Partners for Business :: Paula Jefferson and Associates, P.C. :: Dallas Fort Worth Based Accounting and Tax Firm

Content Copyright ©2009 Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C. Site Design and bio images ©2009: Kristin GreenleeHOMEMEET OUR STAFFABOUT USSERVICESRESOURCESFAQsBLOGCONNECTPage 12HOMEAt Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C., we help you not only to plan and execute for today's financial environment, but also to successfully prepare and navigate through tomorrow's unforeseen contingencies. Beginning with your goals, specific needs and particular circumstances, we analyze, plan and forecast to help you minimize pitfalls and maximize opportunities. This total commitment to your continued success and prosperity is more than a slogan. It is our vision; it is our mission.The LatestKeep up-to-date with the latest changes in tax law, what's going on with the firm, and educational articles to propel your business and keep you informed in a quickly changing business world, by visiting our BLOG .Become a Client

MEET OUR STAFF

Meet Our Staff

Paula Kaye Jefferson

Paula K. Jefferson, CPA, CVA

Graduated with distinction from The Pennsylvania State University in 1983; B.S. in Accounting. Practiced in Pennsylvania 1983-1984 while working on M.S. in Taxation at Drexel University. Relocated to Texas in 1985. Earned Texas Certified Public Accountant designation in 1987. Founded Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C. in 1990. Earned Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) certification in 2003.Cathy D. Jenkins

Cathy D. Jenkins

Staff

Graduated from Meridian Community College, MS with an Associate Degree in General Studies. Before joining PJA in 2000, Cathy had several years of relevant experience in a corporate environment. Her background (accounting systems, training of corporate accountants) adds value for our clients. A certified QuickBooks® Pro Advisor, Cathy frequently works with clients, via remote access or on-site, providing specialized training and/or consulting that is customized to meet individual needs.Jeri F. Aycoth

Jeri F. Aycoth, CPA

Graduated from the University of Alabama in 1984 with a B.S. degree in Accounting and a B.A. in Communications. Earned Certified Public Accountant designation in 1987. For the last 20 years, Jeri has practiced accounting in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida and Texas. After owning her own CPA firm in Texas for 5 years, Jeri joined PJA in 2006.Page 5

Barbara W. Scott, CPA

Graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1988, with a BBA in Finance. She returned to school (University of Texas at Arlington) in 1995, and completed additional accounting hours. She earned the Texas Certified Public Accountant designation 1998. In addition to 4 years of public accounting at PJA, Barbara's experience includes 10 years in banking (teller, credit analyst, lending officer, Branch Manager). She also served for 4 years as Accounting Manager for a brokerage and software development company. Page 6

Wilson "Dale" Brooks, CPA

Graduated summa cum laude from Abilene Christian University in 1979, with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and earned his CPA certification soon after. Dale's experience includes 16 years in nonprofit management, preceded by 15 years of public accounting, corporate leadership and entrepreneurial start-up. He has completed a study program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in church business administration, and is also a graduate of the Stagen Leadership Institute in Dallas. Page 7

David A. Harmon, MBA

Financial Analyst

Graduated with a B.S. in accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2001. David joins the PJA team with eight years of consulting experience. His background in due diligence engagements relating to mergers and acquisitions is an asset to teammates and clients alike. David completed the Crosby MBA Program at The University of Missouri in 2009, where he was an instructor in Personal Finance and was recognized as Finance Student of the Year.Page 13

Dale M. Hart

Nonprofit Consultant

Dale Hart brings twenty years of experience working with non-profit organizations to the Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C. team. Dale has served as Executive Vice-President of Christ's Haven for Children and Vice-President of Dallas Christian School, as well as Executive Director for Open Arms Home, Teen Lifeline, and the Keller ISD Education Foundation. Dale currently serves on the Board of Directors for Teen Lifeline and on advisory boards for The Mercy Foundation and Impossible Possibilities.Page 8

Phyllis T. Bess

Executive Assistant

Graduated from The University of New Mexico in 1980. Earned B.A. in University Studies. Prior to joining PJA in 2002, Phyllis had extensive management experience in non-profit and faith-based organizations. A member of the leadership team, she works closely with Paula on a wide variety of duties. Page 9

Megan J. Timmons

Administrative Assistant

Graduated cum laude from Texas Christian University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, after earning an Associates of Arts degree with distinction and honors from Phoenix College in 1998. Since joining the firm in 2002, she has remained dedicated to providing high quality customer service to our staff and clients. Page 10

Karen M. Domel

Administrative Team

Graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a B.A. degree in Psychology. Prior to joining PJA in 2008, Karen had extensive administrative and project management experience, as well as 10 years working as a crisis counselor with youth and their families. She assists the PJA team with workflow and proactive deadline management with clients.Page 11

Liz A. Creighton

Administrative Team

Formerly from Meridian, MS, Liz relocated to the DFW area in early 2009, and joined Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C. in April. She comes to the firm with many years of office and restaurant management experience, as well as a long history of service with charitable civic organizations, where she served as an event planner. Page 12

Sharon S. Parker

Marketing Assistant

Graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas in 1968, with a B.A. degree in English Journalism. Sharon brings more than 10 years of professional expertise to PJA, including extensive experience as an executive assistant to C-suite executives. She excels at customer relations and customer service. Sharon also supports the firm by scheduling appointments and maintaining other operational and business functions.Page 14

Jami M. Taylor

Communication and Information Technology Resource

Graduated in August 2009 from The University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and received a second Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing the following December. Jami joined the PJA team in December 2006. In the spring of 2008, Jami interned for Congressman Michael Burgess in Washington, D.C., where her duties included writing letters to constituents about the latest Congressional events. Jami's frequent updates to our new website and blog make them valuable resources for our clients to turn to for the latest tax law changes in everyday language.Page 15

Logan P. Mayfield

Intern

Logan is a 2009 graduate of Grapevine High School. She enjoys working with small children and animals and is a big fan of the Broadway show Mamma Mia! Logan participates in Special Olympics Track & Field, Bowling, Swimming & Golf. She volunteers at the GRACE Donation Station weekly. She is currently in the Adult Transition program, also at Grapevine HS. Logan began job training with Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C. in January 2010 and is assisting the administrative team. In support of a mission aligned with ours, PJA is pleased to partner with GCISD to create job training opportunities. Our first engagement was in 2004 and we are pleased to be carrying on the tradition this year with a third Grapevine High School student.Paula Kaye JeffersonCathy D. Jenkins Jeri F. Aycoth Page 5Page 6Page 7Page 13Page 8Page 9Page 10Page 11Page 12Page 14Page 15ABOUT USFIRM HISTORYThe Life of Our Firm1990: The firm is born on April 1st, no fooling! Offices are located at First National Bank Tower in Bedford, Texas. Monthly office rent: $4501991: The first non-owner employee joins firm, and the firm begins its tradition of house call accounting. Monthly office rent: $7501992: The law firm of Nancy Haney & Associates and the accounting firm begin office sharing arrangement, which continues to present time.1993: Firm begins conducting semi-monthly seminars on using QuickBooks®, Quicken®, tax planning, and estate planning while revenue grows by an astounding 175%!1994: The firm outgrows office space and moves to Central Park Tower in Bedford, Texas. A second shareholder is added which leads to our first letterhead change. Monthly office rent: $1,6751995: Firm's growth paces at 20% while also launching a magazine, Distinctive Lifestyles of Northeast Tarrant County. Monthly office rent: $1,8331996: The 20% growth rate continues, and the firm returns to one shareholder. Monthly office rent: $2,0001997: Firm's growth continues at 20%. Monthly office rent: $2,1671998: Nancy Haney and Associates merges with Pete Benenati Law Firm, and the firms growth rate accelerates. Annual staff development retreats begin, and the firm adds its first certified QuickBooks® ProAdvisor. Monthly office rent: $2,3331999: This is a big year! The firm outgrows its existing office space, adds new space, and changes letterhead for a second time - owner finds Mr. Jefferson and marries him. Monthly office rent: $5,6252000: Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C. launches its first website and expands its services to include valuation opinions.2001: Our firm coordinates with local bankers and the law firm to present a series of estate planning and business continuation program seminars, proactively addressing clients' concerns in the aftermath of 9/11/01.2002 - 2003: PJA continues to grow at a rate of 20% annually.2004: The firm decides it's time to build a home! Construction on 6,000 square foot office building at Hurst Town Center begins in July 2004. Monthly office rent: $6,7502005: PJA occupies new office in January 2005 and relocates to 840 Thousand Oaks Drive in Hurst, Texas. Services from clients in the building and design industries are engaged to: add lighting and furnishings, create a painted concrete logo and original artwork to personalize our new home. Office rent: $9,0002006: The firm continues to grow and utilizes expanding technology to hire its first remote employee in October 2006. Internet-based services open new markets, expanding clientele we serve to include all states and several countries.2007: PJA commissions software developers to design proprietary, web-based workflow tracking system utilizing touch screens and optical scanners to capture and report real-time project information. Leadership Team is formed.2008: Another big year! Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C. transitions to a paperless environment. Exploring environmentally conscious alternatives and efficient work methods continue to help the firm manage its hourly fee structure. Our service expands again with the addition of online, real-time outsourced controllership services in Fall 2008. The Leadership Team forms a partnership to invest in a home in Pagosa Springs, CO as a vacation destination for the enjoyment of firm employees and referral sources. Quality of life--ahhhh....2009: PJA launches its non-profit segment of the practice to meet the needs of non-profit entities particularly challenged to meet financial needs during a slumping economy. New website is developed to offer all clients relevant information.2010: What will the future bring? We envision the expansion of our paperless process to allow clients to securely transmit, store, and receive tax and accounting information electronically. We can rest assured it will include change; it will include growth; it will include our continued desire to serve.ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITYWe began the transition to a paperless workflow and document storage system in late 2008. One of the greatest benefits we believe our clients experience is the prompt response to requests for copies of tax returns in PDF format, which can easily be emailed to clients, attorneys, or bankers as requested. Preserving the integrity and security of our clients' information is paramount. We are engaged with a co-location facility in south Texas, which offers our firm real-time redundancy, secure electronic data storage, and the ability to go live with current information should catastrophe strike at our Hurst office. Our paper consumption in 2009 declined 75% from our prior year. Toner use declined on a similar scale. The result was significant to our bottom line and to the environment in which all of us live. In 2010, our efforts will be dedicated to retrieving and scanning prior year files from our offsite storage facility, once again enhancing our responsiveness to our clients needs by allowing quick and easy access to historical information. As the firm grows and this technology improves, we will expand this paperless transition to include annual tax organizers in fillable PDF format, tax return delivery via electronic means, and secure FTP portals to send, retrieve and store tax information.VISION"...Because the world is not flat."At Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C., we help you not only to plan and execute for today's financial environment, but also to successfully prepare and navigate through tomorrow's unforeseen contingencies. Beginning with your goals, specific needs and particular circumstances, we analyze, plan and forecast to help you minimize pitfalls and maximize opportunities. This total commitment to your continued success and prosperity is more than a slogan. It is our vision; it is our mission.FIRM HISTORYENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITYVISIONSERVICESslide 1Business Advisory 1Business Advisory 2Entrepreneurial Adisory1Entrepreneurial Adisory1Non Profit 1Non Profit 2Family Advisory 1Family Advisory 2Education and Training1Education and training2Administrative team1Administrative team2slide 1

Services

We'll help you not only to plan and execute for today's financial environment, but also to successfully prepare and navigate through tomorrow's unforeseen contingencies. Beginning with your goals, specific needs and particular circumstances, we analyze, plan and forecast to help you minimize pitfalls and maximize opportunities. This total commitment to your continued success and prosperity is more than a slogan. Business Advisory 1

Business Advisory

Tax ServicesSelecting the right tax advisor is one of the most important decisions your company will make. PJA's tax professionals are extensively trained in federal, state, and local taxation. We offer creative advice on federal tax issues for corporations, partnerships, and other business entities. Our proactive planning solutions are integral to managing your overall tax liability. Tax services include, but are not limited to, the following areas of service: •Federal income tax planning•Multi-state tax planning•Compliance services•Transaction structuring•IRS representation•Business owner's tax and wealth management•Succession planning•Exit strategies Business Advisory 2Accounting & Attest ServicesOur dedicated accounting professionals act as your personal business advisors. They will address your business needs to help you achieve success. Our goal is to help clients better understand their business through value-added services. Services provided by our accounting team include:•Reviewed financial statements•Compiled financial statements •Internal control assessments •Payroll tax reporting•Sales tax reporting•Remote and on-site accounting servicesAdvisory ServicesAs business advisors, we work hand in hand with our clients to achieve their goals. Our firm is comprised of experienced advisors focused on addressing the individual needs of your company. Advisory solutions include:•Performance improvement & operational management•Governance, risk, and compliance•Transaction support•Business strategy•Restructuring •Business valuationEntrepreneurial Adisory1

Entrepreneurial Advisory

"All roads lead to Rome" best sums up our Entrepreneurial Service focus. Entrepreneurs are the center of their: •Business network•Estate plans•Asset protection strategies•Income tax planning opportunities•Wealth accumulation models•Succession plansAnnually, we review all of the above considerations. Together with the entrepreneur's team of advisors, we explore ways to enhance the value of the entrepreneur's assets. As the life cycle of each business evolves from growth mode to maturity, we offer analytical perspectives of the business and its role in the entrepreneur's portfolio. We consider the value of each business, ways to manage the impact in the family's estate value, and opportunities to harvest cash flow or entity value for other family planning.Entrepreneurial Adisory1Our perspective is that of the entrepreneur: How can we streamline this structure? Minimize tax? Enhance value? What would I do if this were my family? With our knowledge of income and estate tax, valuation, and entity selection, we can significantly impact the entrepreneur's portfolio.Non Profit 1

Nonprofit Advisory

Not-for-profit organizations come in many shapes and sizes. They share several of the same opportunities, risks, and obstacles faced by for-profit businesses. Moreover, they must also address a host of unique and complex regulatory and operational concerns, none more significant than maintaining their tax-exempt status.Our goal is to help nonprofits successfully navigate these complexities and challenges so they can more efficiently and effectively achieve their worthy objectives. In the current changing and challenging economic times, many organizations are re-evaluating expenses, ways to save, and cost-cutting measures. Together, we can help you realize practical, economical solutions. Non Profit 2Services for nonprofits include:Compliance•Qualification for tax-exemption (including preparation and filing of Form 1023 with IRS)•Annual Report (Form 990) preparation and filing •IRS relations - including representation in audits, RFI, disputes, and exemptions issuesTraining•Seminars in nonprofit best practices•Seminars in tax and IRS compliance matters•QuickBooks® training Consulting•Organizational Analysis - Objective evaluation can be the cornerstone for progress. If a board's plans are based on incorrect data, the odds of making faulty decisions increase. Our goal in evaluating your organization is to reveal true strengths and weaknesses and help you identify and optimize next steps.•Interim Leadership and Management - During leadership vacancies, we can bring a team of seasoned nonprofit and business leaders to the executive director role, thus ensuring organizational continuity.•Executive Search - We assist in the difficult, but critical tasks of writing a job description, profiling the ideal candidate and finding the best talent. •Executive Coaching - Even the most experienced executives can benefit from having a seasoned nonprofit leader help with advice and planning. •Governance - Board recruitment; role of the Board and relation to management; Board governance policies and record-keeping•Fundraising - Assist in developing policies, procedures and benchmarks•Administration - Assist in developing policies and procedures •Strategic Planning - Assist in the development of short and long-term operational and business plans•Qualification for certification with ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) - for Christian faith-based organizationsFamily Advisory 1

Family Advisory

Individual income tax planning is the doorway through which we develop relationships with families and utilize our knowledge and skills to assist in their planning needs. Many of our clients visit us annually to prepare a Form 1040 and discuss tax law changes that affect them. As we review tax documents, we also consider changes in withholding or estimated payment vouchers for the next tax year. A "no surprise" April 15th balance due or refund is the goal.During our years of relationship with a family, we often address other needs that may arise:•Estate income tax returns•Trust income tax returns •Retirement planning •Tax strategies for the income producing years and the retirement years•Divorce or pre-marital tax advice and/or valuation opinions•Estate and gift tax returnsFamily Advisory 2•Strategies to offer financial support to older generations•Options for providing financial support to younger generations•Household budget planning•Analysis of employment agreement tax considerationsIn our 20-year history, we have fielded such questions as, "There's a leak in our rent house; should we hire a plumber?" and "My publicly-traded employer will be selling next month and I'll have a significant windfall. What can I do to minimize tax?" Regardless of the nature of the call, we enjoy hearing from our annual clients between tax seasons.Education and Training1

Education & Training

Internal Accounting Support Clients appreciate our customized levels of service and our ability to meet their individual business needs. An accounting professional completes or reviews your data on a timetable of your choosing. You gain real-time accurate information, which enables you to more effectively manage your business. Service can be provided:•Bi-weekly•Monthly•Quarterly•Semi-annually•Annually•As neededAdditional Education and Training•Web-based video tutorials (QuickBooks®, etc.)•Best Practices instructions and consulting•Peachtree support•Periodic seminars on current financial topicsEducation and training2At Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C. we place a premium on relationships. We offer individual consultation on an as-needed basis. In addition to internal accounting support, we also specialize in QuickBooks® training, cleanup, and review. Whether your location preference is onsite (your office or ours) or remote access, we can provide solutions to your QuickBooks® needs.QuickBooks® Training and Consultation•Remote Access - attended or unattended sessions•On-site - we make house calls•Telephone support•Data file setup•Troubleshooting•One-on-one training•QuickBooks® tune-up - review and cleanup of your data•Journal entries & adjustments•Shared bookkeeping responsibilities•Report customization•Conversion of Peachtree files to QuickBooks® Administrative team1

Administrative Team

The accounting profession is characterized by a delicate balance between regulation and numbers. Our professional side drives us to ensure that all compliance requirements are fulfilled, resulting in the best possible outcome for our clients. However, we are more than just a professional accounting firm; we are a personal service firm.Although a doctor may work in the medical field, his practice is defined by the treatment administered to patients. A personal service firm is nothing without people to serve. Paula Jefferson & Associates, P.C. is driven beyond the numbers to develop relationship-based synergies with our clients and their advisors to reach their full potential.The Administrative Team at PJA exists to maximize the amount of time and energy the accounting professionals dedicate to our client relationships. Through the facilitation of appointments and teleconferences, project management and client special requests, the Administrative Team's role is to support and enhance the quality of the long-term relationships clients build with our firm.Administrative team2Additionally, the Administrative Team members act like air traffic controllers by listening to the clients' needs and identifying the staff member best able to quickly and expertly provide a solution.We have the honor and pleasure of welcoming clients into our office and being the voice on the phone when you call. Our goal is to increase the value of our clients' and our staffs' time by maximizing efficiencies. We listen. We analyze. We serve.RESOURCESCommon IRS Forms

Other Forms and Publications

Downloads

Go ahead and download our most common forms and orgainizers

New Client Paperwork

2009 Tax Organizer

Educational Tutorials

Join us on YouTube as we walk you through the most common QuickBooks® tasks. No more guessing. We're here to hold your hand through the whole process.

How to Make an Accountant's Copy in QuickBooks®

How to Import Accountant Changes in QuickBooks®

How to Create a QuickBooks® Back-Up of Your Data File

More on our BLOG!

FAQsFAQsWelcome to our new FAQ section! This area will be constantly updated, so come back and visit often!Click on a category below to be taken to our FAQ library on that subject. You will be redirected from this website to our blog. IndividualBusinessNonprofitQuickBooks®PJAIf you have any FAQs you would like to see addressed by our staff, please let us know! info_partnersforbusiness.com BLOGWe created a blog to provide current and potential clients with all the news and resources they need to stay up to date with what’s going on in the tax world and at PJA. Stay tuned for tax and accounting links, articles of interest, and educaitonal video tutorials. You can easily stay up to date with our blogby subscribing to our RSS feed.We welcome your interaction and feedback via comments on our blog. If you have an article or tutorial idea you'd like to see featured on the blog, please write us atinfo_partnersforbusiness.comCONNECTOur Address840 Thousand Oaks Dr. Hurst, TX 76054Tel.: 817-355-9292 (Metro)Fax: 817-571-7794E-mail: info_partnersforbusiness.comStay up-to-date on the latest tax news and firm happenings byvisiting our blog, following us on Twitter, or dropping by our Facebook page!

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