Changing financial regulations and greater emphasis on accountability and transparency are driving healthy growth in the accounting profession despite a slow economic recovery. Future growth in both the number and complexity of businesses will drive even greater demand for professionals to set up internal controls, prepare statements and taxes, stay current on financial rules and regulations and their implications, and detect fraud.

“State and federal legislators continue to make significant changes to financial laws that impact individuals and small business owners. Our clients appreciate an independent, unbiased interpretation of these changes,” said Will Geer, CPA/ABV/CFF, MBA, CVA, CFFA, CFE, ASA, CMA, founding and managing partner of Geer & Associates, a full-service accounting firm with offices in Atlanta and Albany.

Established in 1995, Geer & Associates provides assurance, tax, financial advisory and consulting services to privately held companies. The firm has 10 employees and three distinct practices areas including valuation and litigation consulting led by Geer, audit led by Nicole Ranew, CPA, and taxation led by Todd Hockman, JD, MACC. Clients include governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, privately held businesses, individuals, estates and others.

Standing together with Albany businesses

A local, smaller accounting firm can provide hands-on, personal attention to its clients, according to Geer. “That’s what sets up apart,” he said. Personal attention can mean extra hours spent with clients throughout the year to educate and train on changing rules and regulations. That investment can help ensure annual audits are less disruptive and more streamlined. Clients can also access a wide range of services from one firm including bookkeeping, tax and audit.

“We try to place the right person in our firm with every client so that we can build clear communications and a strong relationship. We want people to feel comfortable picking up the phone and speaking directly to their accountant,” Geer explained.

With the loss of some industry in Albany, Geer has extended its reach to other parts of the state. Yet the firm is committed to Albany.

“I think one of the keys to success for anyone in life is the ability to maintain focus. I’d like to see Albany focus on creating the right environment to attract businesses and that includes strong public schools and affordable health care,” he continued. “Many of our employees grew up here and many are raising their families here. We aren’t giving up on our home.”

Beyond Albany

Geer heads the valuation and litigation consulting practice in his firm. In this practice, the firm provides forensic accountants to detect illegal financial activity, provide asset and business valuations as well as expert-witness testimony. “The valuation business has been very good this year,” Geer reported.

With the recent financial crisis, valuing troubled businesses, real estate and other assets has become a major issue for many trying to execute some type of transaction. In addition, the crisis precipitated a great deal of litigation involving distressed assets. When fraud is involved, Geer & Associates provides a variety of services ranging from fraud detection to determination of economic damages and communication of findings to the appropriate entity.

More information on Geer & Associates is available at www.geercpa.com or contact Kathy Prisant at (229) 438-0481 or [email protected].

About Barbara Kieker

Barbara Kieker is a freelance writer who writes on business-related topics for a number of web-based properties. She also provides communications services to Fortune 500 corporations, small businesses and nonprofit organizations.