At CGP Group, we believe every number tells a story. For 20 years, we’ve been helping write success stories for businesses across Kansas. But our own story? It’s all about turning complexity into clarity, challenges into growth, and hard work into lasting prosperity.
- Our approach.
Our promise to you.
Our leadership team has guided hundreds of Kansas businesses through every stage of growth. We don’t just handle your numbers—we help you understand the story behind them.
We built CGP Group around three simple ideas:
Clarity: We make the complex simple and actionable.
Growth: We help you seize the right opportunities at the right time.
Prosperity: We build lasting success for you, your business, and your family.
- Our Partners
Steve Criser, CPA
With 40+ years of accounting expertise, Steve helps business owners and families with their most complex financial challenges. His experience includes work with prestigious accounting firms and leadership roles in professional organizations such as the American Institute of CPAs, Kansas Society of CPAs, and Estate Planning Council of Wichita. Clients rely on Steve’s deep knowledge for guidance on structuring business deals, minimizing taxes, and protecting family wealth for the next generation.
Laura Parrish-Coan, EA, ATA, ABA
With 25+ years of experience, Laura specializes in helping real estate investors, energy investors, and farming operations maximize their profits while minimizing taxes. She knows the ins and outs of property exchanges that save taxes, agricultural tax credits, and investment strategies that build long-term wealth. Her background includes process improvement certification and leadership positions in professional accounting organizations including the Public Accountants Association of Kansas board. Clients depend on Laura to navigate complex tax rules while keeping more money in their pockets from their investments and operations.
Katherine Sparks, CPA
With her Master's in Accounting and extensive experience, Katherine helps successful business owners and high-earning professionals coordinate all aspects of their financial lives. She specializes in restaurant financial management, getting the most from executive pay packages, setting up charitable giving that saves taxes, and making sure your CPA, financial advisor, and attorney all work together seamlessly. Her background includes advanced credentials, hands-on restaurant industry experience, and community leadership through Lexi's LAMB Foundation. Clients rely on Katherine to simplify their complex financial lives while maximizing every tax-saving opportunity, with special expertise in the unique challenges restaurants and service businesses face.
Elizabeth Barnett, EA
With deep experience in growing businesses, Elizabeth helps companies and professionals navigate increasing financial complexity as they become more successful. She specializes in setting up solid financial systems, staying compliant with tax rules, and turning your financial reports into insights that help you make better business decisions. Her background includes specialized training and certifications in tax representation and business accounting systems. Clients trust Elizabeth to grow with them, providing the right level of expertise as their success expands.
- Our Team
Brock Wood | Chief Operations Officer
With over 20+ years helping businesses grow and 15+ years leading company operations and vendor supply negotiations, Brock guides business owners through major changes and growth challenges. He specializes in helping companies navigate ownership transitions, operational improvements, and strategic planning, particularly for manufacturers and service businesses earning $6M to $100M+ annually. His background includes earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University and an MBA from Baker University, as well as extensive experience helping businesses through acquisitions, market changes, and leadership transitions. Business owners trust Brock to bring big-company strategic thinking to their growing Kansas businesses while keeping the personal relationships that matter.
Alicia Stubbs | Senior Accountant
With 25+ years of bookkeeping and payroll experience plus 17 years of specialized tax work, Alicia ensures established businesses have accurate records and smart tax strategies. She specializes in complex accounting systems, managing payroll for multiple locations, and tax planning for companies with diverse operations. She holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Wichita State University and a Bachelor’s in Marine Biology from UC Santa Cruz, reflecting both analytical discipline and broad perspective. Alicia serves on the board of the Public Accountants Association of Kansas and volunteers with Air Capital AMBUCS, a nonprofit providing therapeutic tricycles to children and adults with disabilities. Clients value Alicia’s extensive expertise and community commitment, knowing their finances are managed with care and reliability.
Ellen Hittle, EA | Senior Accountant
With over 40+ years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, payroll taxes, sales tax, and financial statements, Ellen handles the toughest tax situations for clients including manufacturers, construction companies, and high-income families. She specializes in complex tax problems, maximizing equipment purchase tax benefits, multi-state tax issues, and representing clients before the IRS when needed. Ellen holds an AA in Accounting from Johnson County Community College, is an IRS Enrolled Agent, a QuickBooks Pro Advisor, and a Notary. She is an active member of PAAK, PASOK, and WIBA, and stays current through continuous professional education. Clients value Ellen’s decades of experience, steady guidance, and commitment to solving tax challenges with clarity and care.
Jacy Zimmerman , EA | Senior Accountant
With more than 10 years of comprehensive experience, Jacy helps service businesses, medical practices, and growing companies plan their taxes and cash flow throughout the year. She specializes in bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, tax projections, sales tax for clients including healthcare practices, creative agencies, and consulting firms. A graduate of Wichita State University with a degree in Business Administration, she is also an IRS Enrolled Agent and an active member of the Public Accountants Association of Kansas. Clients value Jacy’s steady guidance and attention to detail, which help them stay ahead of tax deadlines, manage cash flow, and make confident financial decisions.
Rachel Newburg Barreda | Senior Accountant
With 6+ years of tax experience, 4+ years of auditing background, and comprehensive bookkeeping skills, Rachel provides careful tax preparation and planning for businesses and individuals. She specializes in tax compliance, preparing financial statements, managing sales tax filings, and explaining complex financial information in understandable terms. Her background includes degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University and the University of Kansas, ongoing CPA preparation, and volunteer work with animal welfare organizations, including Heart of America Humane Society. Clients trust Rachel's attention to detail and commitment to building lasting professional relationships.
Ruth Clark | Senior Accountant
With 17+ years of experience with CGP Group, Ruth provides comprehensive services for clients including manufacturers, service businesses, and companies with multiple locations. She specializes in payroll management from simple single-employee situations to complex multi-state operations with 300+ employees, plus complete tax services and financial reporting. Her background includes business education from Wichita State University and QuickBooks expertise. Clients appreciate Ruth's personal approach and technical skills, which create the long-term partnerships that make CGP Group special.
Jiali Wu | Senior Accountant
With more than five years of experience preparing tax returns for real estate, private equity, and healthcare clients, plus four years in auditing and additional bookkeeping expertise, Jiali brings well-rounded financial skills to complex businesses. She holds both a bachelor’s and a Master’s in Accounting from the University of Kansas and volunteers as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Clients value Jiali’s analytical precision and thorough approach, knowing their financial records and tax compliance are handled with care and accuracy.
Nick Meyer | Senior Accountant
Joshua Willson | Senior Accountant
Brody Jobbins | Accountant
With 5+ years of payroll and bookkeeping experience plus 3+ years preparing individual tax returns, Brody provides dependable financial services for growing businesses and individuals. He specializes in accurate record-keeping, payroll processing, and individual tax preparation with careful attention to detail and client service. His background includes earning a Bachelor's in Accounting from Wichita State University and volunteer work with local animal welfare organizations such as the Kansas Humane Society. Clients appreciate Brody's technical skills and genuine care, knowing their financial needs are handled with both professional competence and personal attention.
Camille Luper | Accountant
With 17+ years of bookkeeping, 15+ years of tax preparation, and 10+ years of payroll experience, Camille provides complete financial management for CGP clients. She specializes in multi-location bookkeeping, complex accounting systems, and tax preparation for various business types. Her background includes extensive experience across different industries and active support of animal rescue work through fostering. Clients trust Camille's combination of deep expertise and caring approach, ensuring professional service with personal attention to their unique business needs.
Dee Ann Albert | Accountant
With 20+ years at CGP Group and 14+ years of individual tax preparation and bookkeeping experience, Dee Ann provides foundational financial services while helping manage smooth operations. She specializes in individual tax returns, bookkeeping systems, sales tax compliance, and developing processes that make everything work efficiently. Her background includes earning a Bachelor's in Accounting from Wichita State University and extensive team management experience. Clients benefit from Dee Ann's institutional knowledge and process improvements, which ensure reliable service delivery and efficient operations.
Dennis Le | Accountant
With tax, bookkeeping, and payroll experience, Dennis provides current financial services with bilingual English-Vietnamese capabilities. He specializes in QuickBooks Online systems, up-to-date accounting processes, and helping Vietnamese-speaking families and businesses with financial guidance and document translation. His background includes earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Wichita State University, QBO Bookkeeping Certified and QBO Pro Advisor certifications, and active involvement with W - A Community of Young Professionals. Born and raised in Kansas with Vietnamese language skills, Dennis helps startups and growing businesses embrace modern accounting technology while bridging cultural and language needs.
Grace Smith | Bookkeeper
With comprehensive bookkeeping experience plus unique data analysis training, Grace provides modern financial insights that go beyond traditional bookkeeping. She specializes in tracking business performance, analyzing project profitability, and identifying cash flow patterns that help creative agencies, technology companies, and service businesses understand what's really driving their success. Her background includes earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wichita State University and data analytics training, plus active volunteer work with youth programs. Clients appreciate Grace's analytical approach and community involvement, which bring both modern efficiency and genuine care to financial record-keeping.
Marla Herdman | Bookkeeper
With 30+ years of experience in all aspects of bookkeeping including payroll, bill paying, collections, and sales tax, Marla provides steady, reliable bookkeeping services for established businesses. She specializes in accurate financial record-keeping, comprehensive bookkeeping systems, and maintaining the detailed records that businesses need for growth and tax compliance. Her extensive experience spans multiple decades working with various types of businesses. Clients depend on Marla's proven track record and consistency, knowing their financial records are maintained with the accuracy and dependability that comes from decades of professional experience.
Josh Parris-Miller, AAPP | Payroll Manager
With 10+ years of payroll and payroll tax experience, Josh manages smooth payroll operations for businesses from small family companies to complex multi-state organizations. He specializes in meeting all client payroll needs, including construction payroll challenges, restaurant payroll including tip reporting, seasonal business payroll needs, and union payroll complexities. His background includes earning an Associates degree from Butler County Community College and volunteer work with community organizations. Clients trust Josh's specialized knowledge and careful attention to detail to handle their unique workforce challenges, from varying employment patterns to multi-state compliance requirements.
Victoria Albert | HR Business Partner
With 7+ years of comprehensive HR experience, Victoria provides strategic human resource solutions with hands-on knowledge of retail, restaurant, construction, and professional service industries. She specializes in helping reduce employee turnover, meet safety compliance requirements, and create effective pay and benefit structures. Her background includes earning a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from Wichita State University, SHRM-CP certification, and active involvement in professional organizations including SHRM, WIBA, and the Wichita Chamber. Clients value Victoria's industry-specific experience and commitment to building people-focused business practices that support both employee satisfaction and business success.
Penny Rader | Administrative Coordinator
With 20+ years of administrative experience and 30+ years in customer service, Penny ensures smooth operations and exceptional client experiences throughout CGP Group. She specializes in client communication, administrative coordination, and operational efficiency that supports seamless service delivery to all our clients. Her background includes ongoing professional development and volunteer work with local charitable organizations. Clients appreciate Penny's dedication to service excellence and community involvement, which reflects the personal attention and care that defines how we work with every client.
Amelia McGowin | Administrative Assistant
Mel Walker-Martin | Firm Administrator
- Why we're here.
Our purpose goes beyond balance sheets and tax returns.
We’re here to:
Support Small Business
We believe local businesses are the backbone of our community. That’s why we provide the same high-level expertise and resources typically reserved for large corporations to small and medium-sized businesses.
Strengthen Our Community
Wichita’s future gets brighter when local businesses thrive. Through education, mentorship, and community involvement, we’re helping build a stronger regional economy, one business at a time.
Empower Our Team
Great client service starts with a great team. We invest heavily in our people, providing opportunities for growth, learning, and work-life balance. When our team thrives, our clients benefit.
- Our core values in action.
Our core values in action.
Empowering Small Business Success
We level the playing field for small businesses by providing enterprise-level financial expertise and resources. Our clients don’t just survive—they thrive against larger competitors.
Investing in Our Community
Wichita’s future depends on a strong small business community. We actively contribute through:
- Educational programs for business owners
- Strategic philanthropy initiatives
- Active involvement in local business organizations
Developing Excellence
We invest heavily in our team’s growth through:
- Comprehensive professional development
- Advanced certification support
- Industry-leading benefits
- Career advancement opportunities
Working Together
We believe the best partnerships start with a simple conversation. Here’s how we begin:
Let's Talk
Clear Agreement
We Listen and Plan
We Take Action
Whether you're looking to grow your business, plan for the future, or just sleep better at night knowing your finances are in good hands, we're here to help write the next chapter of your success story.
No pitch. No pressure. Just a chance to sit down together and talk about what's possible for your business.
Bring your biggest challenges, your boldest dreams, or just your questions. We’ll bring our expertise and maybe some coffee.
