About Our Firm

A Team You Can Trust

Our award-winning team of highly skilled accountants has been serving small business owners nationwide since 2001. Our talented professionals have more 150 years of combined accounting experience and will provide you with outstanding customer service and accurate financial reports. We are passionate about helping you succeed! Our mission is to create unique options that save your money, free your time, and secure your peace of mind.

We have been blessed to have won some major awards over the last few years. That’s nice for us, but what do those awards mean to you?

2011 Business Ethics Award from the
Greater Arizona Better Business Bureau

• Upholding the standards of trust of the BBB  (Click here for award video on blog)
• Maintaining high levels of ethics and integrity in business practices

2010 National Women in Business Champion Award from the
U.S. Small Business Administration

• Providing services that enhance the business owner experience
• Advocating for small business owners    (Click here for award video on blog)
• Mentoring other small business owners
• Supporting an environment for the creation and expansion of small businesses

2009 Business Ethics Award finalist from the
Greater Arizona Better Business Bureau

• Upholding the standards of trust of the BBB (Click here for award video on blog)
• Maintaining high levels of ethics and integrity in business practices

2008 Business Owner of the Year Award from the
National Association of Women Business Owners,
Phoenix Metro Chapter (NAWBO Phoenix) 

• Differentiation from the competition
• Overcoming obstacles
• Business success
• Giving back to the small business community

THE FIRM’S PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

Better Business Bureau, A+ Accredited Business since 2007
Arizona Small Business Association member since 2001

FOUNDER & CEO:  CAROLYN J. BROWN

Carolyn started the firm in June of 2001. A serial entrepreneur, Carolyn has launched seven successful businesses over the last 35 years. In addition to being a seasoned accountant and experienced business owner, she is professional speaker, author, and mentor. Recognized as a business and community leader, she is a Past President and Charter Member of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Phoenix Metro Chapter (NAWBO Phoenix) founded in 1985.

After pursuing a Business degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Carolyn moved to Phoenix in 1967. She has owned accounting firms since 1978 and first started doing personal bill paying in 1986. She has worked with businesses from a wide variety of industries including service, retail, construction, real estate, medical, manufacturing, business coaches, and professional speakers.

Hobbies include sailing, yoga, hiking, reading, knitting, and travel.
A widow, she has two grown daughters and two great son-in-laws.
She lives in Chandler, Arizona.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• National Association of Women Business Owners, Phoenix Metro – Charter Member & Past President
• Arizona Society of CPAs – Affiliate Member
• National Speakers Association – Candidate

ACCOUNTING MANAGER:  MARCIA BENINCASA

Marcia joined the firm in 2008 after serving as Controller for 18 years her last employer. She manages our team of Accounting Associates, does reviews of financial statements, works with our clients’ CPAs, and helps handle TAO’s accounting. She has more than 30 years of accounting experience in manufacturing, construction, retail and service industries. Marcia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Hobbies include reading, boating, ATV riding, and spending time with her family.
Married, she has two grown sons and two granddaughters.
She lives in Oceanside, California.

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE:  LYNN READ BECK, CPA

Lynn has more than 20 years of accounting experience and was Controller for a private firm as well as tax manager for both regional and national accounting firms. Lynn has extensive tax compliance experience and although we don’t do tax returns, this knowledge is beneficial to our clients. She has experience with retail, medical, and service industries and non-profit organizations. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Major in Accounting and is a member of the Rhode Island and Arizona Society of CPAs.

Hobbies include reading, walking her dog, volunteering, knitting, and crocheting.
Married, she has three children.
She lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

 ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE:  CHRISTY EDWARDS, CPA

Christy has more than 30 years accounting experience and has been a CPA for 26 years. She has been VP position for an international firm and shareholder in a CPA firm. She has experience in various industries such as retail, service, restaurant, retirement plans, non-profit, estates and trusts, and taxation both domestic and international. Christy is a member of AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants).

Hobbies include scuba diving, travel, and RVing with two cats and a dog.
Married, she has one adult son.
She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

 ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE:  DEBRA VANDERPLOEG

Debra has more than 20 years of accounting experience. She was Finance Director for her last employer and oversaw 10 perfect audits as well as a major rebuilding project. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Accounting and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. She has experience in service industries, medical, manufacturing, retail, and non-profit organizations.

Hobbies include reading, hiking, and body building.
She has four sons and lives in Phoenix, Arizona

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: WANNA GODDARD

Wanna has many years of experience as an administrative assistant. She has worked for everything from a national park to an engineering firm. She is a Microsoft Office pro and has great attention to detail. She is constantly helping us to streamline and improve our systems so that we are as efficient as possible.

Hobbies include sewing, gardening, cooking, knitting, crocheting, and volunteering at church.
Married, she has 3 grown children and one daughter-in-law.
She lives in Chandler, Arizona