When you are personally interviewed by a future managing partner, it leads to good things. Erika joined LSL CPAs through an on-campus interview and was hired a couple weeks after graduation in 2002.

She has steadily moved up the career ladder to manager, providing accounting and assurance services primarily to municipal, commercial and automotive accounting clients. She describes herself as loyal, to the firm and to her clients. Her favorite time of day is digging into the financials of her clients and helping them put everything in proper order.

In fact, Erika’s love of accounting expands into her personal life. She lends free time and expertise to her local church finance committee. She has also stayed active in her college sorority by helping a local chapter house maintain a safe and functional facility.

Great Clients for Erika… like detail-oriented management of their accounting and audits.
LSL candidate tip: Talk about your dogs.
Personal: She and her husband bought their first home recently and enjoy attending Angels baseball games and staying active outdoors.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Member, Auto Dealers Office Management Association (ADOMA)
Member, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, treasurer of local Affiliated House Corporation Board

Education:

B.A. degree in Business Administration with Accounting emphasis, California State University, Fullerton.

If you’re looking for someone who stays cool under pressure, knows the ins and outs of government audits, and turns accounting puzzles into practical solutions, meet Berrett Warnick (yes, Steven is his first name—but he goes by Berrett). As a Senior Manager at LSL, Berrett brings nearly two decades of experience serving California’s state and local governments and nonprofits.

Berrett’s path to accounting started with a love for the technical side of business. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting (with a Minor in Information Systems), he dove headfirst into the world of auditing in 2007—and never looked back. He’s been a licensed CPA since 2011. Whether it’s preparing an ACFR, navigating a tricky compliance audit under Uniform Guidance, or helping a client implement the latest GASB standard, he thrives on solving complex challenges with calm confidence.

Over the years, he’s helped clients tackle big challenges—from adopting new lease standards to rethinking fiduciary activities—and always with a steady, solutions-first approach. At LSL, he continues that work by leading audit engagements, supporting clients through evolving standards, and mentoring his team along the way.

Off the clock… You’ll find Berrett at swim meets, school plays, or cheering on the Buffalo Bills. He’s a proud dad who enjoys family time, staying active with swimming and running, and catching up on a good book when things slow down.

Professional Affiliations

Member, AICPA
Member, CalCPA
Firm Member, PrimeGlobal

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Minor in Information Systems, Brigham Young University–Idaho

James Butera is a Director in LSL’s Assurance & Advisory department, specializing in governmental and not-for-profit clients. His expertise includes financial audits, Single Audits, ACFR and financial statement preparation, as well as GASB implementation consulting and Director of Finance/Controller-level advisory services. James thrives on helping clients operate more efficiently, drawing on his blend of public accounting and hands-on government finance leadership experience.

James began his career at a regional CPA firm in New York, where he advanced to Supervisor and Manager before serving as Director of Finance for a regional municipality. Since becoming a CPA in 2015, he has supported a wide range of state and local government entities—including towns, villages, cities, counties, school districts, and not-for-profit agencies—helping them strengthen internal processes, address compliance requirements, and navigate complex reporting. One notable example includes stepping in as acting CFO for a city with an extended Controller vacancy, where he also oversaw ARPA and other grant-filing consulting.

His approach blends technical precision with a people-first mindset, building long-term relationships with clients and guiding them through challenges with clarity and confidence.

Outside of work, James lives in the Niagara Falls, NY area with his wife and twin baby boys. A devoted Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan, he enjoys golf, attending games, and gathering friends and family for beach or lake outings. A self-proclaimed music and sports trivia enthusiast, he counts The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen among his favorite bands. James works remotely out of Buffalo/Niagara Falls, NY.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm Member, Prime Global

Education:

BS and MBA, St. John Fisher College

“I like to work on large puzzles,” Krystal says of her reason for choosing accounting for a profession, so auditing seemed like the perfect fit. “l like to figure out where mistakes can happen, and fix them” she says. Krystal manages components of municipal assurance engagements, such as Financial and Single Audit engagements and CAFR preparation for Lance, Soll & Lunghard (LSL) CPAs and Advisors.

Krystal likes being a CPA because, “it’s a constant learning process.”  She appreciates that all accountants are required to do CPE (Continuing Professional Education). She says, “I’ve always been really into school, so constantly getting to learn new things every day keeps the job interesting.”

Of specializing in the auditing area, Krystal says, “My stepdad is an auditor for the postal service. He suggested I think about focusing on auditing, and here I am. He was right.”

Great Clients for Krystal … “Pensions can be a problem for a lot of government agencies. We helped them work through that and made sure they knew how to book those entries.” In fact, one of Krystal’s superpowers is making sure her clients are booking their pensions correctly. She even sets up training with them to make sure they understand what they have to do.

LSL Candidate Tip … “I love to talk about ways to improve internal controls and financial statement preparation as well as crafting. My favorite part is getting everything to balance out.”

Personal … On days when she is not at work, Krystal keeps busy chasing after her crazy two-year-old and improving her margarita-making skills.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Municipal Finance Officers Member (CSMFO)

Education:

BA Accounting, California State University, Fullerton
MS in Accountancy, California State University, Fullerton

Noah is a dynamic and dedicated professional with dual certifications as a CPA and a CPFO (Certified Public Finance Officer), highlighting his passion for accounting and governmental finance. He is a natural problem solver and enjoys the continuous learning that comes with being a CPA drives him to stay current with regulations and best practices. Ensuring he can provide practical, up-to-date solutions for his clients and colleagues. Noah’s pursuit of the CPFO designation further specialized his expertise in local government finance, focusing on budgeting, compliance, and accounting process improvement.

After an earlier tenure at LSL from 2008 to 2013, Noah is thrilled to return, and bring with him a wealth of experience and fresh perspective about what is happening at the ground level of municipal finance departments.

Noah journey into accounting began with a love for math in high school, specifically word problems, and ignited in college as his professor’s provided real-world lectures for the subject. He discovered that accounting was the perfect blend of logical structure and problem-solving, solidifying his path in the business world. Coming from a family of municipal servants, Noah then naturally gravitated to local government, connecting the knowledge and information he picked up as a child with the business of how it worked.

Noah’s desire to benefit those around him is evident in his interactions with clients and LSL team members. He is dedicated to providing learning opportunities, fostering collaborating, and encouraging personal and professional career growth. This commitment enables both the firm and its clients to achieve excellence and deliver best-in-class services.

Great clients for Noah … Great clients for Noah … Noah’s excels when working with clients that want to improve their financial processes and internal controls towards the industry best practices. Collaboratively evaluating the process that have always been done a certain way, and then tailoring those process to achieve the desired outcome, while still ensuring adequate controls, is his favorite. Its why we enjoys working on financial process reengineering and ERP systems project management, and more.

LSL candidate tip … Noah values team members who are proactive problem-solvers and eager to use technology to improve processes. He looks for candidates who can spot inefficiencies, communicate clearly, and work together to implement effective solutions. If you’re driven to improve and leverage technology, you’ll fit right in with Noah’s team.

Personal … When he’s not at work, Noah is golfing or taking his daughter to her tennis or gymnastic practices or events. If he’s not out golfing, he enjoys watching sports on television, including the PGA, LPGA, and Chicago Bears football (although he’s not from Chicago!). And, he’s a fan of the series “Suits.”

Professional and Civic Involvement

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

California Society of Municipal Finance Officers Member (CSMFO)

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration, BS, Accounting and Finance – San Diego State University

CPA, November 2011, CPFO March 2020

If there’s one thing you should know about Holly Dugas, it’s that she doesn’t do “boring.” As a CPA specializing in governmental audits, she thrives on the complexity and challenges that come with keeping public finances in check. With nearly 14 years of experience, she has worked with counties, cities, boards of education, public utilities, and special-purpose government units—helping them navigate financial statement audits, performance audits, Single Audits, and agreed-upon procedures with confidence.

Holly’s journey into accounting began with a simple yet powerful question: How do businesses end up in financial trouble? After witnessing financial mismanagement firsthand during her time in banking, she set out to find the answers—leading her to a career in governmental accounting and a CPA license in 2017. Since then, she’s been a go-to expert for implementing GASB standards and guiding governments through financial statement audits, performance audits, and specialized agreed-upon procedures.

A member of the Georgia Society of CPAs, Holly stays up to date with the latest developments in governmental accounting. She enjoys tackling complex financial challenges and providing valuable insights to her clients.

Off the clock… Holly loves concerts, hiking, and traveling, especially via Amtrak. She also enjoys spending time with her big, loud family—especially singing with her brother.

Professional and Civic Involvement

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

Georgia Society of CPAs

Education

Bachelor of Science in Public Relations Communication from Kennesaw State University, Georgia

Heather Flores is a Manager in LSL’s Assurance & Advisory department, bringing over 16 years of experience across commercial, nonprofit, and government sectors. For the past six years, she has focused exclusively on government audits—helping cities, districts, and public agencies navigate their financial reporting and compliance requirements with confidence.

With experience on both sides of the audit—public accounting and private industry—Heather offers a well-rounded perspective and a collaborative mindset that clients truly value. She understands the pressure finance teams face during year-end and works proactively to make the audit process efficient, clear, and as stress-free as possible.

Heather delivers a wide range of assurance services to governmental entities, including financial statement preparation, audit fieldwork and testing, and compliance testing for Single Audits under Uniform Guidance. She regularly advises clients on technical accounting matters such as implementing GASB standards, preparing government-wide conversion entries, and reviewing adjusting journal entries. Her clients rely on her for both detailed execution and strategic guidance—whether that means cleaning up prior-year balances or preparing for a new reporting requirement.

Off the clock… Heather stays active with workouts, channels her creativity into baking sweet treats, and can usually be found on the sidelines cheering for her kids’ soccer teams. A proud Texas A&M alum, she’s all-in on Aggie football—and come NFL season, you’ll find her rooting for the Dallas Cowboys.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member, California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Member, Commercial Real Estate Women of Orange County (CREW-OC)

Education:

Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting, Texas A&M University in College Station, TX
Master of Science Degree in Finance, Texas A&M University in College Station, TX

At Work: Matt manages our ongoing implementation and development projects. He also contributes to training materials and our CaseWare library content. He is on our support team and offers governmental accounting as well as software specific support for our clients and our fellow team members. He also serves as a CaseWare authorized trainer, consultant, and implementation specialist.

Personally: Matt believes that a project is not successful until the client believes it to be so. Matt also thinks work-life balance is important for our whole team. We’ve had a tendency to overwork themselves – which is an awesome trait – but Matt has made it his mission to make sure everyone takes care of themselves. He also unofficially monitors the happiness and enrichment levels of our team and is the first to sound the alarm if someone needs a change of pace.

Off the Clock: Matt truly values the power of play and participates every year in Extra Life to raise funds to provide enrichment to chronic illness patients at Texas Children’s Hospital. Matt is passionate about all methods of gaming. Gaming is a way to provide education and healing to people as well as just for fun. Gaming is how we make connections and friends in our area and wherever we go. Matt also loves his family; including his wife, Natalie; their Dogs, Yuki and Vixen; their cats, Miss Kitty, Piwo, and Yotsuba. They almost always have a foster dog from the Texas Sled Dog Rescue as well.

Favorite Quote: “To infinity and beyond.” – Buzz Lightyear

Funky Fact: Matt likes to build and assemble things like Legos, Gunpla, Models, and Miniatures

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-freitas-889194124/

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm Member, Prime Global

Education:

BS in Accounting and Finance, University of California, Santa Barbara

BS in Computer Science, University of Advancing Technology

Riley became interested in accounting after an entrepreneurship club in college. The group project was to create a start-up company, and Riley naturally fell into the accounting role due to his interest in economic planning and transactional tracking. From then on, he knew that there was nothing else he would rather do for a career.

As a CPA with over five years working at LSL, Riley finds great satisfaction in working with people at the top of the accounting profession. He says, “Being a CPA means constantly learning about the changing regulations and adapting them to the situation.”

As an Senior Manager in LSL’s Assurance & Advisory department, Riley has found satisfaction in helping some of LSL’s governmental clients implement an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award for the first time.

Great Clients for Riley … Government entities like cities, water districts, fire authorities, special districts, and nonprofits are all good fits for Riley’s knowledge in assurance and attestation. He has assisted in consulting projects such as Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) implementations in previous roles, adding to his skills and expertise along the way.

LSL Candidate Tip … Riley’s background has been primarily in government. He is also increasingly interested in leveraging technology in accounting and feels cyber-crime is one of the world’s greatest threats. As a result, Riley was recently certified by the AICPA in cybersecurity advisory services.

Personal … When Riley is not at work, he’s at the beach, outside playing sports, or traveling. He lived in London, England for a year and a half, but as a Southern Californian at heart, his favorite teams are the Angels and the Chargers. Indoor-wise, he takes cooking and wine very seriously.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) technical reviewer

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting – University of California, Santa Barbara

Stephanie Joseph became interested in accounting while working as a Credit Analyst, where she analyzed tax returns and financial statements for commercial lending. She soon realized she wanted to prepare the returns she spent so much time analyzing and became an accountant. Sixteen years later, she is still enjoying that career choice.

With a double major in Mathematics (Concentration in Actuarial Science) and Statistics, Stephanie says, “It’s no wonder accounting was a natural career path for me. And I have been working for a CPA firm from 2008 to my time here at LSL CPAs.”

Adding value is very important to Stephanie. She takes each client’s financial statement data and creates a meaningful analysis based on what the client will want to know about their business. These special reports accompany the monthly financial statements she delivers, and serve as a way to help her clients know where to focus their efforts ­and energy.

Stephanie also provides LSL clients with Virtual Office accounting, a back-office for hospital-based medical groups without their own office. In addition, she works closely with owners on cash flow planning, projections, tax planning and forecasting.

Great Clients for Stephanie… Most of her experience is in medical accounting, and some real estate, and her background supports working both at the corporate and individual tax returns level.

LSL Candidate Tip … You’d want Stephanie on your side of the accounting ledger in whatever she’s working on for you. She has been doing CrossFit for almost ten years and likes to compete on occasion.

Personal … Beside CrossFit, Stephanie plays golf with her husband and spends much of her free time running their two boys to hockey practices and games. Stephanie played golf in college, so watch out if you join her on the “links” one day! She and her family spend part of their summers in Whitefish, Montana, where she was born and raised.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Math and Statistics – Colorado State University, 2001

Nicholas Keathley is a Manager in LSL’s Assurance & Advisory department, serving clients in the government sector with a background in school districts, cities, water districts, and housing authorities. He provides assurance and advisory services including financial statement audits under Yellow Book standards, Single Audits, and financial close assistance.

Before joining LSL, Nicholas gained experience in both audit and consulting roles at national accounting firms, where he specialized in serving state and local governments and nonprofit organizations. His background includes financial statement audits, government-wide conversion entries, and hands-on support with financial close and ACFR preparation. His well-rounded perspective helps him guide clients through both day-to-day accounting needs and long-term reporting goals.

Nicholas holds CPA, CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), and CITP (Certified Information Technology Professional) credentials, and enjoys helping governments through complex accounting challenges—especially by crafting precise journal entries and walking clients through the logic behind each adjustment. His calm approach and technical skills bring peace of mind to clients navigating tight deadlines and reporting requirements.

Nicholas also teaches governmental and nonprofit accounting part-time at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he earned both his BBA and Master of Accountancy. He is passionate about mentoring future accountants by sharing real-world experience and practical insights.

Outside of work, Nicholas spends time outdoors with his wife and dogs, enjoys grilling and playing tennis, and stays close with his brothers. A fan of Formula 1 racing, he’s a loyal Red Bull Racing supporter—thanks in part to Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

Professional Affiliations

Firm Member, PrimeGlobal

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) membership

Education

BA in Accounting from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Master of Accountancy from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Ahmad Khan is a Manager in LSL’s Assurance & Advisory department, bringing over a decade of experience in public accounting and a strong foundation in commercial audits. Prior to LSL, Ahmad gained experience at another top national accounting firm, serving public and privately held clients across the life sciences, manufacturing, construction, and professional service industries.

Ahmad partners closely with business owners and executive teams to deliver audit and assurance services that support transparency, regulatory compliance, and strategic decision-making. His work spans complex financial reporting—including SEC readiness and filings—as well as extensive experience auditing employee benefit plans, particularly 401(k) plans.

Clients appreciate Ahmad not only for his technical expertise, but for the strong relationships he builds. He’s a thoughtful listener who takes the time to understand each client’s unique challenges and delivers practical, tailored guidance—whether they’re navigating ASC 606 revenue recognition, implementing ASC 842 lease standards, or evaluating internal controls. He enjoys the variety and fast pace of public accounting, where every engagement brings new clients, new challenges, and the opportunity to stay sharp and on his feet.

Outside of work, Ahmad is a devoted Formula 1 fan—cheering on Ferrari and rooting for Lewis Hamilton on race weekends. He also enjoys watching the Lakers, playing basketball, swimming, and spending quality time with family. When it comes to food, he’s an adventurous eater, but Korean BBQ tops the list.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

Education:

B.A. in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting from Cal State Fullerton

Ashley Kimpton is a Manager in LSL’s Government Consulting & Advisory department, where she draws on more than a decade of municipal finance experience to help cities and agencies strengthen their budgeting, accounting, and reporting processes. Known for her detail-oriented approach and ability to streamline complex systems, Ashley partners with clients to bring clarity, structure, and long-term planning to local government finance.

Ashley began her career in nonprofit accounting before transitioning to municipal government, serving the City of Dunedin, FL for over ten years. There, she advanced from accounting into budget leadership, overseeing the city’s annual budget development and Capital Improvement Plan across all funds, including General, Special Revenue, Enterprise, and Internal Service Funds. She also prepared and published budget books and business plans, developed long-term financial forecasts, and managed Internal Service Fund allocations for facility maintenance, health insurance, risk insurance, IT services, and fleet operations.

Along the way, Ashley led special initiatives such as implementing new ERP and budgeting systems, improving document controls to reduce financial statement errors, managing FEMA disaster reimbursement for Hurricane Irma, and tracking federal ARPA funds. Her work contributed to the city earning GFOA Budget and ACFR awards. Clients value her hands-on experience from inside city government and her ability to apply those insights to strengthen operations, compliance, and reporting at LSL.

Outside of work… Ashley enjoys golfing with her fiancé, traveling—especially to California from her home in Florida—and spending time with their three dogs, often taking them on golf cart rides around the neighborhood.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with a Financial Concentration from the University of North Carolina – Asheville with a minor in Management. 

Calvin’s obsession with accounting sparked when he began pursuing his own investment ventures. He wanted to learn about financial statements to enhance his skills as an investor, eventually leading him to become a CPA.

As LSL’s Assurance Manager in Government Services, Calvin brings insightful perspectives to tackling our client’s toughest challenges. He loves helping clients recognize patterns and effectively apply analytic procedures, enabling him to assist clients in resolving their unique and complex obstacles.

Prior to LSL, Calvin served in the U.S. Air Force where he learned to solve problems, recognize patterns, and apply analytical procedures to tackle difficult challenges. He experienced firsthand how every component contributes to a mission’s success. With his strong background in problem-solving through difficult challenges, he likewise understands the critical role a CPA plays in achieving an organization’s missions and objectives—he enjoys the feeling of accomplishment when a “mission” is complete.

Great clients for Calvin … Anyone looking for a no-nonsense approach to knocking down obstacles. Calvin brings his meticulous approach to ensuring clean and accurate financial statements and a commitment to high standards of integrity and transparency.

LSL candidate tip … Calvin is known for his passion for learning and becoming the best at what he does. It shows in his strategic mindset applied to analytical procedures to solve the toughest problems.

Personal … Calvin loves the outdoors and embraces the simple pleasures of life, whether it’s tending to his garden, grilling mouthwatering BBQ, walking his dog, or playing with his kids. He’s a passionate supporter of all Chicago sports, but the White Sox hold a special place in his heart!

Professional and Civic Involvement

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

Education

B.A. degree in English – Illinois State University
Master of Accountancy – Northern Illinois University

Allen James “Jayme” Lambert is a Senior Manager in LSL’s Governmental Assurance & Advisory department, where he oversees audits for municipalities, water districts, special districts, and not-for-profit organizations, as well as provides consulting services to help clients strengthen operations and reporting processes. Known for delivering work that inspires confidence, Jayme strives to exceed client expectations whenever possible.

With extensive experience leading audit engagements for local government agencies, including cities, counties, and utility districts. He oversees all stages of the audit cycle—from planning and risk assessment to fieldwork and final reporting—ensuring every project meets high standards for compliance and accuracy. Jayme brings a steady, solutions-oriented approach to every project, ensuring clients receive both technical accuracy and peace of mind in their audits and consulting engagements.

Accounting runs in Jayme’s family—his grandfather, Allen James Lambert, was a CPA for 50 years and founded a firm that still bears his name. Inspired by his grandfather’s dedication and enjoyment of the profession, Jayme earned his B.S. in Accounting in 2013, became a CPA in 2016, and built his career in public accounting. Before joining LSL in 2022, he advanced from Senior Accountant to Manager at a CPA firm in Alabama, gaining extensive experience in governmental and not-for-profit engagements.

Outside of work, Jayme enjoys spending time with his three daughters, often at theme parks and water parks. Their go-to destination for big trips is Disney World, while closer to home they frequent Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure. A music enthusiast, Jayme also plays guitar and sings, and he’s a loyal fan of Alabama sports—especially the Crimson Tide.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

• Firm Member, Prime Global
• Alabama Society of CPAs (ASCPA)
• Government Finance Officers Association of Alabama (GFOAA)

Education:

B.B.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration) in Entertainment Industry Management from the University of North Alabama (UNA)

B.S. in Accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

For Louis, learning to fly and accounting have something in common—they both offer exciting challenges and require sharp problem-solving skills. Just like navigating the skies, accounting is all about precision, adapting to changes, and making sure everything stays in balance.

Louis thrives on solving financial puzzles, especially when a fix in one area leads to unexpected glitches elsewhere. He enjoys tracking down those hidden connections, ensuring that Assets = Liabilities + Equity with the satisfaction of a true financial detective. Whether it’s troubleshooting system inefficiencies or optimizing financial workflows, he’s passionate about helping clients untangle complex accounting challenges.

Louis has a knack for turning chaos into order—like completing months’ worth of bank reconciliations in record time before year-end audits. He’s also known for preparing journal entries and documentation on the fly—a skill that’s just as useful in accounting as it is in aviation!

When he’s not problem-solving for clients, Louis is literally taking off—working toward his pilot’s license at the Long Beach Airport. He’s also an avid traveler and adventurous foodie, always on the lookout for new cultural experiences. From Chili Momos to Colombian empanadas to classic Canadian poutine, he loves trying international cuisines. 

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Member Prime Global

Education:

BA, Business Economics, University of California, Santa Barbara

Fern loves to start every conversation and meeting with, “How can I help?”. Her passion and dedication to improving employee experiences are evident in all she does. She is thoughtful, considerate, and a great listener, and she helps people find solutions to get where they want to go.

As LSL’s Director of People Operations, Fern helps foster direct feedback and promotes effective communication across all departments. She is responsible for the overall employee experience including firmwide benefits, performance reviews, policies & procedures, and wellness. She ensures peace of mind for our team members by offering strategic advice and guidance on their career goals and also handles all HR best practices and critical compliance matters for LSL as a whole.

Fern began her career in Actuarial Science, but while she enjoyed the math-centric field, she realized her true joy came from human connections. Drawn to the challenge of unlocking personal and professional potential, she made the change to benefits administration and eventually to People Operations. Prior to LSL, Fern served as Senior Manager for accounting firms and managed the benefits program for over 2,000 employees at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

Personal … Outside of work, you can find Fern enjoying time “down the shore” on the front porch of her house in New Jersey—her “happy place”. As a proud Philly native, she roots for the Eagles, Flyers, and Phillies. She is a foodie extraordinaire and a Food Network enthusiast. Her killer dishes include Dan Dan Noodles, sushi, mouthwatering grilled shrimp, shakshuka, and finger-licking jerk chicken wings!

Professional and Civic Involvement

Firm member, PrimeGlobal 

Education

B.S. degree in Mathematics with a minor in Education – Temple University, Philadelphia

Sometimes an accounting career finds you. Just ask Kim, a Spanish major who discovered her love of accounting while working in the university student bookstore at UCLA.

Kim joined LSL CPAs in 1988 working as a staff auditor, she then obtained her CPA license, and hasn’t looked back. She has evolved in her career to serve as a trusted consultant for unusual client tax issues such as the establishment and dissolution of business entities. She has also supported improvements to LSL audit processes to better serve clients. She aspires to keep long-term clients because they demand her best work.

Her clients are eclectic, ranging from business improvement districts to foundations. She has a particular focus on not-for-profits regarding tax and regulatory issues, registrations and audit engagements. She enjoys the opportunity to visit clients, meet the staff and see how they work. This supports a stronger base of knowledge when she and her team make recommendations.

Great Clients for Kim… appreciate her knowledge and match her warm personality.
LSL candidate tip… Discuss the arts, the vibrant West Hollywood area or parenting.
Personal… Busy with three children and has traveled to domestic and exotic locations, but a favorite road trip was visiting her father’s home state of Texas to see family.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Former Technical Reviewer, Government Finance Officers Association Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Member, Brea Chamber of Commerce
Auditor and Treasurer, Parent Teacher Association
Summer Camp Counselor

Education:

B.A. degree, University of California, Los Angeles

Meagan takes pride in being her clients’ go-to person for solving challenges and providing reliable knowledge and guidance for their financial and tax needs. Her clients often turn to her because of her ability to develop trust, facilitate open communication, and turn their worries into well-structured plans.

Meagan found that she thrived in the accounting industry and developed a passion for it. Her goal has always been to be a trusted advisor that her clients can count on for financial, tax, and business strategies. She focuses on closely held businesses, high-net-worth individuals, real estate, and service industry businesses.

To Meagan, it’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about alleviating stress by being a trusted and reliable source for their business.

Great clients for Meagan … those who have unique tax needs and goals and value building strong relationships.

LSL candidate tips … Meagan sets a high standard of excellence for herself and her team. She leads by example, demonstrating how to “take the weight off her clients’ shoulders.”

Personal … Outside of work, Meagan enjoys attending her kids’ sporting events and going on family camping trips to their favorite spot at Newport Dunes or biking near the beach. When it comes to food, she loves to indulge in a nice Italian dish or some sushi!

Professional and Civic Involvement

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)

Education

B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Finance – California State University, Fullerton

Anita Michelsen is a Director in LSL’s Consulting & Advisory department, bringing more than 25 years of experience providing accounting, financial, and tax support to business owners across a variety of industries. Her expertise includes serving as Controller and Division CFO, where she oversaw all aspects of financial operations—from budgeting and forecasting to cash flow management, internal controls, and strategic planning. In these roles, she partnered closely with executive teams to analyze performance, identify growth opportunities, and implement process improvements, with a particular focus on the oilfield services and manufacturing sectors.

Anita began her career at Price Waterhouse in the audit services department, gaining a strong foundation in assurance work that continues to inform her client service approach. She is passionate about collaborating with businesses on innovative solutions and financial strategies, taking the time to understand each client’s goals both professionally and personally. Having run her own business for 14 years, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities business owners face.

Outside of work, Anita’s commitment to excellence extends beyond her profession—she homeschooled her three children through high school while actively contributing to her church and community. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, holds a CPA license, and in 2016 completed her Master of Science in Accounting at Texas A&M University. Anita enjoys spending time with her husband, three grown children, and three dogs. She is an avid reader and loves traveling with her book and wine clubs as often as possible.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

AICPA

Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA)

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

Education:

B.S. in Accounting, University of South Alabama

M.S. in Accounting, Texas A & M University

There is something to be said for longevity, and Frank has not stopped learning and teaching since he joined LSL CPAs as a staff auditor in 1994. He attributes his tenure to the variety of clients and fun culture of the firm.

Given that he now works mainly with municipalities and government entities, that’s saying a lot. But he enjoys the organization required to perform these audits while simultaneously mentoring audit team members to perform at their best. Frank also works with clients on financial reporting and accounting throughout the year.

To further demonstrate his flexibility, Frank recalls one client that was scheduled for an audit later than usual due to a system conversion. When the client wanted LSL to perform the audit at the usual time, Frank and the audit team mobilized to perform the audit in just one week. Frank wants to deliver that same reliability on every project…preferably with a nice balance between effort and rest.

Great Clients for Frank… are municipalities and local governmental entities.
LSL candidate tip… Ask him about touring the south of France.
Personal… enjoys hiking, biking and backpacking.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Member and Technical Reviewer, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Education:

B.A. degree in Business Administration with Accounting emphasis, California State University, Fullerton

With more than two decades of public accounting experience, Aaron Rios brings deep expertise and a steady hand to LSL’s Consulting and Advisory Services (CAAS) Department. As a licensed CPA since 2003, Aaron specializes in helping governmental agencies—from municipalities and counties to school districts and special districts—navigate audits, reporting, internal controls, and compliance with confidence.

Before joining LSL, Aaron served as a partner at a top 25 regional firm and as an assurance director at a top 10 national firm as member of the governmental audit quality group. His experience includes leading large-scale engagements, including a city and county in Colorado with nearly $500 million in federal awards. He has conducted audits under Government Auditing Standards and the Single Audit Act, and helped clients prepare Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs) and Schedules of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), including required note disclosures.

Aaron is also a go-to resource for implementing complex GASB standards. His hands-on approach and passion for solving problems have made him a trusted advisor for internal control improvements, fund-to-government-wide conversions, and helping clients achieve GFOA Certificates of Excellence in Financial Reporting.

What drew Aaron to accounting? Surprisingly, it was a path to the FBI. But after a college economics course and an early interest in how financial systems work, he found his home in accounting—where every client engagement is a chance to learn, solve problems, and serve others.

Outside the Office… Aaron enjoys reading, working in his yard, going to the movies, and collecting vinyl records. He loves spending time with his two boys and relaxing with a cup of tea at Barnes & Noble.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

Education:

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi- Graduated with Honors.
Masters of Accountancy from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi.

Scott was born with a knack for numbers and an analytical mind. That coupled with his passion for working hard and putting in the time for his clients – you might say he found his calling as a CPA.

Scott started his career as an intern and then worked full-time in the industry as Tax Staff while attending CPA classes, earning his CPA in 2021. The tax area made sense to him because of its complexity and because taxes affect everyone: businesses and individuals alike. “I enjoy being a CPA because of the skillsets we must have to be successful at our craft. I like the challenge of working on complex projects, meeting firm deadlines, and serving the public with integrity and honesty.”

Manufacturing, real estate, professional services, and agriculture clients benefit from working with Scott to implement various tax planning strategies for individuals within these and other industries, including reducing or eliminating capital gains tax by selling unrealized loss positions in their investment portfolios to offset capital gains recognized during the year. His enjoyment of detecting patterns often leads to creative solutions—he might even suggest gifting stock or mutual funds to relatives in a lower income tax bracket if it would help.

Great Clients for Scott… Clients who value strategic advice.

LSL Candidate Tip… Ask him about his favorite Breaking Bad episode!

Personal … Scott spends much of his free time with his wife and three kids, and also out on the golf course. He is an avid sports enthusiast from hockey to football to baseball, and never misses a beat to catch his beloved Anaheim Ducks, USC Trojans, LA Rams, and LA Dodgers! His favorite vacation spots are Hawaii and Las Vegas. You can also find him out for Mexican, Italian, or Sushi.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Member of the AICPA and CalCPA
Firm Member, Prime Global

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Business from Cal Poly Pomona

Wesley Shin is a Manager in LSL’s Tax & Advisory Department, where he provides tax compliance and advisory services to businesses, high net worth individuals, and nonprofit organizations. Known for his ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues—whether in accounting, business strategy, or even mechanical repairs—Wesley brings focus, attention to detail, and a problem-solving mindset to every engagement.

A lifelong Southern California resident, Wesley began his career in the tax industry immediately after graduating from UC Irvine. Over the past nine years, he has earned his CPA designation and developed specialized expertise serving real estate investors, construction firms, and manufacturing companies. He delivers practical, up-to-date guidance on tax and regulatory matters, helping clients navigate changing laws and make informed business and financial decisions.

For Wesley, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing clients benefit from his advice. “CPAs are expected to keep up with constantly changing tax regulations, and that challenge makes my job exciting,” he says.

Outside of work, Wesley enjoys hiking the many scenic trails in Orange County and cheering on the Lakers and Dodgers. True to his lifelong love of fixing things, he often jokes that if you bring a broken vacuum to your tax appointment, he might repair it while preparing your return—and he’s not entirely kidding.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

Education:

BA in Business Economics from UC Irvine

Kiyomi Shiota has a green thumb. Her knack for growth, however, is with people and businesses.

As a senior assurance manager, Kiyomi oversees audit engagements and completes technical reviews of financial statements. She also assists with staff training and development. Kiyomi is known for being patient and flexible. She is proud to help others become successful, and is a high performer herself.

Kiyomi started her audit career at a Big Four firm and worked in the assurance department for 16 years, including an overseas tour to Japan. She joined ELLS Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors in 2017 and continued with the firm after it merged with LSL CPAs and Advisors in January 2018. She primarily works with clients in construction, healthcare, distribution and not-for-profit. Clients have access to a wealth of resources and experience through Kiyomi and her colleagues.

Great Clients for Kiyomi… are open to new ideas that will benefit their business.
LSL candidate tip… Talk about your resiliency and ability to embrace change.
Personal… Kiyomi is an animal lover and known by her friends as being reliable. She’s often the first person they call for help.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA),
Member, California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Member, Supervisory Committee for Altura Credit Union
Volunteer, Red Bucket Equine Rescue

Education:

B.S. in Accounting, California State University, San Bernardino

Jennifer Tomaszewski brings over two decades of experience in both public accounting and municipal government finance to her role as Senior Manager in LSL’s Consulting and Advisory practice. Her career has included key leadership positions across city and county governments, where she has earned a reputation as the go-to problem solver for complex financial, operational, and systems challenges.

Jennifer’s background includes early-career experience in audit and tax at a regional CPA firm, followed by a shift into government finance with the County of San Luis Obispo, CA. Since then, she has held senior roles at the City of Santa Barbara, CA—where she served as Finance Director—and led initiatives for the cities of Santa Maria, CA and Grand Junction, CO. She’s managed everything from ERP implementations and FEMA disaster reimbursement to citywide budgeting, debt issuances, and policy development.

While Jennifer’s public accounting work touched on a variety of industries—including municipal governments, agriculture, the wine industry, and medical organizations—her passion lies in improving financial operations within local government. She’s led initiatives for police and fire departments, community development, utilities, parks and recreation, airports, libraries, and more.

Clients turn to Jennifer for hands-on leadership with ERP transitions, financial cleanups, and process improvements that bring structure, accountability, and transparency to public services. She thrives on helping agencies navigate outdated systems, tackle backlogs, and build future-ready finance departments.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys the outdoors—trail running, hiking, skiing, and camping. She spends weekends with her dogs and horse, and loves gardening and cooking. A lifelong runner and nature enthusiast, she brings the same persistence and balance to her professional life as she does to her personal passions.

Professional Affiliations

Firm Member, PrimeGlobal

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

When asked what she does for a career, Olivia says, “I manage the human resources (HR) services for one of the best regional CPA Firms in Orange County.”

Olivia got her start in HR accidentally. Originally hired as an Office Manager at a start-up food manufacturing company, she was “thrown in” to help start the company’s HR department. She was a natural and joined LSL in March 2015.

As the Firm Administrator, Olivia provides professional HR guidance and coordinates the implementation of people-related services. She also develops policies and programs related to talent attraction and retention. Acting as the #1 fan of LSL, she drives the company culture and leads the corporate social responsibility initiative.

From making sure only the most qualified candidates come through the door to babysitting (in a pinch), Olivia is available to make life easier for the LSL team. She enjoys helping and building trust in others.

Great Clients for Olivia…those who appreciate the LSL culture and understand that she is there to help.
LSL candidate tip… If you’re lucky enough to join LSL, you’ll be working with some of the best people in the accounting business.
Personal… Olivia is married with two wonderful children. She loves the SoCal lifestyle and being outdoors. She also scrapbooks and bakes.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA)

Education:

B.A. degree, UCLA

Chris has over 15 years of experience in public accounting. He joined the LSL team in 2002.

Chris has a broad range of industry experience including manufacturing, real estate, and service companies. His areas of expertise include complex audit, review, and financial reporting issues and ERISA employee benefit plan audits.

Chris manages the majority of the firms’ review and audit engagements.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member, California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Member, Western Pension & Benefits Association

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Chapman University

Brent Wagstaff brings his passion for numbers and business to LSL as a Senior Manager in the Consulting & Advisory department. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence, Brent is excited to help standardize work procedures, ensuring seamless support for clients. Brent’s journey into accounting was fueled by his love for numbers and business. Now, as he steps into his new role, he looks forward to driving efficiency, supporting clients, and making a meaningful impact at LSL.

Brent works with closely held businesses and is a dynamic leader in our outsourced accounting division, where he takes pride in delivering exceptional Fractional CFO services to LSL clients. With a deep understanding of financial management, Brent excels in analyzing clients’ financials to provide clear, actionable insights. His approach is not just about reviewing numbers; it’s about empowering clients to make faster, more informed decisions that drive their business forward. Brent’s passion lies in helping clients set ambitious yet achievable goals, and he is dedicated to crafting tailored strategies with specific, measurable benchmarks to ensure those goals are met. His commitment to client success is evident in his hands-on approach, where he works closely with each client to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth.

LSL candidate tip … Brent looks forward to supporting LSL CPAs and Advisor’s clientele through an enhanced understanding of their needs. “I am excited to meet with them to see how we can help.”

Personal …  Outside of work, Brent enjoys coaching his daughter’s softball team and watching all UCLA sports. And you might find him cooking up some tri-tip or indulging in some good ol’ mac and cheese for a great meal.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm Member of Prime Global

Education:

BA in Economics from UCLA

Some people love puzzles; others love rules. Brittni Wiggin loves both—so naturally, she found her passion in tax accounting, where complex rules and intricate financial puzzles come together to create the ultimate challenge. With over 15 years in public accounting, Brittni brings both technical expertise and a passion for problem-solving to LSL’s tax team.

As an IRS Enrolled Agent, she holds the highest credential awarded by the IRS, allowing them to represent clients in audits, collections, and appeals at all levels of the IRS. She specializes in working with high-net-worth individuals and businesses across industries such as real estate, professional services, manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. Her expertise spans everything from preparing compiled financial statements and consulting on business sales to navigating IRS notices and resolving complex tax issues—like helping a client tackle over $2 million in back payroll taxes.

Brittni thrives on taking on large, complicated tax projects, enjoying the process of breaking down intricate tax regulations to provide clarity and solutions for her clients. Her approach is deeply personal—she values building trusted relationships and ensuring her clients have the right team of professionals to support their financial goals.

When she’s not deep in tax strategy… Brittni is probably in or near the water. A devoted traveler and thrill-seeker, she and her family love visiting theme parks, riding roller coasters, and scuba diving—her ultimate dream is to cage dive with great white sharks.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

IRS Enrolled Agent

Education:

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting, Northeastern State University, OK

Completed Graduate Coursework in Accounting and Taxation, Northeastern State University, OK

Lori’s superpower is helping local government agencies find efficiencies in daily processes that reduce errors and save the staff days’ worth of labor.

Lori became interested in accounting while working at a small family-run business. While there, she saw how important accurate records were to the entity’s success and for making sound financial decisions. She eventually moved to the local government sector, where she worked her way up through the ranks from front-line staff to Finance Director for small municipal governments. Coming from a small agency, she was exposed to all areas of the financial services department. Learning how to do each job and task has helped her see how all the different functions in a finance department fit together.

As a manager at LSL, Lori’s primary responsibility is overseeing the firm’s deliverables, including projects, mandatory reporting, internal and external customer service, account analysis, and strategic planning. Lori enjoys working closely with her clients and believes “having very open lines of communication is important so that expectations are clearly set.”

Great clients for Lori … Agencies challenged with labor-intensive, manual processes would be delighted by Lori’s ability to discover the causes of delays and bottlenecks. Some of the projects she has helped clients on include installing and training on third-party software and Excel workbooks that streamline agencies’ ERP reporting and accounting tasks with greater accuracy and using less time.

LSL candidate tip … Being able to identify if a project requires more resources or additional support is critical to ongoing success. Lori assesses tasks to ensure the right match between the team’s skillsets and the deliverables.

Personal … Lori likes hiking and fishing with her family in the summer. In cooler weather, you’ll find Lori trying new recipes, knitting and crocheting, or watching the LA Lakers or Game of Thrones.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

Education:

Business Administration, Concentration in Finance Management – California University Dominguez Hills

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences in life, and Laurie wants to be there for the surviving spouse or family members.

Overseeing trust and estate administration at LSL CPAs, Laurie has a soft touch when translating complex tax considerations into simple steps for her clients. She has worked in every aspect of public accounting as well as several years in private industry before rejoining Vilmure, Peeler & Boucher, which merged with LSL in 2013. Currently, her work includes court accountings and all related estate tax returns. As part of the firm’s tax and small business section, Laurie has assisted clients involved with the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program and has successfully represented clients in federal, state and county tax disputes.

As a senior manager, Laurie assists leadership at LSL with firm administration and planning. She is also actively involved in the firm’s “Doing What Counts!” program, which engages team members in a variety of charity and philanthropic activities throughout the year — from 5K fundraisers to donating blood.

Great Clients for Laurie… need an empathetic advisor for challenging trust and estate issues.
LSL candidate tip… Enjoy everything you do.
Personal… Proud mom to two Eagle Scouts, a gardener and explorer.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Member, National Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma

Education:

B.A. degree in Business Administration with Accounting emphasis, California State University, Fullerton

Being a CPA means constantly encountering new opportunities. Where some people might see a problem, Mark sees an opportunity get to the root of the issue and come up with a creative solution or process that will optimize his client’s results. Mark’s goal at the end of every project is a happy client who has the tools and information they need to take on their next challenge.

Mark relies on his broad background in public accounting and private industry to help him meet this goal. He has performed a variety of tax compliance and planning projects, including estate planning, for clients that have ranged from individuals with a small rental real estate portfolio, to businesses with sales of several hundred million dollars. In addition, Mark has structured business entities, created and installed accounting and information systems, obtained financing, and managed the attest process, both as auditor and client. In his over 30 years as a CPA, Mark has gained experience and expertise in diverse industries including real estate development, construction, property management, manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive dealership accounting.

Great clients for Mark… wish to add additional perspective or expertise to their team. Perhaps it’s time to tackle that stubbornly persistent problem.
LSL candidate tip… Mark is proud of his two Eagle Scouts and Mark was an Assistant Scoutmaster for many years. Share one of your own adventure stories with him.
Personal… Mark is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Laurie, who still puts up with his “all things tech” obsession.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
American Bar Association
Orange County Bar Association

Education:

Juris Doctor/Master of Real Estate Development, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting, Minors in Mathematics and Computer Science, California State University, Fullerton, California

Mark is also a member of our Automotive Accounting Team

Jill’s experience in accounting software sales and marketing paved the way for a career centered on what she loves and does best—helping CPA firms grow through smart strategy and strong relationships. With a passion for marketing, business development and a deep understanding of the accounting industry, she equips professionals with the tools, training, and confidence they need to drive new opportunities and build lasting client connections.

As LSL’s Director of Marketing & Business Development, Jill leads the firm’s overall growth strategy, guiding everything from brand positioning to pipeline development. She partners closely with the firm’s Partners and Managers to develop and implement plans and business development activities that align with their individual goals and the firm’s long-term vision.

Jill’s career began in accounting software sales where she worked directly with financial teams to understand their challenges and offer tailored solutions. Since transitioning into public accounting marketing and business development almost 20 years ago, she has worked with local and regional firms to develop high-impact marketing plans, improve firm visibility, and foster a business development culture across departments.

Personal … Jill will never say no to a Sprinkles cupcake – ever. She loves trying out new foods at local restaurants and is always up for Mexican food. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their King Charles Cavalier, Winston.

Professional and Civic Involvement

Member, Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM)

Firm Member, Prime Global

Firm Member, Boomer Marketing and Business Development Circle

Education

BA degree in Communications – California State University, Fullerton