Category: News

Categories
News

ATA Announcement 2024

Operational changes

Effective January 2, 2024, ATA CPAs + Advisors PLLC entered into a new operating structure called an alternative practice structure. As part of that restructuring, ATA CPAs + Advisors PLLC has transferred all of its nonattest business and engagements as well as all employees to a new company called ATA Advisory, LLC. All attest and assurance work will remain in the current entity that will be renamed ATA, PLLC. The two entities will operate under the jointly marketed name “ATA” going forward.

What this means

ATA, PLLC will remain a licensed CPA firm that provides attest services; ATA Advisory, LLC and its subsidiary entities will provide tax and advisory services and not operate as a licensed CPA firm. All partners with ATA, PLLC will also be partners with ATA Advisory, LLC. All current staff will be employed by ATA Advisory, LLC under this agreement.

As part of this arrangement, ATA, PLLC and ATA Advisory, LLC will enter into an administrative services agreement. Within the operations of the alternative practice structure, and under the administrative services agreement, ATA, PLLC will lease professional and administrative staff from ATA Advisory, LLC to support ATA, PLLC’s performance of audit and attest engagements.  The employees leased from ATA Advisory will be under the supervision of ATA, PLLC when they are working on ATA, PLLC assurance engagements.

ATA Advisory, LLC will maintain custody of all files for clients of both ATA, PLLC and ATA Advisory, LLC. Both companies will comply with the same confidentiality obligations with respect to your confidential information. Please let us know immediately if you have any objections to the transfer of your files between the two entities.

What to expect 

Ultimately, you should expect to interact with the same partners and associates within ATA. Operationally, the alternative practice structure will allow us to provide improved service offerings to better serve our clients.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the partner with whom you have an established relationship.

Categories
Memphis, TN Merger News Press Releases TN

MERGER UNITES MEMPHIS ACCOUNTING FIRM WITH ATA CPAs + ADVISORS PLLC

ATA CPAs + Advisors PLLC

227 Oil Well Rd.

Jackson, TN 38305

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

MERGER UNITES MEMPHIS ACCOUNTING FIRM WITH ATA CPAs + ADVISORS PLLC

Memphis, TN. — Regional accounting firm ATA CPAs + Advisors PLLC (ATA) is adding to its West Tennessee presence through a merger with Whitehorn Tankersley & Davis, PLLC (WTD), effective January 1, 2024.

The merger with WTD adds 18 professionals to the ATA team, including Partners Lee Hood and Jeff Hunter as well as Principal Steve Davis. With this merger, ATA will be comprised of 240 employees and 16 locations across four states.

“As a firm our primary focus remains on our clients and our people. We believe that expanding our presence in the Memphis area through the addition of WTD is in line with that focus. With this merger we are adding valuable team members who can help us further expand the opportunities to better serve clients of both firms,” said Managing Partner John Whybrew. “ATA has been built on the principle of always looking for ways to improve and evolve. We believe that expanding our presence in the growing Memphis market and Covington area are another step in that evolution.”

WTD’s 47 years of expertise ranges from tax preparation and accounting services to more in-depth services such as audits, financial statements, and financial planning. It is a premier firm for trust and estate tax reporting.

“We chose to combine practices with ATA because of our common emphasis on serving clients and our core values,” Partner Lee Hood expressed. “As we integrate with ATA, this merger will enhance our capacity to expand our team and strengthen our commitment to addressing clients’ needs. This empowers us to offer customized business strategies that benefit their personal and professional objectives.”

 

XXX

About ATA CPAs + Advisors PLLC (ATA)

ATA is a long-term business advisor to its clients and provides other services that are not traditionally associated with accounting. The ATA Family of Firms consists of a team of experts that can benefit every area of your business. Adelsberger Marketing offers video, social media, and digital content for small businesses; ATAES is a comprehensive human resource management agency; ATA Secure provides cybersecurity services; ATA Technologies provides trustworthy IT solutions; Revolution Partners provides financial planning expertise; and Sodium Halogen focuses on growth through the design and development of marketing and digital products.

ATA has 16 office locations in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi. Recognized as an IPA Top 150 regional accounting firm, it provides a wide array of accounting, auditing, tax and advisory services for clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies and international corporations. ATA is also an alliance member of BDO USA LLP, a top five global accounting firm, which provides additional resources and expertise for clients.

Categories
Helpful Articles News Tax

Scams Taxpayers Should Be Aware of This Filing Season

Among the many scams taxpayers should be aware of this filing season is one involving Form 7202, Credits for Sick Leave and Family Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals. Some filers have been falsely encouraged to claim the credits based on employee (not self-employment) income.

These credits aren’t even available for 2022. In a similar scheme, taxpayers have invented household workers and filed Schedule H (Form 1040), Household Employment Taxes, claiming they paid their fictitious workers sick and family leave wages. The goal of both scams is to trigger a tax refund.

The IRS encourages anyone who has filed false information to amend their returns. Contact us for help.

Categories
News Press Releases

ALEXANDER THOMPSON ARNOLD NAMES NEW PARTNER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Alexis Long, Marketing Director

731-427-8571

along@atacpa.net 

Jackson, Tenn., September 22, 2022 – Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA), a business advisory and CPA firm, is pleased to announce Lori Warden, CPA, CGMA will be joining the firm as an assurance partner.

Warden has a wealth of knowledge with more than 30 years of experience in the assurance field including a background in peer review. She will be the Assurance Practice Leader in her new role with ATA. Warden is a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Chartered Global Management Accountant. She received her undergraduate degree in accounting from Marshall University.

“Adding Lori to the ATA team will strengthen our bench of expertise in the assurance area,” says Managing Partner, John Whybrew. “With her extensive background, Lori is well positioned to play an integral role in growing and expanding the Assurance Services offered within ATA.”

Lori previously held positions on the Kentucky Board of Accountancy as secretary, treasurer, and president. She is also a former Kentucky Society of CPA’s Board Member, chair of the Kentucky Society Education Foundation, and AICPA Peer Review Board Member.

“I am excited to become a partner at such an outstanding firm. I look forward to the hard work and am excited to assume more responsibility through the advancement of the practice,” said Warden.

Lori and her family live in Kentucky just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. Warden is currently treasurer for South West Ohio Residences, a local non-profit. She is also married and has a daughter, who is a nurse in the ICU.

###

About Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA)

ATA is a long-term business advisor to its clients and provides other services that are not traditionally associated with accounting. For example, Revolution Partners, ATA’s wealth management entity provides financial planning expertise; ATA Technologies provides trustworthy IT solutions; Sodium Halogen focuses on growth through the design and development of marketing and digital products; Adelsberger Marketing offers video, social media, and digital content for small businesses; and ATAES a comprehensive human resource management agency.

ATA has 15 office locations in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi. Recognized as an IPA Top 200 regional accounting firm, it provides a wide array of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services for clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies and international corporations. ATA is also an alliance member of BDO USA LLP, a top five global accounting firm, which provides additional resources and expertise for clients.

Categories
News

ALEXANDER THOMPSON ARNOLD NAMES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Alexis Long, Marketing Director

731-427-8571

along@atacpa.net 

 

ALEXANDER THOMPSON ARNOLD NAMES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

ATA welcomes Aimee Massey to its leadership team as the firm’s first chief operating officer. Bringing more than 20 years of executive operating experience to her new role, Massey will help guide ATA into the next chapter of strategic expansion and continuous development. 

“Aimee has a talent for translating strategies into actionable and qualitative deliverables,” said John Whybrew, managing partner of ATA. “I am confident Aimee will be a tremendous asset as we continue to manage our growth, streamline our operations, and execute our strategic plan.” 

Massey’s career has primarily been in the financial services industry. Before joining ATA, she was director of strategy and business development at Revolution Partners, LLC, ATA’s wealth management partner. For over sixteen years, she managed key departmental projects and initiatives at Morgan Keegan & Company, and she was instrumental in the creation of several development programs. 

“Professionally, there are three things I am passionate about: helping people work better together, developing others to help them achieve their goals, and managing a vision from concept through implementation,” said Massey. “The role of chief operating officer at ATA encompasses all of my passions.”

Massey is a certified Business Process Management Advanced Professional and Six Sigma Green Belt. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University.

A mother of four, Massey resides in Memphis, TN, and is very involved with her family and community. She is a Young Life volunteer, serves as a mentor for NEXUS Leaders, and is a committee chair for the St. Mary’s Parents Association. 

###

About Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA)

ATA is a long-term business advisor to its clients and provides other services that are not traditionally associated with accounting. For example, Revolution Partners, ATA’s wealth management entity provides financial planning expertise; ATA Technologies provides trustworthy IT solutions; Sodium Halogen focuses on growth through the design and development of marketing and digital products; Adelsberger Marketing offers video, social media, and digital content for small businesses; and ATAES a comprehensive human resource management agency.

ATA has 15 office locations in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi. Recognized as an IPA Top 200 regional accounting firm, it provides a wide array of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services for clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies and international corporations. ATA is also an alliance member of BDO USA LLP, a top-five global accounting firm, which provides additional resources and expertise for clients.

Categories
Memphis, TN News

ATA Ranks 7th in Memphis Area

Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA) moves from eighth to seventh on Memphis Business Journal’s (MBJ) Accounting Book of Lists. The MBJ’s Book of Lists is an annual ranking of more than 1,000 of the finest area companies in the accounting profession in Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette counties in Tenn.; DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tunica counties in Miss. and Crittenden County, Ark.

“We are proud of ATA’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients well in the Memphis area. Our goal over the past year was to expand offerings in the Memphis market,” said Terryl Viner, managing partner of the Memphis location. “We are honored to be recognized with the other firms as part of the Book of Lists and will continue working with clients to provide the quality service they deserve,” said Viner.

ATA continues to grow and expand its business advisory services in the accounting industry. Over the past few years, ATA has increased its advisory offerings to amplify every area of a business through its ancillary services and strategic partnerships with ATA’s Family of Firms.

It is the firm’s goal to continue growing with its business partners and work alongside clients to give trusted business advice. ATA challenges itself as a firm to stride forward on MBJ’s Book of Lists.

###

About Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA)

ATA is a long-term business advisor to its clients and provides other services that are not traditionally associated with accounting. For example, Revolution Partners, ATA’s wealth management entity provides financial planning expertise; ATA Technologies provides trustworthy IT solutions; Sodium Halogen focuses on growth through the design and development of marketing and digital products; Adelsberger Marketing offers video, social media, and digital content for small businesses; and newly added ATAES a comprehensive human resource management agency. 

ATA has 15 office locations in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi. Recognized as an IPA Top 200 regional accounting firm, it provides a wide array of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services for clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies and international corporations. ATA is also an alliance member of BDO USA LLP, a top five global accounting firm, which provides additional resources and expertise for clients.

Categories
News Owensboro, KY

WATHEN AND COMPANY, PLLC MERGES WITH ALEXANDER THOMPSON ARNOLD PLLC

Owensboro, Ky. — Regional accounting firm Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA) is expanding its presence in Owensboro, Ky. through the acquisition of local firm Wathen and Company, PLLC owned by Vernon Wathen, CPA, effective January 1, 2022.

ATA has built a presence in Owensboro as a result of a 2017 acquisition of Myriad CPA Group. The acquisition of Wathen and Company allows for ATA’s further growth in the Owensboro area. 

“As we continue to grow, it is our top priority to join with firms that embody similar values as ATA,” said ATA managing partner John Whybrew. “Wathen and Company is a natural fit, and we see a bright future for our firm in the Owensboro area.”

Wathen and two staff members will continue to serve clients as ATA team members as a result of this transition. ATA Owensboro will operate at a new location at 300 Southtown Boulevard Floor 3, Owensboro, KY 42303.

Wathen can be reached directly at @vwathen@atacpa.net.

###

 

About Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA)

ATA is a long-term business advisor to its clients and provides other services that are not traditionally associated with accounting. The ATA Family of Firms consists of a team of experts that can benefit every area of your business. Revolution Partners provides financial planning expertise; ATA Technologies provides trustworthy IT solutions; ATA Secure provides cybersecurity services; Sodium Halogen focuses on growth through the design and development of marketing and digital products; Adelsberger Marketing offers video, social media, and digital content for small businesses; and ATAES is a comprehensive human resource management agency. 

ATA has 15 office locations in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi. Recognized as an IPA Top 150 regional accounting firm, it provides a wide array of accounting, auditing, tax and advisory services for clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies and international corporations. ATA is also an alliance member of BDO USA LLP, a top five global accounting firm, which provides additional resources and expertise for clients.

 

Categories
General Healthcare News

Supreme Court Blocks Vaccine-or-Testing Mandate for Large Employers

On Thursday, January 13, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked efforts by the Biden Administration to put a vaccine-or-testing mandate in place for large employers in a 6-3 vote. The mandate would have required proof of vaccination or weekly COVID testing for businesses that employ at least 100 individuals.

While a vaccine-or-testing mandate will not go into effect for general employers, employees of healthcare facilities that receive money through the Medicare and Medicaid programs must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of February 2022, as decided in a 5-4 ruling.

For more details about the Supreme Court’s ruling on the vaccine-or-testing mandate, visit https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-blocks-biden-vaccine-or-test-policy-large-businesses-2022-01-13/.

Categories
AR News Press Releases

ARKANSAS ACCOUNTING FIRM MERGES WITH ALEXANDER THOMPSON ARNOLD PLLC

Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC
227 Oil Well Rd.
Jackson, TN 38305

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexis Long, Marketing Director
731-427-8571
along@atacpa.net

ARKANSAS ACCOUNTING FIRM MERGES WITH ALEXANDER THOMPSON ARNOLD PLLC

Hot Springs, Ark. — Regional accounting firm Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA) is adding a presence in the state of Arkansas through the acquisition of top local firm JWCK, Ltd., formerly known as Jordan, Woosley, Crone & Keaton, Ltd., effective January 1, 2022.

The merger with JWCK adds 14 professionals to the ATA team, including three principals and two partners, Christina Ellis, CPA and Courtney Moore, CPA. With this merger, ATA will be comprised of 220 employees and 15 locations across four states.

“ATA has had a long-standing interest in establishing a strong presence in Arkansas,” said ATA Managing Partner John Whybrew. “We believe that this strategic merger with JWCK allows the firm to grow in new markets with like-minded professionals as well as continue our multi-year growth plan.”

JWCK’s 60 years of expertise ranges from tax management and accounting services to more in-depth services such as audits, financial statements and financial planning. It is a premier firm for trust and estate tax reporting as well as one of few firms that adhere to the standards to be able to perform audits for entities who receive state and federal monies and audits of financial institutions.

JWCK ranks 14th on the Arkansas Business Publishing Group’s list of the largest accounting firms in the state. The firm has been named Best Accounting Firm in Hot Springs by The Sentinel Record two years in a row, with Ellis being named Best Accountant in Hot Springs the past two years as well.

“Our commitment to serve our community with professionals right here in Hot Springs has led JWCK to merge with ATA,” said Ellis. “Through this merger, we will be able to provide our community with expertise in subject matters beyond what we have in our local office and will be able to devote more time to client relationships by allowing ATA’s entities to handle administrative responsibilities.” 

ATA Hot Springs will operate at 126 Hobson Ave. until May 2022, when they will move into a newly-constructed space at 1720 Higdon Ferry Road. There is also a location in Hot Springs Village, Ark. at 399 Ponce de Leon Drive, Ste. 2.

XXX

About Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA)

ATA is a long-term business advisor to its clients and provides other services that are not traditionally associated with accounting. The ATA Family of Firms consists of a team of experts that can benefit every area of your business. Revolution Partners provides financial planning expertise; ATA Technologies provides trustworthy IT solutions; ATA Secure provides cybersecurity services; Sodium Halogen focuses on growth through the design and development of marketing and digital products; Adelsberger Marketing offers video, social media, and digital content for small businesses; and ATAES is a comprehensive human resource management agency. 

ATA has 15 office locations in Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas and Mississippi. Recognized as an IPA Top 150 regional accounting firm, it provides a wide array of accounting, auditing, tax and advisory services for clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies and international corporations. ATA is also an alliance member of BDO USA LLP, a top five global accounting firm, which provides additional resources and expertise for clients.

Categories
Jackson, TN News

Seasoned Banker Joins Top Regional CPA Firm As Client Relations Director

Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC
227 Oil Well Rd.
Jackson, TN 38305

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Alexis Long, Marketing Director
731-427-8571
along@atacpa.net

SEASONED BANKER JOINS TOP REGIONAL CPA FIRM AS CLIENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Jackson, Tenn. — Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA) is proud to announce the addition of Heather Castleman in the newly created position of client relations director. Castleman, formerly of a large national bank, will bring her skillset to the ATA team effective Sept. 27, 2021.

ATA implemented this role to support client relationships and to better understand business owners’ needs in order to connect them with the abundant resources that ATA has to offer. Castleman’s primary goal is to prioritize the interests of current and future clients by facilitating conversations and fostering lasting relationships between advisees and ATA. She will serve as a liaison for ATA’s Family of Firms and advisory services.

“Heather has a great talent of meeting her advisees’ needs and helping them reach financial goals through personal relationships,” said John Whybrew, managing partner of ATA. “Her experience of maintaining relationships with clients in several states and managing a team of private client relationship managers will allow her to successfully forge connections between our clients, CPAs and the rest of our firm.”

Castleman comes to ATA with 25 years of experience managing client relationships in the financial services industry. She was most recently a private client relationship manager and the team lead for community banking at First Horizon Bank. Castleman’s priorities throughout her career have been building and maintaining positive relationships with clients as well as providing the best services available for customers.

“I am looking forward to this new opportunity in my career,” said Castleman. “This position will allow me to continue to focus on building lasting relationships and helping others. In this role, my goal is to show others that ATA has a full stack of resources available both to individuals and to the business community.”

Heather is married to Alan, a realtor with Hickman Realty Group in Jackson. They have been married for twenty-six years and have two daughters, Paige and Zoe.

###

About Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA)

ATA is a long-term business advisor to its clients and provides other services that are not traditionally associated with accounting. For example, Revolution Partners, ATA’s wealth management entity provides financial planning expertise; ATA Technologies provides trustworthy IT solutions; Sodium Halogen focuses on growth through the design and development of marketing and digital products; Adelsberger Marketing offers video, social media, and digital content for small businesses; and ATA Employment Solutions is a comprehensive human resource management agency.

ATA has 13 office locations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. Recognized as an IPA Top 200 regional accounting firm, it provides a wide array of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services for clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies and international corporations. ATA is also an alliance member of BDO USA LLP, a top five global accounting firm, which provides additional resources and expertise for clients.