Business Details
Expert Accounting & Consulting Services St. Louis
At Conner Ash, we approach accounting with a commitment to industry-specific expertise and personalized service. Our team of seasoned professionals combines technical proficiency with deep understanding of diverse sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and nonprofit organizations. We prioritize proactive client relationships, offering tailored solutions in assurance, tax planning, and software integration. With decades of collective experience, we focus on delivering actionable financial insights that empower business growth. Our services extend beyond traditional accounting to include fraud prevention, succession planning, and employee benefit plan audits.We distinguish ourselves through a dedication to transparency, ethical standards, and continuous professional development. By maintaining affiliations with leading industry networks like BKR International, we ensure our clients receive globally informed perspectives. Our St. Louis-based practice serves clients nationwide, emphasizing clear communication and strategic partnership. We measure success through our clients' ability to make informed financial decisions and achieve long-term objectives. This philosophy has sustained multi-decade relationships with many of our business clients.
Services
Accounting Services
Employee Benefit Plans
Fraud Detection
Software Solutions
Nonprofit Audits
Tax Planning
Succession Planning
Internal Controls
Business Consulting
ERISA Compliance
Highlights and features
- We maintain industry-specific expertise through ongoing research and association memberships.
- Our team includes CPAs with decades of combined experience in assurance and tax services.
- We offer customized accounting software solutions for Sage, QuickBooks, and Peachtree users.
- Our proactive approach includes fraud prevention strategies reducing risk by 85%.
- We specialize in complex employee benefit plan audits required by ERISA regulations.
Associations and certifications
- BKR International
What people say
Industry-specific knowledge
Decades of experience
Proactive approach
Clear communication
Customized solutions
Services
Employee Benefit Plans
Conner Ash provides comprehensive employee benefit plan audits and compliance services. Our ERISA-certified experts ensure regulatory compliance for 401(k), pension, and profit-sharing plans. We perform annual testing, prepare Form 5500 filings, and develop customized plan designs. Our services include participant account reconciliation, IRS determination letters, and cafeteria plan implementation. With specialized knowledge of DOL regulations, we help organizations maintain tax-advantaged status while protecting employee interests.
Fraud Detection
Our fraud prevention services focus on internal control assessment and improvement. We conduct comprehensive risk assessments, implement detection systems, and develop anti-fraud policies. The team performs control reviews to identify vulnerabilities in financial processes. We follow ACFE-recommended practices to reduce fraud losses by 85%. Services include transaction testing, employee training programs, and whistleblower policy development. Our goal is to create layered defenses against financial misconduct while maintaining operational efficiency.
Software Solutions
Conner Ash offers tailored accounting software solutions for growing businesses. We specialize in Sage 100, Sage 50, QuickBooks, and Peachtree implementations. Our consultants assess business needs, configure systems, and provide ongoing support. We help clients transition from legacy systems to modern platforms while ensuring data integrity. Services include custom report development, integration with existing workflows, and staff training programs. Our team combines accounting expertise with technical proficiency to optimize financial operations through technology.
Nonprofit Audits
We provide specialized audit and compliance services for mission-driven organizations. Our team handles Form 990 preparation, OMB Circular A-133 audits, and compliance reviews. Services include grant tracking, donor compliance, and tax exemption maintenance. We understand the unique challenges of affordable housing entities, religious organizations, and social service agencies. Our approach balances regulatory requirements with operational realities. We help nonprofits strengthen internal controls while maintaining focus on their core missions through strategic financial guidance.
Business Tax Planning
Our tax planning services address the complex needs of corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. We develop strategies to minimize tax liabilities while maintaining compliance. Services include entity selection analysis, multi-state tax planning, and transaction structuring. We help business owners coordinate personal and corporate tax strategies. Our team stays current with changing regulations to identify savings opportunities. We provide year-round tax consulting to ensure clients benefit from proactive planning rather than reactive compliance.
People
Alicia Brockland-Take
President and Principal, Assurance Services
Alicia leads assurance services at Conner Ash with over 20 years of experience in public accounting. She specializes in audit engagements for construction and manufacturing firms. Her expertise includes regulatory compliance and financial reporting standards.
Bob Klutho
Principal, Assurance Services
Bob provides assurance services with a focus on nonprofit organizations and employee benefit plans. He has conducted hundreds of ERISA-compliant audits and specializes in regulatory compliance for charitable entities.
Nicole Vermeersch
Principal, Assurance Services
Nicole specializes in assurance services for distribution and real estate clients. With 15+ years in public accounting, she focuses on financial statement audits and regulatory compliance for mid-sized businesses.
Jim Gentry
Principal, Tax and Accounting Services
Jim leads tax strategy for corporate clients, specializing in multi-state tax planning. He helps businesses optimize entity structures and develop tax-efficient transaction strategies for mergers and acquisitions.
Brian Ostendorf
Principal, Tax and Accounting Services
Brian provides tax consulting for closely-held businesses, focusing on succession planning and estate tax strategies. He helps business owners align personal financial goals with corporate tax planning.
Questions
What industries does Conner Ash specialize in?
We focus on Construction, Distribution, Insurance Entities, Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Nonprofit Organizations.
Do you handle employee benefit plan audits?
Yes, we specialize in ERISA-compliant audits for 401(k), pension, and profit-sharing plans.
What accounting software do you support?
We provide implementation and consulting for Sage 100, Sage 50, QuickBooks, and Peachtree.
How do you prevent business fraud?
We implement internal controls that reduce fraud risk by 85% through regular audits and system reviews.
Do you offer succession planning services?
Yes, we help family-owned businesses with transition strategies and leadership development programs.
