Our Team

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CurrentNews:

H.R. 4853 – Gift Tax Exemptions Extended for the Next Two Years

June 27, 2011

As part of Obama’s Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 wealthy individuals will have the ability to gift $5 million (or $10 million for a married couple) without having to pay a gift tax. In today’s economic environment where asset values and interest rates are very low, the time is optimal to create credit shelter trusts, use lifetime gifts or implement GRATS to take full advantage of tax exemption before it expires in 2012. Please contact us today to find out more about the opportunities available to you.

Meet Our Team

 

Steven B. Bass, Founding Shareholder & President

Steve is a founding shareholder and president of the Monson & Bass, Inc., P.S.  He works mostly with not-for-profit organizations, construction contractors and ERISA retirement plans.  He is the firm’s audit principal and does a significant amount of work with IRS information returns, such as Form 990. Steve’s practice includes consulting with a variety of clients, and other CPA’s, on management issues, financial reporting and tax matters. Steve is married and has two grown children (and one grand-child).  His hobbies are hiking, reading and photography.  He is on the board of directors of several organizations and is an graduate of the University of Washington.

Deidre M. Roberts, Tax Shareholder

Deidre, a shareholder of the firm since 1998, has over 30 years experience in providing tax and accounting services. She provides business management, compliance, tax planning and tax services to individuals, as well as small and medium sized businesses. Deidre provides tax services to a variety of clients, including closely held business, real estate, non profit, and personal prepartion & planning. Deidre attained her CPA certificate in 1981 and has spent most of her career in public accounting. She is a member of the Washington Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

Allen Gilbert, Senior Audit Manager

Allen has been an audit manager with Monson & Bass, Inc., P.S. since July 2008. Allen received his accounting degree from California State University-Hayward, and a degree in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University. He has twenty-three years of experience as a CPA, focusing on working with family-run businesses, retirement plans, and not-for-profit organizations. He has extensive experience with not-for-profit organizations, volunteers as board treasurer for several organizations, and is a member of the AICPA and WSCPA. Allen is married with four children and two dogs, and enjoys camping on the Oregon coast, following the local sports teams, and singing in the church choir.

Crystal Hernandez, Senior Staff

Crystal was born and raised in Garden City, Kansas and received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Accountancy from the University of Oregon. Upon graduation, Crystal accepted a position with a Big Four accounting firm in Seattle, Washington. Crystal became a CPA in June 2003, and focuses on banking, health care insurance, mortgage brokers with HUD requirements, construction, retail, and non-for-profit clients. Her private industry experience with small and mid-size companies helps her in understanding the clients serviced by Monson & Bass.  Crystal is a member of the AICPA and WSCPA and spends her free time raising her family, camping, and reading.
 

 

Melanie Rudquist, Senior Staff

Melanie was born and raised in the small town of Port Orchard, WA. She attended Western Washington University where she majored in Accounting and graduated in 2005. She also studied abroad in Spain to support her minor in Spanish. Melanie worked for four years at a large Seattle regional accounting firm prior to joining Monson & Bass in 2009 and performs both assurance and tax work. She has experience working with not-for-profit, financial institutions and manufacturing clients, among many others. Melanie enjoys reading, being active, golfing, wine tasting and traveling.

 

Jared A. Swisher, Audit Manager

Jared A. Swisher was raised in Bothell Washington and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Central Washington University in 2001. Upon graduation Jared accepted a position with a Seattle based regional accounting firm where he stayed for many years prior to joining Monson & Bass. Jared became a CPA in October of 2003 and has gained broad experience with construction, manufacturing, and not for profit clients during his career. Jared is a member of the WSCPA and the AICPA. Outside of office, Jared enjoys home remodeling projects, fitness and hiking. 

 

Crystal L. Valencia, Tax Manager

Crystal grew up in Shoreline and graduated from the University of Washington in 1999.  She has been practicing public accounting for over ten years and spent one year in private industry.  Recently, Crystal moved back to the area after spending four years in San Diego, CA working with a national CPA firm.  Her practice specialties include small businesses and wealthy individuals, with a focus on federal and state/local tax preparation and planning. Crystal is a CPA and is licensed to practice in the States of Washington and California. Crystal has two children and spends her leisure time cooking and doing activities with the kids. 

Marni L. Walker, Tax Specialist

Marni L. Walker is a CPA with over 12 years experience in tax preparation and accounting for individuals, small businesses, estates and trusts. Born and raised in Bothell, Washington and graduated from Bothell High School.  Bachelor's degree in accounting from Central Washington University. She is licensed CPA in the state of Washington and a member of the WSCPA. Currently resides in Mukilteo, Washington with her husband of 15 years and their two children. She is actively involved in her church of which she has been a member since 1991.