Clifford H. Hersman, CPA
Tax Partner

Experience

Cliff has provided accounting and financial services to individuals and closely held businesses since 1971.  He has facilitated strategic financing for emerging businesses, engineered successful buy-sell agreements, and has testified as an expert witness for insurance settlements and business valuations.  Cliff’s clientele includes a broad range of businesses including professional service companies, manufacturing facilities, retail firms, medical practices, and computer companies.  Specific areas of experience include Valuation and Litigation Services, Contract Arbitration, Compensation, Loss of Business Income, Marital Dissolution, Tax Issues, and Wage Loss Claims.  Cliff’s knowledge and range of experience is vast and his dedication to his clients is substantial – as he is now serving 3rd and 4th generation families!

A Washington native, Cliff enjoys all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.  Golf, skiing, boating, football, and hanging out with his grandkids are at the top of Cliff’s list when it comes to leisure time.

Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants

Education

J.D., Golden Gate University
B.A., Business Accounting, Washington State University

Cordell L. Almond, CPA
FOUNDING TAX PARTNER

Experience

Cordell brings enormous experience in planning, implementing, and advising large family and business groups in estate, tax, and financial wealth enhancement areas.  With more than 20 years experience in public and private practice, Cordell uses his concentrated training in elder care, law, insurance, finances, and taxes to positively enhance the lifestyles of his clients and in doing so has become their trusted and valued advisor.  His practical approach and business savvy has helped his clients achieve great success.

Cordell is a passionate family man, and recently welcomed the newest addition to the family - his grandson (and future CPA).  He enjoys hiking and biking - both of which can be enjoyed in abundance in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants

Education

B.A., Business Administration, University of Montana
Attended University of Puget Sound Law School

Julia A. Proudlove, CPA
Tax Partner

Experience

Julia has provided accounting, tax, and consulting services in public accounting for over 15 years.  She services clientele in numerous industries, including real estate development, high technology, startups, manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives, equipment leasing, and professional medical services.  Her dedication to her clients, combined with her thorough knowledge and experience with business entity selection, accounting system design and implementation, cost controls, financial statement analysis and projection, job costing and project analysis, tax planning, and business consulting, have enabled Julia to help her clients reach and exceed their financial goals.

Originally from Wisconsin, Julia enjoys living in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and extended family.  She enjoys gardening, entertaining family gatherings, and discovering the fine wineries and micro breweries that are so abundant in this region.

Professional Affiliations

Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Kirkland Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Eastside

Education

B.A., University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

SHANE PAYETTE, CFP®
Chief Executive Officer

Experience

Shane has more than 20 years experience in private client wealth management, and provides high-level professional consulting services to clients of the firm including endowment funds, non-profit organizations, and high net worth individuals.    As a result of his extensive experience in the Canadian market, Shane also provides valuable insight into the international investment arena.  In addition, Shane is responsible for ensuring that SPA’s investment strategies are applied consistently throughout the country, and oversees SPA’s Regional Investment Directors and local Investment Advisors as they deliver consulting services to the clients of the firm.

A true golf enthusiast, Shane is a former pro and member of the PGA.  When not working with clients, it’s likely you will find Shane on a golf course.

Victoria K. Serles, CPA, CVA, ABV
Managing Partner

Experience

Vicki has been providing estate planning, wealth management, and valuation services to executives, professionals, and businesses since 1975. Her experience includes financial planning, asset management, estate planning and design, valuation services and taxation.  Her public and private experience includes international banking, finance, mergers and acquisitions, real estate syndication, and estate and trust administration. Her comprehensive knowledge of business, combined with her ability to execute successful strategies, has enabled her to enhance the wealth accumulation of her clients.  As Managing Partner, Vicki leads a growing and dedicated team of like-minded professionals who share her passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals.

A Seattle native, Vicki is an avid outdoor enthusiast.  When she's not working her magic for clients, you will likely find her enjoying a golf course or ski slope.

Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants
American Society of Woman Accountants
National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts

Education

M.S., Taxation, Golden Gate University
B.S., Accounting, Central Washington University

Vivienne E. Mitchell, CPA, MS
Tax Partner

Experience

Vivienne has provided accounting and advising services in public accounting since 1985.  When working with corporate clients, her goal is to achieve and maintain financial strength for both the company and its owners. Vivienne’s Family Wealth services include working with a team of professional advisors specialized in estate planning to ensure that the family’s goals and desire are met, resulting in maximum benefit to designated heirs and charitable organization.  She offers estate administration services, family wealth planning, trust and estate compliance, fiduciary accounting services, and asset transfer consulting.

Long-distance hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and ballroom dancing are just a few of Vivienne’s many interests.  Known as a “foodie,” she’s always on board to try out new culinary delights.

Professional Affiliations

Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Seattle Estate Planning Council
Seattle Attorney CPA Tax Clinic
British American Club
Seattle Chamber of Commerce

Education

B.S., Central Connecticut State College
M.S., Golden Gate University