Jennifer Vacha

Partner, Armanino Advisory LLC

Every conversation leads to some kind of personal learning.

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Bio

Meet Jennifer

Jen has more than 20 years of experience and specializes in nonprofit, individual and small business returns. Jen enjoys working one-on-one with clients to minimize their tax obligations and help them understand their current tax position.

Prior to joining Armanino, Jen was a partner in the Tax Services practice of Brown Smith Wallace where she was responsible for oversight of the firm’s nonprofit tax engagements which include social welfare organizations, healthcare, religious, educational, associations, social clubs and foundations.

Jen is a licensed CPA and holds a CGMA designation.

Contact Jennifer Vacha

Experience

Professional History

Associations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • Missouri Society of CPAs (MOCPA)

Community

  • Missouri Society of CPAs – Board Member & Treasurer
  • Educational Foundation of the Missouri Society of CPAS – Board Member

Education

  • University of Nebraska at Omaha

Experience

  • Brown Smith Wallace LLP

Honors/Awards

  • MOCPA Woman to Watch

Q&A

Q. Make a prediction; describe your vision of the future of the general business environment for your area of expertise or the industries you serve.
There is heightened scrutiny around donor-advised funds, charitable itemized deductions and other tax incentives for charitable giving. I see indications that regulations around these areas will tighten and could have negative, unintended consequences for donors with positive philanthropic intentions.
Q. Without naming names, tell us about your favorite client and why you enjoyed working with them.
I get the most gratification from working with smaller nonprofit organizations that don’t have a lot of staff, but whose boards of directors appreciate the value of partnering with a trusted advisor with significant industry expertise. They are hungry for guidance and knowledge and seek to make the most of our business relationship.
Q. Please tell us one fun fact about yourself.
We live in the country, on a farm! My husband and I started dating when I was a sophomore and he was a junior in high school, and have been married for 20 years and have three wonderful children. We both grew up in a rural setting and wanted the same for our kids.
Q. Describe your work style.
I learn as much as I can about a topic so I can share what I know with my team and they can pass it on to their clients and peers. Doing so allows team members to challenge themselves and develop their own expertise but I’m always there as a sounding board if they need anything.
Q. Who is (or was) the most influential person in your life
My husband, because he has always believed in my dreams and encouraged me to push myself. His encouragement always yields more positive successes! We used to have brainstorming sessions years ago and would ask where we saw ourselves in five years. Those sessions helped drive both of our success.
Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
Be curious with questions, open for answers and dialogue and willing to share information. Strong communication with clients, colleagues and the public are key.
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Industries Served
Jennifer's Thought Leadership
Nonprofit Board Member Checklist
Checklist
Nonprofit Board Member Checklist
Review what to consider before and after joining a nonprofit board, as well as fiduciary duties for board members.
June 21, 2023
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