Colorado Springs, Colo. – Stockman Kast Ryan + Co, LLP (SKR+CO), the largest locally-owned certified public accounting firm in Southern Colorado, congratulates Buddy Newton, CPA , CVA®, on being recognized for the Construction Financial Management Association’s (CFMA) 2022 Rising Stars.

CFMA, the only nonprofit dedicated to the success and growth of construction financial professionals, announces its second class of Rising Stars. These leaders under 40 years old are honored for positively impacting their companies and the construction industry.

“It is inspiring to see these young professionals recognized for building a stronger industry,” said Tom Borgia, CFMA’s 2022-23 Chairman. “With a focus on the future, I am confident that these leaders will help guide us through the changing needs of the construction industry.”

“Leaders like these Rising Stars will surely help advance our industry, strengthen CFMA, help us innovate, and build inclusive community,” says Stuart Binstock, CFMA’s President & CEO. “I am excited to see how they will help carry the construction industry — and CFMA — into the future.”

Learn more about the winners at cfma.org/risingstars.

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Stockman Kast Ryan + Co, LLP (SKR+CO), the largest locally-owned certified public accounting firm in Southern Colorado, announces staff promotions, photos attached:

• Jared Usrey – Promoted to Tax Operations Manager

Jared has a bachelor’s in business management with an emphasis in accounting from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.  He has been in public accounting since 2016.

• Jennifer Dawson – Promoted to Accounting Services Manager

Jennifer has a degree in accounting from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She has been in public accounting since 2005.

 

About Stockman Kast Ryan + Co

SKR+CO is Southern Colorado’s largest independent certified public accounting firm providing a variety of in-depth consulting for businesses and individuals. Advisory services include tax planning, audit and assurance services, outsourced controller and contract CFO, financial reporting, estate planning, business valuations and litigation support. For more information, visit www.skrco.com. SKR+CO is an independent member firm of the BDO Alliance USA, a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting and service firms with similar client service goals.

  

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Stockman Kast Ryan + Co, LLP (SKR+CO), the largest locally-owned certified public accounting firm in Southern Colorado, congratulates Buddy Newton, CPA , CVA®, as the eleventh member of the SKR+CO partner group. Buddy brings thirteen years of experience as a business valuation analyst and tax accountant, with a specialty focus in the construction, auto dealer and high-net worth industry.

 

“We are pleased to welcome Buddy to the partner team,” shared SKR+CO Tax Partner Judy Kaltenbacher. “Buddy’s extensive background, industry expertise and education will complement our team and provide more value for our clients.”

 

In addition to being a CPA, Buddy holds certification in Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA®). Buddy has a Master of Science in Taxation from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s in business with an emphasis in Accounting from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

 

In 2019, Buddy was recognized as one of that year’s 40 Under Forty Honorees by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts® (NACVA®).  NACVA’s® 40 Under Forty program recognizes the nation’s emerging visionary leaders across all spectrums of the accounting and financial consulting professions. The honorees embody the drive, motivation and courage needed to lead the industry’s next generation.

 

Buddy was most recently a Senior Tax Manager at SKR+CO.  He also serves as a reserve Sergeant for the El Paso County Sherriff’s office.

 

About Stockman Kast Ryan + Co

SKR+CO is Southern Colorado’s largest independent certified public accounting firm providing a variety of in-depth consulting for businesses and individuals. Advisory services include tax planning, audit and assurance services, outsourced controller and contract CFO, financial reporting, estate planning, business valuations and litigation support. For more information, visit www.skrco.com. SKR+CO is an independent member firm of the BDO Alliance USA, a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting and service firms with similar client service goals.

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Stockman Kast Ryan + Co, LLP (SKR+CO), the largest locally-owned certified public accounting firm in Southern Colorado, announces the hiring of Human Resources Generalist Andrew Wilson. Andrew will provide functional support for human resources and operations to include employee engagement, performance management and compliance.

Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, with work history in for-profit and non-profit industries. He is skilled in areas of coaching, communication and people management.

Prior to joining SKR+CO, Andrew was Regional Human Resources Manager at VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa in Colorado Springs.

Andrew has a degree in Political Science from Southern New Hampshire University.

About Stockman Kast Ryan + Co

SKR+CO is Southern Colorado’s largest independent certified public accounting firm providing a variety of in-depth consulting for businesses and individuals. Advisory services include tax planning, audit and assurance compliance, outsourced controller and contract CFO, financial reporting, estate planning, business valuations and litigation support. For more information, visit www.skrco.com. SKR+CO is an independent member firm of the BDO Alliance USA, a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting and service firms with similar client service goals.

 

 

 

SKR+CO Tax Record Retention Schedule (Click Here)

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Stockman Kast Ryan + Co, LLP (SKR+CO), the largest locally-owned certified public accounting firm in Southern Colorado, has been named a 2020 IPA 400 Firm by INSIDE Public Accounting, based on the 2020 annual INSIDE Public Accounting Survey and Analysis of Firms.

SKR+CO ranked #306 in 2020, up from #323 in 2019.  Four Colorado-based firms made the top 400 list.

IPA 100, 200, 300 and 400 firms are ranked by U.S. net revenues and are compiled by analyzing responses received this year for IPA’s Survey and Analysis of Firms. This is IPA’s 30^th annual ranking of the largest accounting firms in the nation.

View the full list of the IPA 100, 200, 300 and 400 Firms.

INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) is a leader in practice management resources for the public accounting profession that include:  the monthly practice management newsletter, the annual national practice management benchmarking reports, firmwide culture assessment and corresponding reports and training. IPA has assisted firms across North America grow and thrive since 1985.

About Stockman Kast Ryan + Company

SKR+CO is Southern Colorado’s largest independent certified public accounting firm providing a variety of in-depth consulting for businesses and individuals. Advisory services include tax planning, audit and assurance compliance, outsourced controller and contract CFO, financial reporting, estate planning, business valuations and litigation support. For more information, visit www.skrco.com. SKR+CO is an independent member firm of the BDO Alliance USA, a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting and service firms with similar client service goals.

 

UPDATED 3/19/20, 10:30 a.m. IRS Updates on Tax Payments **Please note: we are planning a client webinar for early next week to explain how the tax deferrals will work. Event details will be posted on our website.** The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance allowing all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest.  To clarify, the federal tax payment deferrals include 2019 tax payments as well as 2020 first quarter estimated federal tax payments. This applies to federal taxes, states taxes vary. Colorado officials said they would mirror IRS guidance as it is updated amid the pandemic. See the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)’s state-by-state guide for more information. The guidance also allows corporate taxpayers a similar deferment of up to $10 million of federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest.  The current guidance does not change the April 15 filing deadline, or the requirement to file for an extension if you do not file by April 15. We anticipate this also may change; however, we are working diligently toward these deadlines. Read the full IRS guidance here. We are monitoring the Treasury Website and the IRS Website for updates and will continue to post the latest information to our Coronavirus Updates page. SKR+CO Document Exchange – New Secure In Person Dropbox: SKR+CO installed a secure dropbox on the 3rd floor of our building. Clients may drop documents off securely, should you prefer to do so in person. Please use an envelope, clips or rubber bands to keep your documents organized. Access to the 4th floor will only be available to SKR+CO essential personnel, effective immediately. USPS mail services, secure email and the client portal are also available to exchange and securely share documents with your CPA. As always, please call your CPA with questions — our receptionist is happy to connect you as we work remotely.

SKR+CO Client Information:

• Visitors, friends of the firm and family members of employees are asked to communicate electronically via email, phone or video conference.

• If you must hand deliver documents, a secure drop box is available on the 3rd floor of our office building, immediately in front of our elevators. This is available and monitored M-F, 8 to 5 p.m.

In an abundance of caution, please avoid unnecessary trips to the SKR+CO office. Instead, we highly encourage:

Sharing documents digitally via the SKR+CO client portal and/or secure email, both located on our client center page.

If possible, please share and/or sign documents electronically via our portal or secure email.

SKR+CO Operations:

• We are working remotely and available via electronic means. Please call us with questions, our receptionist can connect you the cell phone of your CPA.

• While a majority of our employees are working remotely, a limited number of essential employees are at the office to process documents and mail.

• In-person meetings scheduled at SKR+CO will be canceled for the next fifteen days, effective immediately.

• Documents will be distributed electronically whenever possible.

Business Recovery Information:

Webinar: We are preparing a webinar for clients regarding business recovery.

Social Media: We will share information placed on our update page through our social media platforms, should you prefer accessing information via those channels.

Business Recovery: Please review the Business Recovery Guide

Additional information from the IRS regarding coronavirus can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

We will list closure status or other updates on our website and our social media channels.

“After the natural disasters in the fall of 2013, the Colorado SBDC disaster relief team worked with federal, state and local resources to produce a comprehensive guide to assist Colorado businesses in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters and emergencies.” Click here for the guide . More information can be found on the SBDC Website

Stay up to date with the latest SKR+CO information. Sign up for our newsletter where we will update you with new information as it becomes available to us. You can join our newsletter by signing up at the bottom of our Client Center page.

SKR+CO is transitioning service providers from CCH Access to NetClient CS. The new SKR+CO Portal provides swift access and service that you expect with the following benefits:

• Secure, end-to-end encryption of all files transmitted and stored in your portal.
• 24/7 access to your tax returns and financial statements on your favorite devices, including desktop and notebook PCs or Macs, tablets and smart phones.
• A fresh, easy-to-use interface with no plug-ins required!
• A simple drag-and-drop feature for uploading files from your desktop.

This process will occur behind the scenes and take little no action on your end. However, you will potentially receive emails to that end. Additionally, you will be prompted to set up a new user account. The portal will remain in the same location.

Please contact our office for any questions/ concerns.

With the holiday season right around the corner, it is a good time for business owners to focus on strategic planning for next year. Here are some ways to get started.

Begin with your financials

A good place to find inspiration for strategic objectives is your financial statements. They will tell you whether you are excelling or struggling so you may decide how strategically ambitious or cautious to be in the coming year.

Use the numbers to look at key performance indicators such as gross profit, which tells you how much money you made after your production and selling costs were paid. It’s calculated by subtracting the cost of goods sold from your total revenue. Also calculate current ratio, which is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. It helps you gauge the strength of your cash flow.

A CFO or CPA-prepared budget can serve as more than just a management tool – it also can be presented to lenders and investors who want to know more about your start-up’s operations and its expected financial results. Review your findings with your CPA or a CFO consultant if you do not already have a CFO on staff.

Examine other areas

Human resources is another critical area of strategic planning. Consider last year’s employee turnover rate. High turnover could be a sign of poor training, substandard management or low morale. Any of these problems could undercut the strategic objectives you set.

Examine sales and marketing. Did you meet your goals for new sales last year, as measured in both sales volume and number of new customers? Did you generate an adequate return on investment for your marketing dollars?

Finally, take a close look at your production and operations. Many companies track a metric called customer reject rate that measures the number of complete units rejected or returned by external customers. Sometimes a business must improve this rate before it moves forward with growth objectives. If yours is a service business, you should similarly track and assess customer satisfaction.

Set new objectives

With a review of your financials and key business areas complete, you can more reasonably set goals for next year under the banner of your strategic plan. On the financial side, for instance, your objective might be to boost gross profit from 20% to 30%. But how will you lower your costs or increase efficiency to make this goal a reality?

Or maybe you want to lower your employee turnover rate from 20% to 10%. Strategize what will you do differently from a training and management standpoint to keep your employees from jumping ship this year.

Act now

Don’t let year end creep any closer without reviewing your business’s recent performance. Then, use this data to set realistic goals for the coming year.

Contact your trusted advisor to choose the best metrics numbers and put together a solid strategic plan.

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Stockman Kast Ryan + Co, LLP (SKR+CO), the largest locally-owned certified public accounting firm in Southern Colorado, is pleased to announce that Senior Tax Manager Buddy Newton was recognized as one of this year’s 40 Under Forty Honorees by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts® (NACVA®). 

NACVA’s® 40 Under Forty program recognizes the nation’s emerging visionary leaders across all spectrums of the accounting and financial consulting professions. The honorees embody the drive, motivation and courage needed to lead the industry’s next generation.

Since joining public accounting in 2008, Buddy has risen to manager-in-charge of over 100 client relationships with a specialty practice in business valuations, expertise in the construction and auto dealership industries and a wealth of experience advising high-net-worth individuals. Buddy handles the firm’s valuation engagements, successfully demonstrating the benefits for young professionals to get involved in the valuation world and encouraging coworkers to pursue their CVA® designation.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Chanda Chuon, manager of marketing media and strategic partnerships, please contact 801.486.0600 or schandac1@nacva.com.

About Stockman Kast Ryan + Co.

Stockman Kast Ryan + Co, LLP (SKR+CO) is Southern Colorado’s largest Certified Public Accounting firm providing a variety of in-depth business services. Tax services for individuals include businesses, fiduciaries and not-for-profit organizations, audit and accounting services. SKR+CO also offers outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services – customized to clients’ needs – estate planning, small/emerging business advisory services, contract chief financial officer services, business valuations and litigation support services. SKR+CO is a member of DFK International/USA, a worldwide association of independent firms. For more information on SKR+CO visit www.skrco.com.