2023 Election Results

DEBORAH WATSON, EA, GR
111 W. JACKSON BLVD, STE 1700
1463 Ring Road Calumet City, IL 60409
Office (312) 675-6270 • Office (708) 730-1040 • Fax (708) 730-0148
deborahwatson@ddcandassociates.net

May 30, 2024

To: Nominating Committee
       The National Society of Accountants

It gives me great pleasure to announce my candidacy for the National Society of Accountants' (NSA) Secretary/Treasurer position.  As an entrepreneur, enrolled agent, and independent accountant/tax preparer since 1991, I have gained substantial business skills that will assist the organization in the pursuit of its mission and the execution of its strategic plan.

NSA has played an important role in my professional growth and development over the past nine years.  Since joining NSA and serving on the NSA Foundation Board I have developed a professional network group and advanced in my profession from the vast amount of knowledge and education this organization provides.   It would be a privilege and honor to serve this organization as its Secretary / Treasurer as well as assist other members as they engage with the organization in pursuit of their career objectives.

I appreciate your consideration of my candidacy.

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND EDUCATION

• Enrolled to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
• BA, Accounting/Business University of Phoenix
• NSA Foundation Vice President
• IAAI President
• IAAI State 1st & 2nd  Vice President
• IAAI State Treasurer
• IAAI State Secretary
• IAAI Chapter 16 Secretary
• NTPI Fellow, National Tax Practice Institute
• Notary Public
• GRI, Managing Real Estate Broker (Illinois & Florida)

MEMBERSHIPS

• National Society of Accountants
• Independent Accountant Association of Illinois
• National Association of Enrolled Agents
• National Association of Realtors
• Chicago Association of Realtors
• National Notary Association

COMMITTEES

• Awards Committee, NSA
• Leadership Committee, NSA
• Education Committee, IAAI
• Membership Committee, IAAI

Jan Ellen Helgreen was born in Asheville, NC and lives in the same house she grew up in.  She graduated from Charles D. Owen High School, then attended UNC-Asheville, A-B Technical Community College, Lees McRae, Western Academy of Hair Design, and Montreat College, where she and her father earned their degrees in Accounting.  She has been employed at Helgreen and Dalton Accountants since October 1983.  She is now President of Helgreen and Dalton.

She joined the North Carolina Society of Accountants in May of 1988.  She has chaired many of the NCSA committees and served on the Board of Directors many times.  She served as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President 2 times, and President 2 times of NCSA from 2000-2024.  She is accredited in Taxation by the ACAT.  Jan joined the National Society of Public Accountants in May 1994.  She has served on the Western Chapter of NCSA line many times.  Jan’s father and sister, James N.E. Helgreen, and Gale H. Champie both served as President of NCSA as well.  Her father served as District Four Governor of NSA.

Jan has one brother left, James N.E. Helgreen Jr.  who is a Doctor of Anesthesia, married to Karen and have two children in Columbus Ohio.  Jan married Ricky Allison in 1983.  They have two children Jason and Mandy.  Jason has two children, Riley and Kasey.  Mandy and Jamie Dunham have one son, Mason.  Her children and grandchildren are the color to Jan’s world.  Jan enjoys traveling, kayaking, and spoiling her grandchildren.  She and Ricky enjoy spending time with their family at Lake James where they have a camper.

Summary

An experienced Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ dedicated to helping clients achieve their life, financial, and legacy goals through efficient and effective use of financial products, tax strategies, and properly documented estate plans. Experienced in production analysis, accounting, and succession planning.

Experience

Allworth Financial, Cincinnati OH - Financial & Tax Advisor                                          May 2022 to Present

Life-Legacy Services / Life Legacy Financial Counsel, Inc.- Advisor                                Aug 2018 to May 2022

A comprehensive fee-only concierge organization serving clients throughout the United States. Using a team structure, we provide financial planning, investment management, elder-care, and legacy planning.

Key Private Bank- Southwest Ohio - Senior Financial Planner                                 2014 to Aug 2018

• A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ serving 1200 clients with ~$1.5 billion AUM. Member of team with 5 Relationship Managers, 4 Portfolio Managers, and 3 Trust Officers.
• Member of KeyBank’s national Financial Planning, Business Succession Planning, and Tax Planning Committees who develop products, strategies, education programs, marketing materials, and client seminars for use with clients and the public.
• The top ranked Financial Planner in the nation with $67.8M in new assets generating $357K in fees through May 2018. Ranked in the top 10 of the Key Bank financial planners for three
• In coordination with team members, encouraged the sale of insurance products, mortgages, business loans, and adoption of financial aggregation technology by high net worth
• Provided client income tax reviews and estate planning reviews. Created estate plan flow charts, make recommendations to reduce tax liability while increasing estate settlement
• Assisted clients, commercial bankers, and KPB team members with business succession planning,culminating in $150M in proceeds over three years and generating client

Raymond James Financial Services, Dayton Ohio- Financial Advisor                                             2012 to 2014

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Ohio Life Insurance Agent serving 200 families throughout the United States. Ensemble practice managing $130 million in assets under management and offering life, health, disability, and long-term care insurance products.

Capital Analysts Incorporated, Western Southern Financial Group                                              2007 to 2012
Compliance Manager, Cincinnati, OH

• Develop, review and approve advertising and sales literature for financial advisors (FINRA 2210).
• Review and approve correspondence of Managing Associates (FINRA 2211). Due Diligence review of third party software, financial plan software, and Life-Settlement products.
• Approved financial plan contracts, client plans, product recommendations, and fee
• Assisted with SEC, FINRA, Outside Business Reviews, and Market Conduct Audits
• Reviewed and approved Outside Business Activity requests and updated SEC Form ADV
• Assisted with development of firm marketing publications and public relations wealth to increase sales and retention of HNW
• Assisted with implementation of “Wealth Management Model Office” program, an innovative re-design of compensation arrangements and practice management consulting.
• Researched, developed, and communicated firm Written Supervisory Procedures and related

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network: The Marker Group, Dayton, Ohio                              2003 to 2007

Director of Network Office Supervision, Brokerage Operations Manager, Contracting Coordinator

• Responsible for OSJ Compliance; conducting annual audits as required by FINRA rules 3012 & 3013, compliance training, and facilitating contracting/registration of 50 financial representatives.
• Implemented SEC IA-2376 decision affecting financial representatives & broker-dealer
• Coordinated training and supervision for conversion to a new clearing firm (Pershing)
• Supervised daily operations for $1 million GDC brokerage and the $3 million insurance
• Managed & trained brokerage operations staff with P&L
• Achieved recruitment and retention goal of 20 new Financial Representatives in one calendar
• Developed “Practice Management” training to aid in recruitment and advisor development
• Consulted with representatives to maximize asset consolidation and insurance sales opportunities
• Facilitated FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, 65, 66 exam training & OH Insurance license

AIG-Pinnacle Taxx Advisors, Florence KY                                                                                           2002 to 2003

Tax & Financial Consultant, OSJ Compliance Principal

• Increased tax and financial planning business by 15% in one year by developing and executing marketing plans for the Northern Kentucky office for preparing client tax
• Assess client financial product, personal tax, and estate planning needs using client meetings, financial planning software, and prudent man rules for
• Encouraged increased depth of financial services for 1300
• Conducted sales presentations for audiences up to 100

Fidelity Brokerage Services, Blue Ash, Ohio                                                                                     1999 to 2002

Equity Trader and Retirement Products Specialist

• Sold over $14 million in additional financial assets under management by assessing customer needs and recommending prudent and profitable financial
• Achieved 99.9% accuracy for 5250 equity, stock option, and bond trades by following proper risk management procedures and confirming client orders before
• Generated an additional $10 million in assets by managing special corporate projects for Fidelity BillPay® and 401K Direct Participation accounts®.
• Achieved asset retention goals for two concurrent years, saving $20 million in assets

Internal Revenue Service, Clerk, Florence, KY                                                                                 1999

• Member of the Audit Processing Team that coded personal tax returns for audit.

Education

MBA, Finance, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH;     BS, Marketing, Miami University, Oxford, OH

LSSBB, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, BPG Certification; OH Life & Health Insurance License

Professional Activities

• CFP Board Ambassador™ Published articles on CFP Board website, 5 years
• Board of Directors, Financial Planning Association of Southwestern Ohio, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, and the Junior Achievement OKI Dayton Board of Directors
• Regional Financial Educator, AARP of Southwest Ohio 3 years
• CFP Board Ethics Instructor, FPA of Southwestern Ohio 4 years
• Adjunct Faculty, Wright State University and the University of Cincinnati, 4 years
• Board of Advisors Wright State LIFT2 Symposium, 5 years
• Intuit Tax Expert 2021, 2022 - Trained to complete tax filings for clients
• Certified IRS Tax Preparer 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021,2022

Randy L. Brandt, CPA is the President and owner of Brandt Accounting located in Manheim, Pennsylvania.  Randy was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  After graduating high school, Randy attended Grove City College where he attained his bachelor’s degree in accounting.  Randy began his professional career with Price Waterhouse in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office.  After three years in the auditing department, Randy’s interests drew him back to Lancaster County where he went to work for a local accounting office serving the needs of individual tax clients and owners of privately held businesses.  In 2006, Randy was given the opportunity to purchase the practice from the retiring owner and has been the owner and President of Brandt Accounting since that time.  With a team of 6 full-time staff and additional seasonal and part-time team members working as needed, Randy most enjoys the time he spends working one-on-one with business owners, helping them to understand the financial aspects of their business, and working with them to reduce their tax liability while increasing their overall net worth.

Randy and his wife Jennifer reside in Manheim and are the parents of four children, the two youngest of which still live with them.  Randy recently became a grandfather for the first time this spring.  He looks forward to teaching his new grandson mischief that he may not have thought of on his own.  When work and family happen to allow him some free time, Randy enjoys hunting and fishing, spending time in the outdoors, and playing strategy games with friends.

Jense Haynes Creighton is a native of North Carolina and shares her hometown of Mount Airy with NC television legend Andy Griffith. Jense has been an accountant and tax professional since 1972, first in Monroe, NC and later in Charlotte, NC with her firm employing eight staff and paraprofessionals. The firm serves clients in varied industries including construction, manufacturing, real estate, and sales.

Jense attended Wingate College (now University) and received her Degree in Accounting from Anson Community College. She received her Treasury Card and became Enrolled to Practice before the Internal Revenue Service in 1986, and at the same time received her Accreditation from the National Society of Accountants in Taxation and Accounting.

Jense has served twice as President of the NC Society of Accountants in 1994-95 and 2019-20, and on the board of directors more than 15 years. Currently she serves on various committees and as a parliamentarian and leads the Charlotte chapter of the society.

Jense has a record of service to the National Society of Accountants as a member of the Regulation and Oversight Committee (ROC) starting in 2018 and served as chairperson for two years. In addition, served as a trustee for the National Society of Accountants Scholarship Foundation, holding the office of Secretary -Treasurer, for a two-year term. This year Jense served as a board member of the ACAT Board.

Jense has served on the board of directors as Southern Regional Director for the year 2022-23, and Vice President for the 2023-24 term.

As director she also served on the federal taxation committee, grievance, convention, and membership committees.

Jense and her husband Ben enjoy frequent visits to their favorite places, Blowing Rock and Hilton Head as well as hiking and yoga as time away from work allows. Jense is a cancer survivor and is a supporter and fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Charlotte Chapter.

Kaya klotzek
Accounting & Tax Specialist

Contact
PHONE: +1.619.729.4234
WEBSITE: www.lifesjusttaxing.com
EMAIL: kaya@lifesjusttaxing.com

Hobbies
Traveling
Reading/Word Search
Hiking/Kayak/Scuba Diving

Credentials

NSA-ACAT
2004 - Current

CA-CTEC
2006 – Current

National Assoc. of Registered Social Security Analysts – RSSA
2022-Current

CNAP (Certified Non-Profit Accounting Professional)
2023

EA (Enrolled Agent)
2024

WORK EXPERIENCE

Life’s Just Taxing - President/CEO
2002–Current

Enrolled agent with the IRS and certified tax professional working with individuals & small businesses through-out United States. Estate, non-resident or part-year income tax filers. Sales tax between state borders. LLC’s being taxed as Corporations. Personalized organization & accounting of company start up for Profit & Non-Profit companies. Complete payroll processing and 401k reporting. Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Financial Statement production & submission. Annual/Quarterly/Monthly automated income/sales tax payments/filings. Handle IRS notices. Successfully completed 3 Offer-In-Compromises. Dissolution of Corporation processes.  Intuit Tax Advisor and QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Partner with Avalara for nationwide Sales tax to assist remote sellers of Amazon, Google, and Shopify platforms. Bill.com, NetSuite, Canopy, Digits, Gusto, botkeeper, Relay, Jirav, Canva, Intuit ProConnect & QBO

Service Master by Rapid Response (Client)
Jan 2008–Dec 2018

Train staff to use QuickBooks for daily data entry, review books monthly/quarterly & process JE’s from CPA, provide all financial statements, liaison between staff, owner & CPA (Franchise Accounting) QuickBooks Premier & QBO

ClinicSource/ChiroTouch (Client Project)
Mar 2017–Nov 2017

Assist at the purchase/take-over of company in training staff while conducting audit of books. Correct starting and ending numbers to match tax returns filed (caught numerous mistakes). Work with new Staff Auditor to make books balance at month end. Transition accounting over to new staff. (Medium size Corporation-Medical Accounting) QuickBooks Enterprise

Intuit (Client Project)
2023-Current

Review the Intuit Turbo Tax Live system, processes and procedures while observing their employees (Manager, Leads, and Experts) that perform work for Intuit on a seasonal basis. Completing their online training and completing an extensive review/report/survey. Implement upgrades and proper standards for their systems and protocols. Both Individuals and Business Modules.

Beyond Identity, PingID, Credit Carma, Slack, SalesForce, Mint, Mailchimp, Turbo Tax &Workhuman