2025 ISSUE 6 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEBRASKA SOCIETY OF CPAS 2025 Scholarship & Award Winners
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS JONI SUNDQUIST NESCPA PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR joni@nescpa.org KELLY EBERT VICE PRESIDENT kelly@nescpa.org MICHELLE LYONS STAFF ACCOUNTANT & OFFICE MANAGER michelle@nescpa.org LORI VODICKA MEMBERSHIP & CPE ASSISTANT lori@nescpa.org OFFICERS BOARD MEMBERS NESCPA STAFF JODI M. ECKHOUT CHAIRMAN Woods & Durham, Chartered Holdrege JUSTIN M. HOPE CHAIRMAN-ELECT Eide Bailly LLP Elkhorn HEATHER E. BARR SECRETARY Endicott Clay Products Co. Endicott GRANT H. BUCKLEY TREASURER Buckley & Sitzman LLP Lincoln DERRICK J. BLUM DIRECTOR Iron Horse CPAs & Advisors PC Norfolk LAUREN E. BOND DIRECTOR Deloitte & Touche LLP Omaha LAURIE ANN J. BUHLKE DIRECTOR Contryman Associates PC Grand Island NICOLE L. COOPER DIRECTOR Project Harmony Omaha MARK F. DUREN DIRECTOR Lutz Omaha LORRAINE A. EGGER AICPA ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE CyncHealth La Vista RICHARD D. GIFFORD WEST NEBRASKA CHAPTER PRESIDENT Richard D. Gifford, CPA Scottsbluff BRIAN M. KLINTWORTH IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN HBE LLP Lincoln KELLY A. MANN AICPA AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVE AuditMiner Gretna JILL R. TRUCKE DIRECTOR University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln Tax and accounting manager wanted immediately for Omaha CPA firm. Knowledge of tax, accounting, and auditing concepts required. Send resume to Berger, Elliott & Pritchard, CPAs, L.L.C., 1301 S. 75th Street, Suite 200 or email to info@bepcpa.com. BETTER TAX SEASON BETTER FIRM BETTER PLACE TO WORK TAX AND ACCOUNTING MANAGER 4 Nebraska CPA
Once again, The Best Lawyers in America® has recognized 46 McGrath North attorneys in the full range of specialty practice areas key to supporting businesses of all sizes across a broad range of industries, and 27 attorneys have been recognized for 10 years or more! McGrath North invests time, energy and resources to build a culture of professional excellence and integrity that produces results for our clients to make lives better. INSPIRED BY EXCELLENCE. COMMITTED TO SUCCESS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY. Collaborating with companies and CPA firms on: State Tax Audits • State Tax Appeals • State Tax Planning • State Tax Incentives State Business Incentives • Site Development Incentives • Property Tax Appeals Nick Niemann, JD State & Local Tax & Incentives Attorney Partner, McGrath North (402) 633-1489 nniemann@mcgrathnorth.com www.mcgrathnorth.com | www.nebraskastatetax.com | www.nebraskaincentives.com Matt Ottemann, JD, LLM State & Local Tax & Incentives Attorney Partner, McGrath North (402) 633-9571 mottemann@mcgrathnorth.com
16 C O N T E N T S 8 ©2025 Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants | The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. The Nebraska CPA is published six times each year by The newsLINK Group LLC for the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants and is the official publication for this society. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, its board of directors, or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. Nebraska CPA is a collective work and as such some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants. While the Nebraska CPA encourages a first-print policy, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (855) 747-4003. ISSUE 6, 2025 EDITORIAL: The Nebraska Society of CPAs seeks to reflect news and relevant information to Nebraska and other news and information of direct interest to members of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Statement of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the authors alone and do not represent the opinion or endorsement of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Articles may be reproduced with written permission only. ADVERTISEMENTS: The publication of advertisements does not necessarily represent endorsement of those products or services by the Nebraska Society of CPAs. The editor reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. SUBSCRIPTION: Subscription to the magazine, a bi-monthly publication, is included in membership fees to the Nebraska Society of CPAs. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 8 Investing in the Future of Accounting $127,100 in Scholarships Awarded to 97 Nebraska College Students By Joni Sundquist, Nebraska Society of CPAs 11 Tax Tips for Nonprofit Fundraisers By Hannah Fischer Frey & Linnea Jorgenson, Baird Holm LLP COUNSELOR’S CORNER 14 When Fiduciaries Fail What CPAs Need to Know About Trustee Mismanagement By Minja Herian & Kaci Claborn, Koley Jessen TRANSFORMATION TRENDS 16 Tax Season Readiness Three Levers You Can Still Pull Before January By Donny Shimamoto, CPA, CITP, CGMA, Inspiration Architect, Center for Accounting Transformation 18 2025 Award Winners 22 2025-2026 NESCPA Scholarships 26 Support Future CPAs! 28 Congratulations, New CPA Certificate Holders! 29 Nebraska Society of CPAs Political Education Committee Shaping the Future for Nebraska CPAs 30 Who Are Your Future Stars? Let’s Keep the Best & Brightest in Nebraska 31 100% Membership Program Support the CPA Profession & Become a 100% Membership Organization Today! 32 100% Membership Firms 33 2025 NESCPA Advertiser Index 34 CPA Firm Regional Leadership Network
1700 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, NE 68102 www.bairdholm.com BH BairdHolm attorneys at law llp HANNAH FISCHER FREY, J.D., LL.M. 402.636.8345 hfrey@bairdholm.com JESSE D. SITZ, J.D. 402.636.8250 jsitz@bairdholm.com PARTNERS YOU CAN COUNT ON Business succession and exit planning Tax planning in mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations Partnership taxation structuring and compliance Tax credits, tax incentives, and alternative financing Section 1031 exchanges Wealth transfer planning, including estate and gift taxation Nonprofit exemption applications and compliance Audit response and representation before the IRS, state, and local authorities
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE INVESTING IN THE $127,100 in Scholarships Awarded to 97 Nebraska College Students BY JONI SUNDQUIST, NEBRASKA SOCIETY OF CPAs FOR NEARLY FIVE DECADES, THE FOUNDATION OF THE Nebraska Society of CPAs has been committed to nurturing the next generation of accounting professionals. What began in 1976 as a small but meaningful initiative has grown into one of the most impactful scholarship programs supporting Nebraska’s future CPAs. Our mission remains the same: empower students, strengthen the profession, and invest in the leaders who will shape the financial future of our communities. This year, that mission came to life in a remarkable way. The Foundation awarded $127,100 in scholarships to 97 dedicated accounting students representing 14 colleges and universities across Nebraska. Each award—ranging from $1,000 to $3,000— helps talented students take a significant step toward reaching their educational and professional goals. SUPPORTING STUDENTS AT EVERY STAGE For now, the 150-hour requirement continues to be a major milestone in the journey to becoming a CPA. To help students succeed, the Foundation has strategically directed support to help students meet this educational challenge. Of this year’s 97 scholarships: 22 scholarships went to students as they complete their 150-hour requirement. Four scholarships were awarded to students in honor of our 2025 Society award recipients. Two scholarships honored the legacies of former Society executives: Arnold Magnuson, who served the Society from 1958 to 1990, and Dan Vodvarka, who served from 1990 to 2018. 28 Pipeline Scholarships, made possible by the generosity of our members and firms, encouraged students to continue on the path to CPA. 41 General Accounting Scholarships supported students earlier in their college careers. CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE Congratulations to all 2025-2026 scholarship recipients! These students represent the talent, drive, and promise that fuel the future of the CPA profession. We are inspired by their accomplishments and excited for the contributions they will bring to Nebraska’s businesses and communities. We also extend our appreciation to the state’s exceptional accounting faculty and administrators. Their mentorship, dedication, and commitment to excellence play a crucial role in preparing students for the rigor and responsibility that’s required of a career as a CPA. EXPANDING OUR REACH IN 2026 Looking ahead, the Foundation has committed to broadening its scholarship outreach. Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, six scholarships will be offered specifically to students at Nebraska’s community colleges who plan to continue their accounting studies at a baccalaureate-granting institution in Nebraska. OF ACCOUNTING Future 8 Nebraska CPA
This expansion strengthens the accounting pipeline by encouraging more students to progress toward advanced coursework, complete the remaining credit hours, and ultimately pursue CPA licensure. Reaching students earlier and supporting them as they plan their educational next steps helps ensure a stronger, more diverse future for the profession. JOIN US IN MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT You’ll find our 2025-2026 scholarship recipients featured on pages 22-25. These outstanding students represent the bright future of the accounting profession. The success of our scholarship program is possible only because of the generosity and commitment of our members, firms, and supporters. If you haven’t already, I invite you to become a donor and help increase our impact. A contribution of any size helps propel a student toward completing their degree and, ultimately, joining the CPA ranks. You’ll see the annual Honor Roll of Donors in Issue 1 of 2026. Visit www.nescpa.org/scholarships/donate to make a gift and help us continue supporting Nebraska’s accounting talent. Joni Sundquist is president and executive director of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. You may contact her at (402) 476-8482 or joni@nescpa.org. THANK YOU TO THE 2025-2026 FOUNDATION OF THE NEBRASKA SOCIETY OF CPAs BOARD OF TRUSTEES Daniel Wells President Hancock & Dana PC, Omaha Kristian Rutford Vice President Labenz & Associates LLC, Lincoln Christopher Lindner Secretary Forvis Mazars LLP, Lincoln Michelle Thornburg Treasurer HBE LLP, Omaha Ryan Burger GBE CPA PC, Seward Lori Druse Deloitte & Touche LLP, Omaha Neal Lyons UNICO Group Inc., Lincoln Patrick Meyer Retired, Lincoln Erica Parks Forvis Mazars LLP, Omaha Linda Scholting Doane University, Crete 402-817-1000 Lincoln | Bruning | endacotttimmer.com Here to help you navigate the legal ins and outs of wealth transfer taxes. The legal professionals at Endacott Timmer. From left: Patrick D. Timmer, Kent Endacott, and Elizabeth Workentine, Attorneys at Law 9 nescpa.org
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TAX TIPS FOR NONPROFIT FUNDRAISERS BY HANNAH FISCHER FREY & LINNEA JORGENSON, BAIRD HOLM LLP NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ARE OFTEN created and designated as Section 501(c)(3) entities under the Internal Revenue Code, which leads many organizations to believe they are not responsible for various types of taxes. In particular, nonprofit organizations selling items in fundraising settings often operate under the false assumption that they do not need to collect and remit state sales tax. Practitioners should flag this issue for their nonprofit clients and help them navigate compliance with state sales tax obligations. In Nebraska, there are four groups of sales tax exemptions:1 retailer-based (often implicated in fundraisers) buyer-based product-based use-based Qualifying for exemption via any of the categories is somewhat rare and we urge nonprofit organizations to assume they are subject to sales tax, unless they can establish otherwise. Further, certain of those exemptions require confirmation of exemption via filing Form 4 with the Nebraska Department of Revenue (NDOR).2 SALES TAX ON FUNDRAISING EVENTS In the case of fundraisers, nonprofit organizations operate as a retailer of tickets and products (e.g., donation baskets, auctioned items, etc.). Many nonprofit organizations operate under the false assumption that selling tickets to, or selling products at, a fundraiser does not trigger sales tax. But unless a nonprofit organization qualifies for exemption via one of the above-listed groupings and, if applicable, is approved as sales tax exempt by NDOR, it must collect and remit sales tax on items sold at a fundraising event.3 Just like any other retailer, nonprofits must calculate market value of the ticket or item prior to the event, and they are required to indicate this value on a separate line item on the invoice.4 If there is not a separate line item on the invoice, and fair market value of the good or service cannot be calculated, then the total amount on the invoice becomes taxable5 and the nonprofit is likely responsible for paying sales tax on the entire invoice. This can be significantly more than the price of the product or service being offered and may cost the organization more money for failing to separate out the market value of the goods and services from the total donation amount. Accordingly, nonprofit organizations must identify both the fair market value and, relatedly, the amount of the donation on any item sold. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 11 nescpa.org
NDOR provides the following example in the Nebraska Taxation of Nonprofit Organizations Guide:6 “Example 1: A nonprofit organization holds a pancake feed in Lincoln. The amount charged to contributors is $15. The fair market value of the pancake meal is $5. The organization indicates on the ticket: Pancakes $5.00 Tax @ 7% .35 Contribution 9.65 Total $15.00 The organization will remit 35¢ for each pancake meal.” By contrast, if the sales tax is not separately listed, the entire transaction is subject to sales tax:7 “Example 2: A nonprofit organization offers a big screen TV (provided by the local furniture store) or one year of house cleaning service (provided by a local house cleaning business) in exchange for a contribution. The amount of the contribution is $3,000. The TV and the house cleaning service are each valued at $1,000 (fair market value).” If the receipt only references the $3,000 contribution, then the organization must collect and remit sales tax on the total. If, however, the receipt states that the fair market value of the TV or the cleaning service is $1,000, then sales tax is collected and remitted only on such amount, significantly reducing the amount of sales tax owed. Accurately disclosing, calculating, collecting, and paying sales tax can have a significant impact on an organization, both legally and financially. PENALTIES FOR NOT REMITTING SALES TAX In the case of fundraisers, failure to file and failure to pay penalties can rack up quickly. The penalty for late filing sales tax is the greater between 10% of the unpaid tax or $25, plus interest as specified under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 45-104.02.8 Additionally, willfully failing to collect, account for, or pay sales tax in Nebraska could result in a Class IV felony.9 If the Nebraska Department of Revenue were to audit an organization, it would likely be over a period of years and would implicate many fundraising events, meaning exposure could be significant. CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION SUBSTANTIATION LETTER Relatedly, nonprofit organizations hosting fundraisers are often auctioning taxable goods or services that implicate their substantiation requirements. After making a donation of more than $250 to a charitable fundraiser, the donor may be able to claim a deduction on their tax return. To claim a charitable contribution deduction on a federal income tax return, the donor must obtain a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charitable organization.10 On the other side of the transaction, nonprofit organizations are required to provide donors with a written disclosure statement when donors receive goods or services after making a contribution of $75 or more. The written statement should include: the name of the organization; the contribution amount; a description of any property contributed; a statement that goods or services were not provided by the organization in exchange for the contribution, if applicable; a description and good faith estimate of fair market value of the goods or services provided by the organization in exchange for the contribution, if applicable; and a statement explaining the intangible religious benefits received in exchange for the contribution, if applicable. For fundraisers, an exception exists for goods or services considered to have insubstantial value and thus do not need to be described on the written statement.11 CONCLUSION Overall, it is important for nonprofits to be aware of their obligation to remit sales tax unless they have one of the four exemptions and are approved by the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Failing or incorrectly remitting sales tax can have serious implications for an organization, so it is imperative the organization is accurately recording and paying sales tax. Hannah Fischer Frey is a partner at Baird Holm LLP, focusing on corporate transactions, federal and state tax planning issues, and tax-exempt matters. Fischer Frey has addressed complex partnership and corporate tax issues, including business reorganizations, private equity fund structuring, business succession planning, and tax planning in mergers and acquisitions. She has been closely involved in numerous federal and state tax examinations and audits. Linnea Jorgenson was a summer associate for the firm. For more information, call (402) 344-0500 or email hfrey@bairdholm.com. 1 Information Guide, Nebraska and Local Sales Tax, https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/ doc/info/6-352.pdf. 2 Nebraska Exemption Application for Sales and Use Tax, https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/ files/doc/tax-forms/f_4.pdf. 3 There is an exception if the fundraising event is resulting in admission to an event or place, a transfer of property, or a taxable service such as pest control or building cleaning. https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/ doc/info/7-215.pdf. 4 316 Neb. Admin. Code Ch. 1, § 090.09A. 5 Id. at § 090.09C. 6 The Nebraska Taxation of Nonprofit Organizations, https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/ doc/info/7-215.pdf. 7 The Nebraska Taxation of Nonprofit Organizations, https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/ doc/info/7-215.pdf. 8 Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 77-2708(c); 45-104.02(1). 9 Id. at § 77-2713(1). 10 Charitable Contributions, https://www.irs.gov/pub/ irs-pdf/p1771.pdf. 11 Goods or services have insubstantial value if the fair market value of the goods and services received by the donor does not exceed the lesser of 2% of the total payment by the donor or $125; OR, if the donor’s contribution is more than $62.50 and the goods and services provided have the organization’s name or logo and are less than $12.50 in value. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1771.pdf. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 12 Nebraska CPA
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COUNSELOR’S CORNER WHEN FIDUCIARIES FAIL What CPAs Need to Know About Trustee Mismanagement BY MINJA HERIAN & KACI CLABORN, KOLEY JESSEN TRUSTS ARE ESSENTIAL TOOLS IN ESTATE PLANNING, HELPING people manage and pass on assets while avoiding probate. But even the best plans can fall apart if the trustee does not do their job properly. Poor trust management can reduce the value of a trust, create family conflict, and lead to expensive legal battles. As a CPA, understanding a trustee’s duties, recognizing warning signs, and advising clients proactively can help prevent these issues. WHAT IS A TRUSTEE? A trustee is the individual or entity appointed to manage trust assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries. Trustees hold legal title to the assets but must act solely in the beneficiaries’ best interests. This fiduciary role carries significant legal and financial responsibilities, and failure to meet them can result in personal liability. WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A TRUSTEE? Trustees must follow these core duties: 1. Loyalty – The trustee must always act in the best interest of the beneficiaries and avoid personal gain. 2. Impartiality – The trustee must treat all beneficiaries equally, especially when the beneficiaries’ interests may differ. 3. Prudence – The trustee must administer the trust with care, skill, and caution. 4. Inform and Report – Trustees must keep beneficiaries reasonably informed about the administration of the trust and provide regular, accurate annual reports. These reports should include a clear summary of trust assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. WHAT IS TRUSTEE MISMANAGEMENT? Trustee mismanagement occurs when the foregoing duties are breached. Common examples include: 1. Self-dealing – This can occur when a trustee sells property to themselves or their business at below-market prices, uses trust funds to pay personal expenses, or otherwise personally gains at the trust’s expense. 2. Lack of Communication – This can occur when a trustee withholds accountings, delays distribution decisions, or fails to consult beneficiaries about significant actions. Missing or incomplete accountings can mask improper withdrawals or unexplained expenses. When involved with the accountings, CPAs should verify that all financial reports are timely, accurate, and reconciled with the trust bank statements. 3. Improper Investment of Trust Assets – This occurs if a trustee invests heavily in speculative ventures, fails to diversify, or holds illiquid assets without justification. Poor investment choices often lead to diminished principal or liquidity issues. CPAs should review investment allocations for compliance with the Prudent Investor Rule and confirm that risk levels align with the trust’s objectives. 4. Excessive Fees – This can occur when a trustee charges unreasonable trustee commissions, hires overpriced advisors, or bills for unnecessary services. Inflated fees erode trust value and may indicate self-dealing. CPAs should compare trustee and advisor fees against industry standards and ensure they match the trust agreement’s terms. These actions can lead to legal consequences, including removal of the trustee and surcharge actions. 14 Nebraska CPA
HOW TO PREVENT MISMANAGEMENT & AVOID DISPUTES To help prevent trustee mismanagement and reduce the risk of disputes, it’s essential to build strong safeguards into the trust from the start. When a client is preparing to serve as a trustee and seeks your guidance, recommend that the trust document include clear financial guidelines, i.e., how investments should be managed, approval processes for major transactions, and distribution standards. These details reduce ambiguity and protect against fiduciary errors. Recommend oversight mechanisms, such as co-trustees or a trust protector with authority to remove or replace a trustee, to strengthen accountability. Establish reporting requirements and response timelines to promote transparency and allow early detection of issues. Finally, confirm that trustee compensation is well-defined, either capped or tied to the trust’s size and complexity, to prevent excessive fees and preserve trust assets. HOW TO ADDRESS TRUSTEE MISMANAGEMENT If a client suspects trustee mismanagement, advise them that beneficiaries have several remedies. The first step is often requesting a formal accounting to review trust transactions and financial activity. If the trustee fails to provide this, court intervention may be required. In serious cases, such as clear breaches of duty or ongoing mismanagement, beneficiaries can petition for trustee removal. Courts may also compel compliance, prevent further violations, or recover misused assets through a constructive trust or surcharge action against the trustee. In appropriate circumstances, courts may also appoint a neutral third-party fiduciary, known as a special administrator, to serve in the role of trustee for some or all purposes of the trust’s administration. Throughout this process, stress the importance of engaging experienced legal counsel to protect interests and navigate complex trust litigation. CONCLUSION Trustees carry significant fiduciary responsibilities, and failure to meet those obligations can jeopardize the trust’s integrity and the beneficiaries’ financial security, as well as open the trustee to significant liability. By promoting transparency, prudent management, and proper oversight, CPAs can help safeguard trust assets and reduce the risk of disputes. Minja Herian, a shareholder at Koley Jessen, and Kaci Claborn, an associate with the firm, assist clients with complex litigation, including trust and estate disputes and issues involving trust administration. Their estate litigation team brings a practical, trial-ready approach to helping families and advisors resolve high-stakes conflicts. They can be contacted at minja.herian@koleyjessen.com and kaci.claborn@koleyjessen.com. It’s not balance—it’s belonging. At Frankel, you’re not just a name on a spreadsheet. You’re part of a team that celebrates birthdays, checks in after long days, and believes your career should fit your life. We’re growing—and we’re looking for people who want to grow with us. Tax, Audit, Accounting, Technology, & Business Consulting 402.496.9100 | jobs@frankel.cpa Learn more about open positions at frankel.cpa/careers 15 nescpa.org
TRANSFORMATION TRENDS TAX SEASON READINESS Three Levers You Can Still Pull Before January BY DONNY SHIMAMOTO, CPA, CITP, CGMA, INSPIRATION ARCHITECT, CENTER FOR ACCOUNTING TRANSFORMATION Feeling behind on prep? You’re not. With a focused push on workflow, well-being, and cyber hygiene, you can still meaningfully change your firm’s tax-season trajectory this December. TAX SEASON PRESSURE TENDS TO ARRIVE IN TWO WAVES: the operational crunch and the human cost. Most firms over-optimize for the first and underestimate the second—then a phishing email or file-sharing mistake takes both down at once. Good news: you still have time to move the needle on all three. The following is a preview—and a practical checklist—you can start using today. 1. WORKFLOW WINS YOU CAN IMPLEMENT IN DAYS (NOT MONTHS) 5Map your tax platforms ecosystem at a glance. List the core stack you’ll use from January to April: engagement letters, onboarding/intake, document exchange, OCR/scan, tax prep, e-signature, e-file, payment, and analytics. Note the handoffs. Wherever people re-key, you have friction and error risk. 5Quick-install automations to reduce touches. Client intake to organizer: Turn on portal requests with required fields; auto-generate organizers from last year’s return and lock down missing-item reminders on a cadence. Document normalization: Configure scan/OCR rules to auto-rename and route W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and K-1s into the correct client/year folder; push exceptions to a triage queue. E-signature + payments: Bundle EL + 8879 + invoice with one e-sign packet; auto-send a secure payment link on signature completion. Status transparency: Stand up a kanban board by return type and complexity; add Service Level Agreement (SLA) tags (e.g., “Client Waiting,” “Prep,” “Review,” “Ready to File”) visible to the whole team. 5Scheduling and load leveling. Block focused prep windows on shared calendars (no meetings) three mornings per week. Implement intake gates: anything received after 2 p.m. is tomorrow’s work unless tagged “critical.” Assign a daily triage lead to resolve blockers, reassign work, and communicate client updates. 5Metrics that matter. Cycle time by return category, percent organizers returned complete, rework rate at review, percent portal adoption, and “days stuck” in each stage. If a metric isn’t helping you make a same-week decision, park it until May. 2. RESILIENCE IS A SYSTEM—NOT A SLOGAN Dr. Katelyn Hopson, an accounting professor at Arkansas Tech University, recently completed research on “state hope,” the short-term, event-specific resource that rises or falls during busy season.1 Hope isn’t fluff; it’s built on three components: a) Goals (what success looks like), b) Pathways (realistic ways to get there), and c) Agency (motivation + belief we can do the work). Accountants with higher state hope are less likely to burn out and less likely to quit during stressful periods. The kicker: leaders can influence it. 16 Nebraska CPA
5How to operationalize hope in tax season: Team goals that connect to firm goals. Don’t just say “file on time.” Pick two or three experience goals (e.g., “<10% rework,” “24-hour client response,” “no weekend email after 6 p.m. except critical”) and show how they ladder to client satisfaction and realization. Weekly 15-minute “pathways” huddles. Ask: What’s your next step? What’s in the way? What help do you need? Keep it practical; move obstacles in the moment. Agency boosters. Rotate “win of the week,” publish small progress signals (returns moved from Review → Ready to File), and protect focus blocks. Mentors and buddies—beyond new hires. Let people choose a check-in colleague who actually fits. Informal support often beats formal assignments. Respect the whole person. If someone is caregiving or volunteering, make flex time explicit and visible on calendars. When life is acknowledged, hope rises—and turnover intention drops. 5Leader script you can use tomorrow: “Here are our team goals for January through April. Here are the pathways we’ll use. Here’s how we’ll help each other when we get stuck. If your load changes or life throws a curveball, tell us early—we’ll adjust together.” 3. CYBER HYGIENE: MINIMUM VIABLE HARDENING BEFORE PEAK RISK Tax season amplifies cyber risk: more Personally Identifiable Information (PII), more email volume, more fatigue. A lightweight hardening sprint this month can prevent catastrophic downtime later. 5Your December cyber checklist: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on everything (portal, tax app, email, file storage, remote access). No exceptions. Patch and update all endpoints and your tax stack; verify Endpoint Detection and Response/Antivirus (EDR/AV) is installed and reporting. Email security basics. Turn on advanced phishing protection and external sender banners; quarantine auto-forward rules; disable legacy protocols. Password manager rollout (firm-wide) and a short live demo on creating/using vaults. Secure file exchange only. Kill ad-hoc email attachments; use request links with upload encryption and expiry. Least-privilege access to client folders; time-box elevated rights to 8-12 weeks and auto-revoke post-season. Two 20-minute drills: 1. Phish-spotting huddle—show three real examples; practice reporting. 2. Lost laptop playbook—who to call, remote wipe, client notification thresholds. Tax season success isn’t luck; it’s systems and signals. When you align your tools (workflow), people (resilience), and protections (cyber), you produce fewer surprises, faster throughput, and a team that ends April tired—but intact. Donny C. Shimamoto, CPA, CITP, CGMA, is the founder and inspiration architect for the Center for Accounting Transformation, which enables transformation by guiding professionals through the adoption and change required in order to step into the future of the accounting profession. He is also the founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC, a Hawaiiheadquartered advisory‑focused CPA firm dedicated to improving the world by helping small and mid-sized entities (SMEs) accelerate their business transformations through the application of Environmental Social & Governance (ESG) and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks right-sized for smaller organizations. 1 Hopson, Katelynn, “Never Fear, Hope is Here: A Quantitative Analysis of Public Accountants’ Hope During Busy Season” (2025). Dissertations. 1529. https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/1529 A ONE-PAGE STARTER PLAN This Week Publish your tax stack map + Kanban board. Enable organizer reminders and standardized e-sign packets. Schedule weekly pathways huddles (15 minutes max). Turn on MFA everywhere; confirm patch status firm-wide. Next Week Launch intake gates + daily triage lead rotation. Roll out the password manager and phishspotting drill. Block three prep mornings on calendars through April 15. Week Three Review cycle-time and rework data; remove one step that doesn’t add value. Run the lost-laptop drill; confirm leastprivilege access. Survey team on “hope drivers”: What goal, pathway, or support would most help you this month? 17 nescpa.org
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE PROFESSION AWARD Mark F. Manning, CPA MARK F. MANNING, CPA, HAS BEEN selected to receive the prestigious Distinguished Service to the Profession Award from the Nebraska Society of CPAs, celebrating his exceptional commitment to the accounting profession. A respected practitioner and firm leader with a career spanning more than four decades, Mark has exemplified steady leadership, professional excellence, and deep dedication to the accounting profession in Nebraska. Mark graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1981 and began working at Peat Marwick (now KPMG). He received his CPA certificate in 1982, launching a career that would shape both his life and the communities he has served. In 1988, he founded Manning and Associates, PC, in Crete, Neb. Just four years later, he expanded his practice by acquiring an office in Geneva, Neb. The two locations were consolidated in 2000. As president of Manning and Associates, Mark has built a firm grounded in trust, technical competence, and community engagement. He has guided individuals, families, and businesses through financial challenges and opportunities, developing a reputation not only as a skilled CPA but also as a reliable partner who cares deeply about the people he serves. His work ethic has made him a fixture in southeast Nebraska’s professional and civic life. Beyond his client work, Mark has contributed tirelessly to the growth and integrity of the accounting profession. A proud member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs for 41 years, he has been actively engaged in Society activities across decades of change, always championing the Society’s mission to advance and strengthen the profession. His leadership spans four years on the Society Board of Directors, 17 years on the Society Foundation Board of Trustees—where he served as both president and secretary— and 12 years on the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Committee, including a term as chairman. He also volunteered extensively with the Society’s former Peer Review Committee before peer review was officially formalized. In addition, Mark has been deeply engaged in civic leadership. In the early 1990s, he served as president of the Crete Chamber of Commerce and was heavily involved with Sertoma, reflecting his belief that building communities and building the profession are closely intertwined. In 2020, Mark was appointed—and reappointed in 2024—to the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy, where he continues to provide leadership on issues critical to the profession’s future. He serves on the State Board’s CPE Committee, helping ensure Nebraska CPAs meet the highest standards of continuing professional education. As chairman of the Peer Review Committee, he plays a central role in upholding the profession’s commitment to quality and accountability. Mark’s distinguished career reflects a rare balance of professional achievement, service to others, and unwavering dedication to public trust. Whether advising a client in Crete, traveling to Geneva to meet with a local business, raising scholarship dollars to support the Society’s Foundation, or shaping policy as a member of the State Board, he has consistently put service first. The Nebraska Society of CPAs is proud to recognize Mark Manning with the 2025 Distinguished Service to the Profession Award—the Society’s highest award—for his decades of leadership, his commitment to excellence, and his enduring contributions to the accounting profession in Nebraska. 2025 Award Winners 18 Nebraska CPA
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD Dennis D. Blackman, CPA FOR MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY, Dennis D. Blackman, CPA, has exemplified what it means to be both a professional leader in accounting and a servant leader in his community. As president and founder of Blackman & Associates, PC, in Omaha, Neb., Dennis has spent more than 50 years providing trusted expertise in auditing, taxation, and management advisory services. His career has been defined by integrity, excellence, and a commitment to the next generation. His long-standing record of civic and charitable leadership sets him apart as this year’s recipient of the Nebraska Society of CPAs’ Public Service Award Dennis began his career in public accounting after earning both a BSBA in accounting and an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Over the years, he has developed expertise across industries including construction, real estate, finance, retail, and emerging companies. While managing the demands of running a firm, Dennis found time to share his expertise with the profession. He authored articles for national publications such as Taxes: The Tax Magazine, Management Accounting, and The CPA Journal, tackling subjects from retirement planning to corporate strategy and staff recruitment. Dennis’ impact has extended far beyond his own practice. He is a 48-year member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs, serving on the board of directors, chairing committees, instructing Society courses, and being a fervent supporter of the Society’s Foundation. Nationally, he is a long-time member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Dennis’ alma mater has also benefited greatly from his service. He was chairman of the National Advisory Board for the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration, helping guide the college’s vision. In 1990, UNO honored him with its Alumni Achievement Award, recognizing both his professional accomplishments and his dedication to the university. Dennis has been equally active in civic leadership across Omaha. He served on the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as a director and treasurer of the Metropolitan Omaha Builders Association. Dennis has dedicated years of service— including two as chairman—to the Nebraska Methodist Hospital Foundation. Years ago, a critical asthma attack left him dependent on the lifesaving care of Methodist Hospital—a turning point where he translated his gratitude into both service and philanthropy. Whether serving as a CPA, an educator, a board chairman, or a philanthropist, Dennis has consistently exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and civic duty. His career reminds us that the role of a CPA extends far beyond financial statements and tax returns—it is also about stewardship, leadership, and service. Dennis has built a respected accounting practice, led professional organizations, guided civic institutions, and, alongside his wife Cathy, invested deeply in Omaha’s healthcare and educational communities. His leadership and generosity have touched thousands of lives, and he continues to embody the values of service and professionalism. For these reasons, the Nebraska Society of CPAs is proud to recognize Dennis Blackman with its 2025 Public Service Award. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 19 nescpa.org
OUTSTANDING CPA IN BUSINESS & INDUSTRY AWARD Edward T. Regan TODAY, NEARLY HALF OF THE SOCIETY’S members do not practice public accounting but instead have careers as educators, in government, or in a variety of capacities in business and industry in Nebraska. One of those outstanding Society members is Edward T. Regan, who is the recipient of the Society’s 2025 Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry Award—an honor he received shortly before his passing on Nov. 8, 2025. Although Ed left public accounting in 1969, he continued to apply the knowledge and expertise he acquired during that time to become one of Nebraska’s most respected wealth management advisors. Early in his career, he combed through SEC 10K reports to identify some investment opportunities, applying the analytical skills he gained through accounting—skills he continued to use in evaluating investment managers. Over the years, he served a broad range of investment clients, assisted their CPAs, and shared his knowledge with schools and nonprofits as chairman, board president, board member, treasurer, and investment committee member. Ed earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Creighton University in 1960, passing the CPA exam before graduation. In college, he worked for Brandeis, first in the men’s clothing department and later in the accounting department. After graduation, he became Brandeis’ internal auditor and soon joined Haskin & Sells (now Deloitte) in Omaha, Neb., as an audit department staff accountant. He practiced public accounting for 10 years, holding audit positions with accounting firms in Omaha, Neb., Nebraska City, Neb., and Mankato, Minn. During this time, he specialized in electric utilities, providing services to small and large businesses including OPPD. In 1969, he left public accounting and joined Dean Witter’s investment training program in San Francisco. This launched a 56-year career in Omaha with firms including Dean Witter; Chiles, Heider & Co.; Dain, Kalman & Quail; Robert W. Baird; Kemper Securities; and First Securities. In 1979, he opened the Omaha branch of EF Hutton, which later became Lehman Brothers’ Securities. As EF Hutton’s Omaha branch manager, he helped some major corporations go public. Ed was a member of the first class to earn the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designation from The Wharton School of Business at Penn State. This distinction required extensive graduate-level coursework and examination. He helped found the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA, now known as the Investment & Wealth Institute, IWI) and also chaired the continuing education classes required to maintain the CIMA designation. IMCA recognized him twice for his significant contributions to the industry. In 2000, alongside his son Pat, he co-founded The Regan Group Inc., a wealth management consulting firm specializing in separate account management. Until his passing, Ed continued to assist clients at the Regan Group and prepared the firm’s monthly market newsletter, analyzing economic data and investment trends. 2025 AWARD WINNERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 20 Nebraska CPA
OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTING EDUCATOR AWARD Elizabeth L. Forbes, CPA, DBA ELIZABETH L. “LISA” FORBES, CPA, DBA, is being honored with the Nebraska Society of CPAs’ 2025 Outstanding Accounting Educator Award for her remarkable contributions to the classroom, the profession, and the community. A dedicated teacher, mentor, and leader, Lisa has spent more than two decades inspiring students not only to master accounting concepts but also to connect theory with practice in meaningful ways. Lisa is program director of the business program and the AdventHealth Endowed Chair of Business Administration at Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Neb. Since joining the faculty in 2002, she has inspired hundreds of students through her teaching in accounting and finance, weaving together theory and practice in courses ranging from Principles of Accounting and Intermediate Accounting to Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Business Analytics. Her classes are known for their energy, interactivity, and real-world relevance. She incorporates case studies, professional speakers, CPA exam preparation, and budgeting simulations that bring accounting concepts to life. Before entering academia, Lisa spent eight years in public accounting. She began her career at Baird, Kurtz & Dobson and later advanced to audit manager with Deloitte in Lincoln, where she worked with clients such as the University of Nebraska, Lincoln Public Schools, National Bank of Commerce, Ameritas, and Nebraska Book Company. These experiences continue to shape her classroom instruction, grounding her lessons in practical knowledge. A licensed Nebraska CPA since 1992 and a 25-year Society member, Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, summa cum laude, from Union College, followed by an MBA in finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She completed her Doctor of Business Administration at Anderson (Ind.) University in 2016. Lisa’s dedication to students extends beyond the classroom. She assists with Union’s mentorship program, pairing students with business professionals for career guidance. She advises dozens of students annually, helping them chart academic and professional paths. Her students consistently praise her ability to make complex topics understandable, her enthusiasm for teaching, and her genuine investment in their success. Twice, students have recognized her with Union Adventist University’s coveted Teacher of the Year award. Colleagues and students alike describe Lisa as an inspiring role model who sets high standards while creating a supportive environment. As one former student wrote, “She truly puts her students’ success above all else, ensuring they are fully prepared for the workforce.” In addition to her academic leadership, Lisa has been active in service to the church, community, and profession, from serving on finance committees and nonprofit boards to presenting personal finance workshops and contributing to professional training events. For her unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, her mentorship of future CPAs, and her leadership in advancing accounting education, the Nebraska Society of CPAs is proud to present Dr. Lisa Forbes with the Outstanding Accounting Educator Award. Submit a Nomination Form Today! https://www.nescpa.org/about/awards 21 nescpa.org
2025-2026 NESCPA SOCIETY AWARD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS DAVIS GUETTERMAN University of Nebraska Omaha Public Service Award Scholarship Honoring Dennis D. Blackman RYAN KRAMER University of Nebraska Lincoln Distinguished Service to the Profession Award Scholarship Honoring Mark F. Manning DESIGNATED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 150-HOUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS BROOKE MCCULLY Chadron State College Chadron SHANE ROBERTS Chadron State College Chadron NOLAN FUELBERTH Concordia University, Nebraska Seward KYLA SCHLEUSENER Concordia University, Nebraska Seward ADAM VAN CLEAVE Concordia University, Nebraska Seward SAMANTHA MANHART Creighton University Omaha KAMRYN VENNER Creighton University Omaha DELANEY CATRON Doane University Crete LOGAN MENKE Doane University Crete KYLEE HASSELMANN Hastings College Hastings ADAM BOBLENZ Creighton University Omaha Outstanding CPA in Business & Industry Award Scholarship Honoring Edward T. Regan TAYLOR SLIVA Doane University Crete Outstanding Accounting Educator Award Scholarship Honoring Elizabeth L. “Lisa” Forbes CARSON TVRDY University of Nebraska Omaha Arnold L. Magnuson Scholarship SYDNEY OWEN University of Nebraska Kearney Dan Vodvarka Scholarship Scholarships 22 Nebraska CPA
BRADY DAVIS Midland University Fremont AIDEN WALSWICK Midland University Fremont JOE HEIM University of Nebraska Lincoln THEODORE KITTLE University of Nebraska Lincoln DALLI ANDERS University of Nebraska Kearney JOSHUA STONER University of Nebraska Kearney ALLISON SURMEIER University of Nebraska Kearney ALAYNA “LAYNIE” KUHN University of Nebraska Omaha TORRI OSANTOWSKI University of Nebraska Omaha MADISON BRAINARD Wayne State College Wayne CAMDEN “CAM” RHODES Wayne State College Wayne GINA WRAGGE Wayne State College Wayne PIPELINE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS TRINA BERNAL University of Nebraska Omaha Dennis D. Blackman Scholarship LOGAN GROESSER University of Nebraska Omaha Dennis D. Blackman Scholarship AVERY HERMAN University of Nebraska Omaha Dennis D. Blackman Scholarship ADRIAN IRLBECK University of Nebraska Omaha Dennis D. Blackman Scholarship BROOKE KOVAR University of Nebraska Omaha Dennis D. Blackman Scholarship CAITLYN ADAMS Concordia University, Nebraska Seward Ryan L. Burger Scholarship MADELINE LEWIS Concordia University, Nebraska Seward Ryan L. Burger Scholarship AIDEN GREER Creighton University Omaha Deloitte Scholarship CARSON LEITING University of Nebraska Kearney Deloitte Scholarship SUKER MENDOZA‑CALMO University of Nebraska Omaha Deloitte Scholarship HAYDEN MILLS University of Nebraska Lincoln Mark F. Duren Scholarship LINH N. “HARLEY” LE University of Nebraska Omaha David A. Emry Scholarship in Memory of Ron Ueberrhein & Herman Weist CAITLYN HOOD University of Nebraska Lincoln E. Lyle Kinley, Jr. Scholarship LUKE OLSON University of Nebraska Lincoln E. Lyle Kinley, Jr. Scholarship COLTON COSTELLO Midland University Fremont Donald D. Kluthe Scholarship DIEGO MILLAN Midland University Fremont Donald D. Kluthe Scholarship CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 23 nescpa.org
ALYSSA FJELSTAD University of Nebraska Lincoln Jim & Penny Krieger Family Foundation Scholarship BREE HORYNA University of Nebraska Kearney Fred A. Lockwood, Lockwood Foundation Scholarship BRYCE PISKORSKI University of Nebraska Lincoln Mark F. Manning Scholarship HUY LE University of Nebraska Lincoln Matthew & Teri Mercer Scholarship JULIA BONDARCHUK Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln Patrick & Cheryl Meyer Scholarship RACHEL KOLAR University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska Society of CPAs Scholarship in Memory of Walter H. Radcliffe ALDEN ZABAWA University of Nebraska Omaha Tricia K. Riggins Scholarship ALEC NOONAN Midland University Fremont Michelle R. Thornburg Scholarship JAMIE TRIOLO Hastings College Hastings Thomas J. Von Riesen Scholarship MADELINE BRUNSSEN Chadron State College Chadron Sean & Becky Wolfe Scholarship WESTON HEINEMANN University of Nebraska Kearney Sean & Becky Wolfe Scholarship KEVIN PEREZ-LOPEZ Union Adventist University Lincoln Anonymous Scholarship SAMANTHA BELL Bellevue University NATASHA CARDOSA Bellevue University LIZBETH CARRILLO Chadron State College SETH GLASS Chadron State College PAIGE MELOHN Concordia University, Nebraska LUCAS FUNK Creighton University CONNOR GINSKEY Creighton University JONATHAN LUKAS Creighton University OWEN OMDAHL Creighton University JULIANNE SCHMIDT Creighton University ISAIAH LOHMAN Doane University DANIELLE HOER Hastings College GENERAL ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 24 Nebraska CPA
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