Current Job / Company/ Location: Financial Controller, United Energy Trading, Bismarck 

Hometown: Berthold, ND 

Alma Mater/Degree: Minot State University, Accounting 

Any current Professional and Community Activities? Co-Leader of the Bismarck Chapter of the NDCPA Society, board secretary/treasurer of Pride Inc., and board member of Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? Honestly, becoming a CPA was never on my radar until my last year of college.  A partner from KMPG was recruiting on our campus and she made public accounting sound super exciting, so I figured I better get my CPA license.  Even though I no longer work in public accounting, it has definitely been a springboard in my career. 

What is your favorite thing about your job? Well, I’m never bored!  I originally went to school for criminal justice in hopes to do something with law enforcement.  I like to solve problems and there’s always a problem to solve in accounting. 

What was your first job? Babysitting for $1 an hour and driving the grain cart on my parents’ farm.   

Tell us about your family: My husband, Toby, and I have been married 15 years and we have 3 boys, Miles – 14, Henry – 11, and Otto – 9. 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: I read a leadership article years ago that I think about daily. It said that not all employees should be treated equally, but they should be treated fairly. It was so eye-opening about being a leader or even an employee who realizes that people are human.  We go through human things and a work environment can’t be black and white.  

What do you like to do in your free time: I’m an extroverted accountant so anything to do with people but with the least amount of physical activity.  I love shopping, meeting up with friends for dinner, people watching and whatever adventures my kids come up with. 

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: Last summer my husband and I went to London, Paris and Barcelona. It was amazing. We are currently planning a trip to Thailand and Singapore.  

Favorite Food: Macaroni and cheese 

Something most people don’t know about me: I used to be a hair stylist before I was an accountant.     

Current Job / Company/ Location: Tax Manager @ Eide Bailly in Fargo. 

Hometown: Oberon, ND 

Alma Mater/Degree: North Dakota State University – BS in Finance and Accounting 

Any current Professional and Community Activities? A member of the West Fargo Lions club and serve as 2nd Vice President. I volunteer as a NextGen committee member for the ND CPA Society. I am also the Board of Trustees treasurer for my fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega – NDSU. 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? A family friend, Steve Linehan, encouraged me to pursue the CPA license. He said it would help to differentiate myself in the accounting field as well as open doors to a community of driven individuals. 

What is your favorite thing about your job? Helping clients to carry out their business and personal goals by maximizing their tax position and planning for retirement.  

What was your first job? Working for my dad on the farm: driving combine, cleaning grain bins, and raising chickens, horses, and sweet corn. Every August, I would sell sweet corn by the baker’s dozen in nearby towns. 

Tell us about your family: Even though I am an only child, I grew up around many of my cousins. Some of my uncles and cousins would come out to the farm every fall for deer camp. Holidays almost always involved extended family, which made for great memories and traditions.  

What do you like to do in your free time: Going to concerts. My fiancé, Danielle, and I enjoy going to local venues and listening to alternative, Christian, or hard rock. We also enjoy trying new restaurants in the area. I enjoy traveling and catching up with family. 

Favorite Food: Any kind of seafood. Big fan of sushi, salmon, walleye, shrimp, etc. Danielle and I took a trip to Portland, Oregon a couple years ago and enjoyed all the fresh seafood, including the oysters on a half shell. 

Something most people don’t know about me: In high school, I used to ride horses, compete in 4-H, and go on trail rides with a local group of trail riders. My favorite 4-H competitions were pole bending and barrel racing. 

Current Job / Company/ Location:   Assistant Professor of Accounting at Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota 

Hometown:  I grew up in Hayward, WI but I currently live in New England, ND (I have lived in New England since 2011). 

Alma Mater/Degree:   Lakeland University (formerly called Lakeland College)  

Any current Professional and Community Activities?  I am the adviser to the DSU Collegiate Future Business Leaders of America. 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA?  My high school accounting teacher, Nancy Nelson, inspired me to become an accountant.  It wasn’t until after I started taking college accounting classes that I realized the significance of the CPA designation and how it would open a lot more opportunities for me. 

What is your favorite thing about your job?  My favorite thing about my job is watching students achieve the degrees they’ve been working so hard for over the years and afterwards, excelling in the jobs they were trained for.  

What was your first job?  For my first accounting job, I worked at a public accounting firm in Wisconsin as a two-year accounting paraprofessional.  It was at this job that I obtained experience preparing payrolls and financial statements. 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you:  My grandfather Fred Worman was my mentor.  He started off as a teacher but ended up becoming a high school guidance counselor for many years.  He helped many students over the years, so I’ve strived to be like him in my role as I also work with many students. 

What do you like to do in your free time:  I like to spend time with my dogs, take pictures, travel, and I like to go to concerts. 

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: I would like to go to Hawaii. 

Favorite Food:  pizza 

Current Job / Company/ Location: Controller of United Energy Corporation, Bismarck, ND  

Hometown:  Mott, ND  

Alma Mater/Degree: Dickinson State University, Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? I was inspired when I took an accounting class in high school.  I didn’t know anyone else who was a CPA at the time, so it was really self-motivation that helped me achieve that goal. 

What is your favorite thing about your job? The people are what motivate me each day. Early in my career it was learning from others and now I also enjoy passing along the knowledge I have gained over the years. However, I still feel I learn more from those around me every day than I pass along to others.  

What was your first job? My first job was helping on the family farm and ranch but my first job that came with a paycheck was at Domino’s Pizza. 

Tell us about your family: I have been married to my husband, Gary, for 34 years.  We have two grown sons.  Austin, age 26, lives in Lincoln, NE, with his wife Abbie.  Dylan, age 23, lives in Bismarck, ND. 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: “There are no secrets to success.  It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell.  

My parents were also great mentors and taught me the value of hard work, determination and grit. It was that determination and work ethic that motivated me to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in only 3.5 years while working two jobs and passing my CPA at age 22.  Their influence has and continues to have a major impact on how I approach challenges in my career. 

What do you like to do in your free time: I love to do various types of crafts, kayak, hike and travel. 

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: I just returned from a dream vacation in Alaska. We have traveled to various national parks across the nation as well, many of which are truly breathtaking. 

Something most people don’t know about me: There are a couple of things most people don’t know about me. I showed cattle and did barrel racing as a teen and also was part owner of scrapbook supply store for about 5 years.  

Current Job / Company/ Location: Tax Associate at Truman Kingsley, CPA, PC located in Fargo, ND 

Hometown: Hunter, ND 

Alma Mater/Degree: North Dakota State University - Bachelor of Science 

Minnesota State University Moorhead - Master of Finance & Accounting 

What is your favorite thing about your job? My favorite part about my job is working with clients to meet their financial goals using tax planning and other strategies. I enjoy taking complex issues and breaking them down further for better client understanding. 

Tell us about your family: My husband, Landon, and I recently tied the knot in September of 2022. We have a 6 year old German Shepard named Storm and two orange barn cats named Sonny and Olive that we’re very fond of. 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: My current employer has quickly become a mentor to me in the past year, showing me the importance of work ethic and client relationships. Working closely with hard working families in the agriculture industry is an inspiring place to be. 

What do you like to do in your free time: In the summer I enjoy hitting up local eateries and enjoying a cold refreshment or two out on the lake. 

Favorite Vacation: My favorite vacation to date has been traveling to Maui for my honeymoon last winter. 

Favorite Food: My favorite foods consist of bread, pasta and pastries (anything with carbs, essentially). 

Current Job / Company/ Location: Financial Analyst at Stoneridge Software in Fargo. 

Hometown: Moorhead, MN 

Alma Mater/Degree: Undergrad at St. Cloud State for Accounting. MBA at NDSU. 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? Excelled at an accounting class in high school. Knew I was going to be an accountant ever since. One of my favorite college professors Amy Fredin inspired me to get my CPA, and the rest is history. 

What is your favorite thing about your job? The people. Those who say accountants are boring clearly have not met the folks I get to work with every day at Stoneridge. Words can’t describe the joy I feel each day logging on to work with this talented crew. 

What was your first job? I used to clean rental cars for Avis. Which I did for two summers during college.  

Tell us about your family: I have one brother, Ethan, who is one year younger than me and operates heavy machinery. My dad works at Budweiser but will hopefully be retiring soon to enjoy some much-deserved relaxation. My mom is my number one fan and works at the Middle School in Moorhead doing security. 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: There is a YouTube group that goes by Yes Theory who has influenced me a great deal. They have a motto to Seek Discomfort, which can sometimes be forgotten as we get set in our day-to-day routines. Live begins where your comfort zone ends; strangers are only friends you haven’t met yet. 

What do you like to do in your free time: Love to golf in the summer. Hosting has quickly become a fun activity for me, as I do it twice a week for my friends in the area. Also, attempting to learn the guitar, although quite a long way to go on that journey. 

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: My ‘gift’ to myself for passing my CPA is a two-week trip to Hawaii. I haven’t gone yet, but look forward to that, as well as learning how to surf while there. 

Favorite Food: Deli sandwiches. Jersey Mikes, Firehouse, etc. 

Something most people don’t know about me: Basically, from the third grade (2006) to 2023 I can’t remember owning or wearing jeans. Until last Halloween when I dressed up as Clint Eastwood from Good the Bad the Ugly (I’m an old fashioned man), as they were an interictal part of the outfit. 

Hometown: Fargo, ND

Alma Mater / Degree: University of North Dakota, Bachelor of Accountancy

Current Job / Company / Location: Partner – Transaction Advisory, Eide Bailly (Fargo)

Employment History / Background: I’ve been with the firm for 11 years, straight out of college. I started in the audit practice and transitioned over to our transaction advisory group a little over 5 years ago.

Any current Professional/ Community Activities: Member of the AICPA Student Recruitment Committee & volunteering with Junior Achievement

What was your first job? Range Attendant at Edgewood Golf Course

What inspired you to become a CPA? My professors at UND. They were instrumental at making it known how important obtaining that license was not only to your career but also to uphold the profession.

What I like about the Society: I enjoy all the different events and the ability to meet so many wonderful people. I also appreciate all the effort the Society puts in towards advocacy for our profession that a lot of times can go unnoticed but is of utmost importance.

What would surprise people about me: I am double jointed!

Tell us about your family: I have a wife, Elise, who is also a CPA, and we have two cats, Birdie and Freddie Mercury.

What do you like to do in your free time? You’ll find me on the golf course quite a bit in the summer, otherwise traveling with Elise, and relaxing at home with our two kitties.

Brief synopsis of work history:  

Upon college graduation, my work history is as follows: 

• Boeing Airplane Company – Seattle, WA (Accountant; Internal Auditor/Supervisor) 

• Self-Employed as Public Accountant – Devils Lake, ND 

• Honeywell, Inc. – Minneapolis, MN (Accountant in Financial Planning and Reporting; Internal Auditor) 

• Western States Life Insurance Company – Fargo, ND (started as Controller; appointed to Vice President and Controller) 

After retirement and move to West Des Moines, IA: 

• Part-time consulting for various companies specific to Accounting and Reporting 

City and State where you currently live:  Ames, Iowa 

Alma Mater:  University of North Dakota 

Any current Community Activities? 

Enthusiastic supporter of Iowa State University activities 

Favorite thing about your career as a CPA? 

I have always been proud of the hard work that was required by me to attain the CPA designation and the value and respect the designation provided to me in my career. 

Words of advice for those currently in the profession? 

Keep up with new requirements and developments in your profession not only to continue your own professional growth, but to also ensure you’ll be able to meet all of your client’s needs. 

Any comments or thoughts on how the Society or your involvement in the Society benefited you? 

Gave me the ability to become aware of new and updated information in the profession which allowed me to then continue my own learning and development.  

Tell us about your family: 

My family has always supported me in my profession which sometimes included late nights, weekend, and travel.  Their support allowed me to pursue my profession to the fullest. 

My family includes my wife, two daughters, one son-in-law, and two wonderful grandchildren. 

Something most people don’t know about me: 

Since I took exams in the states of WA and ND, it was necessary for the WA exams to be transferred to ND.  With the help and friendship of R.D. Koppenhaver, this process was completed quickly and allowed me to attain my CPA Certificate. 

Current Job / Company/ Location: 

Partner in the assurance department at Eide Bailly.  I am located in the Fargo, North Dakota office. 

Hometown: 

I am born and raised in Hibbing, MN. 

Alma Mater/Degree: 

I received my Bachelor of Accountancy from University of North Dakota 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? 

I started my college track with my sights set on being a mechanical engineer, but after a year and a half of course work I sought out some business courses.  Those courses really ignited my passion for the business world and landed on the accounting track.  Once I found the great career path of the accounting profession and specifically becoming a CPA, I worked with UND professors and local CPA firms to create a career path. 

What is your favorite thing about your job? 

People – Bar none the people I work with and the people we serve make this job truly amazing.  My tag line is to strive leaving our clients better today than they were yesterday and with the amazing team we have at Eide Bailly we do this every day.   

What was your first job? 

I always had some type of activity that generated money.  If it was mowing lawns for the neighborhood or if it was umping baseball games, I kept busy during the summer months.  However, my first true job was working for a locally owned company where I was working in their mechanics shop and/or the warehouse keeping track of inventory.  It was a great experienced that taught be a lot about hard work and perseverance.    

Tell us about your family: 

I am married and have two wonderful kids.  Ages 7 and 5.  We as a family love time together and are up for any type of activity.  We are always looking for our next adventure.   

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation:  

I’ll take another direction at this question and ask myself what is a vacation that you are currently planning for.  My family is currently planning our next adventure and will be visiting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northeast Minnesota this summer.  

Current Job / Company/ Location: Wealth Advisor / Bravera Wealth / Minot, ND  

For my job I work mostly as a trust officer for various trusts and also the P.R. of numerous estates.  Also do handle some investment accounts (IRAs, CMAs conservatorships, etc.) 

Hometown: Minot, ND 

Alma Mater/Degree: University of North Dakota / Bachelor of Accountancy 

Any current Professional and Community Activities? 

• ND CPA Society NextGen Committee 
• Junior Achievement 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? I wanted to go into business in college and accounting was the best degree because covered all aspects of business and had the most opportunities for a good career. 

What was your first job? Mowing grass for the Minot Park District 

Tell us about your family: My wife Mandie is also a CPA and the CFO of Affinity First Federal Credit Union.  We have 2 boys – Brayden (9th grade) & Reece (7th grade) who keep us busy with all their activities – football, tennis, basketball, golf.  The last member of our family is our dog Cubbie. 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: My favorite quote is from John O’Leary – “I choose to THRIVE because God demands it, my family deserves it, and the world is starving for it.” 

What do you like to do in your free time: Besides chasing kids around I try to stay active at the gym and also enjoy being active playing golf, pickle ball, water & snow skiing, and recently just retired from rec basketball (too old J).  Also as you can tell from my dog’s name I am a diehard Chicago Cubs fan so enjoy watching them as much as I can.   

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: Favorite vacation was last year to Puerto Los Cabos to celebrate my 40th birthday.  Upcoming vacation I am very excited about is our first cruise as a family in the Caribbean over Christmas 2023. 

Favorite Food: Steak 

Current Job / Company/ Location:  Controller, EP Management, Inc., Fargo 

Hometown:  Dickinson  

Alma Mater/Degree:  Bachelor of Science, Accounting, Dickinson State University 

Any current Professional and Community Activities?  FM CPA’s.  I also serve with Northview Kid’s Ministry at my Church. 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA?  I’ve always liked numbers.  I took an elective accounting class in high school and really loved it, so accounting was a logical choice.   

What is your favorite thing about your job?  Besides public accounting I have held positions in the telecommunications, construction, and real estate industries.  Each one has offered variety and opportunity – no day ever gets boring.  Most importantly, I’ve worked with some amazing people and made life-long friendships. 

What was your first job?  Babysitting and working at the Dairy Queen in high school. 

Tell us about your family:  I have three married children and ten grandchildren.   

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you:  There are many, but to me the most valuable quote is about relating to people: “Do unto others as you would like them to do to you.”  Luke 6:31 

What do you like to do in your free time:  I love to spend time outdoors, read, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends.  I like to travel, especially the trips I take with my grandkids in lieu of other gifts – creating memories!   

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation:  I’ve started planning a bucket-list trip to Italy with my cousin and sister.  

Favorite Food:  Anything Italian. 

Something most people don’t know about me:  My youngest son and I started “school” at the same time.  We got our shots together, then he started kindergarten, and I went to college. 

 Current Job / Company/ Location: Audit Associate/ Brady Martz & Associates, P.C./ Grand Forks, ND

 Hometown: Bismarck, ND

 Alma Mater/Degree: North Dakota State University (Class of 2023)/ Accounting & Business Administration

 What or who inspired you to become a CPA? I wanted to challenge myself in college and the CPA exam was perfect for that. My family and professors encouraged me to take the exams and become a CPA.

What is your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is traveling to audit client sites and getting to know them. I enjoy getting out of the office and making connections.

What was your first job? My first job was working for my family’s home building business.

Tell us about your family: I have been married to my wonderful husband Evan for just over a year. He is starting his second year in law school at UND. We are both from Bismarck and plan to return after he graduates. I have one younger brother who is working on his computer science degree at NDSU. My parents are Real Estate Agents in Bismarck and just retired our family home-building business. My family are my biggest supporters, and I would not be where I am without them!

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: My biggest mentors are my parents. They taught me the importance of hard work and dedication in all aspects of life, and never to back down from an opportunity or challenge.

What do you like to do in your free time: I enjoy working out, reading, and going on walks with my husband.

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: In high school I had the opportunity to do a 2-week tour of Italy, France, and Belgium with my mom. It was through the school art program and the focus was art and architecture. It gave me such an appreciation for other customs and cultures, and I would absolutely do it again.

Favorite Food: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Something most people don’t know about me: I got my real estate license when I was 18.

 Current Job / Company/ Location: Tax Services with Lee Suess LLC in Williston, North Dakota

 Hometown: Stillwater, Minnesota

 Alma Mater/Degree: University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. I have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance.

Any current Professional and Community Activities? My favorite community engagement is organizing Lee Suess’ annual participation in the Williston high school career fair.

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? My interest in numbers and order led me to narrow down my major choices to economics, accounting, or math. After an introduction to accounting class, I was determined to pursue her accounting degree at the Carlson School of Management and work toward a CPA license. My introduction to accounting professor’s recommendation letter helped me gain acceptance, and I worked hard to prove myself.

What is your favorite thing about your job? I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when I can help someone learn something new.

What was your first job? Babysitting my cousins.

Tell us about your family: I have been married to my husband, Jay, for seven years and we have two beautiful daughters – Audrey(5) and Amelia(3). We also have three pets: two dogs (Gabby and Teddy) and a cat (Leo).

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: My grandma, Linda DeValois. One memorable piece of advice she shared was, ‘You’re never truly lost if you have a full tank of gas.’ Although originally intended literally for my mother during a pre-smartphone era, I also internalized it metaphorically. This perspective kept me focused on my career path as an accountant, knowing that if I ever needed to change direction, I could do so with determination and effort.

What do you like to do in your free time: Painting, knitting, listening to audiobooks/music, assembling Lego sets, and traveling with my family.

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: I think my favorite vacation so far was the autumn trip to London and Amsterdam with my husband while the Christmas markets were open. Mulled wine, twinkling lights, and handcrafted treasures—it was like stepping into a fairytale.

Favorite Food: Tacos

Something most people don’t know about me: I completed my minor in Spanish with a class located in Toledo, Spain.

Current Job / Company/ Location: Assistant Controller, Consolidated Investment Group, Englewood CO 

Hometown: Glyndon, MN 

Alma Mater/Degree: Moorhead State University, Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting 

What is your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is coaching team members through mentorship. I also enjoy the “puzzle of accounting” and how the pieces or data fit together into relevant financial reports that help to support an organization’s goals. 

What was your first job? My first job when I was 16 was working in the hot dog stand at Archie’s in Dilworth.  

Tell us about your family: My husband Michael and I live in Castle Rock, Colorado with our 8-year-old son, Ian. We also have three cats, 2 black and 1 orange -we call them our Halloween cats. 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference” Winston Churchill. I have always believed that a positive, can-do attitude not only fosters success, but it also creates opportunities and even boosts your health. 

What do you like to do in your free time: Most of my free time is spent with my family-we enjoy being outdoors, watching movies and getting together with family and friends. 

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: My favorite place to vacation is the Minnesota lakes. 

Favorite Food: Homemade Lefse is my favorite food—my Grandma Pearl’s lefse was the best around. I recently bought a lefse griddle and will do my best with her recipe to come as close to hers as possible. 

Something most people don’t know about me: I practice Taekwondo and recently earned my blue belt which means I am halfway to my black belt. 

Current Job / Company/ Location:  CPA with Point CPA in Bismarck 

Hometown:  Plentywood, MT 

Alma Mater/Degree:  Montana State University – Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting 

Any current Professional and Community Activities? 

Treasurer of Central Dakota Human Resource Association 

Treasurer of ND Society of Human Resources 

Past President of Missouri Valley Quilt Guild 

What is your favorite thing about your job? Meeting with clients 

What was your first job?  Babysitting 

Tell us about your family:  3 children, 4 grandchildren 

What do you like to do in your free time:  Quilting and reading 

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation:  Alaskan Cruise & Maldives 

Favorite Food:  Nachos 

Current Job / Company/ Location: Assistant Controller / United Energy Corporation / Bismarck, ND 

Hometown: Sidney, MT 

Alma Mater/Degree:  

University of Mary / Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, and Financial Services and Banking, with a minor in Business Administration 

University of Oklahoma / Master of Accountancy 

Any current Professional and Community Activities? 

NDCPAS Industry Committee 

NDCPAS NextGen Committee 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? Having a general love of numbers is what led me down the accounting path. I always knew I wasn’t complete until I had CPA behind my name, but I’d gotten lost in the work shuffle and kind of pushed it aside. The support system around me really encouraged me to take the CPA exam!  

What is your favorite thing about your job? The fast pace and the variety of exposure I get working for a private company. The energy industry is exciting and there are opportunities to be exposed to a lot of different accounting concepts working in a small team. One day you may be looking at derivatives and the next day you may be working through a business combination. Every day is a new day and the people I get to experience each day with, make it the best! 

What was your first job?  Worked in sales, as well as helped with the bookkeeping for a local clothing boutique. 

Tell us about your family:  Matt is the Bakken Capital Materials Manager, for XTO Energy, a fully owned ExxonMobil Subsidiary, and when we aren’t busy with our careers, we are busy with our ranch. We have a Wagyu beef program and supply various restaurants across the state with Wagyu! 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: In the last year I read the book “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek, and highly recommend this book to anyone in a leadership role. One of my favorite takeaway points was, the true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own. Great leaders truly care about those they are privileged to lead and understand that the true cost of the leadership privilege comes at the expense of self-interest.  

What do you like to do in your free time: One of my favorite things to do in my free time is spend time at the gym. If I’m not in the gym with my free time, I’m most likely reading a book or crafting! 

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation:  Travel is something that I have been blessed to experience a lot of in my lifetime. I’d say my dream vacation is a couple week trip to hike throughout Patagonia.  

Favorite Food:  Nothing beats a Ribeye! 

Something most people don’t know about me: I have played the piano since I was 4 and you will always find me at my piano on a bad day. Music is good for the soul! 

Brief synopsis of work history: I began my career in public accounting, working with a small firm in Edina, MN and eventually moving to KPMG in Minneapolis. I left KPMG in the fall of 1993 to attend to my needs of my family back in ND. I became a tax partner with Eide Bailly. In late 1998, I was by Ron Offutt to join his company and assist with his personal tax and estate planning and the tax strategy for RD Offutt Company.  In 2006, I began to also provide management services to other companies, many of which were in the process of preparing for sale. Eventually, I was asked to join Edgewood Group and Edgewood Real Estate Investment Trust as the full-time CFO for each entity.  I retired on January 1, 2021 after more than ten years with Edgewood.

City and State where you currently live: Our primary residence is in Fargo, ND

Alma Mater:

University of North Dakota - BBA Accounting - 1983

University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) - Master of Business Taxation - 1990

Any current Community Activities? I serve as the President of the Endowment Fund for the Northern Lights Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In addition, I am a Board member for the Northstar Shooting Sports Club in Walker, MN. I serve on the Boards of John T. Jones Construction and Edgewood Holdings, LLC. 

Favorite thing about your career as a CPA: As a tax consultant, I was always in the “room” for the big transactions and big decisions. I made it a point to stay abreast of changes in tax law and kept in almost daily contact with the businesses and individuals we served so, for me, being a CPA was a very intellectually challenging and communications-oriented profession. 

Words of advice for those currently in the profession: Be patient and learn as much as you can. Stay active: Get out with your attorney, banking and client peers and start young. Take every assignment, no matter how insignificant you think it might be. Small seeds can grow into big trees. 

Any comments or thoughts on how the Society: The Society provided opportunities to network with peers and to learn about law changes, etc. 

Tell us about your family: I am married to Theresa. Together, we have three children and four grandchildren. We split time among Fargo, ND, Walker, MN and Phoenix, AZ and we’re always on the go. 

Something most people don’t know about me: As the client chief tax lead, I signed the tax returns for the Minnesota Vikings Football Club in the early 1990’s. 

Brief synopsis of work history: I was hired by the CPA firm Zine Hoover & Weideman in Williston, ND in 1978, became Partner in 1985 and worked there my entire career, mostly in the tax area of Oil & Gas and Agriculture. The firm changed names many time throughout my 38 years. The firm remains a strong presence in Williston under the name of Lee Suess LLC.

City and State where you currently live:  Bismarck, ND

Alma Mater: University of North Dakota

Any current Community Activities: As of June 30, 2023, I completed nine years on the UND Foundation Board of Directors

Favorite thing about your career as a CPA? Working with so many individual clients, there were many unique situations that required me to work through and try to solve.

Words of advice for those currently in the profession? Get involved with your profession and your community. You will always get more back than you put in and will create a variety of forever friends in the process.

Any comments of thoughts on how the Society or your involvement in the Society benefited you? The Society has created a network of individuals who can say have become lifelong friends.

Tell us about your family: i am married to Lori, my wife of 47 years and we have three sons... Matt, Nick, and Chris. Nick's wife, Heidi, currently serves on the Society Board. We also have four grandchildren.. Isiah (22), Brady (15) and twin girls Peyton & Reagan (7).

Something most people don't know about me:  Besides travel, golf, and attending UND supporting events I actually enjoy sitting at home and doing Sudoku or reading a good book... Grisham, Sandford, Balducci, or Child.

Current Job / Company/ Location: Shareholder, CPA, EA at Chad R Strand PC, Bottineau, ND 

Hometown: Bottineau, ND  

Alma Mater/Degree: Associates – Dakota College at Bottineau, Bachelors – Minot State University, Masters – St. Mary’s University of Minnesota 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? I always thought I would be content with being a staff accountant/bookkeeper but once I started working at my current job and started assembling tax returns and seeing the complexities and detail that went into preparing tax returns, I decided that was what I needed to be doing. I took my EA exams that summer so I would have credentials while going back to school for my master’s so I would be eligible to sit for my CPA exams.   

There were several times during the testing process that I almost quit but my partner pushed me through and I’m very thankful he did it is truly a great feeling of accomplishment.   

What is your favorite thing about your job?  I like to tell people it’s like putting together a giant puzzle.  People bring you in all their information and documents and you must get everything into its place to complete the “puzzle”.  A completed complex tax return is truly a gratifying feeling.  I also enjoy being able to help people when they are unsure how to proceed financially during different stages of their lives.  

What was your first job? I was a pizza cook and waitress at a local restaurant. 

Tell us about your family: I am in a long-term relationship and have 2 children and one on the way.  My daughter is 13 and my son is 10 and they keep me running with activities and sports. We are also the proud owners of 2 amazing hunting dogs. 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you:  This is going to sound strange but a motivating word to me is “good”.  My Partner likes to tell me “Good” when things are hard, or I fail at something.  Having to work harder and deal with failure makes success much more rewarding.  Not everything comes easily and learning how to keep pushing yourself and not giving up is an important life lesson.  

What do you like to do in your free time: I enjoy being outside when the weather cooperates and running/trail running and taking care of my many outside plants. We love to travel and go camping as a family.   

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: I am hoping at some point in my life I can get an RV and travel to all the national parks across the country with no deadlines or plans.  

Favorite Food:  I would have to say any type of Mexican food. 

Current Job / Company/ Location: Senior Tax Associate / Eide Bailly / Fargo, ND 

Hometown: Fergus Falls, MN 

Alma Mater/Degree: North Dakota State University / Bachelor Degree in Accounting 

Current Professional and Community Activities:

NDCPAS – NextGen Recruiting Committee 

What or who inspired you to become a CPA?  

I knew I liked Accounting since high school, but I never planned to actually become a CPA when I was younger. It was after taking a few accounting classes in college, hearing a few professors speak about the CPA exam, and a little extra nudge from my college advisor, I started to consider it more. Then, I noticed a lot of my fellow colleagues around me planning to sit for the CPA exam, and I quite honestly just didn’t want to feel left out, so I figured I would too! 

What is your favorite thing about your job? 

I truly enjoy that we are challenged every day to learn and to grow. I am always learning something new, and I’ve realized that it is quite impossible to know everything - so it keeps things interesting and keeps me looking forward to coming to work each day. 

What was your first job? 

My first job was working as a Dietary Aide at a nursing home. 

Tell us about your family: 

My fiancé, Jack, is an avid farmer and one of the hardest working people I know. We have a 2.5 year-old black lab named Dash who absolutely loves to go to the farm and run off his energy. I also have 3 older siblings and they each have 2 boys, so I am a very proud Aunt to 6 nephews. My parents live on a lake and they strive to get out in the pontoon every day of every summer and throw out a line or two. I strongly value the time I get to spend with family. 

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: 

I have several mentors and fellow co-workers I’ve looked up to since I was an intern. I truly think there’s just something so powerful in seeing others succeed and grow and work through things, which then, in-turn, inspires me to do the same thing. 

What do you like to do in your free time: 

In my free time, I love being able to spend time with Jack and Dash. We like to go for walks on the trail near our home. I also really enjoy gardening and manicuring the landscaping/flowers in our yard. We also love going to the lake and jumping in the water (including Dash). I absolutely love the summertime and the sunshine, so any outdoor activities would be a win in my book.  

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation:  

I was able to go to Hawaii in December of 2019 (and while I was there, I was notified that I passed my 4th and final section of the CPA exam). Hawaii definitely stole my heart and I would love to go back there some day!! 

Favorite Food: 

It is so hard to choose, but usually when I go out to eat I end up ordering a chicken bacon ranch wrap with a side of sweet potato fries.  

Something most people don’t know about me: 

I grew up listing to (and dancing to) artists like Frank Sinatra, Barry White, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, The Beetles, Dwight Yoakam, Johnny Cash.. the list goes on.. all thanks to my awesome parents J 

Current Job / Company/ Location: Financial Reporting Analyst II, Doosan Bobcat NA, West Fargo, ND

Hometown: Fergus Falls, MN

Alma Mater/Degree: Minnesota State University Moorhead/Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? My father Arnold G. Bolland is a retired CPA in Minnesota and I have always looked up to him. Even when I was little when people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would surprise them by responding with “I want to be an accountant.”

What is your favorite thing about your job? My favorite part of the job is being able to work together as a team to determine the accounting treatment for various unique transaction. I enjoy learning about the similarities and differences between GAAP and IFRS while performing accounting research.   

What was your first job? I detailed cars at a used car dealership.

Tell us about your family: All my immediate family members have or had accounting related jobs. My father was a bank examiner and my mother worked in accounts payable for the state of Minnesota. I have an older sister that works in accounts receivable for a company in Fargo. I also have a Goldendoodle named Hemi.

What do you like to do in your free time: I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places. I also like cars and enjoy going for cruises around town on weekends.  

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: My favorite vacation was an African Safari where I stayed in nature preserves in four different countries.

Favorite Food: Filet Mignon Steak

Current Job / Company/ Location: Senior Audit Associate / Widmer Roel / Fargo, ND

Hometown: Greenbush, MN

Alma Mater/Degree: Minnesota State University - Moorhead / BS-Accounting, MS-Accounting and Finance.

Any current Professional and Community Activities?

I am currently involved in the following:

NDCPA Society Young Professionals Committee

FMCPA Society Treasurer

FMWF Chamber Young Professionals Network (and within that the Corporate Cup Committee)

United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator

What or who inspired you to become a CPA? I had originally gone to school as a management and marketing major but hearing from guest speakers throughout my first-year experience course quickly changed my mind. We had the opportunity to hear from several different business professionals, who all had different career paths but seemed to have one thing in common - an accounting degree. Accountants really can do it all! I switched my major that first semester and my professors strongly encouraged me to pursue my CPA designation.

What is your favorite thing about your job? I love having the opportunity to meet and work with clients from a variety of industries.

Tell us about a mentor that influenced you: My high school English teacher/volleyball coach used to always say:  baptized by fire, which I find very fitting for the ever-changing public accounting industry!

What do you like to do in your free time: I’m an avid reader and enjoy traveling - I’ve had much more time for both since passing the exam this past year!

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: I would love to spend time traveling around Europe and plan on making it over there soon.

Favorite Food: Spaghetti - I could eat it for every meal of the day.

Current Job / Company/ Location: Principal at Lee Suess LLC in Williston, ND.

Hometown: Williston, ND

Alma Mater/Degree: University of North Dakota, Bachelor of Accountancy

Professional and Community Activities

Vice Chair of the First Lutheran Trust Fund

Treasurer of Western Region Economic Development

Board Member on MedQuest Home Medical

Who inspired you to become a CPA? My parents. My Dad is now a retired CPA and I’ve always wanted to be like him. My mom knew what it took to get here and encouraged me along the way!

What is your favorite thing about your job? Easy.my coworkers. I have the best!

What was your first job? Besides mowing lawns, it was the Schwan guy! Ok. Not the guy driving the trucksthe guy loading the trucks at 2:00 a.m.!

Tell us about your family: My wife, Alyssa, and I have three children. Eli (6), Scotlynn (4) and Jack (4 months). While I tell everyone I don’t have a favorite child, my daughter is by far my biggest cheerleader in life. I hope everyone has a Scottie or is a Scottie in someone else’s life!

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you: The most recent book I read was Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek at the recommendation of a coworker. Pretty self-explanatory title, but it encourages you look at situations with a different light.

What do you like to do in your free time: Golf when there isn’t snow on the ground and in the winter you will find me coaching my son’s hockey or refereeing high school hockey games.

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation: The Masters. Augusta, Georgia.(dream vacation).

Favorite Food: Mexican

Something most people don’t know about me: I depreciate land. Well, not really, but I am a third generation CPA!

Firm/Company and Location: I am the Finance Director for North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (the trade association for the rural electric coops in the state). Our association manages the books for 3 other organizations outside our association, so I manager the financials for all those organizations. My primary responsibility includes planning, developing, directing, coordinating, and monitoring all of the policies and procedures for the various organizations to ensure proper internal controls and provide for financially sound organizations. I prepare financial statements, budgets and other reports as needed and present many of these items to the various organizations board of directors. I also help to manage investments for many of these organizations also. Along with providing oversight for our accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.

Alma Mater / Degree: NDSU for a Bachelors in Accountancy

Where did you grow up? Burlington, ND

First job ever: Cleaning houses at the Minot Air Force Base after the Airmen moved out of the houses

How or why did you decide to be a CPA? I took a class on Accounting in high school and loved how things balanced out, plus I probably had it in my blood as both my mom and grandmother were self-taught bookkeepers.

What did you do to celebrate passing the exam? It was a long time ago now, so I can‘t remember for sure, but probably go out to supper with my now husband.

Professional/Community Activities or Involvements: I volunteer with Junior Achievement teaching 3rd graders about business, and am a board member for Capital City Young Guns to teach youth about the various shooting sports and how to safely enjoy those sports.

What are your hobbies or pastimes? Spending time with my kids and enjoying time at my families lake cabin in the summer

Tell us about your family: I am married to my husband, Eric, and we have two beautiful, but busy, kids – Audra who is 4 and Axel who is 2

Dream vacation OR Best Vacation you ever took: My husband and I traveled quite a bit before having kids. My favorite places we traveled to were, Scotland, Germany and Austria, and Australia. I would highly recommend all of them.

Something most people don‘t know about you: I have an identical twin sister who is a pharmacist up in Minot. It is fairly common that we get mistaken for each other.

Firm/Company and Location: I currently serve as the Chief Financial Officer of Security State Bank Holding Company as well as an Executive CPA at Bank Forward in Fargo. My job is to provide financial and accounting expertise and direction to the Company – serving as the primary source regarding accounting principles, financial trends, changing laws, & industry practices.

Alma Mater/Degree: North Dakota State University; BS in Accounting with a minor in Fraud Investigation

Where did you grow up? Fargo, ND

First job ever: My first job was as a cashier at the Fargo North High School swimming pool.

How or why did you decide to be a CPA? The opportunities I knew would open up after I earned my CPA designation.

What did you do to celebrate passing the exam? I was working in public accounting at the time. I vividly remember sitting in the hotel room -- refreshing the browser – waiting for the last score to be uploaded. When it came across I jumped up and ran out of the room! I grabbed the other members of the engagement team and we went to the local watering hole for some adult sodas. It was a blast!

Professional/Community Activities or Involvements: I serve on the Finance Committee of the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties. I also serve on the Military Affairs Committee of the FMWF Chamber of Commerce.

What are your hobbies or pastimes? I enjoy golfing (I didn‘t say I‘m good at it). I also hunt, fish, work on Excel spreadsheets in my free-time, play poker, play video games, playing with my puppy, and whatever my wife wants me to do.

Tell us about your family: My wife Sammi is also a native to Fargo – she works as an Account Manager at CI Apparel in Fargo.

Dream vacation OR Best Vacation you ever took: I spent so much time on the road in public accounting that I don‘t really enjoy traveling much. But – I would like to visit Banff in Alberta.

Current Job / Company/ Location:  Accountant & Human Resources Manager—Dakota Eye Institute, Bismarck, ND. I started my accounting career as a staff accountant in 1985 at Orser, Olson & St. Peter, CPAs in Bismarck (Now part of Brady Martz & Assoc.)

Alma Mater/Degree:  UND / Bachelor of Accountancy

Any current Professional and Community Activities?  Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, assisting the needy in our community; Central Dakota Human Resource Association; and a member of the ND CPA Society for 35 years

What or who inspired you to become a CPA?  My mom was a bookkeeper, so I was exposed to that growing up. I like the attention to detail required to do the job, as well as the challenge involved.

What was your first job?  Working at a printing shop binding and interleaving books.

Tell us about your family: I have been married to Jeff for 35 years. We have a daughter, Callie (29), who is an RN and is married to Ryan; and we have a son, Tyler (27), who is a software designer.

Tell us about a mentor or a book or a quote that influenced you:  My mom would always say “An education is something that no one can ever take from you”, so I have always valued education.

What do you like to do in your free time:  Golfing with my husband, cross country skiing, traveling, and spending time with family.

Favorite Vacation or Dream Vacation:  A few months before the pandemic began, my husband and I toured Italy including Rome, Assisi, Greccio, and Orvieto. It was wonderful and I would like to return someday

Favorite Food:  Homemade pizza. And I really love wedding cake.

Something most people don’t know about me:  When I was at UND, I was a hockey cheerleader when we won the national title in 1986.