Ali Barnes

Ali Barnes is the Managing Principal of the Alma office. She joined Yeo & Yeo in 2007. She leads the firm’s Assurance Technical Team and is a member of the firm’s Quality Assurance Committee, Government Services Group and Pension Services Group.

Specializations

• Assurance services, with an emphasis on government entities, school districts, for-profit organizations and employee retirement benefit plans.
• Audits under government auditing standards
• Single audits and audits under 2 CFR 200

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Professional Certifications and Education

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
• Saginaw Valley State University, Bachelor of Professional Accountancy

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Professional Membership

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
• Michigan Government Finance Officers Association – Standards Committee and Board of Directors
• Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association
• Michigan School Business Officials
• GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program – Special Review Committee

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Publications/Seminars

• Enterprise Fund Accounting Issues at MGFOA Fall conference
• Fund Accounting presented to MSBO beginning business managers
• Transparency and Accountability and Financial Management presented for the Nonprofit Management/Leadership Certificate Program at Saginaw Valley State University
• Presented various internal trainings related to school districts, governmental entities, and employee benefit plans
• Tips for Governments presented at Yeo & Yeo governmental client training
• School District Auditing Primer presented for the MICPA Government Conference
• Get Ready for 401(k) Audit for the MICPA Employee Benefit Plans Conference
• Initial Audits and Cyber Security for the MICPA Employee Benefit Plans Conference
• OPEB Reporting: Embracing GASB 74 and 75 presented for the MICPA Government Conference
• GASB 75 – Do You Accept the Challenge? presented for the MICPA Government Conference
• Increase Finance and Accounting Department Efficiency presented for the MGFOA Fall Conference
• Podcast: Michigan Uniform Chart of Accounts for Local Government, June 2021
• Effective Audit Management: A Guide for Townships (April 2024 Township Focus Magazine Page 29)
• Effectively Communicating Financial Information
• How to Use Spreadsheets Effectively, Plus Excel Tips & Tricks
• Leadership During Uncertain Times
• Increase Finance and Accounting Department Efficiency
• You Won the Election, But Do You Know the Compliance Challenges Ahead?
• Are You Overwhelmed? Prioritize to Take Control of Your Work Life

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Community Involvement

• Gratiot County Community Foundation – president and finance committee member
• Alma Police Athletic League – board treasurer
• Junior Achievement classroom volunteer
• Alma Kiwanis – former member

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Awards

• Named among Forbes Best in State CPAs (2025, 2026)