Meet Your Team At LJB CPA

Brian Wing sees business as an enabler to make a difference in people’s lives. Working in alignment with his guiding principles, he is a conscious capitalist focused on delivering value for all stakeholders through purpose driven organizations. 

A deep-seated goal orientation enables Brian to establish operating rhythm and accountability while fostering a highly engaged workforce to build competitive advantages. His talent for leading organizations is rooted in building an analytics driven decision making process to help uncover optimal solutions for complex business problems. Brian has a thoughtful and balanced M&A approach blending strategic initiatives with value creation. An authentic and decisive leader, he is known for his passion in creating purpose driven cultures that overcome odds and win. With genuine curiosity and an “always on” ear for gathering information, he facilitates authentic communication. 

Brian is the owner of Lawrence J. Beardsley CPA, PLLC (“LJB CPA”) based in Dallas, TX helping organizations achieve their goals through values of quality, reliability and service while delivering on a purpose of “enhancing lives.” Through private equity and LJB CPA, Brian works with mid-sized companies and their founders to fulfill their purpose while serving their strategic, accounting, tax, and capital needs.

Over the past 15 years, Brian has served as President, Partner, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer in numerous organizations. While serving in his various C-Level roles at multi-billion-dollar companies, Brian delivered technology innovation and a disciplined change management protocol creating enterprise value that significantly improved EBITDA without disrupting business operations. In addition, he worked to augment organic growth by leading many completed acquisitions. In another role, he led a financial transformation of an under-performing service center to support dynamic growth and superior service delivery to Fortune 500 clientele. He built and maintained a strong financial, accounting, treasury, and control organization with accountability for accurate, timely, high-quality performance and helping to deliver significant year-on- year EBITDA growth while stabilizing lender relationships by improving reporting, transparency and forecasting strength. 

Brian began his career in finance in Tax with Arthur Anderson and Ernst & Young, serving in international tax roles and rising to Tax Partner. Prior to his roles in Big 4 Accounting, Brian served as an advisor in the investment management industry for 12 years, holding a Series 7, 63 and 24 licenses. Brian holds a Master of Business Taxation degree and an MBA in International Business from the University of Southern California (USC). He also received a BS in Mathematics/Applied Sciences with a concentration in Economics from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

Caitlin LeMaire is passionately dedicated to inspiring clients, employees, and stakeholders to contribute positively to society and elevate humanity. As an owner and partner at LJB CPA, she has a significant role in day-to-day operations. Her responsibilities encompass firm management, staff development and training, marketing and business development, HR, and technology implementations. Additionally, she is the partner in charge of the firm’s audit practice, is a leader in the compliance practice, and serves clients in various service lines. Caitlin is also deeply involved in strategic planning, guided by her steadfast commitment to the principles of conscious capitalism.

Caitlin’s professional journey began as an auditor at Ernst & Young. Seeking a more direct impact, she transitioned to public accounting at a local firm. This move enabled Caitlin to focus on serving small and midsize businesses. Her extensive experience spans a broad range of sectors including airlines, casinos, technology, media, service, retail, entertainment, nonprofits, and construction.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges and opportunities. Observing a market gap, Caitlin assisted numerous clients and community members in navigating the intricate landscape of COVID relief options for small and mid-sized businesses. This period solidified her passion for advocacy and education.

Caitlin holds particular enthusiasm for collaborating with owner-operated businesses, aiming to create a comfortable and unintimidating environment for them. Caitlin stands by the belief that no question is too trivial and that everyone should feel empowered to seek guidance. Her  academic background includes both a bachelor’s, and a master’s degree in accounting from Louisiana Tech University. An active alumna, she mentors accounting students, offering invaluable guidance for the CPA exam and career development.

Caitlin is a licensed CPA in both Texas and Nevada and maintains active memberships with the AICPA and the Texas Society of CPAs.

Outside of her professional sphere, Caitlin enjoys boating, spontaneous weekend getaways, sampling local wineries and breweries, zoo explorations, and visiting national parks.

Richard Stevenson is a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in audit, compliance and IT Security. Richard presently serves as the Director of Audit, Compliance, and Cybersecurity for LJB CPA.

As the firm’s practice leader for compliance and cybersecurity, Richard manages and delivers services such as SOC Reports, Microsoft SSPA Assessments, and Penetration testing, while also providing leadership to our audit practice. Richard is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable services. His extensive experience spans diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, insurance, energy, and construction.

Richard began his Public Accounting career at UHY and Moss Adams rising to Senior Manager where he focused on audit and compliance services.  Prior to embarking on a career in public accounting, Richard spent seven years gaining valuable experience in the insurance industry working at GEICO.

An alumnus of Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Richard has proudly called Dallas, Texas, and the DFW Metroplex home for the past 40 years. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Dallas in Accounting.

 Passionate about continuous learning, Richard seeks to expand his knowledge in compliance, particularly in the areas of technology and privacy. Holding a variety of certifications, including CPA, CISA, CCSFP, CITP, and CIPM, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

Beyond his professional life, Richard dedicates time to watching his children’s sporting events and hones his culinary skills by smoking food on his Traeger grill.

Tanner Denning joined the LJB CPA team in 2022 to focus on growing the firm’s Medicare/Medicaid Cost Reporting and Healthcare practices. Tanner’s dedication to our clients is rooted in our values of quality, reliability, and service. He believes that by helping businesses grow relationships and improve financial success, our clients are enabled to bring about a positive influence in the areas they serve, helping us achieve our overall goal to enhance lives.

Tanner’s approach is hands-on and proactive, ensuring every client’s needs are understood and addressed. Tanner is passionate about earning the trust of those he serves by delivering quality, measurable results, optimizing operations and improving bottom lines. His expertise lies primarily in networking, relationships, communication, business and operational development, systems optimization, and client management. Working with professionals across multiple verticals of healthcare, Tanner has developed a broad network and built a reputation for finding creative solutions and connecting businesses with the right individuals and services for their needs.

Tanner holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brigham Young University. During college, Tanner paused his education to volunteer overseas as a service missionary in the Philippines where he provided disaster relief, built homes and schools, and taught free English classes to local residents. Tanner speaks fluent Tagalog and several other Filipino dialects. Outside of his professional life, Tanner enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, surfing, playing music, and being outdoors.

With more than two decades of experience in the accounting world, Coe Perry stands as a seasoned Audit Manager, bringing a wealth of expertise to his role. His career has been marked by a commitment to excellence in auditing clients across Texas and Southeastern New Mexico, encompassing a diverse range of sectors, including government and non-profit entities, 401K programs, and the construction industry.

As a trusted advisor at LJB CPA, Coe plays a pivotal role in helping clients navigate the intricate financial landscapes unique to their industries. His guidance has been instrumental in assisting organizations and entities, ensuring they meet their fiscal responsibilities while upholding the highest standards of accountability.

Before embarking on his journey in accounting, Coe spent a decade serving the public as a Texas Peace Officer. During this time, he internalized the values of integrity, discipline, and an unwavering dedication to upholding the law. These ingrained principles have remained integral to his approach as a CPA.

Coe’s educational foundation includes his Accounting degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, providing him with a strong academic background that complements his extensive practical experience. His unique blend of financial expertise and law enforcement experience positions Coe as a professional who understands the importance of precision, integrity, and compliance in delivering exceptional service to his clients.

Elena Alvarado joined LJB CPA in 2008 as a Staff Accountant and is leading LJB CPA’s cost reporting practice. She also helps clients with starting up new companies providing services such as accounting, payroll, personal and business income tax preparation, sales tax reports, Medicare and Medicaid cost reports submission for various states, rate enhancement calculation and consulting services. Elena works primarily with clients in the health industry, but also serves clients in construction and other types of business.

Elena has more than 25 years of experience working as an Accountant and previously worked as a Controller overseeing 10 accounting employees. Elena loves to have good communication with her clients to help them with their business however she can. She graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas (UAT) where she received a business administration degree and took several accounting courses.

Elena is a Certified Cost Report Specialist and holds certifications from the state of Texas to prepare Medicaid cost reports for nursing homes, 24-hour Residential Care, Adult Foster Care, Community Living Assistance, Day Activity & Health Services, Deaf Blind Multiple Disabilities, Home & Community-based Services, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability, Primary Home Care, Mental Health Early Childhood Intervention, Individuals with Development Disabilities Programs, and many others. She also prepares other state’s Medicaid cost reports.

Outside of her professional life, Elena enjoys spending time with family and friends; she loves to travel and experience different places, food, and culture. She also loves to go camping and enjoy nature whenever possible.

After completing both her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and her master’s degree at Texas Tech University in Accounting, Katye embarked in her career in public accounting. Katye began her public accounting career in Dallas, Texas with a middle-market firm. There, she became well-versed in tax compliance and began to specialize in real estate, high-net worth individuals, and non-profit organizations.

Katye joined LJB CPA in April of 2023, and has since deepened her knowledge in the areas of tax planning, and advisory and compliance services for affluent families and individuals. She serves as a Tax Manager and continues to train the team internally and provides taxation advice to our clients.

Matt Church is a tax professional with 13 years of specialized experience in Public Accounting, focusing on small businesses, pass-through entities, and high net-worth individuals. An Enrolled Agent since 2012, Matt holds a prominent role in guiding our clients through intricate tax scenarios while serving as a translator between complex IRS regulations and straightforward solutions. His commitment to LJB CPA’s core values of quality, reliability, and service is reflected in his meticulous approach to tax strategy and analysis. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge from a variety of industries with a particular fondness for real estate, construction, and professional services.

Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Matt is an alumnus of Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado with his fiancé and their three cats.

Naureen Rajput is our Manager of Accounting Services focusing on providing our clients with turn-key accounting services. With a decade of dedicated experience in accounting, she has consistently delivered outstanding results, maintaining a strong track record of quality, reliability, and client satisfaction. Passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, Naureen’s dedication to excellence has been routinely referenced in our client testimonials.

Naureen holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA. These qualifications have provided her with a robust foundation and in-depth knowledge in management. This academic background has not only equipped her with essential theoretical knowledge but also instilled a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Veronique (Vicky) Hampton serves as LJB’s Client Service Delivery Manager. Vicky joined the firm in 2010 and provides office administrative assistance for both our team and our clients as she has for accounting firms for more than 30 years.

Prior to moving to Dallas and joining our team, Vicky spent 20 years with an accounting firm in Brownsville, Texas. Her goal is to provide outstanding service to our clients and staff assisting in the delivery of an effective, positive, and productive experience. She prides herself on her work ethic and the relationships she builds with our clients.

When not serving clients, Vicky enjoys spending time with her three children, family, friends, and her cats.

Walter T Ngondo is a seasoned auditing professional with an illustrious career spanning over a decade, marked by a journey that originated in South Africa and evolved into a distinguished presence in the United States. Throughout his expansive career, Walter has showcased exceptional proficiency and leadership in auditing, navigating diverse industries and geographic regions.

Walter’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of sectors, including Manufacturing and Distribution, Franchising, Technology, and Healthcare. His multifaceted experience reflects a profound understanding of financial systems, financial statements, and risk management within diverse organizational frameworks.

In his role at LJB, Walter assumes a pivotal position, overseeing, directing, and reviewing the results throughout the planning, fieldwork, and wrap-up stages of Audit client engagements. Charged with marketing, networking, and business development within his area of expertise, Walter ensures engagement profitability. His day-to-day responsibilities include advising clients on economic and regulatory risks, resolving complex accounting issues, applying GAAP and GAAS consistently in intricate situations, crafting technical consultation memos on GAAP/GAAS issues, and meticulously documenting, validating, testing, and assessing various financial reporting control systems.

Walter’s academic journey began at the University of Pretoria where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and honor’s degree in Accounting.  In addition, Walter earned his Chartered Accountant and his Certified Public Accountant designations.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Walter finds joy in playing golf, cycling, and exploring the outdoors with family and friends. His commitment to excellence extends seamlessly from the boardroom to his personal endeavors, making him a well-rounded professional and individual.

Betty joined LJB CPA in 2010 and brings more than 25 years of experience in different industries of accounting. Betty is responsible for serving clients with their everyday accounting needs, tax returns, cost reports, and any other questions they may have.

Betty graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Texas in Arlington and is a CPA candidate.

Outside of work, Betty loves her family and their lake house. Her hobbies are quilting and woodworking.

Brandon De La Cruz joined LJB CPA in 2021 and provides quality accounting services to clients including preparation of business and individual tax returns, compilations, employee retention credit projects, audit services, and payroll reporting. Brandon is devoted to providing diligent and reliable service to our clients, as he believes the impact of what we do as a firm can enhance the lives of others.

Brandon graduated from Abilene Christian University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and financial management. When not serving clients, Brandon enjoys spending time with family and friends, indulging in spontaneous weekend activities, and attending concerts and sporting events, especially baseball.

Christopher Kidder is an operations management professional with 17 years of military and civilian leadership experience. He joined LJB in November 2022 as part of his career transition into accounting. In May 2023, Chris proudly graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Texas Woman’s University. He is also an alumnus of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Geography.

Chris’s diverse background includes a wide array of experiences ranging from serving in the military as an Army Aviation Officer and Blackhawk helicopter pilot to overseeing Non-Destructive Testing service operations in the manufacturing industry. With a comprehensive perspective gained from working across various sectors including government, small business, large corporations, and experiencing acquisitions firsthand, Chris brings a unique understanding of client-side operations. This perspective enhances his ability to deliver reliable and high-quality service as an auditor.

Residing in the DFW area for the past 11 years, Chris has made the Metroplex his home since transitioning from the Army.

Denise Lindstrom brings decades of expertise and a diverse professional background to her role as an Account Executive and Head Bookkeeper at LJB CPA. With a career spanning back to the early 1980s, Denise has honed her skills in various administrative positions across multiple industries, making her a trusted and versatile resource for our clients.

In her present role, Denise oversees our client account compilation, which encompasses a wide range of financial responsibilities, including bookkeeping, quarterly payroll reporting, and annual financial assessments. Her proficiency extends to ACS, where she continues to expand her knowledge daily, as well as both online and desktop versions of QuickBooks. Additionally, Denise has been a Notary Public in Texas since 2000, further enhancing her ability to support our clients in a wide range of financial matters.

Denise’s career journey has been marked by a rich tapestry of experiences, including stints in manufacturing, medical research, education, City Government administration, and office management within the construction and financial industries. Her expertise further extends to life insurance, corporate and private financial investments, and general accounting across various sectors.

Denise’s academic foundation includes two years of study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before embarking on her professional journey.

Jon Hurst brings years of experience to the Senior Auditor position at LJB CPA after joining in November of 2023. Jon began his career working in governmental audit where he became an expert on compliance testing, single audits and assisting clients with financial reporting. Jon is dedicated to building relationships, helping with any questions that clients may have during the audit process, and helping to provide the world class services that LJB CPA is known for.

Jon graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in the field of finance. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing basketball, reading, trying new things, travelling, watching old movies, and walking his dog, a Samoyed named Kai.

Lexi Tharp joined the LJB Auditing Team in January 2024 after earning her master’s in Accounting Analytics from St. Edwards University. Lexi assists in providing clients with auditing services, compilations, reviews, and SOC reports. Lexi’s commitment to delivering quality results and serving clients is unwavering. Lexi is known for jumping on a call with a client quickly to handle any questions that arise. She finds joy in connecting with people and contributing to their financial success.

Outside of work, one might find Lexi experimenting with new recipes, spending quality time with her dog, and enjoying a game of pickleball with friends and family. Thrilled to be part of the LJB CPA team, Lexi looks forward to leveraging her skills and enthusiasm for collective success.

Mary joined LJB CPA in March of 2009 and has worked with businesses to meet their various financial reporting requirements throughout the years. Mary brings more than 30 years of experience working in public accounting and private industry to the firm and is dedicated to the delivery of quality reliable service to each client. Her areas of service range from general accounting to tax preparation and other government reporting requirements.

While at LJB CPA, services particular to the healthcare industry have been an area of specialty for Mary. She enjoys helping her clients properly execute their accounting so that they can focus on the operations of their businesses.

Mary graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Outside of her professional life, Mary enjoys reading, shopping, working in the yard, yoga, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Pam Govender is an accomplished healthcare professional with more than 23 years of dedicated experience in Long Term Care. She currently serves as LJB’s Cost Reporting Specialist bringing a wealth of expertise to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Pam’s career journey is marked by her commitment to excellence in healthcare administration. Most recently, she held the position of Chief Compliance Officer overseeing 82 SNFs at Daybreak Ventures LLC. Prior to this, she embarked on an entrepreneurial venture, jointly owning, and operating up to 10 SNFs across Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Her diverse background includes roles such as Cost Report Preparer, HR specialist, AP/Payroll manager, and Ancillary/Medicare Reimbursement Manager, where she managed complex billing processes, including Dmerc and Pharmacy Billing, for 31 SNFs. Her extensive experience also includes managing Accounts Receivable for multi-state Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement and serving as a Case Mix Project Manager.

In her academic pursuits, Pam Govender attended ML Sultan College, where she studied Accounting and Business Economics. She further expanded her educational horizons through extra-mural studies at the University of Natal, where she delved into courses on Motivating and Managing People and Understanding the Human Factor in an organization. Notably, Pam has also completed the Dale Carnegie Course, meeting the standards for Effective Public Speaking and Human Relations.

Wanda Gilbert is a tax professional with more than 20 years of experience in corporate and public accounting. At LJB, her primary responsibilities include tax preparation for individual returns, fiduciary returns, business (partnership and corporations (C& S Corporation) and non-profit returns. In addition to those duties, she also brings experience with financial reporting, payroll process, and reporting.

Wanda earned her master’s degree in accounting from Texas A & M Commerce. She’s lived in the DFW area for 41 years and has been a resident of Wylie for the last 20 years.