The Kids Closet provides new clothing, coats and more to foster children in Greene County. We are proud to be a part of this program that is run by Ambassadors for Children.

Click here to read more about Ambassadors for Children: Ambassadors for Children Brochure 2011.

Chris has worked as a network administrator and information technology specialist. As Director of Information Technology Services, Chris specializes in Information Technology Exams for community banks.

Chris earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Chemistry from Missouri State University. He attends many professional conferences and teaches two MIS classes at his alma mater.

With more than 20 years of experience in public accounting with emphasis in small business accounting services, computer software consulting, and employee benefit audits, Kathy currently manages multiple audits engagements for client employee benefit and retirement plans working with clients in a wide range of industries.

Kathy’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting/business administration from Drury University in Springfield. She has served as president of the Southwest Chapter of the Missouri Society of CPAs, board member of the Missouri Society of CPAs Board of Directors, and a former member of the United Way of the Ozarks allocation committee. She is a current member of the Missouri Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

This merger will benefit both firms’ clients, according to Joe Page, Managing Partner of The Whitlock Company. “Because we have such extensive experience providing accounting, auditing, taxation and management advisory services to individuals and businesses of all sizes, we have a lot to offer our new clients. But, the Mitchell Roy & Wilson team brings a wealth of experience and additional industry expertise to our firm as well. Our existing clients will find them an exceptional resource.”

The newly joined firms will work out of The Whitlock Company’s Springfield headquarters. According to Page, the change in venue will be the most noticeable post-merger difference for clients of the former Mitchell Roy & Wilson. “We have worked for some time to ensure that this transition is seamless. We look forward to working with our new staff members and earning the trust of their clients,” he said.

This survey and award program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in the accounting industry, benefiting the nation’s economy, its workforce and businesses. The Best Accounting Firms to Work for list is made up of a total of 100 companies, split into small, medium and large-sized companies.

Accounting firms from across the country entered the two-part survey. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated firm’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top firms and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration, survey and analysis process and determined the final rankings.

Read Joe’s full bio by clicking on this link.

Joe will succeed Dave Myers, CPA, who has served as Managing Partner since 2002. “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Managing Partner over the last 9 years. Joe will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the Managing Partner role. He has been directly involved in the management of the firm since his admission to the partnership in 2004 and is a natural choice to lead us into the next generation,” Dave commented. “I am confident that Joe will provide outstanding direction for the firm in the coming years.”

Under Dave’s direction, the firm has achieved a number of significant milestones with a total personnel and revenue increase over the same time period. The firm has moved to a paperless office environment, been actively involved in community service and been voted Best Accounting Firm to Work For three consecutive years in a row. Dave will continue to serve his clients and play an active role in the firm.

Joe joined The Whitlock Company in 1994 and was admitted to the partnership in 2004. “I am honored by the opportunity to continue to build on the strong foundation built by the management team and staff of The Whitlock Company. I admire Dave’s contribution to the firm and the community. His pursuit of exceptional client service, strong leadership and effective strategic practices will continue to serve as a model for me as well as other firm leaders.”

Dave and Joe have been working together to ensure a smooth transition for staff and clients. The duties and responsibilities of the Managing Partner will continue to expand as the firm continues to grow.

As an independent member of PKF North America, The Whitlock Company has strong relationships with leading accounting firms around the country. The addition of Daxin adds depth and expertise to the worldwide network.

“ Being a part of this extraordinary network is a great benefit to us and to our clients because we are able to access the expertise of our peers no matter how distant they are,” said managing partner David Myers. He added, “It allows us to combine the depth of knowledge of a national firm with local insights. That’s an important aspect of our company.”

About PKF North America: PKF North America is an association of 88 separate and legally independent accounting and consulting firms located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more than forty years, member firms have benefited from access to educational materials and their peers’ expertise. The organization’ s most recent additions bring the net revenue of PKF North American member firms to approximately $1 billion.

James Gelfand speaking

Last Thursday, we partnered with Ollis & Company to present the Definitive Health Care Update: How Health Care Reform Will Affect Your Business. Our goal was to provide information to better understand how these changes will affect you and your business.

Our keynote speaker, James Gelfand, flew in from Washington D.C. to deliver a riveting presentation about how the reform truly came to be. Ollis & Company provided valuable information about our corporate benefit plans. And our speakers from the Whitlock Company detailed upcoming changes that may affect how you run your business.

Please find a list of full presentations below. We are happy to share our materials with you. Let us know if you have any questions.

Click on the name of the presentation you wish to view – it will open in a new window.

Click here to view a list of effective dates for reform law provision: Timeline

1. James Gelfand, Director of Health Policy U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was our keynote speaker. Click here to read his bio: James Gelfand bio Click here to view his presentation: James Gelfand Presentation

2. Richard Ollis, president of Ollis & Company, discussed how a wellness program can benefit your company. Click here to view his presentation: Richard Ollis Presentation

3. Dave Myers, Kathy Hillenburg, Patti Stoner reviewed changes to 1099 reporting, HSAs, Cafeteria Plans and more. Click here to view their presentation: Whitlock Presentation

4. Michael Greenlee discussed Grandfathering Health Plans, Preventative Care Legislation and more. Click here to view his presentation: Michael Greenlee Presentation

Richard Ollis, James Gelfand and Michael Greenlee

Dave Myers and James Gelfand

We are also pleased to announce a new service that will prepare your business for these upcoming changes: The Health Care Reform Business Plan.

For a flat fee our advisors will analyze your current situation and help you take advantage of any applicable incentives. We will also help to prepare your business to comply with the complex regulations.

Contact us today to make an appointment for your Health Care Reform Business Plan.

He received a degree in Business Administration from Central Missouri State University and is a certified public accountant in Missouri and Colorado. Most recently, he was a credit Analyst for Guaranty Bank in Springfield.

“We are glad to have Shawn join our team. While The Whitlock Company is a growing business, our hiring process is incredibly selective. We hire only employees who have something exceptional to offer our clients. Shawn’s experience working with financial institutions made him a clear choice,” said Tom Beisner, CPA, Partner and Banking Industry Service Leader.