James Pikula, CPA

Experience

• 

  Continental Bank

  Jan 1988 - Dec 1989

  Staff Auditor

  Engaged in internal audit functions within the Trust Department. Reviewed internal controls for safeguarding of client assets and participated in year-end audit of master accounts.

• 

  Comprehensive Accounting Services

  Dec 1989 - Sept 1991

  Financial Accountant-Taxation

  Participated in year end review of client's financial statements and assisted clients with long-range financial planning. Prepared corporate 1120 and non-profit 990 tax returns and gathered and reviewed work papers for clients involved with IRS audits. Set-up initial financial records for new clients and worked with client's previous accountants to ensure a smooth transition.

• 

  Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

  Sept 1991 - Jul 1993

  Financial Accountant

  Participated in the yearly budget process for various divions and reviewed month end financial reports to analyze budget variances. Prepared year end Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA) reports and assisted external auditors in yearly Medicare audits.

• 

  QBF Group

  Jul 1993 - Sept 1998

  Participated in telephone cold call prospecting and attended various networking meeting to engage potential clients and increase lead generation. Assisted in the smooth transition of new accounts to the customer service team and trained new sales associates and assisted them on sales calls and presentations.

  • Senior Account Manager

    Sept 1995 - Sept 1998

  • Account Manager

    Jul 1993 - Sept 1995
• 

  Independent Partners Corp

  Jul 1998 - Nov 2016

  Fully responsible for collecting and reporting the firm's fiancial results and monitoring monthly operating expenses. Analyze variances of monthly results and oversee the switch from an anual budgeting process to a continuous budgeting process. Also monitor financial activities through forecasting and cash flow reports. Maintain all financial records and reports in a manner that reflects compliance with GAAP and implementing a sound financial reporting framework.

  • Director of Finance and Administration

    Sept 2006 - Nov 2016

  • Accounting Manager

    May 2001 - Sept 2006

  • Business Analyst

    Jul 1998 - May 2001
• 

  Tastee Freez Franchise

  Sept 2001 - May 2005

  Owner

  Responsible for hiting and managing a staff of 20 employees, along with greating and adhering to an annual budget. Chaired marketing committee for Chicago area Tastee Freez franchisees. Sold business in 2005, resulting in a profit.

• 

  Block Advisors

  Nov 2016 - May 2018

  Lead Accountant, Chicago/Iowa Region

  Implemented the strategic plan of developing an accounting practice business unit for this division of a multi-billion dollar tax preparation company. Worked closely with senior-level management to review monthly financial results in my region and focus on achievement of stated goals. Created short-term financial scenarios in line with stated growth objectives.

• 

  Holland & Company, CPAs / Berg Advisors

  Jul 2018 - May 2022

  Director, Compliance Accounting and Taxation

  Responsible for overseeing the financial statement preparation and tax planning for our diverse client base, with a focus on ensuring the timely delivery of financial reports and tax returns.. Perform ad hoc analysis and projects such as due diligence for client acquisitions and establishing internal control and procedures. Liaise with Partner to manage work-flow and ensure deadlines are met.

• 

  MJ Vandenbroucke Inc

  Nov 2022 - now

  Tax and Accounting Manager