Congratulations to Alabama’s newest CPA Licensees

The following individuals have successfully passed all four parts of the CPA exam - Congratulations !

Christine Baclig Alvarez, Madison

Clifford Clark Atfield, Birmingham

Leah Hope Benefield, Montgomery

Adele Woodward Bird, Birmingham

Robert Jacob Bowden, Samson

Justin Thomas Brown, Tuscumbia

Hannah Faith Burkhardt, Elberta

Latoya Shonta Moye Bush, Semmes

Stephen Micheal Clark, Montevallo

Gregory Lee Creech, Owens Cross Roads

Adrian Renee Davis, Birmingham

Evan Lee Eppich, Birmingham

Craig W Feight, Owens Cross Roads

Caroline Grace Gentle, Birmingham

Bryant Welsey Harris, Rainsville

Misty Willis Head, Auburn

Kimberly Rachel Huerta, Birmingham

Julia Catherine Jordan, Owens Cross Roads

Emma Grace Kerlin, Huntersville

Samar Khan, Philadelphia

Katey Alexis Lichtenstein, Birmingham

Khang T Luu, Mobile

Dakota Keith Maples, Huntsville

Jacob David McDowell, Hoover

Charles Edward Murphy, Scottsboro

Candida Secrest Nicastro, Leeds

Margaret Hope Novak, Opelika

Malik Shaquan Pegeas, Birmingham

Bryan Francis Rodopoulos, Montgomery

John Paul Rumore, Hoover

Susan Marie Rykowski, Tuscaloosa

Mark D Schneider, Brownsboro

Jonathan Edmund Smith, Birmingham

Preston Thomas Spratt, Huntsville

Tara Mcgee Ward, Auburn

Frederick Gene Wright, Denver, Co

Melanie Baxter Wright, Auburn

Avizo Group, Inc., one of the Gulf Coast’s leading CPA and business consulting firms, has announced the appointment of Rachel G. Young, CPA, CGMA, MAcc as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Rachel has been with Avizo Group, Inc. for 21 years, serving as a shareholder for 6 years and as Director of Assurance Services for 8 years. Her expertise includes providing auditing, financial regulation reporting, governance and consulting services to the firm’s clients with a special focus on governmental entities, not-for-profit organizations and small-to-mid-sized businesses. Through her career with Avizo Group, Rachel has contributed to pushing the firm into innovative spaces by developing goal planning processes and training staff to be proactive problemsolvers.

Rachel is a graduate of the University of West Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting followed by a Master of Accountancy. She is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Government Finance Officers Association.

As director of the firm’s location in Brewton, Alabama, Rachel resides in Flomaton, Alabama with her husband, Josh, and their children, Edy and Silas. Rachel is the 2015 Bridging the Gap Winner through the Emerging Leaders Council. Due to her unique ability to create streamlined processes for a collaborative team approach to major projects, Rachel is an annual presenter at conferences and events on the topics of processes, technology, and innovation.

Having served in multiple leadership roles for the firm over the past 32 years, Dennis Sherrin, CPA, CGMA will transition from Chief Executive Officer to Chief Value Officer. In this role, he will continue to influence efforts on transformation within the firm and the accounting profession with a focus on enhancing value to clients and our communities. Sherrin says, “It’s exciting to know Avizo has chosen such a talented leader, in Rachel, with a passion for serving, coaching and helping others. Great things are ahead for Avizo and those we serve.”

BMSS Advisors & CPAs would like to recognize all of the efforts and contributions that Steve Smith gave to BMSS over the past 28 years. Steve joined BMSS in 1994 and has over 40 years of public accounting experience.

As a senior member of the BMSS tax department, Steve managed the tax quality control process for the firm across all five offices. During his tenure at BMSS, Steve helped countless clients and employees alike and has a passion for furthering the accounting profession.

Steve has served as board member, chair and president of professional organizations, including the Birmingham Tax Forum and the Federal Tax Clinic. In October, he began serving a four-year term as a member of the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy. His sense of humor and willingness to help will be greatly missed by all at BMSS.

BMSS Advisors & CPAs also recently announced that Mark Waters, CPA joined their ranks at the end of 2022 to lead EOS implementation for Alabama-based companies. With over 35 years of experience managing finance departments, Mark is a pro at helping businesses refocus and grow.

Abby Roveda, CPA, has been promoted to Audit Manager for Crow Shields Bailey. Abby specializes in audit, review, and compilation services for non-public companies and audits of employee benefit plans. Abby also assists clients with business valuation services and consulting and is heavily involved in on-campus recruiting.

Jack Lovelady, President and Chief Executive Officer at First Southern State Bank, recently announced the promotion of veteran banker Barry Kennedy, CPA to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Kennedy joined the Bank in 2020, previously serving as Shareholder of CK Business Solutions, PC in Albertville, an affiliation that spanned 27 years. Mr. Kennedy said, “Changing jobs late in life is not an easy feat. However, with the great team of professionals assembled here at First Southern State Bank, the change has been a challenging, but joyous time. I want to thank Jack Lovelady, Mike Ellenburg, and the Board for providing me the opportunity to continue my professional growth and development in the community banking environment. It is with this enthusiasm that I look forward to the future with the team at First Southern State Bank.”

Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Accounting from Jacksonville State University. Mr. Kennedy is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of CPA’s.

Throughout his career, Mr. Kennedy has been active in a host of civic, charitable and community organizations. He is a member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Albertville Rotary Club and is a Past President and Charter Member of the Boaz Rotary Club. He previously served as the Chairman and Board member of the Albertville Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the Jacksonville State University, College of Commerce and Business

Administration’s Board of Visitors. He has served as an USSF and AYSO Certified Soccer Official and coached youth soccer in Albertville for 10 years. Mr. Kennedy is a member of the First Baptist Church of Albertville.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science from Southern Illinois University and a Masters of Accounting Science from Northern Illinois University. He is a licensed CPA in Illinois and Alabama.

Scott Goldsmith, the Managing Shareholder of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC (“JMF”) is pleased to announce the addition of Dan Johnson and Jennifer Stripling as new shareholders in the CPA firm. Both Johnson and Stripling bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the team and will play a vital role in helping clients navigate the ever-changing business landscape. They join ten other shareholders at one of the state’s top certified public accounting and advisory firms. JMF has offices in Tuscaloosa and Selma. “We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Stripling and Dan Johnson to the JMF shareholder team,” said Scott Goldsmith. “Their knowledge and strategic advice are valuable assets to our clients, and we are confident that they will help us to continue providing the highest level of service to our clients. Their leadership over the last several years during difficult times has been extremely well received within the firm.”

Jennifer Stripling is a certified public accountant with over 18 years of experience in tax and accounting. She joined the firm in 2016 after working in a global accounting firm in Birmingham. She specializes in helping businesses and their owners with tax strategy, planning and compliance. “I am thrilled to become a shareholder. We have a great, dynamic team that built a 100 plus year legacy and I look forward to continuing that effort.” Jennifer received a floral arrangement from the other female shareholders, which is a long-standing tradition at the firm. The late B. Jean Hunt, JMF’s first female partner and one of the first 15 female CPAs in Alabama, started the tradition when other females made partner. JMF has a legacy of hiring and promoting women, including the first female CPA in Tuscaloosa, the late Doris Grammas. Six of the current twelve shareholders are female.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Business Administration and a Master of Tax Accountancy from The University of Alabama. Dan Johnson is also a certified public accountant with over 15 years of experience.

Dan joined JamisonMoneyFarmer in 2013, after he provided business and accounting consulting services to a non-for-profit in Turkey, and many years in another public accounting firm. He provides financial statement audits and other assurance services, with expertise in various industry accounting (NFP & Government) and international accounting standards (IFRS, German GAAP). He also provided advisory services to owners of partnerships and closely-held corporations, including tax compliance, business sales or mergers, and tax planning.

Kassouf promoted nine team members in January, naming three new principals. Kassouf’s vision of upward mobility and continuous improvement drove these promotions.

“With these promotions, our senior leadership team has grown by 37.5%, ensuring a sustainable, bright future for Kassouf,” said Kassouf Director and Shareholder Gerry Kassouf.

Kassouf’s team members who were promoted to principal include Sally Bradley, James Dicks, and Rachelle North

Bradley graduated from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA). She works in Kassouf’s Business Services Group, specializing in accounting, financial reporting, tax, and consulting services for small businesses and individuals. Bradley is involved with her alma mater through the UAB Accounting Alumni Chapter Board, UAB Accounting Advisory Board, and UAB National Alumni Society Board. She is a Girlspring board member and a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Dicks is a two-time graduate of Troy University, holding an undergraduate degree and Master of Business Administration from the university. He works in Kassouf’s Healthcare Group, providing accounting, tax compliance, advisory, and practice management services to healthcare clients. Dicks is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) and is involved with the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Alabama Bourbon Club, and Corn and Cane.

North graduated from Lee University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She works in Kassouf’s Healthcare Group, specializing in accounting, tax, and consulting services for small businesses with an emphasis on physician practices and practice management. She is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

2023 Promotions include:

Sally Bradley, CPA, CGMA – Principal James Dicks, CPA, CVA – Principal Rachelle North, CPA – Principal Julie Myers, CPA – Manager

Levi Blalock, CPA – Supervising Senior Accountant

Meghan Custer, CPA – Supervising Senior Accountant

Bridget Adams O’Neal, CPA – Supervising Senior Accountant

Lacey Harris Klumpp, CPA – Senior Accountant

Hayden Williams, CPA – Senior Accountant

“We are incredibly proud of these team members and can’t wait to see all they accomplish in their new roles,” said Kassouf Director and Shareholder Jonathan Kassouf.

Machen McChesney, one of the region’s leading CPA and business advisory firms, announces it has named R. Murry Guy, III, CPA, a new partner.

“The focus of our growth is grounded in our continual effort to best serve our clients. We understand having a large, competent, and highly motivated team provides our clients access to deep advisory knowledge and industry-specific expertise while receiving individualized attention and timely service,” says Managing Partner Marty Williams. “We are very proud of Murry and his commitment to continually seek ways to Return Value to our clients, friends, community, and firm.”

Murry Guy, CPA, has 20 years of experience providing accounting, tax, audit, and advisory services to individuals and small businesses. Murry has expertise in restaurant, healthcare, professional, and retail service industries and specific skills in client accounting systems, streamlining monthly financial operations and reporting, tax planning advisory, and CFO advisory services.

Murry is instrumental in the firm’s sister company, FocusPay Solutions, where he is responsible for operations development, client management, and overall delivery of services.

In addition to serving clients, Murry Returns Value to Machen McChesney through his involvement in the community and in the firm’s core process, mentoring, and staff training teams.

Murry is a graduate of Auburn University with a Masters and a B.S. in Accounting. Murry resides in Auburn, Alabama, with his wife, Tiffany, and their three children.

Machen McChesney, is also excited to announce Michael D. Machen, CPA,CVA, has been named the firm’s new Managing Partner.

Marty Williams, former managing partner, said: “It has been my privilege for 14 years to serve as Managing Partner for Machen McChesney. I will continue serving clients and working side by side with the leadership team Returning Value to our clients and community. I am confident Mike will lead the firm forward by striving to deliver exceptional client experiences while progressively navigating through ever-changing technological, economic, and regulatory changes. The firm looks forward to his leadership.

Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA, a lifelong resident of Auburn, AL, has 33 years of experience providing accounting, tax, and advisory services to individuals and businesses. Mike regularly Returns Value to clients needing his expertise in the areas of accounting & auditing, taxation, business valuation and business advisory services. He also has extensive industry expertise in construction, real estate, manufacturing, distribution, retail and professional services.

Mike has been a partner for 25 of the 29 years with Machen McChesney providing leadership in administration, process improvement, quality control, peer review, marketing, business development, client service, mentoring and staff training. Prior to joining the firm, Mike was employed as an accountant and supervisor at Warren Averett in Birmingham, AL. Mike is a graduate of the University of North Alabama with a B.S. in Accounting and Finance.

Mike is passionate about giving back to the community. He currently serves voluntary positions in multiple community organizations and is a past president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation for Auburn’s Continuing Enrichment for Schools.

Forbes 2023 Best Tax & Accounting Firms

We are honored to be named one of America’s Top Recommended Tax and Accounting Firms by Forbes for the fourth year in a row.

Christmas Party

Employees from every office and sister company came together in 2022 for our biggest Christmas party yet! This major planning feat was undertaken by our Employee Experience Specialist, who works to insure our team members experience the best of BMSS.

BMSS Wellness Way

In January, BMSS launched the Wellness Way, a health initiative for our team members, encouraging movement and clean eating through monthly challenges. Each participant submitted their reason(s) for joining the Wellness Way along with goals to revisit at the end of the year.

SELLING YOUR FIRM IS COMPLEX. LET US MAKE IT SIMPLE.

Accounting Biz Brokers has been selling CPA firms for over 18 years and we know your market! Our brokers are Certified Business Intermediaries (CBI) specializing in the sale of CPA firms. We are here to help you navigate through the entire sales process. Contact us TODAY to receive a free market analysis. Listings inlcude:

• NEW: Chattanooga, TN Area $2.115M;

• W Middle TN $318k;

• NEW: Metro DeSoto County, MS (Memphis Area) $1.1M;

• East Memphis Area $520k-SOLD;

• East Memphis Suburb $950k-SOLD;

• Knoxville 600k-SOLD;

• Bartlett, TN Gross $550k-SOLD;

• NE MS Tax & Bookkeeping Firm Gross $850k-SOLD.

For more information Kathy Brents, CPA, CBI. Cell 501.514.4928 | Office 866.260.2793 | Kathy@AccountingBizBrokers.com or visit us at www.AccountingBizBrokers.com .

Your Practice Wanted

Thinking about selling your practice? Accounting Practice Sales delivers results, bringing you the best price, optimal terms and a buyer who represents an ideal fit for your clientele. Contact us today for a confidential discussion. Our current listings include:

• Tuscaloosa CPA grossing $175K * Available *

• Montgomery area CPA grossing $280K * New *

• Okaloosa County, FL (near AL border) CPA grossing $365K * New *

• Pensacola, FL area Enrolled Agent grossing $130K * New *

• Southwest TN / Northeast MS tax practice grossing $160K * Available *

• East Nashville CPA grossing $210K * Available *

• South of Knoxville, TN CPA grossing $405K * Available *

• Near Tuscaloosa & Birmingham CPA grossing $55K * Sold *

For more information on these listings or to sell your practice, contact Lori Newcomer, CPA and Tim Price, CPA at (888) 553-1040 or PNgroup@APS.net, or visit www.APS.net.