Posts in category: Firm News

The Memphis accounting and consulting firm Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck (RBG) is pleased to announce the addition of Skylar Bursi, Joseph Katool, Jerome Lindsey, Jamison Payne, and Parker Sewell to their professional team.

All five young professionals join the RBG team as interns for the 2020 tax season. Their primary focus will be on assisting with completing tax returns and experiencing tax season as part of a team of accounting professionals.

“I love welcoming interns to the team—it is always a very exciting time for the firm,” said Skeet Haag, CPA, managing partner of RBG. “Their eagerness to learn and willingness to serve really invigorate the whole office. As we gear up for the 2020 tax season, I am thrilled to have Skylar, Joe, Jerome, Jamie, and Parker joining us.”

Bursi is currently in pursuit of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at the University of Memphis. She expects to graduate in December of this year. She is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA). Bursi is a native of Memphis.

A student at the University of Mississippi, Katool expects to graduate with a Bachelor of Accountancy this May. He is a recipient of the 2019 Undergraduate Scholarship from the Mississippi Society of CPAs and is one of 25 seniors at his school to receive the Distinguished Senior Scholarship. Katool was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi.

Lindsey expects to graduate from the University of Memphis this summer with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is currently affiliated with the AICPA, the TSCPA, Lambda Alpha International, and the Fogelman Finance Club. He is a candidate for Beta Alpha Pi. Raised in Chattanooga, he currently lives in Memphis.

A graduate of Northwest Mississippi Community College, Payne holds an Associate of Art in accounting. She is currently enrolled at the University of Mississippi and expects to graduate in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She next intends to pursue a master’s degree in accounting. She currently lives in Courtland, Mississippi.

Sewell holds an associate degree in accounting from Itawamba Community College. He is currently enrolled at the University of Mississippi and expects to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting this year. He currently lives in his hometown, Pontotoc, Mississippi. 

Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck (RBG) is pleased to announce the addition of Mary Apple to their professional team. 

Apple joins the RBG team as the Human Resources Manager. She brings with her professional experience in various leadership roles, the last being Director of Professional Recruitment and Operations at an AmLaw 100 law firm.

“Mary is a fantastic addition to our team,” said Skeet Haag, CPA, managing partner of RBG. “She is incredibly experienced. Her professionalism and know-how will quickly make her a big boost to the firm.”

Apple attended the University of Memphis, earned an Executive Leadership certificate from Rhodes College, and received yoga teacher training certificates in vinyasa and aerial yoga.  She is currently affiliated with the Society of Human Resources Professionals (SHRM). Apple lives in Memphis, Tennessee with her dog Bailey. 

The passionate people at RBG have always impressed Skeet Haag. Having a good group of people to work with was what drew him to become part of the firm. In fact, he has worked at RBG his entire career; he knows what it’s like to work your way up from an associate position. A driven worker, Skeet’s persistence, work ethic, proactiveness, and passion for helping people have been the keys to his success. A success that allowed him to become the new Managing Partner of RBG at the beginning of the firm’s second century of existence.

As the new Managing Partner in a brand new decade, Skeet answered some questions regarding his new role.

Q: At the beginning of your career, what inspired you to choose accounting?
A: Accounting just clicked with me. I liked math, but accounting seemed much more logical. Also, both of my brothers had gone into accounting to start their business careers.

Q: Looking back at your career, knowing what you know now, is there anything that you would do differently?

A: Accounting is just one aspect of the CPA profession. In school, you are not taught that communication and people skills are just as, or even more, important to be extremely successful in this profession. Looking back, I would have taken many more writing and speech classes in college, as well as putting more focus on developing these skill sets earlier in my career.

Q: What do you consider the biggest challenge that RBG faces in the future, and how do you intend to confront it?

A: No doubt, attracting and retaining good people are the biggest challenges. While we’ve been very successful at recruiting interns from college campuses, we continually search for experienced staff who fit with our culture. 

Q: What are you most excited for, as you step into the role of Managing Partner?

A: We’ve had so many great RBG team members over the years, but I don’t remember RBG being so well positioned for the future with the talent level we have now. That’s very exciting. John [Griesbeck] has really teed it quite nicely for me going into RBG’s second century and I cannot thank him enough.

Q: What are your big-picture goals for your time at the helm of RBG?

A: People and quality growth. I have witnessed firsthand that getting the right people in the right seats working for a common goal builds a great culture; then quality growth naturally occurs. We have developed definitive people and growth goals through 2025 and processes by which to achieve those goals. RBG’s partners are true entrepreneurs committed to remaining independent – getting the right people in the right seats will ensure that destiny.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style?

A: I’d use the words teamwork and collaborative. Teamwork is a core value by which everyone at RBG is judged, and it starts with our partner group – it is non-negotiable. Much can be accomplished with everyone working together towards one goal. As John C. Maxwell said, “The truth is that teamwork is the heart of great achievement”.

The firm is excited to watch what will unfold with Skeet at the helm. John Griesbeck remains a partner at the firm, focusing on building great client relationships.

We are pleased to announce that Ben Alexander, CPA and Austen Myers, CPA, CFE have both been promoted to Audit Manager.

Alexander established his career with RBG in 2014, shortly after graduating from college. He currently works in the firm’s niche area of Manufacturing & Distribution. Meyers joined the RBG team in 2017 after spending two years with Dixon Hughes Goodman. He currently serves in the firm’s Financial Institutions niche.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Ben and Austen on their recent promotions,” said Skeet Haag, CPA, managing partner of RBG. “Their hard work and dedication are evident in their daily work. It is a pleasure to watch them take this next step in their careers with RBG.”

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Alexander holds a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA). Alexander is a life-long resident of Memphis.

Myers studied at both the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. He is a member of the AICPA, the TSCPA, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He is also an active member of the University of Mississippi Alumni Association and the Christian Brothers Alumni Board. Myers currently lives in Memphis with his wife, Bramlett.

 

The Memphis accounting firm Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck (RBG) has named Skeet Haag, CPA as its new managing partner. Haag succeeds John Griesbeck, CPA, who has served as the firm’s managing partner since 2004. 

“Having spent my entire career with RBG, it is truly an honor to be handed the reins of managing partner—a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I look forward to upholding both our key traditions and our status as a respected member of the local community. I’m also excited to keep moving the firm forward as we continue to grow,” said Haag. “I’m thankful to John for his strong leadership of the firm over the past 15 years. He fostered a culture that promotes an enduring commitment to both client service and each other. His legacy will certainly live on.”

Griesbeck held the position of managing partner for 15 years, and under his leadership, the firm experienced significant growth and success. “I’m happy to see Skeet take on this new role,” says Griesbeck. “I value his experience and energy. I know he will promote excellence by continuing our firm’s focus on superior service and strong client relationships.”

Haag joined RBG in 1981 after graduating from Christian Brothers University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He served as the firm’s assurance partner for many years, leading its niche practice areas for manufacturing, distribution, dealerships, and employee benefit plan audits. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA), and Allinial Global’s Manufacturing and Distribution Committee. Additionally, he has served many organizations within his local community, including the Wolf River Conservancy, the Kiwanis Club of Memphis, Kiwanis Charities, Inc., and Ave Maria Nursing Home. Raised in Vincennes, Indiana, Haag currently resides in Memphis with his wife, Beth. 

Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck (RBG) team member Thames Kennedy has been approved for her license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Tennessee. 

Kennedy joined RBG in 2017 as an audit intern. She currently serves as tax staff. In this capacity, she participates in a variety of tax assignments for firm clients. 

“Thames should be very proud of this fantastic achievement,” said John Griesbeck, CPA, managing partner of RBG. “Earning one’s CPA designation is a big deal, and one of the most important milestones in an accountant’s career. I am very impressed that Thames was able to achieve this while remaining fully invested in her work her at RBG.”

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Accountancy with a Minor in Finance in 2017 and a Master of Professional Accountancy in 2018. She is affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA). Raised in Ridgeland, Mississippi, Kennedy currently lives in Memphis.

After months of deliberate planning, we’re excited to announce a few changes at RBG in the new year. John Griesbeck, CPA, will transition out of the role of managing partner at RBG effective January 1, 2020. Skeet Haag will be his successor.

John joined the firm in 1975 and has held the position of managing partner 15 years. Under his leadership, the firm experienced significant growth and success. He will remain a partner at the firm and is happy to have more time to focus on the success of his clients. 

Recently, John provided an interview to discuss the transition and his career.

Q: At the beginning of your career, what inspired you to choose accounting?
A: Accounting runs in my family; my grandfather, father, and three older brothers were all CPAs. During college, my finance and accounting courses lent knowledge to my career path. I also worked part-time at RBG, which gave me an opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained. It seemed natural to take advantage of the opportunity I had in public accounting.

Q: Looking back at your career, knowing what you know now, is there anything that you would do differently?
A: I would have changed some of my courses while I was in college. Knowing what I know now, I would have taken more marketing and management courses. Also, I would have read more about leadership and managing a professional services firm.

Q: What is the biggest change RBG went through while you were Managing Partner? 
A: I am proud to say that the biggest change has been the amount of women in the profession and in our firm. Women make up half of our employees, 25% of our partners, and many of our clients are owned or led by women. These trends will only increase in the future.

Q: What is the biggest challenge that RBG faces in the future?
A: I think the biggest challenge our firm faces in the future is continuing to retain the best and brightest professional staff. Many of the challenges our firm will face – automation/artificial intelligence, partner succession, increasing competition – cannot be met without great talent. That’s why people have always been our number one priority.

Q: What was your favorite part of being the firm’s managing partner?
A: I’ve always loved watching younger generations learn and grow into outstanding practitioners. As managing partner, I had a window into the entire firm and could observe team members develop throughout the firm. It is very satisfying to give these folks opportunities and see them step up to meet any challenge that comes along.

Q: How would you describe the legacy that you leave behind?
A: At RBG, we speak often of legacy – after all, we have been in business for more than 100 years. I hope that what I leave behind is an updated, yet similar, sense of legacy that our firm  has always lived by – serving clients to the best of our abilities, treating people the way any of us would want and expect to be treated, and giving back to the community that has supported us generation after generation. 

Q: What was the hardest part of being Managing Partner, over the years?
A: Managing people can be tricky. All are unique, unpredictable, and usually motivated by a variety of factors. (Did I just describe myself?) But our most important asset is people and we work hard every day to be a great place to work and serve clients.

Q: What advice do you have for the new Managing Partner, Skeet?
A: I’d like to remind Skeet to always LEAD:
Listen to all stakeholders – sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected sources.
Embrace change – there is no status quo.
Admit your mistakes – humble people are much easier to work with.
Demand more of yourself than anyone else.

John has always been a hard-working, determined individual. His leadership proved that when you apply yourself, you will be rewarded with success and growth. The firm is full of gratitude for all the things John accomplished during his tenure as Managing Partner. We look forward to the future with him as Partner.

The century-old, Memphis-founded accounting firm Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck PLC has recently added a new tax partner, Chad Boyd. Boyd has been a public accounting presence in the Mid-South for over 21 years. He joined Arthur Andersen in 1997 upon completing his undergraduate and Master of Taxation degrees at Mississippi State University. He then moved to Memphis in 2001 with Arthur Andersen before joining Deloitte where he has been until joining RBG, most recently acting as Managing Director. 

“We believe that Chad’s passion for serving clients as well as his attention to supporting and developing staff will greatly benefit RBG now and in the future,” said managing partner John Griesbeck. “Chad has the ability, drive, and entrepreneurial spirit to help us continue to grow our client base and attract talented staff as we move into RBG’s second century, with specific sights on our 2025 goals.”  

Boyd is active in giving back to the community in Memphis, and is excited to be a part of a local firm. In addition to his work experiences, Boyd also serves as a Trustee for the Pink Palace Museum, and a member of the Advisory Council for the Mississippi State University Adkerson School of Accountancy. He and his wife Gina have two children and love calling Memphis home. 

“I am thrilled to join the RBG team. I have been aware of RBG for a number of years. Their reputation for integrity and longstanding presence in the Memphis business community drew me to this opportunity. I am very excited to partner with the talented RBG team and help continue to grow this company by supporting and serving our clients,” said Boyd. 

Prior to joining Reynolds, Bone, and Griesbeck, Boyd’s experiences at Deloitte and Arthur Andersen have afforded a wealth of experience working primarily with private companies, and their owners and families, in nearly all facets of taxation. Additionally, Boyd has led teams focused on tax compliance, tax planning, and consulting for a variety of domestic, multi-state, and international flow-through clients as well as corporate clients. Boyd has his CPA, Master of Taxation, and Bachelor of Professional Accountancy. 

Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck, PLC has been awarded a 2019 Top Workplaces honor by The Commercial Appeal. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC (formerly WorkplaceDynamics), a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“This recognition is a big deal, because it indicates so much about a business,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck has truly distinguished itself by putting its people first and providing a superlative work environment for their team members.”

“I consider it a great honor to be included, once again, on this list of distinguished organizations,” said John Griesbeck, CPA, Managing Partner of Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck, PLC. “The fact that we have fostered such a healthy workplace culture really shows when you look at the talent we have on our team, the low turnover rate we experience, and the fantastic results that we are able to achieve for our clients.”

About Energage, LLC 
Headquartered in Exton, Pa., Energage (formerly known as WorkplaceDynamics) is a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools that help leaders to unlock potential, inspire performance, and achieve amazing results within their organizations. The research partner behind the Top Workplaces program, Energage has surveyed more than 50,000 organizations representing well over 17 million employees in the United States.

The Memphis accounting and consulting firm Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck (RBG) is pleased to announce the addition of Matthew Owen to its professional team. Owen joins the firm as an intern and will serve in the Audit Department. 

“It is my pleasure to welcome Matthew to the team,” said John Griesbeck, CPA, managing partner of RBG. “I love our internship program. It’s such an honor to be involved in the budding careers of so many young professionals. I wish Matthew well as he embarks on this exciting new endeavor.”

Currently enrolled at the University of Memphis, Owen expects to graduate in 2020. He is an exceptional student, which is evidenced by the fact that he has appeared on the Dean’s list for multiple semesters. Owen currently lives in Memphis.