Barnes Dennig Announces 3 New Directors
Published on by Chris Perrino in Firm News
In recognition of outstanding expertise, relentless dedication to excellent client service, and laser focus on team development, Barnes Dennig proudly announces the addition of three new Directors to its leadership team – and for the second time in the firm’s history, this promotion class is all female. With this addition, the firm’s Director rank totals 32 members.
“As an organization, we have seen our strongest growth these past few years, and that growth is driven by this next generation of leadership,” said Barnes Dennig Managing Director Jay Rammes. “We have consciously built a culture of diversity and inclusion and to see an entire group of women leaders makes us very proud. They are excellent leaders and will truly help lead our firm well into the future.“
A key component of Barnes Dennig’s culture – and one of many reasons the firm is named a Top Workplace year after year – is its focus on recognizing and rewarding outstanding contributions by team members at every level – and this year’s new Directors embody that standard.
“Each of these new Directors has found a way to create their own personal brand and expertise in unique specialties so that as a firm, we can grow and serve our clients better,“ Rammes also said.
Meet the Directors
Rachael Cruse, CPA
Rachael has in-depth experience providing assurance services, business insights, and best practices to her clients. She primarily serves non-profit organizations and has a broad range of accounting and auditing experience, including Uniform Guidance compliance, Yellow Book compliance, financial statement, and internal control engagements. She complements that experience with extensive technical training and excellent communication skills, which makes her an asset to the firm’s clients.
As a steering committee member for Barnes Dennig’s Women’s Growth and Development Initiative and a leader of annual and periodic training courses, Rachael helps develop both firm personnel and community organizations seeking support. Her leadership and business expertise are further applied as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati. Rachael has 12 years of experience in public accounting.
Rachael serves on the Board of Directors of Covington Partners, a local non-profit that supports youth development and eliminates boundaries to learning within the Covington and Northern Kentucky area. Rachael was a member of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s 2021-2022 Women Excel (WE Lead) class.
Rachael is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and concentrations in Accounting and Finance.
Heather Steinke, CPA
As a leader and key member of Barnes Dennig’s tax team, Heather is committed to helping her clients develop and implement strategies that minimize their tax burden and keep up with legislative changes. She has extensive experience with privately-owned businesses of all sizes in a variety of industries, including manufacturing and construction. In addition, she focuses on individual income taxation for small business owners, helping them to minimize overall tax by knowing both their business and personal tax situations. Other areas of expertise include multi-state taxation and benefit plans. She has 20 years of public accounting experience.
Within the firm, Heather has been involved with training and staff development for many years. She is an active member of the firm’s Tax Committee, helping to implement efficient procedures and enhance quality control within the tax department. She also was an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati for five years in the Masters of Taxation program.
Heather graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting and Finance and was the recipient of the Williams College of Business Excellence in Accounting Award that year. She later earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Xavier University as well.
Kara Wysinski, CPA
Kara began her career in public accounting in 2011 with Barnes Dennig as a co-op on the Non-Profit Client Service Team. She quickly impressed clients and co-workers with her work ethic and her “can-do” attitude. In early 2013, Kara was recognized with the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Achievement Recognition Award / Accounting Co-Op of the Year. Kara is a trusted advisor for her clients and works diligently to ensure efficient engagements and exceptional client service. Kara has 12 years of public accounting experience.
In her time at the firm, she has worked with non-profits in the social service, behavioral health, education, and arts sectors. She is specialized in Uniform Guidance, Yellow Book compliance, HUD compliance, and financial statement engagements. Kara is also on the steering committee for Barnes Dennig’s Women’s Growth and Development Initiative and is heavily involved in internal staff development and training.
Kara is passionate about non-profits and the Greater Cincinnati community. She served on the Board of UpSpring for eight years prior to her term ending in August 2022. During her time on the Board, she served on the Executive Committee and as Treasurer for six years.
Kara earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from the University of Cincinnati.
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