MILLER COOPER & CO - Key Persons
Adam Schreiter, CPA, Principal Adam Schreiter is a principal of Accounting and Auditing at Miller Cooper and Co., Ltd. He has over 20 years of experience in public accounting and private industry. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Adam
Alysia Hartmann is a Miller Cooper Audit Principal and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. She serves as the engagement leader for audits, reviews, compilations, and accounting projects, and is responsible for the management and supervision of her engagement teams. Alysia is involved in the firm's recruiting services. Alysia has been with Miller Cooper since 2011.
Tony Burke is a Tax Principal. Prior to joining Miller Cooper, he served large and middle market clients at a top 5 accounting firm. Throughout his career, Tony has developed the technical skills to serve many industries, including manufacturing, venture capital/private equity, and business services.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Tony has 15 years of experience in the areas of federal tax consulting and compliance, tax accounting, ASC 740 tax analysis/disclosure, state and local taxation, international taxation and examinations with federal and state taxing authorities. His clients have included a diverse mix with a focus on the manufacturing, distribution, and business services.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Tony earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Elmhurst College and a Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University. He is a certified public accountant licensed in the state of Illinois and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts.
Anthony T. Burke, CPA, MST, Principal Tony Burke is a Tax Principal. Prior to joining Miller Cooper, he served large and middle market clients at a top 5 accounting firm. Throughout his career, Tony has
Avrum Katz is a Miller Cooper principal and a member of the firm's tax department. In this capacity, he provides tax planning and compliance services for numerous investment services firms, corporate, partnership, and individual clients with an emphasis on LLCs. He is also experienced and knowledgeable on tax matters related to entity structuring, majority shareholder tax strategies, and compliance. Avrum represents the firm's clients in examinations of the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. He has been with Miller Cooper since 1996.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Avrum has more than 20 years experience providing tax accounting services to companies and organizations that range from start-up to over $450 million in annual sales. He is a member of Miller Cooper's Real Estate and Construction Industry Group. Additionally, Avrum conducts engagements for manufacturing and service industry companies.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Avrum received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Indiana University and his Masters of Science in Taxation from DePaul University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. He has given many speeches on tax-related issues, including cost-segregation studies and personal tax planning.
Avrum Katz, CPA, Principal Avrum Katz is a Miller Cooper principal and a member of the firm's tax department. In this capacity, he provides tax planning and compliance services for numerous investment services firms, corporate,
Betsy Allen is a principal with the firm on the Governmental Services Team. She is part of the team handling the accounting and audit needs of the clients and joined the firm in 2006. She oversees many of the audit procedures, assists with internal control verification and is also responsible for the management of the engagement.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Betsy services a variety of local government units and has significant experience with GASB statements. She has been a practicing CPA for more than 20 years experience, specializing in school district and local government auditing. She has helped numerous town, village, school districts and special districts with their receipt of both the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence from GFOA and the Certificate of Excellence from ASBO.
Betsy has also conducted federal, single audit and state grant audits for clients. Current responsibilities are client relations, as well as to provide ongoing assistance with management, establish project timelines, and to perform and supervise the audit fieldwork and financial statement preparation.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Betsy received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University. She is a licensed CPA, and has completed numerous continuing professional education classes. Betsy attends school district seminars hosted by ISBE and IASBO to receive updates in School District auditing.
She is a member of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO); the IASBO Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting Professional Development Committee; Association of School Business Officials International, Illinois Government Finance Officers Association; the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and the Illinois CPA Society.
Betsy Allen, CPA, Principal Betsy Allen is a principal with the firm on the Governmental Services Team. She is part of the team handling the accounting and audit needs of the clients and joined the
Brandon French is a Miller Cooper Audit Principal and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. Additionally, Brandon is a Principal in our Real Estate and Employee Benefit Plan Audit practices. As an audit Principal, Brandon is responsible for the management and supervision of his engagement teams. In addition to serving clients, Brandon is active in campus recruitment and training new and experienced hires. He has been with Miller Cooper since 2007 and has exclusively served privately-held companies in the middle market his entire career.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Brandon focuses within the real estate arena, including commercial, development, residential and retail real estate engagements. His experience includes audits of operating real estate entities, REITs and real estate investment companies. He also provides accounting services and consulting to various real estate operating companies, including U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and tax basis real estate expertise. Brandon continues to serve numerous businesses in other diverse industries, including staffing service providers, asset based lenders and lessors, manufacturing and distributors, construction contractors and private equity firms, with specific experience in group audits.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Brandon received a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Professional Accountancy from Illinois State University in 2008. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.
Brandon W. French , CPA, Principal Brandon French is a Miller Cooper Audit Principal and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. Additionally, Brandon is a Principal in our Real Estate and Employee
Chad Keuneke is the defined benefit practice leader for Miller Cooper's benefits group, Alliance Pension Consultants. His responsibilities at Alliance include serving as lead consultant on client engagements, designing client-specific retirement programs, managing the actuarial team and ensuring accurate and timely service.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Chad joined Alliance in September 2013. As a consulting actuary, he has spent his career performing core actuarial services, designing retirement plans, developing client-specific administrative solutions and helping employers manage their contribution obligations.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Chad received his Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from Ball State University, and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), an Enrolled Actuary (EA) and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA). Chad serves on the Ball State University Actuarial Science Advisory Board and has often presented at professional conferences for actuaries and auditors through the AICPA.
Job Titles:
- President
- Principal
- Principal Chuck Cohen
Chuck Cohen is a principal of the firm, serves on the Executive Committee and has senior level responsibilities for the strategic direction of Miller Cooper. In addition to helping guide the activities of many of the firm's major clients, Chuck has practiced as an auditor, tax advisor and consultant for closely-held businesses for more than 40 years.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Chuck's industry expertise includes mortgage and finance, staffing companies, distributors, manufacturers, engineering, media, professional service organizations, printers and franchisors. His experience also includes food processing, private label chemical and hair care product companies, metal processors, metal stamping, injection molding and printing. He has been instrumental in designing costing systems, including activity-based costing, break-even analysis, job costing and various other systems of accountability.
Chuck has extensive experience setting up performance-based incentive compensation plans, including deferred compensation, stock appreciation rights, and stock option plans. He consults on financial, operational and labor issues and is an expert in mergers and acquisitions for both buyers and sellers in due diligence and tax structuring. Chuck has considerable experience in turnaround management.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Chuck earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois CPA Society and the National Association of Small Business Investment Companies.
Chuck has served as the president of the Association of Business Executives. He has served on the Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and participated in activities with the Children's Brittle Bone Foundation. Chuck served as a park board member for the Village of Lincolnshire, Illinois.
Charles R. Cohen, CPA, Principal Chuck Cohen is a principal of the firm, serves on the Executive Committee and has senior level responsibilities for the strategic direction of Miller Cooper. In addition to helping guide
Chris Rim, CPA, Principal Chris Rim is a Miller Cooper Principal and a member of the firm's Tax department. He serves as the engagement principal in various tax matters for closely held, middle market companies
Dan Niforatos, CPA, Principal Dan Niforatos is an audit principal at Miller Cooper. He brings more than 20 years of public accounting experience to diverse business clients in the areas of accounting, auditing and business
Daphne McCoy, CPA, MST, Principal Daphne McCoy is a Tax Principal for Miller Cooper, working primarily with middle market, closely held businesses and their owners. Her areas of concentration include corporations, partnerships, high net worth
Dave Eisner is a Miller Cooper Audit Principal and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. Additionally, Dave is a Principal in our Employee Benefit Plan Audit practice. As an audit principal, Dave is responsible for the direction and supervision of his engagement teams. In addition to serving clients, Dave is an active member of MCC's recruiting committee that evaluates experienced hires and campus candidates. He has been with Miller Cooper since 2003 and has exclusively served privately-held companies in the middle market his entire career.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Dave specializes in audits of manufacturing and distribution companies and in the real estate industry, with a focus on residential and commercial real estate developers and syndicates and real estate investment funds. His experience also includes audits of service companies, restaurant and entertainment companies, commercial print and marketing companies and government contractors, as well as general business consulting, internal control reviews, agreed-upon procedure reports, and financial accounting and reporting special projects.
Mr. Eisner also has expertise in audits of employee benefit plans with an emphasis on employee benefit plans with over 1,000 participants and employee benefit plans administered by publicly-traded companies and their subsidiaries and affiliates.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Dave received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from Northern Illinois University. In addition, he also received his Master of Accounting Science, with an emphasis in Accounting Information Systems, from Northern Illinois University in August, 2003. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants
Elizabeth Gasparini is a Miller Cooper Principal and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. She manages audits, reviews, compilations and accounting projects. As an audit principal, she is responsible for the management and supervision of her engagement teams and works closely with clients with regards to various accounting projects. Elizabeth has been with Miller Cooper since 2008.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Elizabeth serves numerous businesses in diverse industries including service companies in the healthcare industry, real estate entities, manufacturers and distributors, construction contractors and subcontractors, and private equity firms. Additionally, she has significant institutional experience with school districts.
Elizabeth provides ongoing communication between the client and the engagement team. She is entrusted to ensure timelines are adhered to and that all work products comply with the client's full requirements.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Elizabeth received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy and Master of Business Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville, Illinois. She is a licensed CPA. Ms. Gasparini is a member of the Illinois CPA Society.
Elizabeth Gasparini, CPA, Principal Elizabeth Gasparini is a Miller Cooper Principal and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. She manages audits, reviews, compilations and accounting projects. As an audit principal, she is
Glenn W. Paddack, CPA, Principal, Transaction Advisory Services Glenn Paddack is a Principal in the Transaction Advisory Services group at Miller Cooper and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. He is responsible
Hamilton Kwon is a Miller Cooper principal who serves middle market, privately-held companies with a particular emphasis on the technology and real estate industries. As a principal, Hamilton works closely with clients throughout the entire project engagement.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: He has experience working with several Chicago-area real estate developers, property management companies, venture capital and privately held businesses. Hamilton's experience also includes various types of tax reporting, general business consulting, financial statement auditing, and other client-specific regulatory tax research and analysis.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Hamilton received his Bachelors of Science degree from Northeastern Illinois University.
Hamilton Kwon, CPA, Principal Hamilton Kwon is a Miller Cooper principal who serves middle market, privately-held companies with a particular emphasis on the technology and real estate industries. As a principal, Hamilton works closely with
Ignacio Mendez, CPA, Principal Ignacio Mendez is a tax principal for Miller Cooper and Director of the Tax Department. He draws upon more than 20 years of experience servicing exclusively the entrepreneurial middle market. His
Job Titles:
- Director of Recruiting
- Director, Recruiting Services
Irma Bondi is the Director of Recruiting Services and leads the Recruiting Department for Miller Cooper. In addition to developing and executing the Firm's recruiting and retention strategies, Irma also manages and provides recruiting services to closely held/entrepreneurial businesses in a variety of industries.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: In 2009, Irma began her career as an auditor with Miller Cooper. After nearly five years of auditing, she turned her focus to recruiting and has assisted in the development of the Firm's various recruiting services.
Irma has experience with the full cycle recruiting for accounting, human resources and administrative positions, including developing position profiles, candidate search, interviews and final assessments. She frequently advises clients on candidate market conditions, availability of talent and candidate salary expectations. Irma also assists clients with marketing open roles on job boards, as well as other recruiting resources.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Irma received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Loyola University Chicago and Master of Accounting Science from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. She is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and the Illinois CPA Society, where she also serves on the Women's Committee, Young Professionals Committee and is a Firm Ambassador.
Irma Bondi, CPA, PHR, Director, Recruiting Services Irma Bondi is the Director of Recruiting Services and leads the Recruiting Department for Miller Cooper. In addition to developing and executing the Firm's recruiting and retention strategies,
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal Jack Carpenter
Jack Carpenter is a Principal in the Transaction Advisory Services and Audit departments of Miller Cooper and has experience servicing middle market, privately held companies of all sizes. Jack is responsible for the management and supervision of his engagement teams. In addition to serving clients, Jack is active in recruiting and training new and experienced hires.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Jack continues to serve a variety of businesses with significant experience in the insurance brokerage industry. Jack has completed various agreed-upon procedures and financial due diligence engagements for buy-side and sell-side clients, as well as post-acquisition accounting assistance, for companies in various industries. His experience also includes audits of manufacturing and distribution companies, service companies, commercial printing and marketing companies, grocery stores and employee benefit plans. He has been with Miller Cooper since 2012 and has exclusively served privately held companies in the middle market his entire career.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Jack received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University of Chicago in 2010. He is a licensed certified public accountant and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.
Jack C. Carpenter, CPA, Principal Jack Carpenter is a Principal in the Transaction Advisory Services and Audit departments of Miller Cooper and has experience servicing middle market, privately held companies of all sizes. Jack is
James G. Rediger, CPA, Principal Jim Rediger is a Miller Cooper Principal and a member of the firm's accounting and auditing department. In addition to handling the accounting and audit needs of his clients, Jim
Jason Thrush, CPA, Principal Jason Thrush is an audit principal in the Assurance and Accounting department of Miller Cooper and possesses experience serving middle market, privately-held companies of all sizes. He has more than 15
Jeffery P. Watson, CPA, CGMA, Principal Jeff Watson is an audit principal at Miller Cooper and Co., Ltd. He has over 20 years of professional experience in public accounting and industry. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Jeff has responsibilities
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal Jeff Feld
Jeff Feld is a principal and President of Alliance Pension Consultants, LLC, Miller Cooper's employee benefits group. Alliance designs and administers a broad range of employee and retirement plans for businesses and organizations of all sizes.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Jeff provides professional consulting services to companies that require guidance with the evaluation, development, implementation and administration of employee and retirement benefits programs. He is a frequent speaker at professional seminars, focusing on 401(k) issues and other benefit plan topics. His lectures have been presented to the Illinois CPA Society, the American Society of Pension Actuaries and the Chicago Bar Association. Jeff has published articles on Defined Benefit Pension Plans, Target Benefit Plans, 401(k) Plans and Age-Weighted Profit Sharing Plans.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Jeff attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a B.S. degree in Accounting. He has served on the Employee Benefits Committee of the Illinois CPA Society and is also an Associate Professional Member of the American Society of Pension Actuaries.
Jeffrey B. Feld, CPA, Principal Jeff Feld is a principal and President of Alliance Pension Consultants, LLC, Miller Cooper's employee benefits group. Alliance designs and administers a broad range of employee and retirement plans for
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal Jeff Froelich
Jeff Froelich is an audit principal in the Assurance and Accounting department of Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd. and possesses experience serving middle market, privately-held companies of all sizes.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Jeff services a variety of businesses and has significant experience auditing various manufacturing, distribution, technology and professional service companies, as well as nonprofits.
Jeff has led audits of investment companies and their portfolio companies. He has also completed various agreed-upon procedure and financial due diligence engagements for buy-side and sell-side clients, as well as post-acquisition accounting assistance, for companies in various industries. He facilitates communication throughout the project, helping to ensure that all deadlines are met, budgets and client expectations are fulfilled, and all initiatives are executed.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Accounting Science degrees from Northern Illinois University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society, as well as a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Childcare Network of Evanston. Jeff has been with Miller Cooper since 2004.
Jeffrey P. Froelich, CPA, Principal Jeff Froelich is an audit principal in the Assurance and Accounting department of Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd. and possesses experience serving middle market, privately-held companies of all sizes. RELEVANT
Jeffrey Wolf, CPA, Principal Jeff Wolf is a Principal with Miller Cooper, providing tax services to a variety of clients. Jeff has over 17 years of tax experience. Prior to joining Miller Cooper, Jeff was
Jennifer Walters is a Miller Cooper Audit Principal and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. She serves as engagement leader for audits, reviews, compilations and special projects for closely-held businesses and nonprofit organizations.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Jennifer has served a diverse client base and specializes in many industries including technology, nonprofit, service and manufacturing. Her experience includes attest engagements as well as general business consulting, internal control reviews, and financial accounting and reporting special projects. Jennifer also has expertise in audits of employee benefit plans.
Jennifer routinely meets with client management and boards of directors to review financial statement deliverables and discuss best practices. Jennifer also coordinates and leads several of the firm's continuing professional education seminars.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting degrees from Eastern Michigan University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois CPA Society, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Jennifer currently serves on the Illinois CPA Society Women's Connections Committee. She has been with Miller Cooper since 2009.
Jennifer Cataldo Walters, CPA, MSA, CFE, Principal Jennifer Walters is a Miller Cooper Audit Principal and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. She serves as engagement leader for audits, reviews, compilations and
John Epperson is an Audit Principal in the firm's Assurance and Accounting department and possesses experience serving middle market, privately-held companies of all sizes. He serves as engagement leader for audits, reviews, compilations and special projects for closely-held businesses, municipality and school district clients. He has been with Miller Cooper since 2006.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: John specializes in audits of service companies, transportation companies, auto dealerships, manufacturers and distributors. John is also involved with general business consulting, internal control reviews, agreed-upon procedure reports, and financial accounting and reporting special projects. In addition, John works on audits for Miller Cooper's municipality and school district clients. He has helped numerous town, village, school districts with their receipt of both the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence from GFOA and the Certificate of Excellence from ASBO.
Current responsibilities on assignments are to provide ongoing assistance with management, as well as the responsibility of planning and supervising the audit fieldwork and financial statement preparation.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: John received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Illinois University. John is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Illinois CPA Society, the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials. He also serves on the Illinois CPA Society Governmental Executive Committee.
John Epperson, CPA, Principal John Epperson is an Audit Principal in the firm's Assurance and Accounting department and possesses experience serving middle market, privately-held companies of all sizes. He serves as engagement leader for audits,
Joseph H. Morad, CPA, Principal Joe Morad is a Miller Cooper Audit Principal and leads the Audit and Accounting Department and its 150 team members who conduct a range of accounting and audit services for
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal Kate Czaja
Kate Czaja is a Miller Cooper Tax Principal and a member of the firm's Tax department. She acts as the primary client contact on many of her engagements, which include tax compliance and consulting for middle-market, closely-held companies and their owners as well as high net worth individuals and estates. As a tax principal, Kate is responsible for oversight of various tax engagement projects and works closely with clients with regards to tax compliance and consulting on various technical matters.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Kate has experience working in a variety of industries including real estate, manufacturing, distribution, and other personal service-related businesses. Her experience includes various types of tax reporting, general business consulting, Federal and state tax notice resolution, and research and analyzing other various client-specific regulatory tax issues.
Prior to joining Miller Cooper, Kate was with a local middle-market accounting firm where she provided both tax and accounting services to middle market companies and their owners in a variety of industries. She has been with Miller Cooper since 2013.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Kate received her Bachelors of Science Degree from Jacksonville State University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.
Kate M. Czaja, CPA, Principal Kate Czaja is a Miller Cooper Tax Principal and a member of the firm's Tax department. She acts as the primary client contact on many of her engagements, which include
Job Titles:
- Principal Kathy Kirchschlager
Kathryn Kirchschlager, CPA, Principal Kathy Kirchschlager is a Miller Cooper Tax Principal and a member of the firm's Tax department. She acts as the primary client contact on many of her engagements, which include tax
Kevin Hodges is a principal in the firm. He leads the Estate Planning and Administration Group, and has 25 years of experience providing tax guidance, with an expertise in wealth transfer planning for high net worth individuals.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Kevin's areas of concentration includes family wealth and business planning; federal estate, gift and generation-skipping tax planning; estate and trust administration. He counsels family groups, business owners, executives and individuals on all aspects of wealth transfer planning. He has developed extensive knowledge in charitable giving and business succession planning for closely-held businesses. In addition, Kevin's experience includes taxation and accounting issues regarding trusts and estates.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Prior to joining Miller Cooper, Kevin worked in the Private Client Departments of two of Chicago's large, prominent law firms, McDermott Will & Emery LLP and Schiff Hardin LLP. Kevin received his Masters Degree in Business Administration from Illinois Institute of Technology and Bachelor of Science of Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Kevin W. Hodges, CPA, MBA, Principal Kevin Hodges is a principal in the firm. He leads the Estate Planning and Administration Group, and has 25 years of experience providing tax guidance, with an expertise in
Job Titles:
- Managing Principal
- Managing Principal Kristen Fitzpatrick
Kristen Fitzpatrick is the Managing Principal of the firm and has served on the Executive Committee since 2011. As Managing Principal, she guides the growth and direction of the firm, prioritizes new client services, and establishes the highest standards for recruiting and retention, professional development and continuing education for principals and staff members. Kristen led the Audit and Accounting Department for more than 12 years, directing its 100+ member team who provide a range of accounting and audit services for clients in a variety of industries. Additionally, Kristen is the Principal in Charge of Miller Cooper's recruiting efforts both for experienced hires and campus recruiting.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Kristen continues to service numerous businesses in diverse industries including transportation companies, manufacturers, distributors, construction contractors and subcontractors, real estate entities, and service businesses. Current responsibilities on these assignments are to coordinate all services for clients and ensure our team is adding value to the client relationships. She also performs a variety of financial consulting projects for clients and serves as a business advisor to clients in a number of capacities.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Kristen received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois State University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. Kristen has been presented with various awards for her dedication to leadership, including the Early Career Achievement Award from Illinois State University, the Corporate Woman of Achievement Award from NAWBO Chicago, and the Women to Watch Award from the Illinois CPA Society. She was previously a member of Vistage International and currently is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Chicago Windy City chapter. Kristen serves on the YPO Boards at both the chapter level and Mid-America US regional level. She has held many YPO Board positions, including Chapter Chair, membership and finance.
Kristen L. Fitzpatrick, CPA, Managing Principal Kristen Fitzpatrick is the Managing Principal of the firm and has served on the Executive Committee since 2011. As Managing Principal, she guides the growth and direction of the
Laura A. Steuber, CPA, Principal Laura Steuber is a Principal and Director of Client Accounting Services She has over 20 years of accounting experience providing services to privately held businesses. Laura works with a variety
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal Matt Bailey
Matt Bailey is an audit principal with responsibilities for the accounting and auditing needs of diverse business clients. In addition to servicing clients, Matt is an active member of Miller Cooper's recruiting committee that evaluates experienced hires and campus candidates.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Matt services businesses in a variety of industries including transportation, manufacturing, distribution, real estate and professional services. He also specializes in employee benefit plan audits for some of Chicagoland's largest privately-held businesses. Matt continues to provide ongoing assistance to management, as well as by overseeing the planning, fieldwork, and financial statement preparation of the audit. Additionally, he performs various financial consulting projects for corporate clients.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Matt received a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.
Matthew K. Bailey, CPA, Principal Matt Bailey is an audit principal with responsibilities for the accounting and auditing needs of diverse business clients. In addition to servicing clients, Matt is an active member of Miller
Nathan M. Summers, CPA, Principal Nathan Summers is an Audit Principal in the Assurance and Accounting department of Miller Cooper and possesses experience serving middle market, privately-held companies of all sizes. In addition to serving
Phil Johnsen is a Miller Cooper Audit Principal and a member of the firm's Assurance and Accounting department. Additionally, Mr. Johnsen is a Principal in our Employee Benefit Plan Audit Team. He serves as engagement leader for audits and reviews for closely-held businesses. Phil has been with Miller Cooper since 2004.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Phil specializes in audits of service companies, manufacturers and distributors. His experience also includes audits of contractors and technology companies, as well as general business consulting, internal control reviews, agreed-upon procedure reports, and financial accounting and reporting special projects.
Phil also has expertise in audits of employee benefit plans, including several employee benefit plans with over 1,000 participants and employee benefit plans administered by publicly-traded companies and their subsidiaries and affiliates.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Phil received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from Illinois State University. In addition, he also received his Master of Science in Accounting, from Illinois State University in May, 2004. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Ricky is the principal in charge of Miller Cooper's tax department and serves on the Executive Committee. Prior to joining Miller Cooper, he was the lead tax partner in the real estate group in the Chicago office of a national CPA firm.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Ricky has over 25 years of experience providing tax compliance and consulting services to privately owned and operated companies in the middle market. He has significant expertise advising high net worth individuals and their related family groups, including gift, trust and estate planning. Ricky is an expert in flow through taxation. He is a member of the Real Estate and Construction Industry Groups at Miller Cooper. He is a trusted business and tax advisor to his clients where he identifies, evaluates and implements proactive tax strategies. He also has extensive experience resolving federal and state tax controversies.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Ricky received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Northern Illinois University and his Masters of Science in Taxation from DePaul University, where he graduated with distinction. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. He currently serves as Treasurer for the Chicago Chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Organization, and is a member of the curriculum advisory council at Northern Illinois University.
Ricky Max, CPA, MST, Principal Ricky is the principal in charge of Miller Cooper's tax department and serves on the Executive Committee. Prior to joining Miller Cooper, he was the lead tax partner in the
Bobby is a Principal in Miller Cooper's benefits group, Alliance Pension Consultants. His responsibilities at Alliance include acquiring and transitioning new business; creating unique, objective-driven plan designs; and overseeing the employer and employee experiences.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Bobby joined Alliance in 2010. He built his retirement plan expertise through overseeing and coordinating plan startups and transitions. In addition, Bobby has been an integral leader in building employee and employer resources, including the website, call center, and instructional materials and videos.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Bobby graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and completed a master's degree at the School of Public Health and Information Sciences at the University of Louisville. He also previously held NASD Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. Bobby has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation.
Robert J. Loeb, AIF®, Principal Bobby is a Principal in Miller Cooper's benefits group, Alliance Pension Consultants. His responsibilities at Alliance include acquiring and transitioning new business; creating unique, objective-driven plan designs; and overseeing the
Robin Bartolo is a Tax Principal for Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd and a member of Miller Cooper's Family Office/High Net Worth Group. Her areas of concentration include high-net-worth individuals, trusts, investment partnerships and tax-exempt organizations. She directs the implementation and review of all requested tax services and provides tax planning, consulting and compliance services for her clients.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Robin has 13 years of experience working in public accounting. Her background includes working with high-net-worth clients, trust taxation and administration and tax-exempt organizations. She is also experienced with various complex issues surrounding pass-through and corporate entities.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Robin holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, a Master of Accounting Science, and a Master of Science in Taxation from Northern Illinois University. She is a member of the AICPA and the Illinois CPA Society. Robin spearheads the recruiting efforts for Miller Cooper's Tax Department.
Robin Bartolo, CPA, MAS, MST, Principal Robin Bartolo is a Tax Principal for Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd and a member of Miller Cooper's Family Office/High Net Worth Group. Her areas of concentration include high-net-worth
Ross S. Pearlstein, CPA, Chairman Ross Pearlstein is the Chairman of Miller Cooper. In addition to his management responsibilities, he services clients that are predominantly in the Chicago area. He oversees the accounting and audit
Ryan C. Koltonuk, CPA, Principal Ryan Koltonuk is a Principal in the tax department at Miller Cooper with over 12 years of public accounting experience. He provides compliance and tax planning services for numerous investment
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director in Miller Cooper 's State
- Director, State and Local Tax
Sarah Beirne is a Director in Miller Cooper's State and Local Tax Group. She draws upon 20 years of State and Local Tax experience assisting clients with state income and franchise tax matters and other state and local issues. Her career has benefited from experience at both Miller Cooper as well as a middle market national accounting firm.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Sarah specializes in state and local tax matters with a focus on state income and franchise tax and sales and use tax. Her background includes assisting clients with nexus studies, overseeing state income tax compliance and consulting projects, securing voluntary disclosure agreements for her clients and sales and use tax taxability studies. She services clients across many industries, including manufacturing, distribution and professional service firms.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Eastern Illinois University. Sarah is the Co-chair of the Nexia International State and Tax Group and is a frequent speaker at Nexia conferences.
Sarah L. Beirne, Director, State and Local Tax Sarah Beirne is a Director in Miller Cooper's State and Local Tax Group. She draws upon 20 years of State and Local Tax experience assisting clients with
Steven K. Yarger, CPA, Principal Steve Yarger is a Tax Principal with Miller Cooper. He serves a variety of clients in the technology, professional services, and manufacturing industries. He works as the primary client contact
Steve is a principal in Miller Cooper's tax department. He brings 25 years of experience providing middle market companies with expert tax guidance and business initiatives. Prior to joining Miller Cooper, Steve practiced with a "Big 4" accounting firm.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Steve specializes in tax and business planning for closely held businesses. His areas of interest include state and local taxation, corporate merger and acquisition transactions, and financial planning, including family wealth and succession planning. Over the years, Steve has represented various manufacturers, distribution companies, and service companies.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Illinois and a Masters of Science from Roosevelt University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois CPA Society, and Washington State CPA Society. Steve also served on the IRS Practice & Procedures Group of the Illinois CPA Society.
Steve is a committee member of Nexia's State and Local Tax Group. He is a frequent speaker at Nexia conferences.
Steven Madden, CPA, MST, Principal Steve is a principal in Miller Cooper's tax department. He brings 25 years of experience providing middle market companies with expert tax guidance and business initiatives. Prior to joining Miller
Steve Glover is a principal at Miller Cooper and heads the tax construction group. He is a CPA and an attorney, with a specialization in tax. Steve has provided tax consulting and compliance services to closely-held businesses and their owners for over 25 years. Prior to joining Miller Cooper, Steve directed the tax department at another Chicago area accounting firm.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: For diverse construction industry clients, Steve has identified tax saving strategies by adopting new accounting methods to recognize income and incur expenses. Steve had consulted with an $80 million industrial hose distributor regarding complex state and foreign tax issues. He has also identified foreign exchange gain/loss recognition events for a $90 million food products distributor. Steve continues to assist business owners with developing business succession and estate planning.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Steve graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and from Chicago-Kent College of Law. He also holds an LL.M. degree in taxation. He is a board member of the Association of Subcontractors & Affiliates - Chicago, and serves on the Board of Advisors and Contributors to the Journal of Construction Accounting and Taxation (JCAT). Steve is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois CPA Society, and the Illinois State Bar Association.
Steven R. Glover, CPA, JD, LL.M., Principal Steve Glover is a principal at Miller Cooper and heads the tax construction group. He is a CPA and an attorney, with a specialization in tax. Steve has
Susan Jones is a principal, and the Practice Leader of Miller Cooper's Institutional Services Group. In addition to handling the accounting and audit needs of her clients, she consults with clients regarding planning and various organizational matters.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Susan joined Miller Cooper from a national accounting firm in which she had nearly 20 years experience serving a broad range of not for profit, private and public audit clients. Susan has managed numerous tax-exempt bond offerings and advised clients on the requirements of OMB Circular A-133 and other federal requirements.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Susan received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana. She also received a Master of Business Administration from DePaul University: Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Susan is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the AICPA. She is also Treasurer of the Illinois Biotech Organization and member of its finance committee.
Susan R. Jones, CPA, MBA, Principal Susan Jones is a principal, and the Practice Leader of Miller Cooper's Institutional Services Group. In addition to handling the accounting and audit needs of her clients, she consults
Tad N. Render, CPA, Principal Tad Render is a principal at Miller, Cooper & Co., Ltd., and possesses experience serving middle market, privately-held companies. As a principal, Tad is responsible for the direction of day-to-day
Job Titles:
- Principal Theresa Piotrowski
Theresa E. Piotrowski, Principal Theresa Piotrowski is a Principal of Miller Cooper and practices with Alliance Pension Consultants, LLC. Joining Alliance in 1989, Theresa has dedicated herself to developing expertise in consulting and the administration
Todd Perlman, CPA, Principal Todd is a principal with exclusive responsibility for Miller Cooper's wholly owned technology division, Business Technology Partners, LLP. He has worked in public accounting and has served as Controller and Operations
Tom Graziano is the director of the corporate tax and reporting group at Miller Cooper. Prior to joining Miller Cooper he was a manager at one of the big four public accounting firms working in their Global Compliance and Reporting Group. He specializes working with a variety of entities from start-up, multi-national privately held companies, and publicly traded entities assisting in tax reporting for their annual financial statements.
Tom Graziano, CPA, Director Tom Graziano is the director of the corporate tax and reporting group at Miller Cooper. Prior to joining Miller Cooper he was a manager at one of the big four public
Bill Andreozzi is a Tax Principal for Miller Cooper. Prior to joining Miller Cooper, he served as a tax partner at a national CPA firm where he provided tax services to middle-market businesses and their owners. Additionally, his responsibilities included providing leadership and strategic direction as the partner-in-charge of the local office tax practice. Bill has been providing tax consulting and compliance services to closely held businesses and their owners for nearly 29 years.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Bill has diverse tax experience in the federal, state and international tax areas. His practice consists of serving the multi-disciplinary tax needs of global and multi-state, middle-market companies across a variety of industries, including manufacturing/distribution, entertainment/media, technology and private equity.
He has assisted clients in achieving their business and tax needs by managing tax compliance reporting, advising on tax structures and resolving complex tax issues. Bill has also consulted on acquisition and divestiture planning, cash flow modeling and general tax implications. He has performed buy-side and sell-side tax due diligence and facilitated cross-border coordination and interaction with foreign affiliates in resolving global tax and business concerns. Bill is experienced in representing clients during federal and state examinations and appeals, assessing tax risk and implementing appropriate remediation strategies.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Bill graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He has a Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University and a JD from John Marshall Law School. Bill is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society.
William H. Wiersema, CPA, Principal Bill Wiersema is an Audit Principal with Miller Cooper. In addition to audit services, Bill provides specialized consulting services, including M&A due diligence and transaction support, and consulting in strategy,
Bill Major is a Principal in Miller Cooper's tax department and specializes in consulting with internationally active closely-held businesses and their key constituents. He brings more than 30 years of experience providing middle market companies with expert tax and business planning. Before joining Miller Cooper, Bill practiced with Big Eight, national and regional accounting firms.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Bill's practice serves manufacturers, distributors, technology companies, professional and technological service companies, and investors in U.S. and foreign real estate. He also consults with several dozen CPA and law firms in the U.S. and abroad that he advises with respect to IC-DISC, international tax structuring and implementation, profit repatriation strategies, and international tax controversy matters.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Bill earned his Bachelor of Science and Master's of Accounting (Taxation) degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Formerly an adjunct professor of International Accounting with Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bill has led numerous conferences for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, the Illinois CPA Society, the Illinois International Trade Centers, the FSC/DISC Tax Association, the McGladrey Alliance, and the Council for International Tax Education (Bloomberg-BNA-CITE). A member of the AICPA and Illinois CPA Society, he served on the FSC/DISC Tax Association and CITE National Boards of Advisors from 1995 through 2000 and continues to speak regularly at CITE conferences.
William J. Major, CPA, Principal Bill Major is a Principal in Miller Cooper's tax department and specializes in consulting with internationally active closely-held businesses and their key constituents. He brings more than 30 years of