We hire the best people who have the desire, initiative and skills to make a positive impact on our clients and the community.
Brian Barnhardt, CPA
Brian is a partner at Siepert & Co., LLP and a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin. He has over 35 years of experience specializing in individual, business, estate and trust taxation. He understands the needs of small business owners and works with them to find the best accounting solutions for their situation. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh which was received in 1989.
Brian has a passion for financial literacy both at the business level and the individual level. He enjoys facilitating Financial Peace University and is a Ramsey Trusted tax advisor. He is currently leading the firm’s Practice Forward initiative to expand the firm’s advisory services. Currently he serves as the treasurer for the Hononegah Opportunity for Public Education Fund where he has the opportunity to give back and promote education and educators.
Dena Bonnier
On January 1st, 2025, Dena became the first female partner in the history of the firm and the first non-CPA partner at Siepert. Dena joined the firm in 2019 as the Firm Administrator. In this role, Dena works directly with the other partners as part of the firms leadership team, is the liaison between the team members and partners, oversees the human resource department, and manages the administrative department in all three office locations. Dena has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Phoenix and over 20 years of experience in bookkeeping, human resource, client service, and business management. She is also a member of the Rockford Network of Professional Women.
Mark Kerman, CPA CVA
Mark is Siepert’s managing partner and a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Valuation Analyst and General Securities Representative. He joined Siepert & Co., LLP in 2004 and specializes in business valuation analysis, income tax preparation and consulting for individuals, businesses and fiduciaries. He brings a unique perspective to his analysis of financial data stemming from his understanding of what drives value for business entities. He is uniquely qualified to assist clients in every facet of the business cycle from infancy through generational transfer. Prior to his experience with public accounting, Mark also worked eleven years in the private sector as a controller. He understands the challenges that businesses face with internal processing and financial literacy, and he works with clients on the key components of financial results that are critical to their overall success.
Mark received his Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy with High Honors in December 1995 and became a Certified Public Accountant in August 1997. He received his Series 7 license in 2014 and his Series 66 license in 2015. In 2017, Mark became certified as a valuation analyst through the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. He is an ex-officio board member of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau and DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. A 2016 Hall of Fame inductee for the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, his past community involvement includes DeKalb Leadership Academy Advisory Committee (Chair), DeKalb County KEYS Initiative (Chair), ReNew Our Schools (Finance Committee Chair), Bridges of River Mist Homeowners Association (Treasurer), and Huskies on Parade (Treasurer). Mark’s honors include Outstanding Leader, DeKalb Leadership Academy; Certificate of Achievement, DeKalb County Partnership for a Safe, Active and Family Environment; Certificate of Appreciation, DeKalb School District 428.
Michael Phalin, CPA
Michael joined the Siepert audit team in 2011 and became a partner in 2021. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 2010 and a Master of Professional Accountancy in 2011 from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Wisconsin and Illinois. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Illinois CPA Society.
Michael specializes in audits, reviews, compilations, and other services, principally serving non-profit, governmental, and telecommunications clients. He also volunteers with the Rock County 4-H Fair and the Orfordville Children’s Christmas Benefit.