WSRP - Key Persons
Carl Steffen joined WSRP in January 2003, and is currently a Valuation Director. Carl specializes in business valuations associated with the purchase/sale of a business, mergers or acquisitions, estate and gift taxes, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), and litigation support. His past experience includes providing tax compliance, planning, and research (federal/multi-state/foreign) for individuals and businesses.
He was honored as Outstanding Member of the NACVA in 2001. He is a former President of the Utah State Chapter of the NACVA and is a former member of its Valuation Credentialing Board. Carl was the first Chair of the NACVA Standards Board, and he currently is a member of this Board, as well as a member of other professional organizations. He has made numerous presentations on business valuation before professional organizations.
Professional Affiliations:
Member, AICPA
Member, ASA
Member, NACVA (Honored Outstanding Member in 2001)
Member, UACPA
Education:
LDS Business College - Executive Secretary, University of Utah (Associates)
Experience:
Cheryl has worked for 31 years with WSRP, LLC, the best accounting firm to work for. Her main focus is on firm accounting, monthly financial reporting, bank reconciliations and payroll. In addition, she manages the Administration Staff whose responsibilities include reviewing of financial statements, client interactions, and anything else related to ensuring WSRP's clients receive the highest level of service. Cheryl also collaborates with Partners and the CFO.
Education:
Master of Business Administration, Utah State University, 2003
B.A. Accounting, Utah State University, 2001
Experience:
Dan Rinehart has over 20 years of experience providing professional services to various public and private companies, including federal agencies and non-profit organizations. He spent almost 7 years at Big 4 accounting firm and has been with WSRP since 2010. He has been a Partner at WSRP since 2012 and was selected as the firm's Managing Partner in 2023. His specialties include helping a diverse array of companies with audit, tax, accounting, and consulting. He has extensive expertise in the industries of retail, construction, technology, consumer products, financial services, insurance, venture capital, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, Dan has experience in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and debt and equity offerings. Dan also spends a significant amount of time consulting with clients on business strategy, business consulting, entity selection, interim CFO services, expert witness, and litigation support. He has represented clients in front of the IRS and other taxing authorities.
Professional Affiliations:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA)
Education:
Macc, Accounting, Weber State University
Experience:
Derek Weil, CPA, is a partner at WSRP. His role at the firm is characterized by a broad spectrum of responsibilities and expertise, particularly in catering to clients across diverse sectors. Derek's portfolio includes a wide range of industries such as nonprofits, construction, real estate, and private equity, each presenting its unique set of financial and regulatory challenges.
Derek's career began at a national accounting firm, where he dedicated four years to honing his skills and gaining valuable industry knowledge. This experience laid a solid foundation for his subsequent role in the healthcare sector. Transitioning to a local healthcare company, Derek spent two years navigating the unique financial landscapes of this industry, further broadening his expertise. In 2016, Derek joined WSRP, a move that has since seen him become an integral part of the firm. At WSRP, his focus has expanded to include a wide array of clients, ranging from nonprofits and closely held businesses to high-net-worth individuals. This diverse client base has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of different financial needs and tailor his approach accordingly. He is adept at handling the complex and varied requirements of different types of tax returns, including those for businesses, trusts, individuals, and tax-exempt organizations. His comprehensive knowledge and meticulous attention to detail ensure that he provides the highest level of service, helping clients navigate the intricacies of tax laws and regulations.
Professional Affiliations:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA)
Education:
B.S. Accounting, Brigham Young University, 1990
Experience:
Doug Myers joined WSRP in 1997. His industry experience includes manufacturing, construction, restaurant, software and tech, film production and distribution, and non-profit organizations. He specializes in employee benefit plans. Doug assists in managing WSRP's quality control, peer reviews and internal training of audit staff. Doug began his career in public accounting practicing for seven years in California and Utah for Ernst & Young.
Professional Affiliations:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA)
Chartered Global Management Accountant Designation (CGMA)
Job Titles:
- HR Director
- Recruiter
- Member of the SL SHRM Chapter
Emily Kranendonk started her career as a full-time recruiter. Over time, she has worked in various positions in human resources for the last 7 years. She has had the opportunity to work as an HR consultant serving many different clients and the opportunity to create HR departments from the ground up. She loves being able to help people find purpose and meaning in their work.
Professional Affiliations:
Emily is a current member of the SL SHRM Chapter and a member of the National SHRM.
Emily served on the SL SHRM Chapter Board for four years. During that time, she held the positions of Director of Social Media and Director of SHRM Foundation.
Education:
Master of Accountancy, Weber State University
Experience:
James L. Hawkins worked extensively with clients in the real estate development, not-for-profit, construction, and property management industries for more than twenty five years. He has significant experience in auditing, reporting and taxation of HUD Multi-Family and Non Profit entities as well as Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) entities. James experience includes the preparation of LIHTC cost certifications for numerous state housing agencies, as well as mortgagors and contractors cost certifications for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He is a member of the Affordable Housing Association of Certified Public Accountants and regularly attends training conferences relating to public housing and HUD multifamily housing projects.
Professional Affiliations:
Affordable Housing Association of Certified Public Accountants
Education:
MAcc, Accounting, Utah State University
B.S. Accounting, Utah State University
Experience:
Jason is a Tax Partner in the firm's tax practice and joined WSRP in 2014 as a tax staff accountant. Jason is experienced in real estate, private equity, construction, and variety of other industries. He specializes in high-net-worth individuals, partnership and corporate taxation planning, consulting, and reporting.
Professional Affiliations:
Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA)
Education:
B.S. Sociology, Utah State University
Experience:
Melissa has 10+ years of combined experience as an online education instructor, executive assistant, and most recently, a corporate recruiter. Since joining WSRP, Melissa has combined her passion for interacting with students and professionals with helping them start their careers or find new and exciting opportunities with WSRP.
Professional Affiliations:
Job Titles:
- Director
- Client Account Services Director
- Client Accounting Services Director
Education:
BA from Adam State College, Alamosa, Colorado
Degrees in Accounting and Business Administration
Experience:
Perry Christensen currently serves WSRP as Client Account Services Director. He has gained valuable experience during his career as the CFO of three companies, Controller of two companies, and International/Corporate/Financial Accounting Manager for a Fortune 100 company. Perry has owned three businesses on top of working for companies sizing from large and reputable, to startup and mid-sized. In the past, he has served in various industries including public accounting, manufacturing, software development, banking, retail, and construction. The diverse experiences and challenges he has faced in various client bases have developed him into a greater leader for the CAS Department of WSRP.
Education:
Masters of Science in Taxation, DePaul University, 1983
Experience:
In the 39 years Scott Czaja has practiced accounting, he spent 9 years with Thomas W. Havey & Company in Chicago, followed by thirty years with Haynie & Company in Salt Lake City. Scott joined WSRP in 2015. His first six years were in the assurance field before he focused in the tax area. His industry experience included employee benefit plan retirement and health, tax exempt organization, trusts and estates and charitable planned giving. As advocate for clients, he has represented clients before the IRS and various other taxing agencies. Scott has served on various national and regional committees involved in employee benefits and tax exempt organizations.
Professional Affiliations:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA)
Member of Non Profit Steering Committee
Scott Reams began his career in 1997 with the big 4 in the audit and assurance practice in San Francisco, California and has worked on clients in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, non-profit, real estate and restaurant franchising. Scott's experience includes national and international SEC public companies, private companies, companies considering going public and non-profit organization. Scott's SEC reporting experience includes Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and S-1 filings as well as complex revenue, debt, equity, and business combination issues. Scott has also helped clients through their implementation of SOX, SSAE 16 (SOC1 and SOC2), the preparation of consolidated financial statements and the interpretation and implementation of complex accounting standards.
Steve Checketts joined WSRP in 2021. He has over 15 years of experience in public accounting. Before joining WSRP, he spent 9 years working for a local public accounting firm and 6 years working for a Big 4 firm. Steve's experience includes domestic and multinational SEC public companies, private companies, companies considering an IPO, non-profit organizations, and assisting in litigation support. Steve has also helped many clients through their implementation of SOX, the preparation of consolidated financial statements, and the interpretation and implementation of complex accounting standards. His industry experience includes network marketing, healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, construction, retail, financial services, and equity investment companies.
Education:
B.S. Accounting, Weber State University, 1983
Experience:
Steve Racker began his public accounting career with WSRP 37 years ago. His industry experience includes automotive dealers, construction, manufacturing, retail, and restaurant industries, focusing on closely held businesses and high net worth individuals. As an advocate for clients, Steve represents clients before the IRS and various state tax commissions. He served as court appointed custodian for a private club and is currently on the Weber State University Accounting Department Advisory Board.
Professional Affiliations:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA)
Chartered Global Management Accountant Designation (CGMA)
Tyler Curtis has over 12 years experience in auditing real estate, not-for- profit, single audit compliance, housing associations, general contractors, governmental, employee benefit plans and other specialized areas. He specializes in audits of affordable housing. Tyler passed the Uniform CPA examination in 2001 receiving one of the top 10 scores in the State of Utah for the particular test.