Business Advisory Services

Renee Osterbur, Senior Manager in Business Advisory Services, enjoys ''helping clients solve their accounting problems so that they can focus on running their business.'' Renee graduated from the University of Illinois in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, and joined the Martin Hood team in 2002. On a daily basis, Renee performs a broad range of activities including processing payroll, preparing payroll tax returns, assisting with notices from tax agencies, reconciling accounts, preparing financial statements, resolving accounting issues, and performing controllership duties. She describes her colleagues at Martin Hood as both ''fun and hard-working,'' which creates a positive work environment for all.

''Martin Hood is a company that values quality of work over quantity,'' states Anthony Pendleton, Senior Manager in Business Advisory Services. ''Client service is of the highest priority.'' Anthony graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northern Illinois University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. He is a Quickbooks Pro Advisor and offers assistance to clients on-site and remotely. Anthony also provides general accounting assistance including bank reconciliations, monthly close and interim financial statement reviews for small businesses and non-profit organizations. He values the ''relaxed work atmosphere at Martin Hood, where on a daily basis I get to talk to everyone from partners to interns.''

''I enjoy the fast-paced, collaborative, and challenging environment at Martin Hood,'' states Robert Warth, Manager in Business Advisory Services. Robert graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and joined the firm in 2006. He advises the firm's clients on developing and improving accounting systems, undertakes special projects and prepares financial statement compilations. Robert also provides tax planning and preparation with an emphasis on both multi-state and real estate activities. Robert states, ''I really value the unexpected day-to-day variety that comes from working in two departments within the firm.''

''The best part of working at Martin Hood is the people,'' notes Kaci Isaksen. ''The partners create a work environment that is fun and easy-going, which makes me want to get out of bed and come to work every day!'' Kaci earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in 2009 and a Masters of Accounting Science in 2010, both from the University of Illinois. She joined the Martin Hood team in 2010 and provides audit services for employee benefit plan clients including 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plans. Kaci also provides pension plan management services, and is a member of the company’s Employee Benefit Plan team.

''We thrive on teamwork,'' notes Wendy Hendon, a Business Advisory Services Supervisor. With more than 30 years of office management, bookkeeping, and accounting experience, Wendy especially enjoys helping clients with office turnover issues. ''Clients come to us when they are unexpectedly shorthanded in office, and we will do whatever we can to keep their office running smoothly,'' she states. Wendy specializes in training new or relocated office staff to be self-sufficient, as well as helping small businesses with financial office management, sales tax and payroll tax reporting.

Emily graduated from Illinois State University in May 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and obtained a Master of Science in Accountancy from Illinois State University in May of 2016. Emily has been with Martin Hood since September 2016. In addition to experience providing advisory services to a variety of clients, Emily works on individual and corporate tax return preparation. She is captain of the State and Local Tax Committee and a member of the Sales and Use Tax Committee. Emily enjoys helping clients operate within the ever changing multi-state landscape in order to maintain, and occasionally attain, compliance. She has experience serving clients in a variety of industries including not-for-profits and small business.

''While providing professional services to clients, the firm still maintains a 'family' atmosphere among the employees,'' states Marsha Elmer, Supervisor in Business Advisory Services. ''Those close ties make for a great work atmosphere.'' Marsha obtained her Bachelor of Business degree from Western Illinois University in 1975 and joined the Martin Hood team in 1999. She is a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor Gold Member and assists businesses with set up and maintenance of their accounting software packages. ''I believe everyone strives to provide the best customer service,'' Marsha notes.