At Caliber Accounting Group we believe in the value of relationships. We view every client relationship like a partnership, and we truly believe that our success is a result of your success. We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen. Our continual investment of time and resources in professional continuing education, state-of-the-art computer technology and extensive business relationships is indicative of our commitment to excellence.
Caliber Accounting Group currently serves clients with locations throughout the United States and internationally. Our clients include agricultural companies, wineries, high technology companies, manufacturers, real estate and construction companies, hospitality enterprises, medical and dental organizations, service companies and professional service industries. We provide our services to both the business entities and their owners.
Caliber Accounting & Tax, LLP provides accounting and tax planning and compliance services, while Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP provides audit and attestation services. Please see below for a listing of our professionals.
Alana Maxwell is a Partner in Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP.
She has experience in the following areas: corporate, partnership, and individual income tax planning and compliance, federal, multi-state and international tax research, communication with the IRS and state taxing authorities, private letter ruling requests, corporate reorganizations, and choice of entity considerations. Mrs. Maxwell serves clients in various industries, including construction, real estate, agriculture, engineering, software, hospitality, and professional services. Before joining Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP in 2008, Mrs. Maxwell was with the regional accounting firm of Barbich Longcrier Hooper & King.
Mrs. Maxwell graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and has also earned a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University. Other academic honors earned and memberships held by Mrs. Maxwell include the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key, California Society of Certified Public Accountants Certificate of Achievement, Golden Key National Honor Society and Beta Gamma Sigma.
Mrs. Maxwell is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Mrs. Maxwell heads up the recruiting efforts for the firm by maintaining relationships with Cal Poly accounting students and faculty by attending various annual Cal Poly events. Mrs. Maxwell participated in a focus group with Cal Poly Alumni aimed at preserving the university’s competitive edge in obtaining the best students, faculty, and resources by developing effective message for communicating the benefits of Cal Poly’s unique learn-by-doing education.
Recently, Mrs. Maxwell spoke to a local chapter of Vistage, a networking group for CEOs and business owners regarding estate and gift tax planning opportunities.
In addition to her work in public accounting, Mrs. Maxwell is the treasurer for the Scaife Scholarship Alumni Association. The Alumni Association, developed as an off-shoot of the Northern California Scholarship Foundation (NCSF), sponsors and oversees scholarship funds for fifth-year undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to funding scholarships, the alumni also serve as advisors to students who receive awards from NCSF and the Alumni Association.
Mrs. Maxwell lives in Arroyo Grande with her husband and sons. In her free time, Mrs. Maxwell enjoys outdoor activities with family and friends, including hiking, camping and traveling.
Alexandra Ashford is a Manager at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. She has experience in the areas of individual, partnership, corporate, and trust tax planning and compliance. She serves clients in various industries including professional services, real estate, and manufacturing.
Ms. Ashford graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. Her academic memberships include the Cal Poly Society of Accountants, Beta Alpha Psi, and Beta Gamma Sigma.
Ms. Ashford is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Outside of work, Ms. Ashford enjoys reading, traveling, and singing with a local community group.
Ms. Westfall is experienced in the areas of individual, corporation, and trust/estate tax planning and compliance in addition to multi-state taxation.
Ms. Westfall graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Iowa. She then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and was a member of Beta Alpha Psi.
She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants (ISCPA).
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and traveling.
Annette Kolar is a manager at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP who has been with the firm for over 14 years. She appreciates the collaborative, challenging, and ever-changing nature of a career in tax advisory services and strives to continuously learn to develop her expertise to align with the shifting needs of her specific clients. She has gained experience supporting a variety of industries, specializing in providing tax compliance, planning, and consulting services to closely held multi-state manufacturing and online retail industries and high net-worth individuals.
Mrs. Kolar graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Economics from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her academic honors include the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key Award and the Orfalea College of Business Academic Excellence Award.
Outside of work, Annette and her husband spend their time hiking, travelling, exploring the beautiful Southern California coast where they reside, and trying to keep up with their highly energetic young kids.
Brianna Cooper is a Manager at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. She is experienced in the areas of individual, partnership and corporate tax planning and compliance and multi-state taxation of business entities. She is also experienced in communications with the IRS and state taxing authorities. She serves clients in various industries including professional services, hospitality, construction, real estate, agriculture, and software. Before joining Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP in 2016, Mrs. Cooper was with the national accounting firm of RSM US, LLP.
Mrs. Cooper graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management from North Central College, Naperville, IL. She also earned a Masters in Taxation from DePaul University, Chicago, IL. Mrs. Cooper is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.
Mrs. Cooper is a member of the Minnesota Society of CPAs (MNCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
She enjoys spending her free time golfing, boating, and traveling with her husband and children.
Eric Schwefler is a Partner Emeritus of Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. His specific areas of expertise include complying with corporate, individual, trust, and partnership tax law; planning tax strategies on an international, multistate, and local basis; researching complex tax issues; planning for efficient estate tax strategies; consulting on succession planning; analyzing transactional structure for business formation and reorganization; and consulting on business merger, acquisition and sale matters. Primary clients served include large international and multistate corporations, closely‑held entities, and financially diversified individuals. Although the clients served operated in a variety of industries, the majority operated in the agricultural, real estate, hospitality, professional services, and high technology software and manufacturing industries. Before forming Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP, Mr. Schwefler spent many years with both a regional accounting firm and an international accounting firm.
In addition to his work in public accounting, Mr. Schwefler has been a founder of various businesses, including American Perspective Bank for which he served as its initial Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Schwefler graduated summa cum laude with a B.S., accounting, from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In addition, he has an M.S. in taxation with Honors from San Jose State University. Mr. Schwefler also received national honors on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination (the Elijah Watt Sells Award for Performance with High Distinction). Mr. Schwefler was recognized in 2002 by the Pacific Coast Business Times and in 2006 by the San Luis Obispo County Tribune as one of the top twenty businesspersons under the age of forty in the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Mr. Schwefler has been a financial accounting instructor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Additionally, he has had numerous accounting and tax articles published in professional journals and newspapers.
He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
His community involvement has included being a member of the Economic Vitality Corporation of San Luis Obispo County Board of Directors, the Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center Governing Board, the Executive Association of San Luis Obispo Board of Directors, the San Luis Obispo Exchange Club, the Foundation for Community Design Board of Directors, the American Heart Association Board of Directors, the Cal Poly Accounting Discipline Advisory Board, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Emerging Technologies and E-Commerce Committees, and the Santa Maria Valley Economic Development Association. He also has been a youth soccer coach and referee.
Mr. Schwefler has been extensively involved in the high technology community on the Central Coast. He is a founding member Softec: the Central Coast Software and Technology Association Board of Directors. Mr. Schwefler has also sponsored and coached for various venture capital forums. In 2008, Mr. Schwefler received the Softec Impact Award for his years of contributions to the technology industry.
Garret Connelly is a Supervisor at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. He is experienced in the areas of individual, partnership, and corporate tax planning and compliance in addition to multi-state taxation for businesses. He serves clients in various industries including professional services, real estate, manufacturing, and construction.
Mr. Connelly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from AIB College of Business, Des Moines, Iowa.
He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and a member of the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants (ISCPA).
He tries to spend much of his free time outside either fishing, hunting, exploring state/national parks, or exercising his dog.
Haoying Ke is a Senior Accountant at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. He is experienced in the areas of individual, partnership and corporate tax planning and compliance and multi-state taxation of business entities. He serves clients in various industries including professional services, manufacturing, real estate, and software.
Mr. Ke graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He is also currently pursuing a Master of Business Taxation degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Outside of work, he enjoys serving in his church, playing basketball, outdoor activities with family and friends
Jody Marsh is a Partner in Caliber Accounting & Tax, LLP.
Mrs. Marsh's areas of expertise include tax compliance, planning, and research and consulting for the real estate, agricultural, manufacturing, and professional services industries, multi-state taxation of business entities and individuals, and trust and estate tax compliance and planning. She has extensive experience in tax research and in representing clients before the taxing authorities. Estate planning services have included consulting and the use of trusts for passing down businesses and family wealth to the next generation in the most tax-efficient manner. Mrs. Marsh also represents clients in mergers and acquisitions, including preparation of complex financial forecasts, assistance with the due diligence process and document review, and related tax compliance.
Mrs. Marsh began her accounting career in the state of Colorado. She has co-authored a number of textbooks for the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants' Continuing Education program, including Tax Year in Review and Planning, Tax Planning with LLCs and LLPs, and Advanced Planning and Case Studies for Partnerships and LLPs. Before forming Caliber Accounting & Tax in 2008, Mrs. Marsh worked with a local firm for several years.
Mrs. Marsh graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. In addition, in 2012 she earned her Masters of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University. Mrs. Marsh is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota.
She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Central Coast Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, for which she has previously served as Secretary, and the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Mrs. Marsh lives in Minnesota, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
Katie Madonna is a Senior Accountant at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. Her specific areas of expertise include small business consulting, trust accounting and QuickBooks. She serves clients in various industries, including professional services, construction and real estate.
Mrs. Madonna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance and a minor in Economics from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.
She has previously served as the treasurer for Softec, the Central Coast Software and Technology Association. Mrs. Madonna is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Mrs. Madonna is currently the treasurer of CCMOM, Central Coast Moms of Multiples and previously served as the treasurer for Softec, the Central Coast Software and Technology Association.
Mrs. Madonna enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and kids.
Laura Ilsley is a Senior Accountant at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. She is experienced in the areas of individual, partnership and corporate tax planning and compliance and multi-state taxation of business entities.
Mrs. Ilsley graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her academic honors include the Orfalea College of Business Academic Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Award. Her memberships include the Beta Gamma Sigma and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society.
Mrs. Ilsley is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of California, Texas and New Hampshire where she currently lives. She serves as treasurer for two non-profit organizations in her local community.
In her free time she enjoys CrossFit, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Lisa Modglin is a Manager at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. She is experienced in the areas of individual, partnership and corporate tax planning and compliance and multi-state taxation of business entities. She serves clients in various industries including professional services, high net worth families, real estate, and software. Prior to joining Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP in 2020, Ms. Modglin was with the Denver based accounting firm of ACM, LLP and the national accounting firm of BDO USA.
Ms. Modglin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is currently working on completing a Master’s in Business Taxation from the University of Southern California. Ms. Modglin is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in California and Colorado. She is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Ms. Modglin serves on the Board of the Boulder County Estate Planning Council.
She enjoys spending her free time trail running, gardening, visiting family in California, and spending time with her wife, dog and cat.
Marina Alvarado is a Partner at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. She has experience in the areas of partnership, corporate, trust, estate, non-profit, and individual tax compliance and tax planning. She serves clients in various industries, including professional services, real estate, construction, agriculture, and software. Mrs. Alvarado also represents clients in mergers and acquisitions, including assistance with the due diligence process and related tax compliance.
Mrs. Alvarado graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and with distinction with a Master of Science in Accounting with a specialization in Taxation from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her academic honors include valedictorian of the Orfalea College of Business Master of Science in Accounting program, the Outstanding Senior in Accounting award, the Scholastic Achievement award, and the Service to the Community award for her participation in the Cal Poly Low Income Taxpayer Clinic and the Cal Poly Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Her academic memberships include the Cal Poly Accounting Club, Beta Gamma Sigma, and the Golden Key Honors Society.
Mrs. Alvarado is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the Central Coast Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She volunteers at the San Luis Obispo HotHouse and the Cal Poly Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
In her free time, Mrs. Alvarado enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and children.
Megan Grater is a Manager at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. She is experienced in the areas of partnership, corporate, trust, estate, and individual tax planning and compliance. She serves clients in various industries including professional services, real estate, agriculture, manufacturing, and software.
Ms. Grater graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting degree from Western Washington University and with a Master of Science in Accounting degree with a specialization in Taxation from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her academic membership includes the Western Washington University Honors Program, Beta Alpha Psi, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and Money Sense. She is also a Junior Achievement of Washington trained volunteer.
Outside of work, Ms. Grater enjoys reading, swimming, movie watching, and baking.
Valarie Koos is a Manager at Caliber Accounting and Tax, LLP. Her specific areas of expertise include complying with corporate, individual, trust, and partnership tax law; planning tax strategies on an international, multistate, and local basis; researching complex tax issues; representing clients on audits by the IRSand various state taxing authorities; preparation of required income tax provisions and required disclosures for the financial statements for private entities; and consulting on accounting and auditing related issues. Primary clients served include large international and multistate corporations, closely‑held entities, and financially diversified individuals. Although the clients served operated in a variety of industries, the majority operated in the software, medical, telecommunications, and high technology manufacturing industries.
Ms. Koos graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
She currently serves as a member of the music education committee for the San Luis Obispo Symphony. She has previously served on the Board of Directors of the San Luis Obispo Symphony and on the Board of Directors of the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival. She is a member of the California State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Ms. Koos enjoys traveling and playing violin with various community groups.
Beth Owen is a Partner with Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP.
Her specific area of focus is accounting and auditing, which includes auditing, reviewing and compiling all aspects of financial statements, audit planning and risk assessment procedures, internal control analysis, and preparing financial statements and the related disclosures. She has experience in the areas of agriculture, construction, software companies, light manufacturing, and various service providers.
Ms. Owen graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Finance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Before joining Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP, Ms. Owen worked at the regional accounting firm of Barbich Longcrier Hooper & King. Prior to working in public accounting, she worked for the accounting department of the County of Santa Barbara. She also worked in the property management industry before making her career change to the accounting profession.
She is an active member of the Central Coast Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, including completing the CalCPA Emerging Leaders program, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and holds the Not-for-profit Certificate II issued by the AICPA.
Ms. Owen enjoys hiking, fitness, and spending time with her husband, daughter, family, and friends.
Elizabeth Boyajian is a Senior Manager with Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP.
Her specific area of focus is accounting and auditing, which includes auditing, reviewing and compiling all aspects of financial statements, audit planning and risk assessment procedures, internal control analysis, and preparing financial statements and the related disclosures. She has experience in the areas of not-for-profits, technology, and consumer goods (manufacturing).
Ms. Boyajian graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business Finance & Appraisal and a Masters of Science in Financial Accounting from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.
Before joining Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP, Ms. Boyajian worked in public accounting for Grant Thornton, LLP in San Francisco, CA.
She is a member of the Central Coast Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She holds the Not-for-Profit Certificate I issued by the AICPA.
Ms. Boyajian enjoys spending time with her friends, fitness, beer tasting, trying new foods, TV show marathons, and reading.
Gary Jensen is a Partner in Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP.
Mr. Jensen's specializes in the accounting and auditing area. His experience includes a wide range of services covering many different industries. He performs auditing and other attest services, including auditing, reviewing and compiling all aspects of financial statements, audit planning and risk assessment procedures, internal control analysis, preparing financial statements and the related disclosures, compliance and reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and consulting on accounting and auditing related issues. He also performs business valuations, litigation support analysis, and quality control reviews under the AICPA Peer Review Program.
In addition to being a licensed CPA, Mr. Jensen is Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV) and is Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) by the AICPA. Mr. Jensen is responsible for the Firm’s Business Valuation practice. He performs business valuations for various types of entities, including closely held corporations, partnerships, limited family partnerships, limited liability companies and proprietorships.
Before forming Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP, Mr. Jensen was a partner with the regional accounting firm of Barbich Longcrier Hooper & King, where he also served as the President of the Alliance Appraisal Company. Mr. Jensen started his accounting career at the national accounting firm of Fox & Company.
Mr. Jensen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University, Bakersfield.
Mr. Jensen is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is a reviewer under the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Peer Review Program and is currently serving on the California Society of Certified Public Accountants Peer Review Committee which oversees the State’s peer review process.
Mr. Jensen enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.
Kayla King is a Senior Accountant with Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP.
Her specific area of focus is accounting and auditing, which includes auditing, reviewing and compiling all aspects of financial statements, audit planning and risk assessment procedures, internal control analysis, and preparing financial statements and the related disclosures. She has experience in the areas of agriculture, non-profits, employee benefit plans, construction, consumer goods, manufacturing, and various service industries.
Ms. King graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, emphasis in accounting, from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo before attending San Diego State University, where she obtained her Masters of Science in Financial Accounting.
Before joining Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP, Ms. King worked for a local Central Coast based public accounting firm where she gained experience in both attestation and tax engagements.
She is a member of the Central Coast Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Ms. King enjoys hiking, cooking, watching baseball, and spending time with friends and family.
Kim Spiller is a partner in Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP.
Ms. Spiller's specific areas of expertise are related to accounting and auditing, including auditing, reviewing, and compiling all aspects of financial statements, audit planning and risk assessment procedures, internal control analysis, preparing financial statements and the related disclosures, compliance and reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, preparation of corporate income tax provisions, and consulting on accounting and auditing related issues. Although the clients served operate in a variety of industries, she has extensive experience in the areas of high technology, manufacturing, service providers, real estate, construction, not-for-profits, and agriculture. Ms. Spiller is responsible for the employee benefit plan and 401k audit practice for the firm. She is also responsible for the quality control of the accounting and auditing services for the firm.
Before forming Caliber Audit & Attest, LLP, Ms. Spiller was with the regional accounting firm of Barbich Longcrier Hooper & King in San Luis Obispo and the international accounting firm of Ernst & Young in San Diego.
Ms. Spiller graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of California, Santa Barbara where she was the valedictorian of her graduating class. Other academic honors earned by Ms. Spiller include the Alpha Lambda Delta Award and Mortar Board Award for highest GPA of UCSB graduating class, Golden Key National Honor Society, UCSB Robert Swenson Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement and Service, Channel Counties Chapter of the California Society of CPAs Achievement Award, UCSB Accounting Faculty Achievement Award, National Society of Accountants Scholarship Award, Head Teaching Assistant for the UCSB Accounting Program, and the UCSB Accounting Alumni Student Award.
Ms. Spiller is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, and is a Past-President of the Central Coast Chapter. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), belongs to the AICPA Not-for-Profit Section, and holds the Not-for-profit Certificate II issued by the AICPA. Ms. Spiller serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of CAPSLO (Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo).
As a native of San Luis Obispo, Ms. Spiller enjoys spending time on the beautiful Central Coast with her husband and children.
Our fees are based on the experience and knowledge level of our professional staff working on each engagement. Our current hourly rates are as follows:
