Jamie Rivette
Jamie Rivette is a Principal in the Saginaw office audit department. She leads the firm’s Assurance Service Line and is a member of the Government Services Group. She joined Yeo & Yeo in 1999 and is a member of the Yeo & Yeo Board of Directors.
Specializations
- Assurance services for governmental units, school districts and not-for-profit organizations
- Audits under government auditing standards
- Single audits under 2 CFR 200
Professional Certifications and Education
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
- Northwood University, Bachelors in Accounting
Professional Membership
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Government Finance Officers Association
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
- Michigan Association of School Boards
- Michigan Government Finance Officers Association, past board member
- Michigan Government Finance Officers Association – Accounting and Auditing Standards Committee
- Michigan Government Finance Officers Association – Mentoring and Membership Committee
- Michigan Municipal Executives
- Michigan Municipal League
- GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program – Special Review Committee
Publications/Seminars
- What Governments Need to Know About GASB 96 Implementation
- GASB Update – presented to the Michigan Townships Association
- GASB 68 – developed and presented in-house and to current municipality clients
- Basic Governmental Auditing – presented at MICPA conference
- Internal Controls – Cash Handling – presented to local school districts
- Fraud and Prevention in Local Governments – developed in-house
- Is Your Audit Paperwork up to Snuff? – presented at MICPA conference
- Embracing GASB 74 & 75 – presented at MICPA conferences
- Fraud Risks and Why Internal Controls are Important – presented at MICPA conferences
- Preparing for a Headache-Free Audit – presented at Michigan Municipal Executives, and Michigan Government Finance Officers Association
- First Pensions, Now OPEB: What School Districts Need to Know About GASB 74 & 75 – presented at MICPA conferences
- Enterprise Fund Accounting Issues – presented at Michigan Government Finance Officers Association
- Creating Impactful Presentations – presented at MICPA conference
- Podcast: Single Audits for Government Entities
- Why Face-to-Face Meetings With Your Auditor Are Important
- Are Your Security Systems and Employees Prepared to Fight off Potential Hackers?
- If You Report Fiduciary Funds, Expect Some Changes
- The Case for Internal Controls – Reducing Fraud in Government Entities is Easier Than You May Think
- Career Advocacy for Women at Yeo & Yeo
- 5 Audit and Financial Statement Tips for Newly Elected Officials
- 5 Ways School Districts Work Smarter, Not Harder, When Preparing for Your Audit
- 5 Ways Municipalities Work Smarter, Not Harder, When Preparing for an Audit
- 3 Ways That Internal Controls Can Increase Efficiency
- Municipalities — Are Your Security Systems and Employees Prepared to Fight Off Potential Hackers?
- Analytical Procedures Can Help Make Your Audit More Efficient
Community Involvement
- Hemlock School Board of Education, treasurer
- Hemlock/Ling Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, past treasurer
- Junior League Community Advisory Board
- Girls on the Run, past volunteer coach
- Hemlock Middle School Cross Country, past assistant coach
Awards
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants’ Women to Watch – Experienced Leader Award – 2019
Jacob Sopczynski is a Principal and leader of the firm’s Manufacturing Services Group. Jacob serves many clients as a consultant and specialist in the application of data extraction techniques, tax planning and assurance services. He joined Yeo & Yeo in 2005 and serves on the firm’s board of directors.
Specializations
- Manufacturing, Construction, Distribution
- Audits of local governmental units, school districts and nonprofit organizations
- Government Auditing Standards
- Audits of Federal Awards
- Data extraction uses and techniques
- Information management and technology assurance
- Tax planning for business and personal
Professional Certifications and Education
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Saginaw Valley State University, Bachelor of Professional Accountancy
Professional Membership
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Michigan Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Michigan Association of CPAs Manufacturing Task Force
- Michigan Manufacturers Association
- Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association
- Government Finance Officers Association
- Automation Alley – Finance Committee
Publications/Seminars
- Three Ways to Develop Manufacturing Leaders – published in MiMfg. Magazine, February 2018
- Re-evaluate Your Company’s Competitiveness in a Changed Economy
- Get Ready for FASB’s New Lease Accounting Requirements
- Social Media Tips for Manufacturers
- Why the Three Key Elements of Integrity are Critical for Your Accountant
- Podcast: Tax Effects of Cryptocurrency, January 2021
Community Involvement
- Board of Trustees for the International Academy of Flint
- Gen Forward
- Treasurer of Pinconning Plays, Inc.
- The Hundred Club of Genesee, Shiawassee and Lapeer Counties
- Leadership Bay County Alumni
- 1,000 Leaders Initiative
Brian Dixon is the Managing Principal of the firm’s Saginaw office. He is a member of the firm’s Education Services Group and Health Care Services Group. He joined Yeo & Yeo in 1998.
Specializations
- Audits of healthcare organizations
- Audits of local school districts
- Audits of not-for-profit organizations
- Audits of small businesses
- Audits under government auditing standards
- Single audits under OMB A-133 and 2 CFR 200
Professional Certifications and Education
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- AICPA Advanced Single Audit Certification
- Northwood University, Bachelors in Accounting
Professional Membership
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Healthcare Financial Management Association
- Michigan School Business Officials
Publications/Seminars
- “Single Audit Update – Be Prepared for Year-End,” April 2013 for the Michigan School Business Officials conference
- “School District Accounting and Auditing Update” for Saginaw Valley School Business Officials, 2013-2017, 2020
- “School District Accounting and Auditing Update,” May 2012 for the MICPA conference
- Various Yeo & Yeo in-house trainings
- “Top Audit Issues for Community Health Centers,” December 2013 for Michigan Primary Care Association Finance Officers Forum
- “Major Changes to Federal Award Requirements,” December 2014 for MPCA Finance Officers Forum
- “School District A-133 Update,” March 2015 for Southwest Michigan School Business Officials
- “District-Wide Conversion and Financial Statement Preparation,” March 2015 for Southwest Michigan School Business Officials
- “School District Accounting and Auditing Update,” May 2015 for Michigan School Business Officials Annual Conference
- “Ask the Auditor,” May 2017 for Michigan School Business Officials Annual Conference
- “Accounting & Auditing Update,” July 2019 for Michigan Primary Care Association Annual Conference
- “IT Vendor Fraud,” April 2021 for Michigan School Business Officials Annual Conference
- “Employee Retention Credit Summary and Discussion,” June 2022 for MPCA Finance Officers Forum
- “GASB 87: Fundamental Changes in Lease Accounting for Schools,” February 2021 for the firm’s Education Advisor eNewsletter
- “GASB Financial Reporting Model Reexamination For Government,” August 2020 for the firm’s Education and Government Advisor eNewsletter
- “How to Develop an Ethical Culture in Your School District,” October 2019 for the firm’s Education Advisor eNewsletter
- “Five Ways School Districts Work Smarter, Not Harder, When Preparing for an Audit,” June 2019 for the firm’s Education Advisor eNewsletter
- “Don’t Forget! Year-end Audit Submission Reminders,” October 2018 for the firm’s Education Advisor eNewsletter
- “GASB Financial Reporting Model Reexamination for Education,” August 2018 for the firm’s Education Advisor eNewsletter
- “Changes to Fiduciary Activity Reporting,” October 2017 for the firm’s Education Advisor eNewsletter
- “Know Before Your Hire! Professional Standards for School Nutrition Program Employees,” for the firm’s Education Advisor eNewsletter, August 2017
- “Cafeteria Plans” for firm’s Nonprofit Perspectives newsletter
Community Involvement
- Frankenmuth Credit Union, board chairman
- Carrollton Education Foundation, board treasurer
- Saginaw Hospital Finance Authority, board member
- United Way of Saginaw County, board treasurer
- Saginaw Area Jaycees Foundation Scholarship Fund, SCF Fund Representative
- Yeo & Yeo Foundation, Vice President
- Leadership Saginaw Alumnus
John W. Haag Sr. is the Managing Principal of the firm’s Midland office. He is a member of the firm’s Business Valuation and Litigation Support Services Group, the Tax Services Group, and Yeo & Yeo’s Career Advocacy team. He joined the firm in 2002.
Specializations
- Business valuation and litigation support services for privately owned businesses
- Preparation of individual and corporate income tax returns and financial statements
- Preparation of trust and not-for-profit tax returns, including foundations
- Managerial consulting, including designing and implementing accounting systems and internal controls
- Consulting related to new business start-ups, corporate restructuring and succession planning
Professional Certifications and Education
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV)
- Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)
- Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)
- Eastern Michigan University, Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
- Eastern Michigan University, Master of Science in Accounting
Professional Membership
- National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts – President of Michigan Chapter
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants Litigation and Business Valuation Task Force
- AICPA Forensic and Valuation Services Section
Publications/Seminars
- Presented seminar, Key Ingredients to Success for Entrepreneurs
- Published articles in the firm’s The Advocate and The Leading Edge client newsletters on business valuations, internal controls and fraud
- Presented various seminars on tax planning, business valuation standards, and corporate fraud to attorneys and local service clubs
- Professional panelist at QuickBooks training seminars
- Instructor for firm’s internal corporate income tax classes
- Podcast: TCJA and Year 2 of Tax Reform, February 2020
- Podcast: A Breakdown of the Paycheck Protection Program, August 2020
- Podcast: Presidential Candidate Tax Platforms, October 2020
Community Involvement
- Midland Noon Rotary Club, Past President
- Camp Fish Tales, Treasurer
- Midland Rotary Foundation, Board Member
- Mid Michigan Multisport Club, President
- Midland Community Foundation, Past Grant Committee Member
- United Way of Midland County, Past Community Investment Panelist and Loaned Executive
- Midland Exchange Club, Past President
- Midland MyPros Steering Committee, Past Chair
- Saginaw Rotary Club, Sunrise, former Treasurer
- Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, former Accounting Director
- Junior Achievement of Northeast Michigan, Instructor
- Leadership Midland Alumni
- Midland Experimental Aircraft Association, Past Treasurer
Awards
- National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts / CTI “Forty Under 40” honoree, June 2014
- Thomas J. Thompson Achievement Award (2007) honoring one Yeo & Yeo employee each year
- Molitor International’s 1000 Leaders Program, graduate
David Jewell is the Managing Principal of Yeo & Yeo’s Kalamazoo office. He is the firm’s Tax & Consulting Service Line leader. He serves on the Yeo & Yeo board of directors. Dave joined Yeo & Yeo in 2008 and has more than 22 years of experience in public accounting.
Specializations
- Tax planning, preparation and minimization strategies for individuals
- Tax planning and preparation for closely-held businesses
- Business succession planning and strategy implementation
- Business consulting services
- Experience in the following industries – transportation, agribusiness, professional service firms, construction, manufacturing and real estate
Professional Certifications and Education
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Western Michigan University, Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
- Grand Valley State University, Master of Science in Taxation
Professional Membership
- American Institute of CPAs
- Michigan Association of CPAs
Publications/Seminars
- Instructor for firm’s internal income tax trainings
- Conducts various internal and external seminars and webinars related to tax reform and planning strategies for individuals and small businesses
- Webinar: Tax Reform Impact on Individuals, June 2018
- Webinar: The New Business Pass-Through Deduction, July 2018
- Webinar: Business Tax Changes Contained in the Tax Reform Bill — What Small Businesses Need to Know, September 2018
- Podcast: TCJA and Year 2 of Tax Reform, February 2020
- Podcast: The SECURE Act ad Extenders Bill, February 2020
- Podcast: Tax Strategy for Education Planning, February 2020
- Podcast: Protecting Your Information During Tax Season and Beyond, February 2020
- Podcast: A Breakdown of the Paycheck Protection Program, August 2020
- Podcast: Presidential Candidate Tax Platforms, October 2020
- Podcast: Retirement Plans and Strategies, November 2020
- Podcast: Everything Sales Tax, June 2021
- Changes Coming for Alimony Tax Deduction, May 2018
Community Involvement
- Portage Community Center, Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo, Past Treasurer
- Portage Rotary Club, Past President
Kristi Krafft-Bellsky is the firm’s Director of Quality Control, overseeing the development and implementation of policies and processes to comply with professional standards and regulatory requirements. She joined Yeo & Yeo in 2003 and is a Principal in the Saginaw office. She is a member of the firm’s Education Services Group and the Technology and Innovation Team.
Specializations
- Technical guidance and support on complex accounting and auditing issues
- Oversight of professional performance, including engagement quality control reviews, internal quality performance reviews and the peer review process
- Audit and attestation services for nonprofit organizations, government entities, health care organizations and school districts
- Audits under Governmental Auditing Standards
- Single audits
Professional Certifications and Education
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Western Michigan University – Master of Science in Accountancy
- Western Michigan University – Bachelor of Business Administration
Professional Membership
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
- BDO Alliance USA
- Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO)
- MDE School Auditing Manual Referent Group, member
Publications/Seminars
- Presenter for Michigan School Business Officials
- Presenter for MICPA
- Managing School Nutrition Programs: Financial Reporting and Auditing, June 2024
Community Involvement
- Frankenmuth Community Foundation’s Legacy Ball Committee – treasurer
- 100+ Women Who Care Mid-Michigan – member
- Saginaw County 1000 Leaders graduate
- Leadership Saginaw County graduate
- Member of the Executive Committee for Early Childhood Investment Corporation
Danielle Cary is a Principal in the Ann Arbor office. She co-leads the firm’s SALT (state and local tax) Team, and is a member of the Tax Services Group. She joined Yeo & Yeo in 1998.
Specializations
- Strategic tax planning & compliance for businesses
- High net worth individual tax services
- Multi-state taxation
- Consulting and financial reporting for closely held businesses
- Startups, corporate restructuring, and succession planning
- Experience in the following industries – construction, retail, manufacturing, transportation, real estate and professional service firms
Professional Certifications and Education
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Indiana Wesleyan University, Bachelors in Accounting, Business Administration and Finance
- Indiana Wesleyan University, Master of Business Administration
Professional Membership
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- MICPA State and Local Tax Task Force
Publications/Seminars
- Instructor for firm’s internal tax trainings
- Conducts various seminars on federal and SALT tax updates and planning strategies
- Webinar: Tax Reform Impact on Individuals, June 2018
- Webinar: Sales Tax Nexus: What Does the Wayfair Ruling Mean for Your Business?, August 2018
Community Involvement
- Junior Achievement volunteer
- Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Member of Keystone Church
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
Professional Certifications and Education
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
- Saginaw Valley State University, Bachelor of Professional Accountancy
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
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
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
Awards
- Named among Forbes 2025 Best in State CPAs
Michael Oliphant is a Principal in the Kalamazoo office. He is a member of the firm’s Business Valuation and Litigation Support Services Group. He joined Yeo & Yeo in 1993.
Specializations
- 30+ years of experience in public accounting and business consulting for management, financial reporting and tax issues with strong emphasis in the construction, manufacturing, retail and wholesale sectors
- Business consulting and succession planning through the YeoConsults Legacy Program
- Mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, consulting and exit planning strategies
- Certified Valuation Analyst for all industries with expertise in succession planning, business plans and start-ups, divorce, and shareholder disputes
- Qualified expert witness
Professional Certifications and Education
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)
- Western Michigan University – Bachelor of Arts in accounting and Master of Business Administration in finance
Professional Membership
- Michigan Association of CPAs
- American Institute of CPAs
- AICPA Business Valuation and Forensic and Litigation Services Section
- National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts
- Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce
Publications/Seminars
- Webinar: 5 Steps to Drive Business Growth and Recovery to Fuel Your Dreams, 2021
- Presentations on various accounting related topics
- Presented valuation topics to the Kalamazoo Trial Bar Association and Family Law Association
- Presented valuation topics as part of local Exit Planning Group
- Plan for Cash Flow Preservation, October 2020
- eBook: 5 Ways to Drive Business Growth and Recovery to Fuel Your Dreams, September 2020
- Factoring COVID-19 into the Valuation Equation, May 2020
- Professional Witness in Divorce Engagements, December 2019
- Valuing Your Business: 10 Common Events that Spark the Need for a Business Valuation, May 2019
- Where’s the Money? Ensuring Fair Outcomes in Divorce Cases, April 2018
- A Business Owner’s Key to Success: Focusing on the Big Picture, January 2017
- Published articles in the firm’s litigation/business valuation newsletter, The Advocate, the Saginaw Bar Association newsletter, and the Washtenaw County Bar Association newsletter
- Published various articles in the Builder/ Architect Southwest Michigan edition
Community Involvement
- Local Journalism Foundation Board, member
- Kalamazoo County Bar Association, treasurer
- Leadership Kalamazoo alumni