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 Certified Public Accountant and joined Siepert in 1989. His responsibilities include small business accounting and analysis, individual, estates, trust and business tax planning and preparation. Brian holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Dennis Hildebrandt, CPA
Dennis is one of Siepert’s audit partners and specializes in auditing and consulting. He principally serves governmental, telecommunications and non-profit clients. Dennis joined Siepert & Co., LLP in 1984 and became a partner in 1994. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Wisconsin Institute of CPAs and the Illinois CPA Society. He holds the AICPA Certificate of Educational Achievement in Governmental Accounting and Auditing and has been the past chairman of the WICPA Public Utility Committee. Dennis is treasurer of the South Beloit Lions Club and a volunteer for Beloit Meals on Wheels.
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.