Overview

Ashlee is a Senior Business Development and Marketing Manager at ORBA with extensive experience driving strategic initiatives and fostering growth in the financial services industry. With a keen eye for detail and a proven track record of delivering impactful results, she specializes in comprehensive marketing strategies, business development and communication efforts that align with the Firm’s core values and business strategy. Coupled with deep expertise in digital marketing, she excels in expanding the Firm’s reach and enhancing its competitive edge in the marketplace.

Proactive

At ORBA, Ashlee maintains a strategic mindset, leveraging problem-solving capabilities and a results-driven approach to ensure continuous momentum and innovation within the Firm. Her collaborative approach supports alignment across our talented and dynamic teams, strengthening both internal and external partnerships.

Outside of the Office

When she’s not driving growth for the firm, she enjoys exploring nature and fascinating destinations, as well as tackling challenging recipes in the kitchen.

Memberships & Affiliations

• Association of Accounting Marketing

Education

• B.S., Agribusiness, Purdue University

Overview

As a Senior Tax Manager in the Firm’s Tax Group, Heather Koepenick brings extensive experience in complex federal, multi-state income and franchise tax returns and advisory for individuals, partnerships and corporations. Her expertise includes strategic tax planning, compliance and advanced knowledge of tax law and regulations. She serves a wide range of clientele, including high-net-worth individuals, law firms, physician groups, commercial and residential property owners and hospitality businesses. Her clients span industries such as real estate, retail, software and professional services.

With a strong focus on income tax planning and strategy for individuals and corporations, Heather promotes proactive tax optimization strategies aimed at minimizing tax burdens. Her proficiency extends to complex tax calculations, such as accounting method changes, like-kind exchanges, multi-state apportionments, step-ups, deferred taxes and tax credits. Additionally, she excels in the preparation of fixed asset schedules and the application of accelerated cost recovery techniques, including the IRC Code Section 179D deduction.

She provides business consulting services such as agency registrations, initial setup and ongoing accounting. Her skills in business accounting include bank reconciliations, payroll filings and taxes, sales and use tax, property tax, budgeting, compensation plans, accounts receivable, accounts payable and compilations.

Proactive

Heather is dedicated to providing the highest level of personalized service. She takes the time to understand each client’s unique financial circumstances and crafts solutions to meet their needs. With a strong focus on income tax planning and strategy for individuals and corporations, she promotes proactive tax optimization strategies aimed at minimizing tax burdens.

Outside of the Office

Outside of the office, Heather cherishes family time, frequently attending sporting events or enjoying the beach with her husband and their two children. She takes pleasure in watching her children participate in sports and her daughter’s theater performances. When not in the stands or behind the scenes making costumes, Heather enjoys playing in local volleyball and tennis leagues. In her leisure time, she likes to read, and her ideal evening out includes a good meal and a concert.

Certifications & Licenses

• Certified Public Accountant

Memberships & Affiliations

• President of the Home and School Association

Education

• M.S., Accounting, College of Charleston
• B.A., Accounting, College of Charleston

Overview

Katarina “Kat” Kraljevic is an Associate in the firm’s Audit Group. She has a solid foundation in audit, tax and accounting principles that was developed during her time as an intern at ORBA. In her role, Kat assists in planning and executing audits, examining financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations, preparing reports, identifying financial risks and implementing audit programs.

Proactive

Kat is committed to delivering high-quality audit services and contributing to the success of the firm. She works closely with her team to complete tasks efficiently under tight time constraints during peak periods of high workload demands. She engages in continuous knowledge development regarding sector rules, regulations, best practices and performance standards.

Outside of the Office

Kat enjoys exploring new culinary adventures, whether it’s cooking and baking new recipes or discovering new restaurants to try. She values spending quality time with friends and family, attending concerts and embracing the outdoors through hikes and walks along the lakefront.

Additionally, Kat has a strong commitment to her community through various leadership roles. She supported the fundraising of more than $4,500 for Lurie Children’s Hospital as VP of the Special Events and Fundraising Committee with Delta Sigma Pi – Alpha Omega. She provided tutoring and creativity assistance for the Hrvatska/Croatian Vines Chicago Folklore Group. As a member of DECA, she promoted inclusion and diversity through community events.

Languages

• Croatian

Education

• B.S., Accountancy, DePaul University

Overview

As a member of the Firm’s Tax Group, Tabitha Talkington brings extensive experience to her role as Tax Manager. Tabitha offers a range of services for individuals and privately held businesses, including federal and state tax planning, preparation and compliance for a variety of industries, including professional services, manufacturing and distribution, real estate, construction and agriculture.

Committed to providing effective and tailored solutions, Tabitha uses her knowledge to assist small to mid-size businesses and individuals in maximizing their tax opportunities through strategic and proactive tax planning. She is also adept at preparing financial statement audits, ensuring compliance, accounting, reconciliations and IRS audit support.

Tabitha helps grow and support the accounting profession by serving on the Board of Directors for the North Dakota CPA Society and co-chairing the Society’s 2024 Annual Convention.

Proactive

Tabitha’s proactive approach to providing timely and effective tax strategies and solutions begins with the client relationship and experience. In addition to her technical expertise, she strives to provide excellent communication, organization and preparation to every client.

Outside of the Office

Outside of the office, Tabitha enjoys supporting her children in their various activities, whether it’s at the football field, basketball court, baseball diamond, or dance studio. She also has a passion for photography and can often be found capturing moments with her camera.

Certifications & Licenses

• Certified Public Accountant

Memberships & Affiliations

• North Dakota CPS Society, Board of Directors
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Education

• B.S., Accounting, North Dakota State University

Overview

Jasmine Morris is an Associate in the Firm’s Tax Group. She has experience in tax, accounting and audit for individuals and businesses in a wide range of industries. Jasmine’s technical skills include individual, partnership and S-Corp tax return preparation, bookkeeping and account reporting, and tax and audit support. She also has experience responding to and resolving tax notices, ensuring compliance with regulations. She has extensive knowledge of several accounting and ERP software programs such as Oracle, SAP and Made2Manage, and is experienced in assisting clients.

Proactive

Jasmine’s approach focuses on understanding clients’ needs, ensuring that they receive personalized attention and effective solutions. By identifying potential issues early on and offering well-thought-out solutions, she helps clients navigate complex tax situations with confidence.

She is committed to ongoing learning and professional development, which enables her to better assist clients and provide them with the most current and relevant advice. Her dedication to staying informed ensures that clients always receive the highest level of service and support.

Outside of the Office

Jasmine enjoys staying active by practicing yoga, trying new workout classes and exploring the city. In her downtime, she likes to crochet and create new projects. She also loves listening to live music and often checks out different festivals and concerts.

Honors & Awards

• Dean's List - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Education

• B.B.A., Accounting, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee

Overview

Yoomi Lee is an Associate in ORBA’s Tax Group. She is skilled in preparing individual, trust and business tax returns in a variety of industries. Yoomi has experience conducting financial statement audits and quarterly reviews in the public and private sector. She prepares detailed audit workpapers, documentation and reports, highlighting findings and conclusions for management review. She also has experience providing accounting bookkeeping support with forecasting, month-end reporting, balance sheet analysis and reconciliations.

Proactive

Yoomi is committed to providing exceptional client service by always making herself available to clients, providing clear communication and answers, so that clients receive the answers they need.

Outside of the Office

Outside the office, Yoomi enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures and cuisines. She also appreciates staying in to watch good shows and movies and loves hanging out with friends.

Languages

• Korean

Certifications & Licenses

• Certified Public Accountant

Honors & Awards

• 2019 Accenture Consulting Case Competition - First Place

Education

• B.S., Accounting, University of Illinois

Overview

Bee is a Director in our Tax Group with more than 20 years of expertise in tax services. He excels in strategic tax planning and compliance for closely held businesses and their shareholders, including professional service firms, and manufacturing and distribution clients with S corporation, C corporation and partnership structures.  He also provides tax guidance to high-net-worth individuals.

He collaborates closely with business owners and officers to address complex tax and business issues, developing and implementing tax-saving strategies and projections to help clients manage their cash flow effectively.

Bee oversees federal, state and international tax compliance and planning, represents clients before the IRS and various state and local tax authorities, and devises international tax strategies for multinational businesses.

Additionally, Bee has significant M&A tax experience, covering both the buy and sell sides, including due diligence, pre-closing and post-transaction compliance, net cash flow analysis, transaction structure and purchase price allocation.

Proactive

Bee’s client-focused approach and ambition perfectly align with ORBA’s values and goals.  He consistently offers a client-centered perspective and innovative tax solutions to our clients.

Outside of the Office

Outside of the office, Bee cherishes spending time with his wife and kids, fully immersing himself in their travel adventures. You may find Bee on a river or lake in the spring and summer catching both sun rays and fish.

Languages

• Hmong

Certifications & Licenses

• Certified Public Accountant

Memberships & Affiliations

• Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA)
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

Education

• MST, Taxation, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
• B.S., Accounting, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee

News

ORBA Welcomes Bee Yang as Tax Group Director

ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce a new Director, Bee Yang, CPA, MST, as a member of the firm’s Tax Group.

Overview

Nico Berrini, ORBA’s Director of Growth, plays a vital role in growing the firm’s Transaction Advisory and Client Advisory Services Groups by developing profitable and scalable business practices supporting ORBA’s growth strategies. Nico also collaborates closely with other senior leaders to foster innovation and to ensure cohesive and integrated efforts across all service lines. Nico has a proven track record of leading growth initiatives in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings, with industry expertise spanning aerospace & defense, manufacturing and consumer packaged goods (CPG), e-commerce and FinTech/SaaS. Nico has developed domain expertise across full cycle accounting, global delivery management, Controller and CFO services, including long-range financial modeling, M&A strategy and board advisory.

Proactive

Nico excels at building and launching advisory services, driving revenue growth and creating transformative client experiences. He is also incredibly adept at leveraging technology and market insights to deliver impactful advisory solutions for our clients.

Outside of the Office

Outside of the office, Nico is a devoted husband and father to three wonderful children who keep him busy with year round sports and activities.

Civic Activities

• Board Member of Flossmoor Baseball & Softball League
• Baseball Coach
• Founder of Dads Invested in Learning Forum – Flossmoor

Certifications & Licenses

• Certified Federal Contracts Manager, National Contracts Management Association

Honors & Awards

• 2x Inc. 5000 (Accelerated Growth)

Education

• M.S., Finance, Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies
• B.S., Business Administration, Accounting & Finance, Saint Louis University

News

ORBA Welcomes Nico Berrini as Director of Growth

ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Nico Berrini has joined the firm as its Director of Growth.

Overview

Wing Wong is a Payroll Specialist with ORBA’s Finance Department. Wing is responsible for processing the firm’s payroll, managing benefits, verifying time entries and ensuring compliance. She is proficient in utilizing various payroll systems including Workday, ADP EV6, UKG and SAP, ensuring accurate and efficient payroll processing.   

Proactive

Wing’s teammates admire her exceptional organizational skills, keen attention to detail and ability to consistently meet tight deadlines while upholding the highest standards of accuracy. Wing’s excellent interpersonal and communication skills make her a joy to collaborate with, as she effectively resolves payroll inquiries, discrepancies and issues promptly and professionally with employees, colleagues and stakeholders.

Outside of the Office

Outside of the office, Wing enjoys spending time with her toddler and getting out in nature, particularly hiking. Whether it is a day-long hike or simply a walk through the park, she finds it is the perfect way to clear her head and recharge.

Languages

• Chinese

Certifications & Licenses

• Certified Payroll Specialist

Memberships & Affiliations

• PayrollOrg, Chicago Chapter

Education

• B.S., Hospitality Management, Johnson and Wales University

News

New Hires to Join ORBA’s Administrative, Cloud Services and Tax Groups

CHICAGO — ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Yozgyul Mustafova and Noah Spiro have joined the firm’s Tax Group, Sarah Sarset has joined the firm’s Cloud CFO Services Group and Wing Wong has joined the firm’s Finance Department as  a Payroll Specialist.

Overview

Alex Bruscino serves as a Senior Systems Administrator within ORBA’s IT Department. Alex has nearly 20 years of IT leadership experience including oversight of infrastructure, application support and security services. He is a proven leader in directing operations, maintenance and support of complex systems.

Proactive

Alex is a creative, insightful and solution-oriented professional with a proven track record of translating business needs into technology requirements that align with our clients’ financial objectives and ORBA’s business goals. He plays a crucial role in our IT Department, assisting with projects from initial needs analysis and defining client requirements to evaluating vendor solutions, overseeing implementation and training end-users.

Outside of the Office

Outside of the office, Alex enjoys spending time with his son, kayaking, hiking, gardening and woodworking. He also loves food, especially oysters and sashimi.

Education

• A.S., Computer Animation, The Art Institutes

News

ORBA Welcomes Alex Bruscino as Senior Systems Administrator

CHICAGO — ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Alex Bruscino has joined the firm’s IT Department as a Senior Systems Administrator.