Tessa Keena, CPA

Tessa Keena

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Education/Certification

I earned an Associate of Science in Business Studies degree from Cornerstone University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a major in Accounting, from Grand Valley State University.

I maintain my CPA certification in the State of Michigan.

What is your area of specialty – how do you best help your clients?

I am passionate about working with business owners, executive directors, and their management teams to ensure they have accurate financial information and sound business processes.

My areas of expertise include accounting and business systems implementation and oversight, business processes, financial statement analysis and reporting, annual budgeting and forecasting, strategic planning, and not-for-profit grant tracking.

What are your top 5 strengths? What is your favorite strength?

Achiever – Woo – Communication – Learner – Belief.

I don’t have a favorite strength. I believe that my top five are a true reflection of who I am!

How do you like to give back to the community?

My husband and I are passionate about giving back and supporting the community. A few of our favorites are:
+ The Local Church
+ Calvary Church
+ Servants Center
+ Power of Education Foundation
+ D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s Homes

Additionally, we have a passion for opening our home to others. We have hosted two wonderful international exchange students, one from Italy and one from Spain, a few college students, and family. We have gained life-long friendships and extended family through these experiences and are grateful for them all!

Giving back is also very important to our firm and I have the opportunity to serve on boards and committees for the following organizations:
+ Michigan State Board of Accountancy
+ The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & West Michigan Hispanic Chamber Foundation
+ Gateways for Growth/Kent County Welcome Plan Steering Committee Member (former board member)
+ The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre (former board member)
+ The Brains Foundation (former board member)

What are your superpowers – something you’re good at that others should know about?

• Cosmaccountant – Accountant by day – Cosmetologist by night
• Amateur photographer…but expert scrapbooker
• Amazing wedding assistant
• Master organizer
• Awesome babysitter/ baby whisperer

Accomplishment you’re proud of?

• My daughter Bella. Watching her grow into the young woman she is and seeing her accomplish her dreams!
• Graduating college and passing the CPA exam – boy was that a stressful time!
• Building and growing the Accounting Solutions Team and partnering with so many amazing team members along the way!
• Training our dogs to walk/run on the treadmill for extra exercise (especially during the winter months!)

Tell us about your life outside of work (family/pets/sports/activities/interests/hobbies)

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, family and friends. I love shopping, photography, traveling, attending live theater/film/concerts, reading leadership and DEI books, listening to podcasts, and party planning! Our daughter is in her senior year of college, is a captain on her club lacrosse team, and is focusing on the Fashion industry.

Our “adopted” son is in his senior year of college, studying accounting (like me!) and is on the Men’s Track & Field and Cross Country teams. I have been studying Spanish for the past two years (my lifelong dream) and had the opportunity to put my knowledge to the test on a trip to Spain. I continue to learn each day, along with the help of my co-workers, and look forward to advancing in my knowledge for years to come. We have two dogs (boxers) Max and Harley… I love them so much!

What is your favorite part of working at the firm?

I just love our firm! I am so grateful to work with some of the most amazing team members! They inspire me every day! I love the impact we have in growing our people, serving our clients, and giving back to the community!

Quickbooks Certified Pro Advisor

Spotlight:

  • 2018 – Award recipient of the Michigan Association of CPAs (MICPA) Women to Watch – Emerging Leaders Award
  • 2019 – Appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan State Board of Accountancy
  • 2020 – Selected by the Grand Rapids Business Journal as a member of the 40 Under 40 Business Leaders class of 2020.
  • 2021 – Elected as a firm shareholder. becoming the 4th female shareholder in the firms 80 year history.
  • 2023 – Re-appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan State Board of Accountancy.

Podcasts:

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