Jennifer Wertz

Jennifer Wertz

Redefining Accounting Through Purpose, Strategy, and Leadership

Jennifer Wertz, Shareholder and Chief Operating Officer of A Strong CPA LLC, has built a distinguished career characterized by technical skill, entrepreneurial perseverance, and a leadership approach that prioritizes people. With over thirty years of experience in public accounting, her path illustrates not just professional expertise but also a purposeful redefinition of what a successful and satisfying career in accounting can entail.

Jennifer began her career at two of the world’s most respected accounting firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte Tax. These early experiences provided her with a rigorous technical foundation in complex tax planning, entity structuring, and client service across a wide range of industries. The exposure to high-level engagements and diverse client needs shaped her analytical thinking and set the stage for her future leadership.

A defining turning point came in 2013 when Jennifer met her current business partner. At the time, she was seeking greater flexibility to be present for her children while continuing to pursue her professional ambitions. Rather than stepping away from her career, she chose to reshape it. Together, they began building an accounting firm from the ground up, starting with just the two of them and a shared vision. Over time, their firm grew into a team of more than 25 employees, driven by a deliberate strategy of accepting clients where they could deliver meaningful value and grow alongside them.

This intentional, community-focused approach remains central to Jennifer’s leadership. The firm hires locally, keeps all services in-house, and avoids outsourcing, ensuring both quality control and meaningful job creation within the community. For Jennifer, the ability to provide stable employment while addressing genuine client needs is a powerful source of motivation.

A key pillar of her leadership strategy is a strong emphasis on talent acquisition. Jennifer recognizes that the future of accounting lies beyond traditional compliance work and requires professionals who combine technical expertise with strategic insight. She invests significant time in identifying individuals who can anticipate client challenges and deliver forward-thinking solutions. Once onboarded, team members are supported through continuous development and a culture that encourages proactive client engagement.

In an industry marked by constant regulatory change, Jennifer has positioned her firm as both adaptive and proactive. The growing complexity of tax laws and financial regulations has led to increased demand for strategic planning and hands-on guidance. In response, the firm invests heavily in ongoing education and professional development, ensuring that its team remains ahead of legislative shifts. Clients are educated proactively, enabling them to navigate changes with confidence rather than react under pressure.

Leading with Perspective:
A New Era in Accounting Excellence

Jennifer has also guided the firm into emerging markets, including digital creators and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) clients. These individuals often manage unconventional income streams such as sponsorships, brand deals, and platform revenue. The firm provides tailored tax planning, entity structuring, and financial guidance to help these clients achieve stability and long-term growth in an otherwise unpredictable financial landscape.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has been a strong advocate for women in accounting. Within her firm, women hold leadership roles across service lines, contributing both technical expertise and relationship-driven leadership styles. She believes that women bring a unique combination of empathy, attention to detail, and communication skills that enhance client advisory services. Her commitment to mentorship and inclusion has helped shape a culture where women are empowered to lead and innovate.

Jennifer emphasizes that financial statements should serve as actionable tools rather than static reports. Long-term client relationships are another hallmark of Jennifer’s philosophy. Built on trust, consistency, and proactive communication, these relationships evolve as clients’ needs change. Innovation within the firm is also reflected in its real-time financial visibility practices. Weekly cash flow analysis and accounts payable tracking provide clients with up-to-date insights, empowering them to make critical business decisions with clarity. Over time, this data supports advanced forecasting and strategic planning, transforming the firm’s role from record-keeper to trusted advisor.

Jennifer’s approach to entity structuring further underscores her commitment to practicality and client-centricity. Rather than promoting unnecessary complexity, she advocates for structures that align with a client’s current stage and future goals. As businesses evolve, the firm adjusts these structures thoughtfully, ensuring that added complexity delivers genuine value.

Her expertise also extends to IRS representation, where the firm combines proactive compliance strategies with strong advocacy in resolving disputes. By identifying risks early and applying lessons learned across its client base, the firm minimizes exposure and enhances overall client protection.

Beyond her operational achievements, Jennifer views accounting as an industry uniquely suited to support women’s careers. Its inherent flexibility allows professionals to balance personal and professional responsibilities without sacrificing growth. However, she emphasizes that retaining women in the profession is only part of the equation; advancing them into leadership roles is equally critical.

For aspiring women in accounting, Jennifer offers clear advice: stay the course, embrace flexibility when needed, and seek out challenging opportunities. Growth, she believes, comes from tackling complex problems and stepping beyond comfort zones. Her own journey stands as a testament to this philosophy, one built on persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to creating meaningful impact for both clients and the community.

“Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that we don’t have to choose between professional excellence and personal fulfillment—sometimes, true success means building the door you want to walk through.”