marketing skills. She currently resides in South Burlington.

15 BRENDA L. KIMBALL Brenda L. Kimball, originally from Barre, Vermont, joined National Life Insurance Company in April of 2001 as an Issue Requirement Clerk. Shortly thereafter she was promoted to Policy Support Clerk. In these capacities, she worked with multiple deadlines, various computer programs, proofreading life insurance policies, and creating amendments to insurance applications. In September of 2004, Brenda was promoted to New Business Representative at National Life. After receiving her training, she was given her own agencies in order to oversee the incoming new business life insurance policies. Through diplomatic communication with the outside sales force and adherence to internal procedures Brenda was able to underwrite and issue several life insurance policies. With her move to South Burlington, she accepted the position of Office Assistant with Wallace W. Tapia P.C. in June of 2005, bringing with her over seven years of experience in administrative and client services. Brenda currently resides in South Burlington with her son.