Tax Reform – A Banking Perspective

Chuck has over 25 years of experience in corporate return preparation and overall tax planning, including more than 20 years of experience working primarily with financial institutions and their tax needs. Chuck is particularly proficient in compliance issues and interpreting the varying complexities in IRS, state, and local taxing entities as they relate to the banking industry.  His tax expertise and experience in the banking industry allow him to work with our tax clients to help them meet their tax compliance needs, understand the impact of their tax situation on overall business performance, develop appropriate tax strategies that are compatible with the specific goals of each institution, and stay aware of the current tax environment as it relates to the banking industry.  Chuck has also worked with a wide range of business types, including closely held private and S corporations, limited liability corporations, and partnerships.  He’s a member of the Pennsylvania and American Institutes of Certified Public Accountants.  Chuck has published several articles on tax issues related to the banking industry and has been a speaker at various seminars.

Kaitlyn is a Manager with nearly five years of experience. She oversees all aspects of the client engagement, including preparation, execution, and review of fieldwork and reporting. Kaitlyn regularly performs an assortment of operational and compliance audits for financial institutions. She was involved with the development of the BSA/AML model validation business line and continues to be involved with supervision and performance of BSA/AML model validations.

Chris has extensive experience in performing information technology and information security audits in a variety of computing environments. His current focus is primarily on network attack and penetration testing, both internal and external testing. He holds three certifications in this area. He works with clients in a variety of industries and is responsible for all aspects of these engagements, from planning and performing fieldwork through meeting with the Audit Committee.

Chris remains current in the ever-evolving and trending hot topics, IT audit regulations, and security practices in areas of information security and regularly assists his clients in dealing with matters that affect the security of their network.

Brendan is responsible for all aspects of audit engagements, from planning and performing fieldwork to analyzing high-risk areas.

With comprehensive experience in all elements of accounting and business management, Brendan has valuable insight into the industries he serves, with a primary focus on financial institutions, employee benefit plans, and nonprofits.  He has extensive SEC experience with public reporting companies, which includes assisting clients with filings under the 1933 and 1934 Acts, reporting requirements for Sarbanes-Oxley, and COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) compliance.  Brendan has become proficient in preparing and coordinating the financial statement audit, as well as working with clients to help them thoroughly understand and work through various difficult accounting issues. He remains informed of the ever-changing rules and regulations affecting the banking industry and assists his clients in dealing with accounting and financial matters that impact their business.

Brian has dedicated nearly 15 years of his professional experience to serving trade associations, membership and social service organizations, social clubs, foundations, charities, and numerous other nonprofit entities.  He has presented at various industry events, including the annual American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Not-for-Profit Industry Conference. Brian recently completed a three-year term on the AICPA Not-for-Profit Entities Expert Panel, during which he served as an instructor in the AICPA’s Nonprofit Certificate Program.  He has extensive knowledge of internal controls best practices, policy and procedure development, financial budgeting and reporting requirements, Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS), agreed-upon procedures, U.S. Department of Labor Regulations and ERISA requirements as they relate to audits of employee benefit plans, and the IRS Form 990/990T. Brian is Co-Chair of the firm’s Nonprofit Practice Group.

Brian has dedicated nearly 15 years of his professional experience to serving trade associations, membership and social service organizations, social clubs, foundations, charities, and numerous other nonprofit entities.  He has presented at various industry events, including the annual American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Not-for-Profit Industry Conference. Brian recently completed a three-year term on the AICPA Not-for-Profit Entities Expert Panel, during which he served as an instructor in the AICPA’s Nonprofit Certificate Program.  He has extensive knowledge of internal controls best practices, policy and procedure development, financial budgeting and reporting requirements, Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS), agreed-upon procedures, U.S. Department of Labor Regulations and ERISA requirements as they relate to audits of employee benefit plans, and the IRS Form 990/990T. Brian is Co-Chair of the firm’s Nonprofit Practice Group.

With more than 20 years of industry experience, Shawn is a valuable resource for his clients regarding accounting, auditing, and tax issues that they encounter. Shawn has performed and managed audits of varying sizes and types for a wide array of not-for-profit organizations and financial institutions. His experience relating to financial institutions includes all aspects of SEC reporting and filings under the 1933 and 1934 Acts, mutual-to-stock conversions, initial public offerings, and Section 112 of FDICIA and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Shawn’s clients include banks; nonprofit organizations; thrifts; credit unions; and trust, brokerage, and mortgage banking companies. Shawn has performed and managed audits of varying sizes and types for a wide array of financial institutions, with assets ranging in size from de novo to multibillion dollar. He is Co-Chair of the firm’s Nonprofit Practice Group.

Michael has extensive financial reporting experience; the primary focus of which is financial institutions, employee benefit plans, and nonprofits. His background includes significant SEC experience with public reporting companies, including assisting with client filings under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as significant familiarity with managing engagements subject to the reporting requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley and COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) compliance.

While Michael’s area of expertise is financial institution audits, he also has experience with not-for-profit, governmental, financial service, and manufacturing clients, which provide him with a broad base of diverse financial reporting capabilities.

Michael is responsible for all aspects of an engagement as well as assisting with challenging accounting and compliance issues. He remains informed of the latest developments within the industry, including the accounting and financial reporting requirements affecting his clients.

Bob has experience and knowledge in audit and tax areas with a specialization in community financial institutions, including commercial banks, savings banks, mutual thrifts, credit unions and not-for-profit organizations. Bob’s clients appreciate his unique approach, where advice and information given are based on that specific client’s situation, regardless of whether it’s about SEC registration, annual reporting requirements, stock offering registrations, or policy development. Additionally, Bob has been a guest speaker in a number of banking forums.

Rob possesses more than 30 years of information systems audit and controls experience. Additionally, Rob has extensive experience in providing risk assurance across diverse technologies and business processes. His technical audit experience includes the following: IBM Mainframe, Unix-based systems, Microsoft Windows server and desktop, DB2, Oracle, Teradata, SQL Server, and diverse network and web-based technologies. Previously, Rob led information systems audit departments for both a large health insurance organization and a regional multi-bank holding company.

Rob graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with dual degrees in accounting and management information systems. He holds a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification and a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA). For five years Rob held leadership positions within the Pittsburgh chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) including the position of Chapter President.

Jeff has more than ten years of experience in regulatory compliance and internal audit as well as in trust operations. He oversees all aspects of the client engagement, including preparation, execution, and review of fieldwork and reporting. Jeff typically works with financial institutions, which vary in size from de novo to multibillion dollar. This experience has made him proficient in his ability to analyze and assist clients with the high-risk areas affecting the industry. He is one of our experts in regard to trust departments, as he is actively involved in all of the firm’s trust department audits.

Prior to joining Snodgrass, Jeff worked as an internal auditor at Bell Federal Savings and Loan Association.

Heather is an Audit Manager with more than 10 years of experience in public accounting. In her role, she is responsible for all aspects of audit engagements, from planning and performing fieldwork to analyzing high-risk areas.

While she specializes in working with financial institutions, she also has experience with broker-dealers. Heather regularly conducts audits of private and public companies, as well as prepares financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board guidelines. Heather has SEC experience with public reporting companies, which includes assisting clients with filings under the 1933 and 1934 Acts, reporting requirements for Sarbanes-Oxley, and COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) compliance. She also audits many client employee benefit plans.

Heather maintains excellent client relations and is dedicated to thoroughly understanding her clients’ needs. She continually works with her clients to help them through complex auditing and accounting issues and ever-changing regulations and best practices. Heather is accustomed to working with clients whose assets range from de novo to multibillion dollars.

Greg manages the tasks of audit engagements including planning and performing the fieldwork and investigating high-risk areas.  With extensive experience in all elements of accounting and business management, he has valuable insight into the industries he serves, with a primary focus on financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations.  Greg is proficient in preparing and coordinating the financial statement audit as well as at working with clients to help them thoroughly understand and work through difficult accounting issues.

Michael has over eight years of regulatory compliance and internal audit experience. He oversees all aspects of the client engagement, including preparation, execution, and review of fieldwork and reporting.

Since joining Snodgrass, Michael has primarily worked with financial institutions. This experience has made him proficient in his ability to analyze and assist clients with the high-risk areas affecting the industry, particularly with respect to regulatory compliance and safety and soundness issues.

Danelle has been a member of Snodgrass for over 20 years.  Danelle has extensive experience working with financial institutions, including public and privately held corporations.  Throughout her industry experience in public accounting and the field of taxation, she has gained valuable and insightful knowledge to help her clients comply with the ever-changing tax laws. She has been responsible for meeting all tax compliance needs for clients, as well as assisting clients with tax planning and proper tax accounting issues.  Danelle also works with a wide range of business types, including not-for-profit organizations, partnerships, limited liability corporations, and S corporations.

Tim has over 20 years of experience in both internal audit and regulatory compliance. He has a strong interest in banking regulations, which serves his clients well because they are kept up to date with ever-changing regulations. In addition to regulatory compliance, Tim is also skilled in developing internal audit plans that work in the financial institution’s best interest. Additionally, Tim is a regular speaker on compliance topics at various seminars sponsored by different financial institution trade organizations. He is a published author with several articles on helping financial institutions ensure or improve their compliance.

Prior to joining Snodgrass, Tim was a Senior Auditor for Meridian Bank, where he specialized in mortgage banking operations, funds management, international finance, regulatory compliance, and FDICIA. Prior to his position as Senior Auditor, Tim served as a Branch Manager and Lender at Meridian Bank for over 10 years.

Nancy works with financial institutions in developing effective business strategies to achieve higher levels of performance and profitability.  Nancy also leads the firm’s Enterprise Risk Management Group, helping companies achieve operational excellence and building processes to effectively execute their business strategies.

Prior to joining Snodgrass, Nancy was a vice president of risk management for a multibillion-dollar financial institution and led the internal audit and compliance functions.  The combination of Nancy’s strategic planning experience and background in risk management provides a unique view of risk and opportunity that supports the development of effective business strategies to achieve higher levels of performance and profitability.  Nancy has authored several articles on bank performance-related topics.

Jack assists banks throughout the United States by formulating successful strategies, improving financial performance, and implementing dynamic enterprise risk management frameworks.  Jack has served on the faculties of Robert Morris University, Bank Administration Institute, and Central Atlantic Advanced School of Banking.  Jack is a Certified Public Accountant and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Villanova University. He is a member of the American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants.  Jack is a nationally known financial expert, author and sought-after conference speaker.

With more than 35 years of experience, Rich has extensive experience working with financial institutions, including public and privately held corporations. Additionally, he has worked with business owners and managers to develop and implement numerous tax planning strategies.  Rich’s experience includes corporate and individual tax planning, mergers and acquisitions, corporate liquidations, S corporation and LLC taxation planning, estate and gift tax planning, business succession planning, retirement distribution planning, and representation of taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service.

His clients value the tax expertise he shares with them, and they are confident in his assessment, knowing that he keeps up to date with the ever-changing tax laws.  He has authored several articles, including one on how businesses may take advantage of new tax laws.

Prior to joining Snodgrass in 1996, Rich was employed in the tax practice of a national accounting firm where he served as the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, office’s Director of Taxes for six years.

Ian has developed expertise in all aspects of the firm’s auditing and assurance services. He is particularly proficient with assisting public companies in their SEC regulatory filings under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Ian has helped his clients navigate through business combinations as well as numerous public and private stock offerings.  He is adept at preparing and coordinating all aspects of financial statement audits and other assurance services. While most of Ian’s expertise is within the financial services sector (banks, credit unions, hedge funds, investment companies, broker-dealers/RIAs), Ian has also worked extensively with a variety of manufacturing companies, not-for-profit entities, and employee benefit plans. He remains informed of the ever-changing rules and regulations affecting these industries and assists his clients in dealing with accounting and financial matters that impact their business.

Jeremy has over 15 years of information systems audit and controls involvement. His main focus at Snodgrass is network attack and penetration testing. He has had extensive training in this area, holds four certifications in the area, as well as a license which very few penetration testers hold. This gives a unique security focused approach to all of the work that Jeremy performs. His technical experience includes proficiency in Microsoft Windows server and desktop environments; various versions of Linux, Kirchman Bankway Financial application; network security; and data analysis.

Heather joined Snodgrass in 2000 after graduating from Westminster College. She has over 15 years of audit experience with industries of all types, but she specializes in financial institutions. She distinguished herself early in her career with a special dedication to client service. Heather has assisted clients in keeping up with the ever-changing accounting field through her broad knowledge of the banking industry. She has extensive SEC experience with public reporting companies, including the requirements for Sarbanes-Oxley.

Heather has performed and managed audits of varying sizes and types for a wide array of financial institutions, with assets ranging in size from de novo to multibillion dollar. She has the expertise to understand and interpret the complex situations that arise at all financial institutions, and her recommendations are individually structured based on each client’s philosophy.

Joe oversees various year-end financial statement audits as well as audits of employee stock ownership plans, 401(k) plans, and defined benefit plans.  Joe keeps clients up to date with the ever-changing accounting field through his broad knowledge of the banking industry and SEC reporting requirements.  He has extensive SEC experience with public reporting companies, which includes assisting clients with filings under the 1933 and 1934 Acts, reporting requirements for Sarbanes-Oxley, and COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) compliance.

Frank has over 20 years of audit/banking experience. He joined the Snodgrass team in 2001, bringing with him banking and audit experience from PNC Bank and Sovereign Bank.

Frank oversees all aspects of client relationships and performs operational and regulatory compliance audits for financial institutions.  As a result of many years in financial institutions of various asset sizes and/or internal control structures, he offers valuable knowledge and insight to assist clients in the struggle of maintaining adequate controls while keeping up with the ever-changing regulatory environment.

John has over 30 years of bank management and consulting experience, including a position as the Chief Accounting Officer at a $1.2 billion bank holding company with mortgage and wealth management subsidiaries. In this capacity, John was responsible for accounting and financial reporting, including SEC reporting, asset liability and market risk management, commercial interest rate swaps, derivatives and hedging, mortgage banking, and tax planning and accounting.

John started his career as an auditor and held the position of Chief Auditor at two financial institutions. He also spent five years as an Assistant Professor of Accounting at a local college.

In his role as Senior Executive Consultant at Snodgrass, John was involved in the design of our proprietary enterprise risk management process. He provides ERM services for our clients and assists on audits of unique, higher-risk areas, such as derivatives and interest rate risk management and model validation. John is also involved in our training program for audit staff specializing in mortgage banking, derivatives, and hedging.