STROHM BALLWEG - Key Persons
Carrie has been with Strohm Ballweg for 20 years, joining the Firm after a few years in the information systems field testing software on various operating systems.
She oversees the day-to-day operations at the Firm, supports the administrative needs of our clients and internal staff, assists with employee benefits, and coordinates internal and external Firm events. Carrie also performs monthly investment accounting services for a few clients.
She provides internal hardware, software, and server support, and assists in developing and updating strategic information technology plans. Carrie leads the Information Technology committee which reviews existing technology and evaluates various hardware and software solutions for potential implementation. She is also involved in Strohm Ballweg's website development and maintenance, as well as network security testing and training.
What was your first job growing up?
Detasseling and pollinating corn - lots of opportunity in Wisconsin!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Downhill skiing, running, curling (the sport!), traveling, attending Badger sporting events, yoga, reading, listening to live music, and enjoying a glass of wine with friends.
What is your favorite part of being a team member at Strohm Ballweg?
Strohm Ballweg truly cares about their staff. They believe in and respect us, and continuously encourage, support, and provide many opportunities to not only grow as employees - but as people. Our teamwork and the relationships we have created are unique and hard to find elsewhere, making Strohm Ballweg an enjoyable place to be day in and day out.
Cheryll has over 21 years of public accounting experience, exclusively serving clients in the insurance industry.
She currently manages the outsourced financial department for two insurance companies from our firm. In addition, her experience includes audit, tax return preparation, compilation and regulatory filing, consulting, and training both internal staff and external parties on audit and accounting procedures and pronouncements. She has experience with both statutory and GAAP engagements with a focus on property & casualty insurers.
Making connections and building strong relationships is important to Cheryll. As the Chair of Human Resources committee and a recruiter for the firm, she can put this passion into practice. Meeting new people, visiting & presenting on campuses, and conducting interviews is rewarding to her.
Cheryll has a passion for learning and professional growth, not only for herself but also helping others work toward meeting their full potential. She believes there is always room for improvement no matter how much expertise you have. She leads Strohm Ballweg's training operations and has implemented the SB Academy, which is a training program tailored to our employees focused on both technical and professional development.
What is your favorite quote?
"Change the way you see things and the things you see will change." Wayne Dyer
What do you like to do in your free time?
Reading, yoga & meditation, walking my dogs, movie nights with my family, decorating, and a good house project. I love how a fresh coat of paint can change any room-I also enjoy the labor of doing it myself.
If you were not an accountant, what would you be?
Probably a home remodeler and decorator. I believe a home should reflect your true nature, that way you will enjoy living in it every day. Thank goodness my husband is on board with the numerous home makeovers we have completed over the years.
Derek is a CPA and has over 14 years of public accounting experience, exclusively serving clients in the insurance industry.
Derek is responsible for managing audit engagements, quarterly statement and annual statement engagements, preparing and reviewing tax returns, and training internal staff. He also leads an outsourced accounting function for an insurance company client. Derek has developed a wide array of experience serving property/casualty insurers, health insurers, and dental insurers, consulting with clients on a host of accounting and reporting matters, and presenting to Boards and Audit Committees.
He is working toward the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter Designation (CPCU).
What was your first job growing up?
Neighborhood paperboy. I shared a paper route with my neighborhood friend and we delivered the papers once a week on our rollerblades.
If you were not an accountant, what would you be?
I would either be a day trader or work at a greenhouse.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Getting outside and enjoying some fresh air by hiking, fishing, gardening, and playing basketball.
Erin joined our Firm in 2008 and works with clients on investment accounting, regulatory compliance, and accounting and administrative outsourcing.
Erin began working in public accounting for McGladrey & Pullen. She went on to work in the private sector as the Assistant Director of Finance at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics and the Director of Finance at Home Health United Visiting Nurse Service, Inc.
Erin is the Chairperson of our Compilation and Regulatory Committee, which guides the Firm's work in services outside of audit and tax. She has also developed and delivered insurance/accounting education externally to clients, trade associations, and state insurance regulators, and served terms as Vice President and President for the Wisconsin Insurance Accountants Conference.
What is your favorite part of being a team member at Strohm Ballweg?
My favorite part of working at Strohm Ballweg is the culture and people. I particularly enjoy training and mentoring newer team members.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of work, I enjoy working out (part of the Orange Theory tribe!) and painting or refinishing furniture. My downtime generally involves listening to podcasts and watching reality or HGTV.
What is your ideal vacation?
It would include a sand beach or time in Colorado.
Gary is a CPA and has over 43 years of public accounting experience, exclusively serving clients in the insurance industry.
Gary's clients have included property and casualty insurance companies, life/fraternal insurance companies, accident and health insurance companies, dental insurers, reinsurers, HMOs, guaranty funds, warranty companies, and various insurance departments. In addition to traditional audit and tax services, he has assisted insurance clients with annual statement issues, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, statutory accounting interpretations, bench marking analysis, litigation support, strategic planning, and numerous day-to-day operational issues.
As the past chair of an audit committee for a large non-profit organization, Gary developed unique insights about the auditor's role from "the other side of the table." Awarded the WICPA's 2012 Public Service Award, he is attuned to the many volunteer facets that make for a fulfilling career in public accounting. He has fulfilled the Chairperson role of the WICPA's Insurance Committee, as well as served on the Accounting Committee of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and he has presented frequently at the American Fraternal Alliance Board Institute.
As a partner, Heather provides assurance and consulting services to property and casualty, life, and health insurance companies.
Her experience includes audit, tax return review, statutory reporting, ensuring clients meet various regulatory and governance requirements, agreed upon procedures, and evaluation of internal controls. Heather uses her 26 years of insurance industry experience and personal skills to ensure her clients feel listened to, informed, and valued. She believes that being responsive and providing value in a genuine and interactive way are keys to a successful business relationship.
In addition to client responsibilities, Heather is actively involved in recruiting new talent to the firm as she enjoys learning about people and helping them achieve their goals.
What was your first job growing up?
For seven years, starting at age 14, I worked at a supper club in Door County. Through the years I was a dishwasher, busser, cook, and waitress. It not only provided the means to pay for my college education, it laid a great foundation for a career in client service.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with family, traveling, sharing our cottage on the lake with family and friends, hiking, working out, and being outdoors (preferably by a body of water).
What is your favorite quote?
Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret. - Oscar Wilde
Jacob has been with the Firm since 2013, with 11 years of public accounting experience serving insurance companies.
Jacob's clients primarily consist of property & casualty insurance companies of all sizes, but he also serves a few life/fraternal companies and health companies.
He is responsible for managing audit engagements, preparing and reviewing regulatory filings and tax returns, and training internal staff. In addition, Jacob also helps coordinate an annual project to review the guaranty association filings of all life and health insurance entities nationwide, which is part of a joint effort of the NAIC and NOLHGA on behalf of the state insurance commissioners. He also assists with recruiting for the Firm, including the internship program.
Jacob volunteers his time for a non-profit organization that hosts an annual golf outing fundraiser benefiting Agrace Hospice Care in Madison, Wisconsin.
What is your favorite part of being a team member at Strohm Ballweg?
I love the overall teamwork and camaraderie that comes from working with such great people who all have the same goals.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have three amazing young children with my wife, Stephanie, who keep me on my toes. When I'm not chasing the kids around the house, I like to find myself on the golf course with friends or staying active by going for a short run. My other interests include following many of the Wisconsin sports teams (Packers, Badgers, Bucks, Brewers) and winding down for the day to a good sitcom, such as The Office or Big Bang Theory.
If you were not an accountant, what would you be?
Teacher
Tom is a CPA and has also achieved his Chartered Casualty Property Underwriter (CPCU) designation. Tom has been with the Firm since its inception and has 26 years of public accounting experience serving insurance companies.
Tom's clients include property & casualty insurance companies of all sizes, for which he manages audit and tax engagements, and prepares and reviews income tax returns. In addition, Tom works with numerous clients in the preparation of their regulatory filings and consults on operational matters. He has been involved with the formation of several startup insurance companies, including assistance with the development of everything from corporate bylaws and articles of incorporation to reinsurance structure and agency agreements.
Tom has developed and delivered insurance/accounting education courses externally to both clients and state insurance regulators. He has been instrumental in developing and training our staff on Strohm Ballweg audit and accounting methodologies. He also coordinates an annual project to review the guaranty association filings of the 75 largest life insurance companies, which is part of a joint effort of the NAIC and NOLHGA on behalf of the state insurance commissioners.
What is your favorite part of being a team member at Strohm Ballweg?
We're small enough that you get to know everyone, and many of our staff end up hanging out together outside of work hours. This makes for a great team environment, especially for newer graduates coming out of school and just starting their careers here in Madison.
What was your first job growing up?
In high school, I worked at a neighborhood pharmacy.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of work I enjoy golfing and spending time with my wife and two children traveling. This includes trips to Door County, as well as an occasional get-away to Chicago or Colorado to visit family.
Valerie Schroeder has been with the Firm since 2000 and is a CPA with over 24 years of experience in public accounting, all of which are in the insurance industry.
In addition to managing audit engagements, supervising compilation work, and assisting clients in the preparation of their various regulatory filings, she develops and trains internal staff and external parties on audit and accounting procedures and pronouncements. Valerie's clients have included P&C, life, and A&H insurance companies. She also leads our Firm's technical audit compliance and audit quality efforts.
Valerie also volunteers her time as the Treasurer for a local non-profit entity.
What is your favorite quote?
Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.
If you were not an accountant, what would you be?
A librarian! It combines my love of organizing, reading, and research. I even have a vintage card catalog in my home (though it doesn't hold catalog cards!).
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am active in my children's activities, including volunteering in the classroom, scouting, and watching swimming and sporting events. I like to spend my free time hiking and being outdoors with my family, as well as enjoying our cabin.