BEN GOLDEN

Ben graduated from The University of Alabama in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He went on to graduate from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California in 2002 with a Masters Degree in Taxation. He plans to sit for the CPA exam in the near future.

Ben has over 13 years of experience in accounting. During his 13 years of experience, he has gained vast knowledge regarding small businesses, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and estate taxes. His experience also includes high net wealth individuals and asset protection.

Ben’s proactive style leads him to always strive to be ahead of the issues that come up in everyday business and finances. Ben believes that a strong foundation of planning will allow his clients to struggle less with issues by being proactive. His experience in life with taxes and the construction industry affords him the ability to apply real-world scenarios to your business in order to stream-line and help improve your business.

Education:

• Masters in Taxation- Golden Gate University- 2002
• Bachelors of Science, Accounting- University of Alabama- 1999

Community Involvement:

• Bay County Chamber of Commerce
• Small Business Institute Committee
• Spring Classic Committee
• Member of the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army
• Pro-bono
• Panama City Paws & Claws
• Bay Artists, Actors & Musicians Organization
• Lord’s Gym - free financial advice offered

KELLIE STEPANEK

Kellie Stepanek graduated from Georgia State University in Atlanta in 2002 with a Bachelors of Business Administration. During college, she worked at a software development company as the Office Manager. After graduation, she worked in diverse areas at a television advertising firm and a floor manufacturing company, enabling an intimate understanding of the workings of small to mid-size companies.

In the spring of 2005, Kellie and her husband relocated to beautiful Panama City, FL, where she joined a custom cabinetry company as an Accounting Manager. In 2007 Kellie took on a partnership role at Howell, Stepanek and Golden, an accounting firm specializing in payroll, tax and bookkeeping. She has recently finished her Master’s in Accounting and Managerial Finance from Keller Graduate School. Kellie plans to sit for the CPA exam in the near future.

Kellie is a certified QuickBooks® ProAdviser and has over 12 years experience in accounting with a focus on small to medium companies. She specializes in helping companies improve and refine existing processes.

Education:

• Bachelors of Business Administration- Georgia State University, 2002
• Masters in Accounting and Managerial Finance- Keller Graduate School, 2007

Community Involvement:

• Bay County Chamber of Commerce
• Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce Ambassador
• Lighthouse to the Nations
• Treasurer and member of the Executive Board the Panama City POPS Orchestra