The Journal Entry - Fall 2022

JOURNAL ENTRY

FALL 2022

Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants

15 W. South Temple, Suite 1625 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 801-466-8022 mail@uacpa.org www.uacpa.org

Managing Editor

Amy Spencer as@uacpa.org

2022 – 2023

UACPA Executive Board President: Ray Langhaim, CPA President-Elect: Dustin Wood, CPA Vice President: Jason Tomlinson, CPA Treasurer: Mark Anderson, CPA Secretary: Tad Tuttle, CPA Member-at-Large: Annette Anderson, CPA Member-at-Large: Chris Skousen, CPA Emerging Professionals: Eric Greene, CPA Immediate Past President: Stacy Weight, CPA AICPA Council: Paul Skeen, CPA CEO: Susan Speirs, CPA

UACPA Staff

CEO: Susan Speirs, CPA CPE Director: April Deneault Communications & Marketing Director: Amy Spencer Financial Director: Tom Horn, CPA Cover Image by Chris Wood, robertwoodphoto.com

UACPA Statement of Policy

The Journal Entry is published four times a year by the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA). The opinions, views and articles expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the UACPA. This magazine should not be deemed an endorsement by the UACPA or its committees or editorial staff of any views, opinions or positions contained herein. Copyright © 2022 Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants

CONTENTS

CEO's Message 4

Cover + Articles

Chris Harding Is on the Ballot 6 Meet Centerville’s CPA Mayor 11

The SALT Committee in Action 12

By the Numbers: CPA Demographics 15

Membership

Awards: 2022 Award Winners and Newly Licensed CPAs 16

Photos: Awards + Inauguration 22 New Members and Student Affiliates 24

Members in the News 25

Photos: Money Camp and Golf Tournament 26

Meet the Board 28

UACPA Staff Chat 29

Board Brief 29

In Memoriam 29

Comic: Generally Excepted 30

Meet a Member: Matthew Gardner, CPA, JD 31

CPE

2022 Fall CPE Schedule 32

CEO’S MESSAGE SUSAN SPEIRS, CPA

The political climate is said to be an aggregate mood and opinion of a political society at a particular time. The term is often used to describe when the state of the mood or opinions are changing or unstable. I think it’s safe to say that our political climate is changing nationally as well as in the state of Utah. As we look at the root of politics, money is a driver in any policy. The fact that the accounting profession speaks the universal language of money means that politics cannot thrive without accounting professionals who fluently speak the language of money in the political economy. For many in our profession, the idea of CPAs being involved in politics is anathema. However, who better than a CPA? The political environment and public policy need individuals of our caliber who possess the qualities of integrity, objectivity and competence. As CPAs, we have diverse voices and viewpoints as well as realistic approaches in the form of monetary facts and figures. We have the opportunity to bring much needed fiscal knowledge and insights coupled with our professionalism into the public discourse.

Below are three areas that we can contribute to the political economy:

1. Transparency in the reporting role: Transparent and understandable stewardship reporting must be at the forefront. Our profession is well equipped to provide information that is available. We have standards that provide for consistency in our reporting requirements and individuals that can present reports and opinions at a grassroots level so that the public can better grasp and understand progress and challenges.

2. Investment appraisal role: Without investment, political economies cannot achieve their goals. CPAs are involved

starting with identifying relevant cash flows for capital budgeting to implementing and adjusting as necessary within given scopes.

3. Auditing and assurance roles: Our state has an annual audit, as do our cities and towns and municipalities. Our universities and many of our state agencies have audits as well. One of the roles of the audit function is to provide opinion as to whether the financial statements have been presented fairly and in accordance with GAGAS (Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards).

We’re very fortunate to have members serving in our political and governmental arena. Oftentimes these individuals are holding down full-time jobs while serving in legislative and mayoral positions. We have many working full time at the governmental level providing leadership in reporting issues as they relate to transparency and policy issues. Who better than CPAs to be involved in challenging conversations as we continue to see our political climate shift?

We hope you enjoy reading about our members who participate in political office as well as members who are helping to provide input to policy challenges as we move forward. Please feel free to engage! n

Worth It!

Photos by Chris Wood / robertwoodphoto.com

PUTTING YOUR NAME ON THE BALLOT AS A CPA

CHRIS HARDING FACES HIS FIRST ELECTION SEASON AS SALT LAKE COUNTY AUDITOR MEET CHRIS

We champion the CPAs who bring their background in ethics and transparency to represent their community through elected positions. Seeing Chris Harding, a candidate for Salt Lake County auditor, has reignited the conversation about the value of a CPA in office.

Harding became interested in the position in November 2021 while reading a KSL article indicating that Scott Tingley would be leaving office to take another position with the state. “As I began casually researching the auditor’s office looking at their audit reports, searching for information on prior county auditors, and asking questions to current and former county employees, it soon became an obsession,” he says. The research and connections swelled to reveal “an explicit need and significant gap in auditing knowledge, experience, and use of audit standards that I was qualified to fill.”

On Feb. 5, 2022, the Salt Lake County Republican Party Central Committee members elected Harding with 79.8% of the votes. In November, he will face his first general election where he will again run against David Muir, Cottonwood Heights City treasurer and financial reporting manager.

As one of six children, Chris Harding was born and raised in Bountiful. Harding graduated from Viewmont High School in 1998 and served a twoyear mission for his church in Dallas, TX. In 2022, he married his wife, Candice, and they have five children between six and 18 years old. Influenced by his father-in-law who is a CPA, paired with his love for learning about accounting, Harding discovered his niche in audit. Harding attended Salt Lake Community College, earning an associate degree in business, then transferred to the University of Utah and earned a bachelor’s of accounting in 2004. While working in local CPA firms, Harding earned his MBA from Weber State in 2008. Chris became a licensed CPA in 2009, then earned his Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) in May 2011 and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Certificate in 2012.

We had the opportunity to meet Harding and learn more about him and what it’s like to run a campaign for an elected auditor.

What are your responsibilities as the Salt Lake County auditor? I have two broad responsibilities as Salt Lake County auditor. The first is sending the annual Notice of Valuation (NOV) to inform property holders what their local taxing authorities are planning to do. This also includes acting as the clerk of the Board of Equalization to ensure that property owners who file an appeal, regarding their property valuation, are given a fair hearing. Second, I am charged with auditing the county government to mitigate the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse.

What are some of the challenges of running for public office? My first initial challenge was the fact I was a federal employee at the time and subject to the Hatch Act. I had concerns and questions about whether I could even run for county auditor in the special election. However, after emailing back and forth with the Office of Special Counsel, and a long phone conversation, I was assured that federal employees could be appointed to a partisan office; they just have to end their federal employment before seeking reelection.

Another big challenge for me, tending to be introverted, was to get out of my comfort zone and speak to others. Before winning the special election, I literally stalked people on LinkedIn and other social media outlets who were in local and state government. I struck up conversations, asked for information, and went out of my way to get involved, become informed, and make a difference.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your position? The biggest challenges I face in this role are getting the office compliant with GAGAS standards and passing legislation to return the independence of the county auditor (at least here in Salt Lake County). I am working with the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) to get a peer review in FY23. I am working with Rep. Jordan Teuscher and Sen. Curtis Bramble on legislation for the 2023 session. Our draft

language was introduced in the September interim session.

How does your professional experience translate to the duties of county auditor? I have been performing GAGAScompliant audits for the federal government for the last 16 years. My experience crosses over extremely well. I have been part of teams that were teleworking well before COVID, and that has helped me to seamlessly step in to run an office where the average employee is teleworking two to three days per week.

In your previous experience, have you performed or led a team to uncover any fraudulent activity, and if so, what was the result? I have been part of several audit teams that uncovered definite “red flags.” I have never been part of an audit team where “fraud” has been determined through a court of law and the judicial process. However, with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), we routinely questioned proposed contract costs in the tens of millions of dollars (and were sustained in negotiations). These translated into direct savings to the taxpayer and increased money for the warfighter.

What are the differences between you and your opponents? I am only facing one opponent, David Muir, in the general election. The biggest difference between us is that I am a CPA with all of my experience in auditing over the last 16 years. David is not a CPA, and all his experience in auditing occurred before 2005. A lot has changed in the world of auditing since that time. Audits should be conducted in accordance with professional standards, such as GAGAS.

What advice would you give to other CPAs running for office? Running for office is a fun and exciting experience. Make sure you are comfortable with the amount of extra/ side/campaigning work in the evenings and weekends. Make sure you are familiar with and abide by all the campaign disclosure rules and the Hatch Act laws. Know that you will be talking to many different people with differing political views, but few and far between who are fellow CPAs or those with a background and understanding of GAGAS. Make sure that you can quickly

and concisely convey information and the need for auditing.

Realize that running for office entails being in the “public eye,” and you will need to flex your extrovert muscles and personality.

What are your goals, both professionally and personally?

Right now, my professional goals are focused solely on Salt Lake County: Hiring more qualified auditors, growing our office, bringing all of our auditor work into compliance with GAGAS, and getting a clean peer review. I would like to get legislation passed to protect public offices of trust such as county/state auditor and require people running for those offices to be licensed CPAs. I would like to increase the visibility of the county auditor’s office and help people gain a better understanding of the important work we do.

Personally, I would like to improve my skiing such that I can tackle the blue and black diamond ski routes. Currently, I am the bunny hill expert. My main hobby used to be falconry, but family life and work squeezed it out. Once things have calmed down, with campaigning and running the office, I would love to get another bird, maybe a harris hawk, red tail, or kestrel. I also have a goal to get into the sport of power paragliding.

What do you like to do outside of work? Our family loves to go camping each year. Some of our favorite spots are Little Mill, Lava Hot Springs, and Maple Grove campgrounds. I also enjoy just “piddling” around the house and fixing things, and spending time with my wife and kids. I enjoy watching my kids play sports and/or going to their school concerts. n

Election Security

MEET CENTERVILLE’S

CPA MAYOR

Clark Wilkinson was sworn in as mayor of Centerville in 2018 and will serve through 2026. Wilkinson has served as the UACPA Key Person and has been on the board of advisors for the School of Accountancy at Utah State University. Clark says that the combination of working with clients and volunteering in various positions with the UACPA has been a tremendous benefit and background to what he is doing as mayor. “The bulk of what a mayor does is communicating with people and organizations,” he says. He adds that the CPA profession has been a benefit for being able to do that.

What led you to run for office? Growing up, I was taught to serve family, God, and country. My father served as a state representative and as a district court judge. At the age of 18, he took me to my first mass meeting (they are now called caucuses). From the time that I became a CPA to the present, I have voluntarily lobbied with the AICPA and UACPA for issues affecting the CPA profession and the public. I previously ran for the state senate in 2009 and was unsuccessful. I was approached by a friend in May 2017 to run for city council. Through various circumstances, the next thing I knew, I was running for mayor.

What has been the most rewarding part of your position?

By far, the residents of Centerville. As I went door to door six days a week for five months on my first campaign, I got a feel for the issues that affected the residents› lives the most. People and relationships are the most rewarding and enriching part of anything that we do in life.

What are some ways that CPAs can be involved in the political process if they have no desire to run for public office? Please, please, please volunteer to help. In our city, we have multiple boards and committees, and I am proud to say that I have been able to appoint many CPAs to help in those positions. CPAs can also express their opinions, in a civil way, to their elected officials, because, as CPAs, we are respected. In addition, we as CPAs can help with campaigns in many ways. n

STATE AND LOCAL TAX COMMITTEE

SALT LIMITATION BROUGHT THESE CPAS TOGETHER TO LOOK BEYOND WORKAROUNDS

Members can leverage their voices and connect with others, sharing concerns that impact the profession through the UACPA’s committees. The Tax Issues and the State and Local Tax (SALT) Committees work with the Utah State Tax Com mission and have influence over policies, supporting other professionals and their clients.

The SALT Committee formed because of the SALT limitation passed by congress in 2017. As states started looking for various workarounds to the limitation, Utah professionals have come together to decide if we should abandon the Utah approach to pass-through entity taxation and what that would entail.

Meet the members of the SALT Committee to learn more about them, their work and what the work with this group could do to help Utah CPA’s clients.

CURTIS C. ANDERSEN, CPA CFO, SWEET CANDY COMPANY

How has/will SALT impact your clients? Sweet Candy Company has been operating for over a century making wonderful confections like salt water taffy, cinnamon bears, and orange sticks. As a profitable S Corporation, our owners are responsible to pay taxes on their share of the company income. Since the SALT cap was passed, the owners have lost the deductibility of the majority of their state income taxes.

What would you like to see the outcome be working with the SALT Committee? We are grateful for Utah’s responsiveness in providing a SALT workaround law to allow our company to pay and deduct state taxes on the corporate return. The SALT Committee is trying to assure the tax form instructions allow and explain a practical approach to applying the law. If possible, we desire the credit created by the cash payment of Utah taxes to be refundable.

MATT GARDNER, CPA, JD TAX MANAGER, ASSURE

How has/will SALT impact your clients? My clients are located across the country with various SALT issues. State and local tax rules play an important part in their tax planning and investment decisions.

What would you like to see the outcome be working with the SALT Committee? I appreciate the opportunity to participate on the SALT Committee. My hope is that we can bring clarity to the developing tax legislation and help create and maintain an efficient tax system.

MK MORTENSEN, CPA PARTNER-TAX, GRANT THORNTON, LLP

How has/will SALT impact your clients? It should impact most of our partnership clients.

What would you like the outcome to be working with the SALT Committee? Solid understanding of how to efficiently deal with the PTE to service clients.

J.W. DAVIES, CPA CO-FOUNDING PARTNER, DAVIES ALLEN

How has/will SALT impact your clients? Utah’s recent passing of HB444 is a huge win for our clients who are mostly small- and medium-sized business owners. More than 99% of these businesses are taxed as S Corps and partnerships (PTEs). This new law allows PTEs to pay the state income tax caused by its net income through the business bank account and thereby make those state income tax payments tax deductible expenses on their federal tax returns. This is a significant tax benefit since the ability to deduct state income taxes was significantly limited by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act starting in 2018. We are proactively advising our clients to prepay their state income tax through their PTEs before year-end.

What would you like the outcome to be working with the SALT Committee? My hope in working with the SALT Committe is to help all Utah professionals involved to see the value in the passing of this recent legilsation. Yes, it causes some extra complexity in the preparation of a tax return, but the value added to our clients is worth it. In addition, it’s important that we wrap up administrative loose ends or questions remaining before the implementation of this law this upcoming tax season.

RUSTY HANSEN, CPA TAX PARTNER, DAVIES ALLEN

How has/will SALT impact your clients? This will help my clients by allowing them the opportunity to deduct state taxes paid without being limited by the SALT cap of $10,000. This also puts Utah in alignment with most other states that have implemented a workaround of the SALT cap. This puts Utah businesses on an equal playing field when it comes to deducting state taxes paid.

What would you like the outcome to be working with the SALT Committee? To see some of our recommendations be implemented such as the refundable credit instead of having any overpayment carry forward.

TATIA BEASLIN, CPA SENIOR TAX MANAGER AT EIDE BAILLY

How has/will SALT impact your clients? The SALT limitation has disallowed thousands of dollars of true expenses from being deducted on my clients’ tax returns. The outcome I wanted is already happening. Clarification in the instructions that will help people feel comfortable in using the tools we have to reduce our clients’ tax expense.

What would you like the outcome to be working with the SALT Committee? It has been so rewarding to come together as a team and discuss and feel like we’ve had a positive impact for not only our clients, but also our fellow tax practitioners!

KACEELYN POUTTU, CPA TAX MANAGER, EIDE BAILLY

How has/will SALT impact your clients? Specifically, the impact from the pass-through entity legislation will impact just about every client of mine. A majority of my clients have felt an impact from the SALT cap at the individual level and it will be great to have a workaround so they can benefit in some capacity, no matter how small. This is another item to start planning for again in December, and I am looking forward to having one more item to discuss with my clients once the guidance for this legislation is nailed down. There is something to consider for each pass-through business entity, and even if it isn’t the best fit for each client to take the deduction, it will be worth the effort and discussion.

What would you like the outcome to be working with the SALT Committee? I am happy to represent the interests of my clients and my firm on the SALT Committee. My hope is to bring any anticipated issues to the attention of our think tank so we can push to resolve these issues. Not every wish will be granted in making this a workable passthrough entity tax, but being on the committee, I will at least understand why certain items can’t be pushed. n

COLLABORATION AND

ON UACPA CONNECT

CELEBRATE CPAS

This year’s Inauguration & Awards Banquet was held Thursday, Sept. 22, at Awaken Event Center. Awards were presented to members nominated by their peers and selected by members of the nominations committee. Newly licensed CPAs were recognized and inducted into the profession. The 2022 award recipients honored include the following:

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Brent R. Hall, CPA

Brent has enjoyed working as a CPA in public accounting for 39 years. In addition to the lifelong friendships with clients, Brent most enjoys the opportunity to work with three of his children who are also CPAs. As a resident of Washington County, Hall has been involved in scouting, church service, coaching youth sports, community boards, and in the Republican Party. He also served on the UACPA Political Action Committee for 10 years, most recently as the chairman in 2020. Brent also helped restart the accounting class at Dixie High School 20 years ago as part of a UACPA education program. Brent’s family has a cattle ranch where he enjoys getting out of the office. Brent is a BYU football season-ticket holder and loves to cheer for the Cougars. Even more, he enjoys playing football and doing other activities with his family. Brent’s favorite vacation is to tour church history sites from Vermont to Winter Quarters and Martin’s Cove.Brent and his wife, Gina, have six children and 16 grandchldren.

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR

Troy K Lewis, CPA, CGMA

Troy is a professionally qualified associate teaching professor and the associate director of students in the School of Accountancy at Brigham Young University. His teaching philosophy and style integrate his professional experience and service with taxation theory to produce entertaining and transformative experiences for his students that help his students be prepared both academically and professionally for careers in accounting. Troy is the past chair of the Tax Executive Committee of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) in Washington, DC. He has been active with the AICPA and the Utah Association of CPAs for over two decades serving in key leadership positions including the president of the UACPA.

OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEMBER

Richard William Mahoney, CPA

Rich has more than 30 years’ experience in public accounting and business operations. He has worked in various positions over the years serving as a staff accountant, accounting manager, controller, operations manager and vice president of finance. Richhas worked in many different industries including distribution, construction and property management. He has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 38 years. They have six children — four boys (two are US Marines) and two girls. They also have five grandchildren. They both grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and moved from Modesto to Utah in 1994. They have lived in Vernal since 2012. Rich is a 3rd generation accountant — both his father and grandfather were controllers. Rich enjoys golf, hunting, fishing and traveling to historic places. Currently, Rich has visited 44 of the U.S. states and is working to get the last six.

OUTSTANDING CPA IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT

Dan Frei, CPA

Dan Frei is a seasoned business executive with more than 20 years of leadership and finance experience. He currently is the finance director with the State of Utah’s central technology entity, leading a team of 70 professionals. Prior to working in the tech sector, Dan provided budget and policy guidance for Gov. Walker and Gov. Huntsman. He also worked for the state’s unemployment insurance and for a fortune 500 insurance company. Dan is recognized for his financial acumen, leading projects, getting along with diverse teams, and contributing directly to company growth and expansion. This culminated recently with Dan leading the biggest IT project in state of Utah history moving the state’s data center. Dan and his wife of 23 years, Lisa, have six children and live in Bountiful.

OUTSTANDING CPA IN PUBLIC PRACTICE

Travis Nielsen, CPA

Travis Nielsen is a partner at Moss Adams LLP and a national serviceline leader of the firm’s Business Risk Services consulting practice, with broad experience in all aspects of accounting, auditing, financial management, and process improvement. He possesses expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and complex technical accounting issues. Travis, along with Gordy Jacobsen, founded The Cadence Group in 2005, which combined with Moss Adams in 2021. At Cadence, he built an 80+ person firm and helped recruit more than ten people who are now Moss Adams Partners. Additionally, he was directly responsible for recruiting and retaining two directors, ten senior managers, and dozens of seniors and associates. Travis holds a MAcc at Brigham Young University, has worked in the assurance and business advisory practices at PwC, and taught accounting classes as an adjunct professor at Westminster College.

OUTSTANDING CPA IN NONPROFIT & GOVERNMENT

Gavin Hutchinson, CPA

Gavin is the president of EnableUtah, a nonprofit organization in Ogden. EnableUtah provides training and job experience to people with special needs to help them achieve greater independence and a higher standard of living. Gavin has been involved in various UACPA committees and served as the 2017 - 2018 UACPA president.

RISING STAR

R. Mark Ashby Jr., CPA

Mark Ashby graduated from Southern Utah University with his bachelor’s in 2013 and master’s in 2014. He worked for almost five years as an auditor at Haynie & Company. He currently enjoys his role as a controller for Finch, LLC. Ashby loves working on his yard, camping and spending time with his beautiful wife and their three children.

LIFETIME MEMBER

Stephen Johnson, CPA

Stephen Johnson formed Johnson & Company, P.C. in 1998 and credits his success to his employees and clients throughout the years. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1975 with a BS in accounting, he worked in Minnesota and returned to Utah in 1979.

Stephen has been an AICPA member since 1978 and a UACPA member since 1979. “I have always said, ‘I don’t live to work, but work so I can live.’” He enjoys skiing, hunting, playing handball and attending sporting events. He married Xiu Hong (Tracy) Yu nine years ago and has three daughters, two sons (one of which is a CPA), two step daughters and seven grandchildren.

UTAH STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY

Carey Woolsey, CPA

Carey Woolsey worked in public accounting for nine years before joining a local manufacturer where he worked as the CFO/controller. In 1996, he joined a large nonprofit organization with global reach as an internal audit specialist. He has worked here for 26 years in internal audit, finance, and for the past 10 years at an affiliate, Ensign Peak Advisors, as the chief accounting officer. In essence, Carey has spent 25 years writing about how to fix things and 13 years actually fixing them. Carey has served in various positions of leadership at the UACPA, including president in 2010 - 2011. Carey has served on the Utah State Board of Accountancy for eight years, and as chairperson for the last two. Woolsey and his wife, Judy, have four sons and 12 grandchildren. Three of his sons are accountants, two are CPAs, and one daughter-in-law has an accounting degree.

AICPA WOMEN TO WATCH: EXPERIENCED LEADER

Lynn Livingood Dixon, CPA

Lynn Livingood Dixon is the associate dean of finance and administration for the University of Utah College of Nursing. Lynn leads multiple other College of Nursing teams in addition to finance, including communications, systems & technology, human resources, facility management, and strategic initiatives, and is a key member of the college’s leadership team. Lynn previously worked as a statistician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for eight years, then pivoted to finance and accounting.

Lynn holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Utah. Livingood Dixon helps several nonprofits throughout Utah. She is a longtime member of the finance committee of the National Ability Center (NAC). She currently is the treasurer for both the Utah Women’s Forum (UWF) and Clean Slate Utah (CSU). She served as the treasurer for Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA) for six years.

AICPA WOMEN TO WATCH: EMERGING LEADER

Nicole Jensen, CPA

Nicole is one of the founding members and CFO of Avenues Financial. She began her career as an internal auditor for a supply chain logistics company and subsequently held positions within the corporate accounting team. She was responsible for preparing monthly financial statements, reconciling balance sheet accounts, and maintaining reporting for more than 10,000 assets.Then, Nicole joined a financial consulting firm where she worked on several initial public offers (IPO), assisted large companies in cleaning up their financial statements, and helped companies complete their SOX 404 compliance. Today, Nicole consults with business and individual clients in many financial and accounting aspects. She has a wide range of accounting experiences, enabling her to provide relevant and timely advice and assistance to business owners with their internal accounting, periodic reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management.

AICPA WOMEN TO WATCH: EMERGING LEADER

Melanie Spencer, CPA

Melanie Spencer holds a master’s in accounting and a bachelor’s in finance. Before she committed to accounting, she owned and operated a coffee shop in Salt Lake. Her passion for numbers, love of coffee, and entrepreneurial spirit has brought her full circle: she is currently the controller for Beans & Brews Coffeehouse corporate offices. Melanie has held a variety of positions in both public accounting and industry, having previously worked at both Squire and the Larry H. Miller Group. She attended the UACPA’s Leadership Academy and volunteers on the Emerging Professional’s Committee. Spencer is a champion for individuals looking to forge their own career paths. She hopes to continue using her own knowledge and experiences to uplift and develop those around her. She is excited to continue her development as a female leader in the industry and treasures the amazing mentorship she received from her colleagues at Squire. Spencer enjoys golfing, attending Jazz games or taking a cruise with her eight-year-old son.

WELCOME, NEW CPAS

Jennifer L Anderson, CPA

Spencer Berrett, CPA

Cynthia Bell, CPA

Makenzie Bell, CPA

Hunter Bigelow, CPA

Madeline Biggs, CPA

Blaire Bitton, CPA

Kara Bowers, CPA

Andrew Brewer, CPA

Sandra Bullock, CPA Isaac Campbell, CPA Michael Cannon, CPA Hyungsuk Choi, CPA

J. Elizabeth Clements, CPA Heather Denison, CPA

Kaity Dixon, CPA

Andrea Dover, CPA

Andrew Thomas Driggs, CPA

Jonathan Gardner, CPA

Garrett Gibson, CPA

Edwin Alan Aguirre Gonzalez, CPA

Corinne Gustafson, CPA

Madeline Rose Hair, CPA

Sierra Hart, CPA

Joshua Hinkle, CPA

Zeyu Hua, CPA

Trae Johansson, CPA

Taylor Jones, CPA Tomas Jurkuvenas, CPA Darriel Keeling, CPA

Jennifer Kennedy, CPA Marissa Klebenow, CPA Kya Nikkole Kraus, CPA

Craig N. Lewis, CPA

Kurt Lamprecht, CPA

Garrett Lee, CPA

Nathan Lee, CPA

Ryan Lee, CPA

Jesse Michaels, CPA

Adam Nance, CPA

Angel Paredes, CPA

Shannan Peel, CPA

Adam Seelos, CPA

Oliver T. Shapcott, CPA Zhenwei Zhang Shepherd, CPA

Eliza Shippen, CPA

Steven Struiksma, CPA Rebekah Thomas, CPA

Ashley Wardle, CPA

Jennifer D. Yakumo, CPA

61% Business owners who said they were unaware of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) in a recent Paychex survey.

The ERTC could prove a key funding source and create savings that could be invested as your clients’ businesses work toward becoming fully operational. What your clients should know:

• ERTC is a refundable credit that can be claimed on qualified wages paid to employees.

• The tax credit has been extended and can be claimed through Dec. 31, 2021.

• Businesses that took a Paycheck Protection Program loan now can claim the ERTC, including retroactively.

• Paychex clients who have claimed the ERTC have, on average, saved tens of thousands of dollars

AWARDS + INAUGURATION

The UACPA celebrated newly licensed CPAs, outstanding members and 100% firms at the Annual Inauguration and Awards event. This year’s “Top Gun” theme saw guests earning a “Top CPA” patch before hearing from a F-35 pilot, Maj. Michael “FLASH” McVay. See a complete list of award winners on page 16 and newly licensed CPAs on page 20. See more photos at uacpa.org/awards22.

NEW MEMBERS

Congratulations to the following individuals who were approved for membership in the UACPA as of Aug. 31, 2022.

Jonathan Aitken

Human Interest

Lauren Aldrich

Clint Allen Randall Allen Zions Bancorporation

Justin Call

Jared Carlisle

Raymond DeWitt Bangerter Financial

Garrett Gibson Adams & Petersen, CPAs, LLC

Braxton Godderidge Cook Martin Poulson, PC

Dalton Haberl HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors

Jesse Hales

Nebo School District

Robert Hardy Lucas Harris Ernst & Young LLP

William Hoffman

Utah Valley University

Luna Lu Ernst & Young

Jeremy Masteller CBIZ MHM, LLC

Bradley Nichols Andersen Tax Derek Pettit A-Core Concrete Specialists Damir Sabanovic Dominion Energy

Bradley Saunders Wiggins & Co., P.C.

Matthew Schmucker America First Credit Union

Alyssa Smith Tanner LLC

Katie Tripp Pelion Venture Partners

Tiffin Tullis

Koby Watanabe Deloitte William Wiscomb

STUDENT AFFILIATES

Brigham Young University Victor Escudero

LDS Business College

Kristina Tycksen Kateryna Pavlenko

Park University Rachel Royse UCLA Steven Watson

Utah Valley University Anungoo Bayarkhuu Hannah Rosell

Colton Gourley Jade Thigpen Nathan Martin

Jacob B. Hess Diego A. Morales Kobe Gross

Cavy M. Tryon Brantley Johnson Collin Fonda Javier Sueng

Weber State University Michael Saunders

Western Governors University – Utah Bria Williams Terrance Clark Alyssa Herrman Douglas Rinderknecht Teri Masterson

Laila Jasani

Erica Peebles

Suzanne Gaines

Joni Anderson Nathan Wallace

Kate Coleman Micah Shaw Jessica Wilson Anna Kelsey

Holly Meza Valerie Kramer Jaime Stunich Alexandra Owens Lindsey Cole EmmaLeigh Pierson Anna Montesano Tiffany Richey Andrew Payne

Unknown School

Devin Bryant

Elijah J. Lindsey

Cinnamon Smith Nadia Brittner

Austin Kirkman Kory Hernandez

Helen I. Emefo

Sydney Starr Parker Ling Xinyu Zhang

Lainey Anthony

Nicholas P. Levy Capeto Alyxis Warden

Preston S. Yadon

MEMBERS IN THE

Do you or your firm have news to share? Send the details to Amy Spencer, as@uacpa.org.

Inside Public Accounting has published their list of “The Best of the Best” for 2022 and features three Utah-based firms. The list includes Squire & Company PC, Tanner LLC and WSRP. FORVIS, who has an office in Salt Lake City, was also included on this list. The top 50 Best of the Best Firms are selected exclusively on their performance in specific key areas of management, growth and strategic vision. These Best of the Best Firms are considered the highest-performing public accounting firms across North America.

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MONEY CAMP ACTIVITY

The UACPA partnered with Weber State University and UMB to hold the second annual Money Camp in June with a select group of high school students from Weber County. The first part of the camp is a three-day event with activities and learning to showcase the opportunities that come with a career in accounting. Throughout the year, Money Camp attendees will participate in activities to support their education and learning.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

The annual golf tournament fundraiser for the Utah CPA Foundation was Thursday, Aug. 11 at Cedar Hills Golf Club. More than $10,000 was raised to support the future of the profession through activities like Money Camp. Thank you to our sponsors, Zoho, Source Advisors, Beehive Insurance, Human Interest, Apex Golf, My529, Safeguard, FORVIS and Paychex.

BOARD

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON A HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT AND THE FUTURE?

Ray Langhaim, CPA

“While the hybrid work environment has been working well, I miss the five min fly-by meetings. Meeting in person seems to build energy for me, so the more the better. The small interactions, joking and laughing with people is missed, but I try to make it up on video meetings. I miss all the free food and not having to fix my lunch all the time.”

Stacy Weight, CPA

“Hybrid working makes it much more difficult to build and retain relationships. I have had to shift and be very intentional about those touchpoints to keep the connection with my teams.”

Annette Anderson, CPA

“The hybrid work environment is a win-win situation! In the office, there is cohesion through social interactions and shadowing. From home, there are less distractions, which allows you to focus better and gain personal time efficiency by saving the commute time. I feel employee morale and efficiency marks the new hybrid work environment.”

Paul Skeen, CPA

“Initially, I missed consistently seeing many of my co-workers. As Eide Bailly has adapted to a hybrid model, we have become better at communicating when we will be where. In-person connections are far more frequent. When I see someone I have not seen in a while, it is like a mini reunion.”

Dustin Wood, CPA

“There are social interactions that occur naturally in an in-person office environment that can’t be replicated in a remote setting. My team has benefited from being able to pop into offices to discuss and address quick questions on projects where phone calls or emails would be less efficient and effective.”

Jason Tomlinson, CPA

“I miss the opportunity to quickly bounce ideas and thoughts off coworkers as I come across an issue. I feel there is a loss of shared experience and potential to stumble on a new solution for problems. We don’t all see the same issues day after day and can benefit from the experiences and impromptu brainstorming with others.”

Eric Greene, CPA

“It takes deliberate and intentional effort to build strong relationships and a positive team culture when you are in a hybrid work environment. If no relationship or culture initiatives are prioritized with a unique hybrid environment, I believe that it is inevitable for there to be negative repercussions with the team.”

Susan Speirs, CPA

“With a hybrid environment, we have many more opportunities to hire from outside our past geographical parameters. With that comes challenges to create a culture that is inclusive for those who do not attend the physical office everyday and an environment where individuals will not be passed up for progression.“

Not pictured: Chris Skousen, Tad Tuttle, Mark Anderson

STAFF CHAT WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE UACPA THIS TIME OF YEAR?

Amy Spencer

“As the staff liaison to the Emerging Professionals and awards committees, we have held the Inauguration & Awards banquet and Leadership Academy. In addition to marketing classes and events, I am gearing up for the Tax Tips radio campaign on KSL that begins in January.”

April Deneault

“I am working on planning the Annual Conference and Technology Conference and coordinating with the Business & Industry Council on the B&I series/field trips and helping chapter presidents schedule meetings. I am also working with campus ambassadors to plan the Student/ Educator Conference for January.”

Tom Horn, CPA

“This year has been an anomaly due to wrapping up the audit, adding the Utah CPA Foundation accounting to our system, and hustling to make the golf tournament a success. Currently, I’m catching up and working on projecting what our year-end financials will look like. Budget planning will be next in line.”

Susan Speirs, CPA

“Since this a reporting year, I’ll be helping your organizations fulfill the one hour Utah Laws and Rules requirement on top of continued Pipeline projects, AICPA Council, NASBA meetings, Leadership Academy, preparation for the 2023 legislative session and university activities with our student members.“

BOARD BRIEF

THE LATEST ACTIVITIES WITH THE BOARD

• The UACPA Nominations Committee presented candidates for awards to be presented at the Inauguration & Awards Banquet on Sept. 26. Candidates were approved unanimously.

• The board ratified the motion to accept the annual audit from Larson & Company. There was discussion about lengthening the term of the audit firm to five years, rather than three, and to not consolidate the PAC with the rest of the audit.

• Discussion was held regarding the challenges Utah CPA candidates have with NASBA and the role the UACPA has played to get them qualified to take the Exam. Also an update on the Education Advisory Committee under the State Board of Accountancy regarding examination of current rules to sit for the Exam and how that impacts the new CPA Exam coming Jan. 1, 2024.

• Discussion was held regarding the membership survey results. Pipeline continues to be a challenge that members are concerned about and will address at our January Leadership Council meeting.

Orvil

Matthew Gardner, CPA, JD, is a Las Vegas native who moved to Salt Lake City where he attended junior high and high school. Now a tax manager at Assure, Gardner earned his accounting degree from the University of Utah and a law degree from Brigham Young University. He worked in a law firm after graduation, and then focused his career on financial roles. He has 25 years of tax and accounting experience, including his time as a tax director within a Fortune 100 global transportation company and the CFO of a biopharmaceutical company, leading the financial team that took the company public in December 2020. Gardner and his wife have been married almost 30 years and have one daughter and two dogs.

How have you been involved in the UACPA? I have attended UACPA continuing education events and conferences for years. I attended the UACPA Leadership Academy and currently participate on the SALT Committee and Tax Issues Committee.

MEET A MEMBER MATTHEW GARDNER, CPA, JD

What led you to become a CPA? I knew it would be important to have the CPA credential. I always believed it would provide the right foundation for my business career.

What would surprise people to know about you? I can spend hours in cathedrals and museums admiring the art and architecture.

What is your favorite book? “The Devil in the White City”

What do you like to do outside of work? I love to spend time with my family. I enjoy hiking with our dogs. I also ski, play tennis, and golf whenever I can.

What are some of your goals both personally and professionally? I would like to research, design, and install a xeriscape yard for our home. I would also like to increase my volunteer contributions to the accounting community.

What advice do you live by? I love “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. He suggests the following principles to guide our lives:

• Be impeccable with your word

• Don’t take anything personally

• Don’t make assumptions

• Always do your best n

UACPA Virtual Courses

CPECourseSchedule

Register online at uacpa.org, or call the UACPA office at

OctOber

10/17/22

Paper Documentation

Charles Borek AICPA $94 $79 10/17/22

Series 360 Degree

Bob Mims The Knowledge Institute $309 $259

10/18/22

Management:

Tricks, and

Arthur Pulis Surgent $189 $164 10/18/22

Arthur Pulis Surgent $189 $164 10/19/22

Management for Small and Medium-Sized

Performing an Effective Audit

Michael J Morgan Surgent $189 $164 10/20/22

Annual Tax Update: Corporations and Pass-Through Entities Bruce Nelson AICPA $309 $259 10/21/22

Thomas Sheets AICPA $309 $259 10/25/22

Form 990: Best Practices for Accurate Preparation

199A:

and

Michael E Reilly Surgent $189 $164 10/26/22

Creative Strategies for Buying, Selling, or Gifting a Busines

Arthur Werner Werner-Rocca Seminars, Ltd. $309 $259 10/27/22

Adnan Islam AICPA $309 $259 10/28/22

International Taxation

Social Security and Medicare: Maximizing Retirement Benefits

John Sherrick Surgent $309 $259

William Taylor AICPA $183 $158 10/31/22

NOvember

11/1/22

11/2/22

Michael Morgan Surgent $189 $164

Michael Morgan Surgent $189 $164

Don Minges The Knowledge Institute $309 $259

Kurt Oestricher AICPA $309 $259

Joann Cross AICPA $94 $79

Joann Cross AICPA $94 $79

Arthur Werner Werner-Rocca Seminars, Ltd. $309 $259

Surgent

Taylor Summer

Surgent

$164

$309 $259

$259

NOvember

11/28/22

11/30/22

December

12/2/22

12/2/22

12/6/22

12/6/22

12/6/22

12/7/22

12/7/22

12/8/22

12/9/22

12/9/22

12/13/22

12/14/22

12/15/22

12/16/22

12/27/22

Technology

Robert Jamison Robert W. Jamison CPA $500 $450

Melisa Galasso Galasso Learning Solutions $183 $158

Arthur Auerbach AICPA $183 $133

Robert Jamison Robert W. Jamison CPA $309 $259

Brian Greentein AICPA $183 $158

Brian Maturi The Knowledge Institute $309 $259

Melisa Galasso Galasso Learning Solutions $183 $158

Melissa Galasso Galasso Learning Solutions $94 $79

Don P. Cochran Surgent $309 $259

Don P. Cochran Surgent $309 $259

TBD K2 Enterprises $183 $158

TBD K2 Enterprises $183 $158

Nicole Derosa AICPA $309 $259

Joann Cross Joann Cross $309 $259

Joann Cross Joann Cross $309 $259

Joann Cross Joann Cross $309 $259

Arthur Werner Werner-Rocca Seminars, Ltd. $309 $259

UACPA MISSION MISSION

The UACPA leadership supports and challenges members through advocacy, professional education, leadership development, networking, and community service to help them succeed in a competitive and changing world.

VISION

At the UACPA, our vision is to be a world-class professional association essential to our members.

We unite a vibrant community of CPAs to enhance the success of our members and champion the values of the profession; integrity, competency, and objectivity.

VALUES

Advocacy

The UACPA represents the profession at the legislature and other regulatory bodies and promotes the value of the CPA to employers, the business community, and the public at large.

Leadership & Service

The UACPA provides leadership and service within the profession, within the UACPA, and within the community.

Professional Development

The UACPA supports and encourages continuing education and leadership development.

Professional Community

The UACPA reinforces peer accountability to encourage members to maintain integrity and high ethical standards. It provides member-tomember networking opportunities and networking opportunities with other professions. It values belonging to a distinguished organization and believes that we serve as the primary resource and point of contact for Utah CPAs.

Diverse Population Outreach

The UACPA believes in reaching out to under-represented populations, those returning to the profession or choosing it as a second career, and other professions.

CONGRATULATIONS 100% FIRMS

Congratulations to the firms and businesses currently participating in the UACPA’s 100% membership program. This demonstrates their commitment to the profession, to the association’s high ethical standards and lifelong learning.

PUBLIC PRACTICE

Adams & Petersen CPAs

FORVIS

CBIZ MHM, LLC

Cook Martin Poulson, P.C.

Davis & Bott, Certified Public Accountants, L.C.

Eide Bailly

Haynie & Company

HBME

HintonBurdick

Jones Simkins LLC

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Savage Esplin & Radmall, PC

Squire & Company, PC

Tanner LLC

WSRP

Firms with 10 or more full-time CPAs are eligible to be a part of the 100% membership program. Call our membership team to sign up, 801-466-8022.

CLASSIFIEDS

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