Ira Wayne McConnell

CPA
Founding Partner, Managing Partner

Wayne McConnell, CPA, is Managing Partner of McConnell Jones, where he guides the firm’s strategic direction and oversees its core administrative functions, including human resources and finance. With more than 50 years of experience in public accounting and executive leadership, Wayne brings seasoned insight and sound judgment to advancing the firm’s long-term vision, strengthening operational performance, and positioning McConnell Jones for continued growth. Wayne has extensive assurance and technical accounting experience serving publicly traded and privately held organizations across a broad range of industries. Throughout his career, he has provided oversight of audit quality and conducted engagement partner and concurring partner reviews of audit reports and related financial statements. His experience encompasses generally accepted auditing standards, generally accepted accounting principles, and reporting requirements for Form-11-K.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – TX, TN, GA, NJ, IL, & DC

EDUCATION

MBA, Accounting, Louisiana Tech University

BBA, Accounting, Grambling State University

BOARD AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

American Heart Association Southwest Affiliate, Board Member

Greater Houston Partnership, Chairman; Member of Audit, Finance, Business Issues, and Economic Development Committees

Houston City Club, Board of Governors

Grambling State University Black & Gold Foundation, Board Member

United Way of Greater Houston, Board of Directors; Chair, Audit Committee and Community Impact Committee; Member, Executive Committee

Houston Museum of African American Culture, former Board Member

Texas State Board of Pharmacy, former Board Member

Carl G. Jung Educational Center, former Board Member

Project Row Houses, former Board Member

United Negro College Fund, former Board Member

Odysseus Lanier

CPA
Founding Partner, Advisory/Consulting Practice Leader

Odysseus Lanier, CPA, is a Founding Partner of McConnell Jones and leader of the firm’s Advisory/Consulting Practice. He also has firm-wide responsibility for overseeing Information Technology and Marketing and Business Development, helping guide the firm’s technology and AI adoption, growth, and market-positioning strategies.

With more than 40 years of experience, Odysseus advises publicly traded and privately held corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, educational institutions, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations. A trusted advisor to executives and boards, he provides strategic guidance in corporate and nonprofit governance, enterprise risk management, strategic planning, and organizational transformation through business process improvement. He has led complex engagements spanning enterprise risk assessments, governance reviews, performance audits, process optimization, change management, procurement and contracting, financial and operational improvement, and back-office support for business process outsourcing (BPO) engagements.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – TX, NC, & FL

EDUCATION

BS, Accounting, Alabama A&M University

BOARD & CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Greater Houston Partnership, Regional Economic Development Action Committee (REDAC)

Greater Houston Partnership, Education Committee

National Association of Black Accountants (NABA Inc.), Member

NABA, Inc. Diverse Organization of Firms, Chairman Emeritus, Board Member

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Member

Alabama A&M University, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Texas Southern University Board of Regents, former Finance Committee Chairman

Harris County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, former Chairman

Sharon Murphy

MBA
Founding Partner, Management Advisory/Consulting

Sharon E. Murphy, MBA, is a Founding Partner and trusted business advisor with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations improve performance, strengthen accountability, and navigate complex strategic and operational challenges. She co-leads the firm’s consulting practice and leads its nationally recognized education practice, advising executive leadership teams, governing boards, and public sector organizations on strategic planning, financial management, organizational transformation, and performance improvement.

Sharon oversees complex engagements for federal, state, and local government agencies nationwide and serves a distinguished education client base that includes 20 of the nation’s 100 largest school districts across 13 states. Her expertise in organizational assessment, business process improvement, governance, and program evaluation helps clients achieve measurable, sustainable results.

A respected thought leader, Sharon has served as a speaker and panelist for national education and governance organizations, addressing issues affecting public education, organizational effectiveness, and strategic leadership. Her contributions have earned numerous honors, including induction into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, recognition as a Living Legend by the Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Association, designation as one of Houston’s Top 30 Most Influential Women, and the Woman of Distinction Award from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and KTRK Channel 13. She also received Child Builders’ Building Block Award for her commitment to advancing children’s mental health and well-being.

EDUCATION

MBA, Finance, Clark Atlanta University
BA, Communications, Indiana University

BOARD & CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Unity National Bank, Board Member, Chairman; Member, Audit Committee and Compliance Committee

Greater Houston Partnership’s Executive Women’s Partnership

American Leadership Forum Houston Chapter

The Ensemble Theatre

Houston Arts Alliance

The Women’s Home

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Life Member

The Links, Inc., Member

Tené Thomas

CPA
Partner, Tax & Accounting Practice

Tené Thomas, CPA, is a Partner in McConnell Jones’ Tax and Accounting Practice and a trusted advisor to business owners, executives, and individuals navigating complex tax and financial matters. With more than 30 years of experience in tax compliance, planning, and accounting advisory services, she serves clients across a diverse range of industries, including entertainment, professional services, healthcare, real estate, and investment advisory services. Her broad industry knowledge and technical expertise enable her to deliver tailored solutions that help clients achieve their financial and business objectives.

Prior to joining McConnell Jones, Tené began her career with Ernst & Young. Today, she leads tax engagements for corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and high-net-worth individuals, providing strategic guidance that extends beyond compliance. A strong advocate for proactive tax planning, she works closely with clients to identify opportunities, mitigate risk, enhance tax efficiency, and support long-term growth.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – TX & CA

EDUCATION

BS, Business Administration, California Polytechnic State University

BOARD & CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Greater Houston Partnership, Audit Committee

Greater Houston Partnership’s Executive Women’s Partnership

Black Women’s Political Committee (BWPAC), Member

National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas, Board Member

CNN 650AM’s The Price of Business, Business Contributor

William A. Taylor Jr.

CPA, CFP®, PFS, MACCT
Partner, Tax & Accounting

William A. Taylor Jr. is a Qualified Financial Expert and trusted tax and business advisor with deep expertise in tax planning, financial strategy, and business transformation. He advises small to mid-sized privately held organizations and high-net-worth individuals on wealth creation, growth strategies, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, and business exits. His governance experience includes board reporting, compensation committee leadership, growth initiatives, and talent development.

William serves as Tax Partner, Compensation Committee Member, and Executive Committee Member at McConnell & Jones, LLP. He is a key contributor to the firm’s governance and strategic direction and is slated to assume the role of Managing Partner on January 1, 2028.

William executed a strategic merger of Taylor CPA & Associates, PC with McConnell & Jones, creating the largest African American-owned CPA firm in North America. As founder and CEO of Taylor CPA & Associates, he built one of the largest African American-owned CPA firms in Georgia and the Southeast. Under his leadership, the firm achieved double-digit revenue growth for 25 years, earned national recognition, received AFLAC’s “Vendor of the Year” award in consecutive years, and was named “Minority Business Enterprise of the Year in Georgia.”

William has served hundreds of individuals, families, and business owners build and preserve wealth through customized planning and advisory services. He also manages private investment entities with holdings in commercial real estate, residential properties, growth-stage businesses, and other appreciating assets.

William’s leadership has been recognized through honors including the J.R. Allen Young Business Leader of the Year Award, Diversity MBA Magazine’s “50 Under 50,” and Georgia Trend’s “40 Under 40.” A sought after speaker, he regularly presents on entrepreneurship, leadership, financial management, and wealth creation strategies to professional associations, universities, businesses, and community organizations.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – GA & LA

Certified Financial Planner

Personal Financial Specialist

EDUCATION

Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Tulane University

Executive Program in Financial Planning, University of Georgia

BS, Management & Accounting, Tulane University

BOARD & CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Regional Advisory Board of Pinnacle Financial Partners (NASDAQ: PNFP), Board Member

Emanuel Preparatory School of Math and Science, Board Member of Executive Committee by the Mayor of Columbus, Georgia

Greater Columbus Sports Authority Board

Tenesha Hartgrove

CPA, EA, PFS, CFP®
Partner, Tax & Accounting

Tenesha Hartgrove, CPA, EA, PFS, CFP®, is a Tax Partner of McConnell Jones’ Durham, North Carolina and Central Ohio offices. In her leadership role, she guides the firm’s continued growth across the North Carolina market, combining strategic vision, practical business acumen, and a steadfast commitment to exceptional client service. A recognized leader in the profession, Tenesha was named one of Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State CPAs for 2026. With a multidisciplinary background spanning tax, accounting, real estate investing, information technology, and banking, Tenesha brings a uniquely holistic perspective to client advisory engagements. She works closely with entrepreneurs, business owners, and growing organizations to strengthen financial performance, enhance profitability, navigate complex business decisions, and build sustainable strategies for long-term success.

Prior to joining McConnell Jones, Tenesha founded Ncrease Financial Services, where she served as a trusted advisor to small and middle-market businesses. Her work focused on improving financial clarity, evaluating business performance, identifying tax-efficient strategies, and helping clients achieve their growth and wealth-building objectives. Her ability to translate complex financial matters into actionable insights has earned her a reputation as a valued advisor and business partner.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – NC & OH

Enrolled Agent

Personal Financial Specialist

Certified Financial Planner®

EDUCATION

Master of Taxation, Capital University Law School

Graduate Management Certificate, Information Systems, Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University

BS, Financial Planning & Services, Franklin University

Eric Ernest

CPA
Partner In-Charge, Assurance Practice

Eric Ernest, CPA, Partner-in-Charge of McConnell Jones’ Assurance Practice, brings more than 35 years of public accounting experience serving clients across a wide range of industries. He provides strategic leadership for the firm’s assurance services while helping organizations navigate complex accounting, auditing, compliance, and regulatory requirements.

A recognized specialist in employee benefit plan audits, Eric has spent the past 15 years leading hundreds of engagements for plan sponsors, including Fortune 500 companies, privately held businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities. His expertise encompasses defined contribution, defined benefit, health and welfare plans, and other employee benefit arrangements, with extensive experience in assurance services, regulatory reporting, and compliance matters.

As the firm’s designated Employee Benefit Plan Audit Partner, Eric actively participates in the AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center and is a frequent speaker at the AICPA National Conference on Employee Benefit Plans. He also presents national webinars and leads training programs for plan sponsors, providing practical guidance on emerging regulations, industry trends, and audit best practices.

Known for his technical expertise and practical approach, Eric is a trusted advisor to plan sponsors and organizational leaders seeking to strengthen governance, compliance, and financial accountability.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant

Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

EDUCATION

BS, Accounting & Finance, Middlesex University

Mark Schwartz

CPA, CDFM
Partner, Federal Audit Practice

Mark Schwartz, CPA, CDFM, is a Partner in McConnell Jones’ Federal Audit Practice with more than 25 years of experience delivering assurance services to public sector organizations. A recognized leader in federal financial management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance, Mark serves as a trusted advisor to federal, state, and local government agencies. He leads complex engagements that help clients strengthen accountability, improve financial reporting, enhance operational effectiveness, and meet evolving regulatory requirements. His expertise also extends to serving nonprofit organizations and commercial entities with specialized assurance and compliance needs.

Mark possesses extensive expertise in federal accounting, reporting, and compliance requirements, including the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Financial Audit Manual (FAM), Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), Internal Control Frameworks, the requirements of the Circulars and Bulletins issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act (IPERIA). He is highly skilled in assessing internal control environments, improving financial management processes, and delivering practical solutions to complex regulatory and operational challenges.

In addition to serving as a Partner in McConnell Jones’ Federal Audit Practice, Mark serves as Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Washington, DC, office, providing strategic leadership and oversight for client service delivery and business operations in the region.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – DC, MD, & VA

Certified Defense Financial Manager

EDUCATION

BS, Accounting, University of Maryland Global Campus

BS, Public Administration, Indiana University

BOARD & CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Society of Defense Financial Managers (SDFM), Member

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Member

Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA)

Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA)

Association of Government Accountants (AGA), former Board Member of Maryland

 

Darlene Brown

CIA, CFE, CSM
Partner, Risk Advisory Services

Darlene Brown, CIA, CFE, CSM, is a Partner in McConnell Jones’ Risk Advisory Services practice and a trusted advisor to executive leadership, boards, and audit committees. With more than 30 years of experience, she helps organizations navigate complex risks, strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and drive operational excellence. Darlene is known for transforming risk and compliance activities into strategic enablers that improve performance, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and create lasting organizational value.

Her expertise spans enterprise risk management, internal audit, governance, regulatory compliance, investigations, and operational transformation. She has guided a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from state agencies, higher education institutions, and K-12 systems to nonprofit organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and privately held businesses. Through her practical and results-oriented approach, Darlene helps organizations solve complex challenges, strengthen decision-making, and achieve their strategic objectives.

A seasoned executive and former Internal Audit Director for a global manufacturer, Darlene has established high-performing audit functions, led complex international engagements, and directed investigations involving significant fraud and compliance issues. Her work has included collaboration with agencies such as the FBI and IRS on sensitive forensic matters.

Her unique combination of governance, operational, and investigative experience enables her to bring a broad business perspective and actionable solutions to every engagement.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Internal Auditor

Certified Fraud Examiner

Certified ScrumMaster

EDUCATION

MBA, International Studies, EuroMBA, Audencia Business School

BBA, Accounting, University of Texas

Sharjeel Ahsan

CPA, MBA
Partner, Assurance, Employee Benefit Plan (EBP)

Sharjeel Ahsan, CPA, MBA, is an Audit Partner at McConnell Jones and leads the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) Audit services. With more than 20 years of experience, he has extensive expertise leading employee pension and welfare benefit plan audits for clients ranging from regional nonprofit organizations to Fortune 500 public companies across a variety of industries.

Sharjeel oversees the planning and execution of complex employee benefit plan audits, including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, health and welfare plans, Section 401(h) arrangements, master trust investment accounts, and plans requiring Form 11-K filings. He also oversees the firm’s Form 5500 preparation activities and assists clients with DOL and IRS voluntary correction programs. In addition, he leads the firm’s audit quality management initiatives, including implementation of its system of quality management and readiness for PCAOB QC 1000.

A recognized thought leader in employee benefit plan matters, Sharjeel regularly presents at firm-sponsored training programs and national webinars, sharing practical insights on technical, regulatory, and audit-related developments.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant

EDUCATION

MBA, Accounting & Finance, Nicholls State University

BBA, Accounting, University of Central Punjab

 

Chuck Kozlik

CPA, CGFM, CFE
Partner, Assurance, Government & Higher Education

Chuck Kozlik, CPA, CGFM, CFE, has led McConnell Jones’ Government & Higher Education Audit Practice since joining the firm in 2023. Chuck has served as engagement partner on such engagements as the Government of the District of Columbia, the City of Houston, the City of New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Dallas College. With more than 24 years of experience, he specializes in conducting governmental financial statement audits, Single Audits under the Uniform Guidance, and attestation engagements.

Prior to joining McConnell Jones, Chuck spent 15 years with KPMG in Chicago and Washington, D.C., serving federal, state, and local governments, higher education institutions, and private-sector organizations. He is recognized for his deep technical expertise, leadership of complex public-sector engagements, and commitment to delivering high-quality audit and advisory services. Chuck also spent 6 years with CLA where he led their government and higher education audit practice in Northern Illinois.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – VA, DC, MD, IL, & TX
Certified Government Financial Manager
Certified Fraud Examiner

EDUCATION

BS, Accountancy & Political Science, Marquette University

BOARD AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

DC Youth Orchestra Program, Board Member
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Board Member
Illinois CPA Society, Ethics Committee Board

Liz Meyers

CPA, CFE, CSM, MBA
Partner, IT Risk Advisory

Liz Meyers, CPA, CFE, CSM, MBA is Partner of IT Risk Advisory Consulting at McConnell Jones, bringing more than 30 years of experience in IT risk advisory, internal audit, governance, compliance, and business process improvement. Recognized for her strategic insight and pragmatic approach, she helps organizations strengthen controls, manage risk, and implement solutions that enhance operational resilience and drive business performance.

Since joining McConnell Jones in 2019, Liz has advanced from Audit Manager to Director of IT Consulting and now serves as Partner of the firm’s IT Risk Advisory practice. She oversees engagements focused on IT governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, internal audit, and operational effectiveness, helping clients address complex challenges while achieving their strategic objectives.

Prior to joining McConnell Jones, Liz served as Chief Audit Executive for a Fortune 100 company, where she led a 21-member internal audit organization and implemented enterprise-wide, risk-based audit strategies. She also served as Senior Director of IT Client Solutions, leading a team of 65 employees plus contractors. Liz began her career in the audit practice of a former Big Eight accounting firm. A trusted advisor to executive leadership teams, Liz is known for translating complex risks into practical, results-oriented solutions that strengthen governance, improve compliance, and support long-term organizational success.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant
Certified Fraud Examiner
Certified ScrumMaster

EDUCATION

MBA, University of Houston
BBA, Accounting, Texas A&M

Gilbert Hopkins

CPA
CONSULTING DIRECTOR

Mr. Gilbert Hopkins a director with MJ, specializes in providing financial management, accounting, and business process improvement services to public and private organizations. Mr. Hopkins is a certified public accountant with more than 30 years of accounting and business experience.

Mr. Hopkins has conducted performance audits for federal, state, local governmental entities, and higher education entities for over 20 years. During these engagements, Mr. Hopkins has honed his skills in assessing program economy, efficiency, and effectiveness; examining the structure and design of programs to accomplish entity programs and objectives; evaluated alternative service delivery models, reviewed performance measures; examined legal and program documents and reports, and assessed compliance with policies, rules, and laws. As a director with MJ, Mr. Hopkins is responsible for managing and supervising MJ project personnel; interfacing and communicating with the client’s project manager; communicating effectively with client staff; planning, managing, and coordinating project activities; and preparing written communications. As a result of his extensive business experience, he has developed excellent written and oral communication skills, exceptional analytical skills, and focused client service delivery.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – TX & FL

EDUCATION

BA, Accounting (Management, Economics Minor), Youngstown State University

Linda Gilliam

CPA
Consulting Director

Ms. Linda Gilliam a director with MJ, specializes in providing audit services, business process improvement reviews, grants administration, and management and performance reviews for public and private organizations. She is a certified public accountant with more than 30 years of accounting and business experience. She has delivered internal audit services and solutions to MJ clients in the federal, state, and local governmental entities as well as commercial, and educational sectors for over 20 years.  

She has considerable experience assessing organizational structures, staffing, financial and operational processes, performance measurement, and best practices in assessments.  

Her extensive experience includes interviewing key personnel; collecting and analyzing data; developing work plans to achieve overall project objectives; evaluating internal controls, identifying best practices, and preparing comprehensive reports with findings and practical recommendations. 

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – TX & FL

EDUCATION

BA, Accounting, Texas Lutheran University

Nicole Huang

CPA
Audit Director

Ms. Nicole Huang has over 20 years of audit and accounting experience, specializing in financial and compliance audit engagements for Texas charter schools, nonprofit organizations and employee benefit plans. She has led audits under auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, Government Auditing Standards, Uniform Guidance compliance audits, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Her extensive experience includes working with Texas charter schools such as Faith Family Academy, NOVA Charter School, Richland Collegiate Charter School, Wayside Schools, Brazos School for Inquiry and Creativity, Rise Academy, Priority System, Inc., and Odyssey Academy. Ms. Huang is highly familiar with compliance requirements and has led audit engagements ensuring adherence to these standards.

Ms. Huang oversees audit teams, ensuring audits are conducted efficiently and effectively. Her responsibilities encompass managing all aspects of the fieldwork and reviewing audit reports to ensure compliance with professional standards and the firm’s quality standards.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant

EDUCATION

Master of Science in Accountancy, University of Texas at Dallas

Lesley Huff

CPA
Consulting Director

Ms. Lesley Huff has built a successful career by integrating strategic and operation risk management with business strategy. She is a former Fortune 100 senior executive with a broad operations and financial background. Lesley has strategically and operationally recognized, managed, and mitigated risks in complex environments.  She specializes in providing fiscal management, business process improvement, and risk management services to public and private organizations. Lesley is recognized for balancing a creative and collaborative approach with disciplined planning and management.

Lesley began with MJ in March 2022 supports our internal audit services by planning, leading, and conducting operational audits.

Prior to MJ, Lesley served as a Division President and CEO for a Fortune 100 company.  Lesley was also the CFO for their Canadian division where she built compliant financial operations at 22 locations across multiple provinces, assuring proper internal controls, delivering accurate and timely reporting, and identifying opportunities for improvement of financial management.

Lesley began her career as a staff auditor and most recently, consulted with businesses and nonprofits, assisting those organizations in developing and/or finetuning their strategies and infrastructure.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – TX & FL

EDUCATION

BBA, Accounting, Midwestern State University

Imran Khimani

FCA
Audit Director

Mr. Imran Khimani is an audit senior manager in our public sector practice. He has more than 29 years of audit experience and, for the past 21 years has managed and assisted the firm conduct numerous financial statement and single audit compliance engagements for a variety of entities throughout the State of Texas, with a focus on assessing and improving internal controls; enhancing operating efficiency; compliance with regulations; and implementing accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

With extensive experience in performing single audits under Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) as well as the State of Texas Grant Management Standards, Mr. Khimani serves as a valuable resource to both, our firm as well as other personnel at the firm on single audit compliance and related matters. He also has successfully led and managed our firm’s single audit team for the City of Houston for the past ten (10) and has been instrumental in providing them with in-depth knowledge of compliance requirements while expertly guiding the client to adopt best practices in improve their documentation for compliance and presentation of single audit reports. Mr. Khimani has also actively participated with the lead partners in providing the City with compliance tips and guidance for properly implementing receipt of large grant awards such as those that related to CDBG Disaster Recovery Grants from US Housing and Urban Development and Coronavirus Relief Fund from the US Department of Treasury.

In addition to the above, Mr. Khimani’s experience includes planning audit engagements, interfacing with clients’ personnel, evaluating internal controls, performing analytical review procedures, testing for the consistent application of policies and controls, gathering audit evidence, ensuring that financial transactions have been properly recorded and accounted for, and developing draft reports and other routine communications with the client.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Chartered Accountant, Pakistan

Cost and Management Accountant, Pakistan 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor in Commerce, University of Karachi

Goran Mei

CPA
Audit Director

Mr. Goran Mei serves as an Audit Senior Manager at McConnell & Jones LLP, where he oversees the planning, execution, and reporting of audit engagements. His responsibilities include evaluating internal controls, conducting fieldwork, supervising staff and senior auditors, performing complex audit procedures, and developing comprehensive reports with recommendations for internal controls.

With over fifteen (15) years of experience in audit and accounting, Mr. Mei has developed and implemented procedures that enhance clients’ internal controls, operational efficiency, and financial reporting accuracy. He also assists clients in understanding relevant accounting standards.

Mr. Mei’s expertise spans multiple industry segments, including education, employee benefit plans, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and retail. He has conducted analytical review procedures to identify audit risks and materiality, designed effective audit programs, assessed business risks, evaluated internal controls, and prepared various financial statements.

Mr. Mei possesses exceptional leadership and communication skills, refined through extensive experience in public accounting. His proficiency in the nonprofit and employee benefit plan sectors includes developing and implementing procedures that ensure accurate financial reporting, strengthen internal controls, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance. Additionally, he has facilitated clients’ understanding of relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Mr. Mei has also conducted multiple audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and U.S. generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS).  He has also assisted clients with becoming more familiar with relevant accounting standards, proper reporting of financial information, internal control improvements, and enhancing operating efficiencies.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – WA

EDUCATION

MBA, Tulane University

BA, International Business, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies

Martin Clarke

CPA
Consulting Director

Mr. Martin Clarke is a highly experienced and results-oriented Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience in financial statement preparation, compliance auditing, and Federal grants financial management. Mr. Clarke served for 3 years as the Deputy Project Manager for the Government of the United States Virgin Islands (GVI), where MJ serves as the Third-Party Fiduciary Agent (TPFA) overseeing approximately $326 million in grant funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). GVI departments that receive Federal awards from USDOE are assessed as high-risk grant recipients by USDOE and have been placed on third-party fiduciary oversight to assist with the fiscal management of the grant awards. Mr. Clarke has an extensive background in governmental accounting and auditing. He previously served as the Controller for the City of Allen, Texas, and as the Executive Director of Business, Financial Accounting & Reporting at Dallas County Schools, Texas. He performed assurance services as an independent audit manager with a large regional accounting firm, where he was responsible for annual financial statement audits, single audits, agreed-upon procedures, and preparing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR).

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant – TX

EDUCATION

BBA, Accounting, Abilene Christian University

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