Vote – National Society of Accountants

I will be forever grateful to the CPA who invited me to a AAATP (Arizona Association of Accounting and Tax Professionals) East Valley Chapter meeting in 2018, where I signed up for a tax update and was introduced to NSA by the welcome committee. (Yes, the people at the signup and nametag table are providing a valuable service!) I actually won a door prize at that event – with entry on a slip of paper as I didn’t even have business cards yet – but had no idea the “big prize” this membership would prove to be.

I have greatly benefited from knowledge shared via NSA Tax Talk, connecting directly with members via that forum, and consulting on new areas of tax or uncertainty. As a sole practitioner of a small firm, I find it challenging to both keep up with all the tax law changes and avoid tunnel vision with client work, and having a network to fall back on is invaluable.

My background is a combination of industry and public practice.

I studied accounting in high school, when I recall chasing a 10-cent difference on a spreadsheet during a school break. I worked as a seasonal assistant at a small CPA firm, where income tax forms were completed in pencil, I added tax update pages to a row of binders stored on a bookshelf, typed basic financials into a new word processing system, and proudly managed the fax machine.

My advent into tax preparation began when my husband started a business. I had no idea how to handle depreciation so went to the company where a friend worked, ended up taking their tax course, working several tax seasons and becoming an Enrolled Agent.

I entered industry through a classmate at the nonprofit university where I obtained my accounting degree; they needed temporary additional staff while implementing an ERP software. This ended up being a 10-year path from staff accountant to Director of Finance, which included accounting cleanup, financial statement reporting (involving fun complexities such as foreign currency, elimination and consolidation), working with a Big Four audit team (where we proudly improved from their “worst” client to one of the “best” – there is hope for our clients!!), Form 990 preparation and developing process improvements.

I have served in the past on church committees as recording secretary and fundraising coordinator, as a board member for a nonprofit Children’s Museum as secretary and internal audit support, and most recently as member at large and Vice President of the AAATP East Valley Chapter where I was actively involved in supporting virtual meetings and coordinating speakers for continuing education.

Since obtaining my CPA license, I have worked as an employee for two CPA firms, contractor for two firms, and am managing my second firm as an owner. I am very excited to be adding a CPA to my staff this summer, which also makes this a good time to “give back” to NSA and its membership.

I enjoy sharing information, work well with others, make efforts at being a good team player and welcoming contributions, and recognize the importance of leadership and support to the NSA and the accounting profession.

MARIA KREY, CPA 515 E Carefree Hwy #83 Phoenix AZ
Mobile: 425.754.7801 Email: maria@kreycpa.com

SUMMARY

Dedicated CPA with proven track record and over twenty years of accounting experience enjoys accounting and tax challenges, producing accurate reporting and promoting best business practices.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Krey CPA PLLC, Phoenix AZ February 2018 to present

Owner/Operator

Tax, consulting, accounting and payroll services with focus on fixing accounting and tax “messes” and educating business owners in proper accounting and best practices.

Trax Technologies, Inc, Scottsdale AZ November 2017 to March 2018

Interim Controller

Assisted CFO with local and overseas finance staffing transitions for international SaaS provider:
Coordinated automated financial reporting, audit/tax prep, payroll transition, entity consolidations.

Johnson, Goff & Company, PLLC, Scottsdale AZ July 2015 to November 2017

Tax Preparer/Tax Manager/Partner

Income tax preparation, tax planning and consulting, IRS problem solutions, and team management.
Accomplishments include refund of over 13K in IRS penalties, 10K in net operating loss carry-backs, and waiver of over 16K in California penalties; best practices process implementation; client restructuring, succession planning and execution; and successful 501(c)(3) IRS nonprofit application.

Numeric CPA, PLLC, Snohomish WA/Longview WA January 2010 to July 2015

Owner/Operator

Provided accounting and consulting services from bookkeeping and payroll to software projects; prepared tax returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships and non-profit entities.
Began with friend/family tax returns, progressing to full-time practice, I enjoyed working with clients on a personal service level and serving as a useful resource in defining and achieving their goals.
Significant accomplishments included accounting cleanup and staff training for a Foundation client, restoration of accounting records after software failure for an IT client, and successful waiver of over 25K in tax penalties for a corporate tax client.

City University of Seattle, Seattle WA February 2004 to March 2014

Director of Finance (2010 - 2014)

Led and managed key employees in the business office, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.
Prepared timely and accurate GAAP consolidated financial statements for six business units in four countries, including foreign currency translation, consolidation, acquisition and liquidation.
Managed annual corporate financial, Federal A-133 and 403(b) audits with KPMG, prepared audited financial statements and related filings; directed tax and Department of Education filings.
Reviewed SAS70 reporting related to retirement and insurance benefits plan sponsors.
Prepared annual budgets, oversaw capital and cash flow budget analysis reporting, monitored international wire processing, and managed compliance reporting related to bank covenants, $2 million line of credit and $1 million investment. Communicated financial results to management.
Oversaw in-house payroll and accounts payable for US and Canadian operations.
Reviewed and approved journal entries (fund, intercompany and foreign currency transactions, lease and investment accounting, deferrals, accruals); bank and general ledger reconciliations; insurance renewals; excise/personal property tax filings and non-profit property tax exemptions.
Established and monitored internal controls; researched and implemented appropriate GAAP applications; implemented and documented improved accounting processes and procedures.
Managed PeopleSoft software upgrades; security, reporting, troubleshooting and query writing.
Coordinated with IT staff to implement EFT student refunds and employee reimbursements, and automate student mentor vendor and payment creation, improving security and reducing paper.
Reduced financial audit process by three months and tax return process by six months, while restructuring department to absorb three full-time positions.

Assistant Controller (2007 - 2010)

Responsible for financial statement preparation, audit support, annual insurance renewals, cash flow reporting, management of accounts payable and general ledger staff.
Implemented customized payroll module to automate instructor compensation. Successfully completed PeopleSoft upgrade and transition of software systems to outside hosting service.
Reduced monthly close from fifteen days to five, and streamlined international accounting.

Senior Accountant/General Ledger Manager (2006 - 2007)

Developed weekly cash flow projection, monitored US cash position; provided backup for payroll.
Supported annual audit process and financial statement preparation, created standardized journal entry form, implemented improved processes and documentation of procedures.

General Ledger Accountant (2005 - 2006)

Instrumental in project to improve cross-departmental communications within the university, and streamlining of accounts receivable, cashiering, banking and credit card processing.
Supervision of accounts payable; developed reports for A/P payment and reconciliation processes.

Consultant/Staff Accountant (2004 – 2005, part-time in addition to H&R Block while finalizing degree)

Actively participated in conversion to PeopleSoft from DOS-based system.
Successful reconciliation of multiple accounts requiring researching multiple years of activity.

Toyer & Associates, CPAs, Inc. PS, Everett, WA 2007 to 2008

Senior Accountant/Tax Preparer (Two tax seasons)

Performed client audits and reviews, prepared US individual and corporate income tax returns.

H&R Block, Snohomish WA 2000 to 2006

Tax Preparer/Supervisor/Instructor (Seasonal work while completing BS in Accounting, CPA credentials)

Prepared US income taxes (individual, corporation, partnership, trust) and excise tax returns.
Supervised staff of twelve; advised clients and resolved client and employee concerns.
Taught income tax courses, including seminar for IRS Enrolled Agent examination preparation.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, City University of Seattle, WA (first three years University of WA)

Reisjärven KR Opisto, Finland, Europe (General Studies, one year)

CERTIFICATIONS, MEMBERSHIPS & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Certified Public Accountant (Arizona #17885, Washington #25696)

AAATP (AZ Assoc of Acounting & Tax Professionals) East Valley, Vice President, 2022

National Society of Accountants, 2018-present

Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church, Meeting Secretary, Renovations Fundraising Chair, 2015-2017

Arizona Society of CPAs, 2015-present; Washington Society of CPAs, 2007-2015

Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA, previously ASWA), Bellevue Chapter, 2012-2015

Imagine Children’s Museum, Board Member (Secretary), 2012-2015

Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church, Recording Secretary, Fundraising Coordinator to 2014

SOFTWARE

Drake, UltraTax, Lacerte; QuickBooks, NetSuite, PeopleSoft/nVision; MS Office, Excel super user.

I am married and have 4 children. My youngest son is working in my practice part time. I have owned my own firm for 22 years and worked for another CPA firm before that for 9 years. Needless to say, I have seen a lot of changes and as long as I am in practice I know that I will see even more enhancements. I am trying to incorporate them into my practice and learn to delegate which is always a struggle when it comes to my clients. I have always wanted to personally handle all facets of their business, but that is not possible as practices take on more and more clients and services. I just have to make sure safeguards are in place and employees are properly supervised and knowledgeable. That is where NSA education resources play a major role.

I have been a member of NSA since 2008 and have served as state director in the past for Mississippi for several consecutive terms. I was District Governor for our district as well in 2020 before the bylaws made changes to the board. In addition to these roles, I have served on the membership committee, leadership development committee and am also a graduate of the Leadership Development Program.

Those positions have enabled me to see the importance of accurate financial records and also the importance of remaining current with tax and accounting rules and regulations. It also has allowed me to see the advantage of utilizing all of the latest technology available but not losing sight of ensuring the confidentiality of data as well as accuracy.

I feel that as we move forward NSA can play a major role in helping to balance the Artificial Intelligence being used in accounting and ensuring our members are provided the education needed to implement the tools needed for our practices.

As a member of the board, I would bring my years of experience to the table as well as having a desire to give back to this profession and encourage other members that are possibly just beginning their careers.

There are many non- profit groups available to join and NSA has to assure the membership that dues are justified with products being offered. As a board member I could help to emphasize this need and reach audience that may not know about our products.

I feel as a board member I could be a team player and help accomplish tasks that are requested by membership. The board is usually made up of a diverse group of people and I think working together we can achieve goals that are set.

Every role that we serve as members usually strengthens us in our practice or profession. You are giving but at same time receiving invaluable benefits in return. I consider members that I have served with friends and we have kept in touch years after serving together. If I have an issue and I feel they can help, I reach out and they do the same with me.

I hope you will consider me for this position on the board.

Pamela C Stamps CPA

P O Box 3325
Brookhaven MS 39603

Objective	My objective is to provide quality accounting and auditing services to clients.
Experience	1984 - 1986 Farm Credit Banks Jackson MS Accountant Accounts payable Fixed Assets Accounting
	1986–1990 Farm Credit Banks Jackson MS Senior Operations Analyst Responsible for accounting for non-performing assets Performed note audits in three state area of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana Conducted training courses in district for compliance with regulations
	1990–1994 Farm Credit Banks Jackson MS Accounting Manager Supervised all areas of accounting, including accounts payable, fixed assets, loan accounting and payroll Responsible for quarterly financial reporting to board as well as annual report to stockholders. Worked closely with data processing to insure accurate and timely information. Coordinated all audit activity with Price Waterhouse and assisted with requests of audit information throughout the reporting year.
	1990 – 1994 Perry W. Smith Crystal Springs MS Part time Tax Accountant Assisted during tax season with individual and corporate tax returns. 1994 – 2001 Roger C. Boyd Brookhaven MS Accountant Prepared all compilations and prepared individual, partnership, and corporate tax returns. Performed audits for Kings & Daughters, Lawrence County Community Development. Assisted with Monticello Forest Products audits, and rural water association audits. 2001 – Present Self-employed Brookhaven MS Prepare compilations, reviews, audits and tax returns for clients Performed review for Lawrence County Boys and Girls Club Performed audit for Lawrence County Community Development Performed audit for Copiah Forest Products Inc.
Education	1982 - 1984 Millsaps College Jackson MS B.B.A., Accounting
References	Available upon request
Clubs and Organizations	Member of Brookhaven and Monticello Chamber of Commerce Member of Mississippi Society of CPAS Member of Mississippi Association of Public Accountants serving as 2^nd Vice President

My name is Randy L. Brandt and I am submitting a request for consideration to run for an at-large position on the board of directors of the National Society of Accountants. I am currently concluding a two year term in this current position and I have a desire to continue to serve the NSA in this capacity.

Throughout the past two years, the NSA has undergone many changes. Depending on whom you speak with some of the changes were viewed positively while other changes were viewed negatively. In either case, it is truly hard to judge the effect of a change without the benefit of a period of time to consider the consequences of the change. It is also difficult to build momentum for any change without consistency and continuity being poured into the efforts behind the change. Recognizing this, I believe that it is important that the board of directors of the NSA contains some new members to bring fresh ideas and energy to the board, but it is also important that the board maintain some members who have been involved with some of the more recent changes. The experience and knowledge that I have acquired while serving on the NSA board over the past 22 months will be a valuable asset to the Organization as it proceeds forward.

Consistency, communication, and a vision for the future are attributes that are critical to a successful Organization. My experience working in public accounting for the past 27 years has played a key role in developing and refining these skills. My involvement on the board the past two years has provided an opportunity to forge and develop relationships with other NSA leadership team members and with the new CEO of the Organization. Additionally, being actively engaged in board meetings and committee meetings has provided a fuller, deeper understanding of the inner workings and the more detailed aspects of what it will take for the NSA to achieve their stated goals. To take this knowledge and experience and step away at this time would feel like an opportunity lost for both the Organization and myself. I have no doubt that someone with equal or better skills could fill this role; however, the learning curve of that individual would need to be repeated. While the need for change is always present, the need for consistency and experience is of equal value. I believe that I could continue to fill an important role within NSA by bringing knowledge and experience back to the board for the next two years.

Therefore, I respectfully request your consideration and support as I submit my name as a nominee to serve as an at-large director for the National Society of Accountants. I recognize the value that this Organization has to those serving in the accounting and tax preparation fields and I desire to see its continued success into the future. This can only be done through the efforts of professionals like myself who are willing to contribute and serve as best they can and I am willing to continue to do so for the NSA.

2023-24 Candidates

Stephen Hill

Jense Creighton

Randy Brandt

Maria Krey

Roger Lubiens

Kelly Myers

Pamela Stamps