About Kara
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.
In her time at the firm, she has worked with not-for-profits in the social service, behavioral health, education, and arts sectors. She specializes in Uniform Guidance compliance, Yellow Book compliance, HUD compliance, and financial statement engagements. Kara is also on the steering committee for the Women’s Growth and Development Initiative at Barnes Dennig and is heavily involved in internal staff development and training.
Kara is passionate about not-for-profits and the Greater Cincinnati community. She’s seen the inside workings of a non-profit through her prior volunteer and internship experience at Dress for Success. This non-profit provides professional attire to disadvantaged women to help them thrive in the workforce and through serving on the Board of UpSpring for eight years before her term ends in August 2022. While on the UpSpring 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. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA). Through her professional affiliation with these organizations, she receives extensive continuing professional education and attends the AICPA Non-profit Industry Annual Conference.
