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Our Staff

The history of Collins & Company, CPAs is built upon a tradition of service, technical expertise, and innovative thinking to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. The experience and academic credentials of our accounting professionals and staff provide our clients with the expertise of larger firms, while our commitment to superior customer service offers a personal, one-on-one approach.

We invite you to meet our staff.

Steven W. Collins, CPA

Steve Collins became a practicing CPA in Live Oak in 1977. Steve has three years of "Big Four" accounting and auditing experience with Deloitte and Touche and two years private industry experience as a controller of a publicly traded retail company. Steve graduated cum laude from Eastern Kentucky University and passed the CPA exam at his first sitting in 1971. Steve has extensive experience in corporate and individual taxation, estate planning and management advisory services. Steve is a member of the FICPA and the AICPA.

F. Eugene Kish, CPA

F. Eugene Kish (Gene) joined the firm in 1993. Gene heads the firms accounting and auditing operations and has diversified accounting and auditing experience since 1984. Gene also provides individual and corporate taxation and planning services. Gene graduated from Valdosta State College in 1984. Gene is a member of the FICPA, AICPA, Florida GFOA and the GFOA. Additionally, Gene serves as the firm's managing partner.

Tamie C. DeBono, CPA

Tamie C. DeBono graduated from Florida State University in 1979. Tamie has accounting and auditing experience with the State of Florida Auditor General's Office and extensive public accounting corporate and individual taxation experience. Tamie has been employed by the firm since 1983. Tamie is a member of the FICPA and the AICPA. Tamie oversees the firm's taxation practice.

James L. Kirby

James L. (Les) Kirby graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in accounting in 1969. Les worked one year with a "Big Four" firm before entering the military service for two years. Upon discharge, Les returned to Live Oak and operated a family retail business and later served as controller for a regional office supply company. Les joined the firm in 1988. Since 1984 Les has worked extensively in the area of micro computers, computer networks and software support. Les has been a Quickbooks certified professional advisor since the inception of the certification process in 1999.

Richard H. Jones, CPA

Richard H. Jones joined the firm in 2003. Richard has extensive public accounting experience in personal, estate and corporate taxation with two central Florida regional CPA firms. Richard also has 12 years experience as Chief Financial Officer of a multi-state bank and four years experience as the Chief Financial Officer of a manufacturing company. Richard graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 1975. Richard is a member of the FICPA and the AICPA.

 

 

The Rest of our Staff

Lynne H. Duckett, Office Manager.

Kathy Collins, paraprofessional staff.