Jen has extensive experience with financial statement audit, review and compilation services for public, privately held and private equity-backed companies. Experience includes clients with numerous subsidiaries, foreign operations and multiple revenue streams, as well as preparing GAAP financial statements, note disclosure research and preparation, identifying audit risks and developing audit strategies. Additionally, Jen has worked on consulting engagements for clients, which include streamlining consolidation of foreign subsidiaries and developing parameters for converting a cash-based accounting system to accrual. Jen is also involved in PKF Texas’ internal employee training and coaching program.
Industries Served:
- Oil and Gas Field Services
- Professional Services
- Retail
- Manufacturing/Chemical Manufacturing
- Entertainment
- Real Estate
- Health Care
- Not-for-Profit
- Employee Benefit Plans
Designations:
CPA, Certified Public Accountant
Experience:
Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C., Houston, TX
Senior Manager, 2020 - Present
Manager, 2016 – 2020
Senior Associate, 2014 – 2016
Grant Thornton LLP, Boston, MA
Senior Associate, 2013 – 2014
Associate, 2012 – 2013
Weinstein Spira & Co. P.C., Houston, TX
Associate, 2011 – 2012
Education:
Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI
Bachelor of the Arts - Liberal Arts
What energizes you about your job?
For me, it's not the accounting that energizes me - it's the problem solving and the search for the best solutions. There's a certain kind of satisfaction that comes from taking what appears to be chaotic data, pulling it apart and analyzing it, then putting it back together to create something meaningful.
What energizes you about working at PKF Texas?
I've worked at firms both smaller and larger than PKF Texas, and what I really love about this firm is that there is a great balance between a tight-knit inclusive culture that you tend to find at smaller firms with the standards and work quality that you see at larger firms. This, combined with the fact that we get a lot of freedom over our work schedules and styles, makes working for PKF Texas very enjoyable.
Where are you from?
I'm from Traverse City, Michigan. It's a tiny little vacation town in northern Michigan. It's also the cherry capital of the world! Even though it's so small, it's very well known and consistently makes the list of top places to visit/retire in the U.S. It's known for its crystal clear freshwater beaches, wineries, golf courses, culinary delights, film festival, art school and much more. I love my hometown and go back every summer to visit.
What's your favorite season?
I've always loved Summer and Fall, although I admit, it's much harder to love Summer now that I live in Texas. Growing up, Summer in northern Michigan was always the best time of year - and still is. Everyone takes advantage of the long days by getting outside and having fun biking, boating, hiking, swimming, you name it! In Houston, Fall is my favorite season, because the weather is really nice and I'm usually less busy at work so I can get out and enjoy it!
What's your favorite vacation destination?
I usually tend to go for beach/tropical vacation destinations, but I have to say my all-time, hands down, best vacation ever was a safari I went on with my husband in South Africa. It was the most amazing thing be able to witness the animals going about their daily lives so up close and personal! I even had a leopard walk so close my side of the truck I could have reached out and touched it! Aside from the animals, it was great to disconnect and be in the moment - no TV's, no cell phones, no email, just being there taking in everything around us. All in all, it was a truly magical experience that words cannot describe. Everyone needs to go on an African safari at some point in their lives!
