Kathy Nelson, CPA

Shareholder
kathy.nelson@mtkcpa.com

"Often what our clients view as worrisome or complex, we see as stimulating. Over the years, I've found that most problems can be solved if you break the issue into smaller components and then work through each component, one at a time. I get my greatest sense of accomplishment from solving problems for my clients and providing them with peace of mind."

Kathy Nelson is drawn to intellectual challenges whether they involve complex accounting or financial reporting issues, multi-state taxation, or quality control within Moquist Thorvilson Kaufmann Kennedy & Pieper LLC. Jointly responsible with Al Kaufmann for assurance services, Kathy became a shareholder in 2000 and offers clients technical skill with a blend of tax and private business experience.

Hired at Moquist Thorvilson Kaufmann Kennedy & Pieper LLC after an internship in 1989, Kathy joined the assurance team and gained experience in both audits and corporate taxation. She left the firm for a year to serve as controller for a large manufacturing company with ties to overseas trade. After the company completed an acquisition, Kathy was ready to take that knowledge back to public accounting at Moquist Thorvilson Kaufmann Kennedy & Pieper LLC.

"The experience provided a more in-depth understanding of how businesses operated in terms of manufacturing processes, accounting systems, succession planning, finance, acquisitions and multi-state taxation. To me, that's exciting."

As the next wave of leadership at the firm, Kathy mirrors the firm's entrepreneurial leanings with regard to business services. Whether performing an audit or assisting in a business transaction, her goals include identification and management of risk, minimization of income taxes or improving business processes for her clients.

As such, she may oversee everything from the provisions of a contract to advising clients on the structure of a business transaction to designing and identifying ways to improve operations or internal controls while focused on building a strong client relationship.

"I'm directing my knowledge to the business as a whole."

Core Specializations

• Assurance and Accounting Services
• Management Advisory Services
• Employee Benefit Plan Audits
• Multi-State Tax Consulting
• Mergers and Acquisitions

Education

• B.S. in Accounting, Moorhead State University, 1989
• NASD Series 66 License

Professional Affiliations

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Information Technology Section
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Employee Benefit Practice Section
• Member, Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, CEO Roundtable
• Member, Minneapolis Pension Council

Interests and Activities

Kathy is married and has two daughters. She enjoys coaching, biking and being outdoors.