Service.

Service is our first priority. Whether you need a strategy to proactively manage your tax burden or support to run your business, we offer customized services to meet your accounting needs. The very best service we offer is dedication to strong collaborative relationships. How can we be of service to you?

What We Do

Planning.

Nobody likes the surprise of a large tax bill. We work proactively to help our clients plan for and minimize their tax obligations and effectively manage their cash flow.

Compliance.

When it comes to filing your tax returns, B.A. Harris has the knowledge and experience to meet your needs. Taxes are complex and laws are constantly changing. We stay up to date on the latest developments to ensure your tax returns are optimized for current conditions.

Representation.

Should you receive a tax or audit notice from federal or state regulatory authorities, we are prepared to make sense of the situation, represent your interests, and bring a swift resolution to the matter.

Your business is more than just numbers to us.

Businesses have a wide array of reasons for needing timely financial statements. B.A. Harris offers different levels of assurance services depending on your organization’s specific needs. We view each engagement as a collaboration between our team and yours to illuminate overall financial performance while discovering opportunities for improvement and growth.

It’s personal.

Our firm is focused on building lasting, meaningful relationships with our clients through clear and frequent communication. We recognize that most business owners must rely on the expertise of trusted accounting professionals to simplify the financial reporting process so they can focus on the business they know best. At B.A. Harris, we aim to provide value to our clients as a dependable resource year-round to guide the financial health of your company.

We know your business.

B.A. Harris services clients in many industries with specific concentrations in the construction, manufacturing, real estate, health care, retail, and E-Commerce sectors.

Go ahead and lean on us.

B.A. Harris has a team of talented and intelligent professionals with a wealth of experience to support you in making confident decisions big and small. Getting to know you and your business is our job. We listen to you. We help resolve your challenges with objective professional advice.

The possibilities are endless. Here are just some of the ways we can help:

  • Talent recruitment and retention
  • Selection of employee benefits, pension, and profit-sharing plans
  • Entity selection and restructuring
  • Retirement tax planning
  • Software selection, implementation, and support
  • Forecasting, budgeting, cash flow, and job-costing
  • Purchase, financing, and leasing decisions
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Business and succession planning
  • Litigation support

To achieve is to first plan.

Most of us have some idea of what we want for the future of our loved ones and businesses when one’s time is past. Yet ensuring a smooth transition and transfer of assets later while maintaining control now can be difficult if not carefully considered in advance. Our role is to assist you in evaluating the options available to help you reach your goals in an ever-changing tax and economic environment.

Win-win.

We know running a business is time consuming. B.A. Harris can free up your time so you can focus on the big stuff by having us handle your bookkeeping, payroll, and annual reporting responsibilities. You can relieve yourself of worry by knowing that we have your back office covered with accurate, reliable, and knowledgeable support services.

Ready to chat?
So are we.

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B.A. Harris logo mark

About

Our mission is to help our clients and our professionals thrive. Through dedication to lasting relationships, we are committed to your success.

B.A. Harris has been providing accounting and consulting services to clients for the past 25 years. Founded in 1998 and located in beautiful Boise, Idaho, we think of ourselves as more than just a team of number crunchers. Each of our valued and talented professionals is dedicated to a standard of excellence and seeks to wow you with responsive and personable attention. At the core of what we do, is our clients. Our firm’s values reflect our commitment to cultivating long-term mutually beneficial relationships. Below are our mantras. These ideals exemplify what we stand for and what makes us unique.

  • Honor all relationships with gratitude and respect.
  • Be authentic and responsive.
  • Commit to developing our people.
  • Make a good life, not just a good living.

MEMBERSHIPS

AICPA logo CFMA logo ISCPA logo

PARTNERS

Plus icon Arla Kester

Arla Kester CPA, Partner Emeritus

Plus icon Tyler Nyman

Tyler Nyman CPA, Partner

Plus icon Greg Stalling

Greg Stalling CPA, Partner

Plus icon Buck Harris

Buck Harris CPA, Partner Emeritus

SENIOR LEADERSHIP

Plus icon Michelle Dimas

Michelle Dimas CPA, CAAS Manager

Plus icon Kayla Kormylo

Kayla Kormylo CPA, Director of CAAS

Plus icon Tawnya Nyman

Tawnya Nyman CPA, Director of Tax

Plus icon Kayla Perry

Kayla Perry PAFM, Firm Administrator

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Plus icon Suzanne Bankhead

Suzanne Bankhead CAAS Associate

Plus icon Carissa Chandler

Carissa Chandler CAAS Associate

Plus icon Makenna Durham

Makenna Durham Tax Coordinator

Plus icon Kevin Hatrick

Kevin Hatrick CPA, Tax Manager

Plus icon Crystal Jensen

Crystal Jensen Administrative Coordinator

Plus icon Karina Olson

Lily Larson CAAS Associate

Plus icon Aaron Lavarias

Aaron Lavarias CPA, Tax Senior

Plus icon Emily Matos

Emily Matos CPA, Tax Senior

Plus icon Karina Olson

Karina Olson Tax Associate

Plus icon Jacob Olvera

Jacob Olvera Tax Associate

Plus icon Jessika Rouse

Jessika Rouse CMA, CAAS Senior

Plus icon Brett Shaffer

Brett Shaffer Client Services Specialist

Plus icon Madison Skaggs

Madison Skaggs Tax Associate

Plus icon Lauren Stevens

Lauren Stevens CAAS Senior

Plus icon TJ Stevens

TJ Stevens Tax Associate

Plus icon Kate Warner

Kate Warner Tax Associate

Plus icon Myles Witte

Myles Witte Tax Associate

Plus icon Brett Shaffer

Carlee Woods CPA, Tax Associate

We have lots of things to say.

We periodically publish content that will help you make better decisions. Check out our blog.

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Arla Kester

Arla Kester CPA, Partner Emeritus

Arla has a wealth of experience in both private and public accounting and joined B.A. Harris at inception in 1998. She enjoys working with clients in the areas of estates, trusts, and real estate activities. Arla finds that both the continual learning required to deliver exceptional client services and providing peace of mind by making sense of it all is very rewarding. She is constantly wowed by the B.A. Harris team’s commitment to excellence and the collective energy and intelligence they contribute to the firm’s success.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Arla has such appreciation for the beauty of Utah, but Idaho is home. She loves to explore unfamiliar backroads and is happiest when outdoors with family and dogs - hiking, skiing, or biking. Traveling anywhere, but especially internationally and to new cultures is her favorite pastime.

Education and Professional Designations

Tyler Nyman

Tyler Nyman CPA, Partner

Although he was born and raised in Seattle, Tyler moved to Boise in 2008 and considers the Treasure Valley Home. With over 20 years of experience, Tyler enjoys working with clients of all sizes to solve their problems and achieve their goals. Tyler brings a proactive approach to client relationships, and truly believes that those relationships are what this job is all about.

When not at his desk, you can find Tyler traveling the world, playing golf, running in the foothills, or maybe enjoying a glass of wine from his growing collection.

Education and Professional Designations

Greg Stalling

Greg Stalling CPA, Partner

Greg started his career in tax in 2012 for a large engineering and construction company doing corporate tax. He joined BA Harris in 2016 and works with a variety of industries on financial statements, taxes, and business consulting. He really enjoys the variety of work and complexities that public accounting offers.

Greg is a born and raised Idahoan and after a couple brief stints in Southern California, vows to never leave the state again. When not at work, Greg enjoys working in his yard, cheering on the L.A. Dodgers, and spending time with his wife Maresa, daughter Gemma, son Luke and their two dogs.

Education and Professional Designations

Buckner A. (Buck) Harris

Buckner A. (Buck) Harris CPA, Partner Emeritus

Buck attended the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho. He began his career in Idaho with Deloitte Haskins & Sells, the predecessor to Deloitte now based in Boise. Desiring to work in a small firm environment and more closely and directly with individuals and small businesses he began what is now B.A. Harris. Buck’s focus has been individual and business income tax issues and planning as well as litigation support provided to attorneys primarily in the family law arena.

Buck is an avid tennis player and fly fisherman. He also enjoys cycling (primarily on his e-bike), working in his yard and reading mystery-murder-spy novels.

Education and Professional Designations

Michelle Dimas

Michelle Dimas CPA, CAAS Manager

Michelle is an Idaho native who graduated from Boise State University and became a licensed CPA shortly thereafter. She began her career working in tax planning and compliance at a different public accounting firm and specialized in taxes for nearly five years before making the switch to specialize in Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS). Michelle loves her work in CAAS as it allows her to meet regularly with her clients, provide timely management data to key stakeholders in a company, and be a part of the proposed solution. Michelle joined the firm in May 2022 and is excited to be a part of the talented and proactive professionals at B.A. Harris.

Michelle enjoys spending her free time reading a good book, trying her hand at a new recipe, having a movie date night with her husband, and chasing after her two little girls. She loves to travel and is a Disney enthusiast.

Education and Professional Designations

Kayla Kormylo

Kayla Kormylo CPA, Director of CAAS

As a through and through Idaho native, Kayla graduated from Boise State University with a BBA in Accountancy in 2014 and started her career assisting clients with Income Tax planning and filing. After securing her CPA license and years assisting clients with Income Tax, Kayla found her true passion in the Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS) realm. Kayla works with clients in the day-to-day financial operations of their businesses. Typically assisting in a Controller or CFO capacity, Kayla gets more excited than most, analyzing data, putting together budgets & reading the story financial statements tell. Kayla genuinely connects with her clients and loves watching them continue to scale and succeed with healthy, accurate financial data. She had the privilege of building a large CAAS practice previously & joined the B.A. Harris, LLP team in May 2022 to do it again!

Kayla is married with four busy children. In her free time she can be found nose deep in a good book or planning her next travel destination. She is also a dedicated Harry Potter fan and gladly belongs to the Gryffindor House!

Education and Professional Designations

Tawnya Nyman

Tawnya Nyman CPA, Director of Tax

A native of the Treasure Valley, Tawnya has provided tax and accounting services for more than 25 years. She brings a unique blend of knowledge and insight from her work experience and professional service positions. Tawnya has a passion for advocacy that extends beyond tax compliance work into legislative initiatives to improve taxpayer outcomes for the future.

Tawnya enjoys working closely with her clients to help them navigate current business challenges and opportunities, while considering long-term financial strategies. Her focus is on income tax planning and compliance, financial accounting and reporting, and business consulting, with an emphasis on pass-through entities.

In her spare time, Tawnya enjoys traveling all over the world with her husband, daughters, and other adventurous people! She loves trying unusual foods, exploring new cities, and trying to learn foreign languages. Whether immersing herself in her professional pursuits, taking an international cooking class, or getting lost outside a remote village, her life is all about learning, giving, and growing!

Education and Professional Designations

Kayla Perry

Kayla Perry PAFM, Firm Administrator

Kayla is a West Virginia native who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in accounting, from Concord University in 2012. Since then, Kayla has dedicated her career to key administrative roles in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. After living several years in Virginia, she is proud to now call Idaho home. Kayla is excited to be a part of the leadership team at B.A. Harris where she implements, organizes, and directs the operations of the firm.

Outside of work, Kayla can be found spending time with her family outdoors, streaming a new show, or enjoying game night with friends.

Education and Professional Designations

Suzanne Bankhead

Suzanne Bankhead CPA, CAAS Associate

Suzanne was born and raised in North Idaho, but moved to the Treasure Valley in 2003 after graduating from the University of Idaho with 2 Bachelor’s degrees in Business (Marketing and Human Resource Management). While working in the mortgage industry for a large bank, Suzanne went back to earn her MBA in 2009 from Boise State. In addition to her degree work, she also obtained additional credits to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam and is working to achieve that goal. She enjoys creating lasting connections with clients and assisting in problem solving.

When not at work, Suzanne can be found spending time with her 2 boys, who are the joy of her life. She loves animals, camping and snuggling with her kids.

Education and Professional Designations

Carissa Chandler

Carissa Chandler CAAS Associate

Carissa is a Treasure Valley native - growing up in Nampa and moving to Boise for school. She graduated from Boise State University in 2022 with degrees in Accountancy and Finance. Carissa joined B.A. Harris, in 2023, right after graduating to begin her career in Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS). She is excited to be a part of a talented and passionate team and learn something new every day.

In her free time, Carissa loves to craft, spend time with her family, and get her hands dirty trying out new recipes, starting DIY projects, and creating art.

Education and Professional Designations

Makenna Durham

Makenna Durham Tax Coordinator

Makenna is a Washington native, who recently moved to Boise with her husband and two daughters. She said she has never felt more at home than she does here in the Treasure Valley. She received her Bachelor’s in public health from Boise State, and just recently completed her MBA from Eastern Washington University. This was where she discovered her passion for the challenging and complex world of accounting. Makenna joined BA Harris at the beginning of 2023 and looks forward to helping the firm continue to grow, and looks forward to building lasting relationship with clients.

In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and getting her girls outdoors to explore all that Idaho has to offer. She also enjoys golfing with her husband, cooking, traveling, and watching her Seahawks.

Education and Professional Designations

Kevin Hatrick

Kevin Hatrick CPA, Tax Manager

Kevin began his career in public accounting in 2015. Through his career, Kevin has specialized in tax planning and compliance for clients ranging from individuals and trusts to businesses in the real estate, construction, and health care industries. The part of the job he enjoys the most is working with small business owners, and helping them plan for their futures and reach their goals.

Kevin was born and raised in Texas. Outside of work, he enjoys playing basketball, watching movies, and hanging out with his family.

Education and Professional Designations

Crystal Jensen

Crystal Jensen Administrative Coordinator

Crystal is originally from Northern California but fell in love with the Treasure Valley several years ago, now calling it home. She started as a temporary administrative assistant for the 2020 tax season. Crystal enjoyed it so much, she joined the team full-time shortly after the tax season completed as the Client Services Specialist. For the next couple years, she spent her time working with the clients and learning the accounting industry.

With the firm growing, Crystal was promoted into the Administrative Coordinator position, where she still works with the clients, but has the capacity to take on bigger projects within the firm. Working at BA Harris has given her opportunities to grow and brings her a great deal of fulfillment in her professional life.

She finds it difficult to stay still when not working hard in the Firm. With a passion for the outdoors, you can find her on horseback, on a quad, or exploring the lakes and rivers with the family boat. You might also find her elbow deep in a semi-truck or random farm equipment. She loves living in farm country surrounded by horses and dogs. Crystal's life is vibrant and dynamic with unexpected adventure, both in the office as well as at home.

Lily Larson

Lily Larson CAAS Associate

Lily was born in Puyallup, Washington, but moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, in 2011 with her family. She graduated with her associates in Business Administration from the College of Southern Idaho in 2022. Currently, she is pursuing her degree in Accounting at Boise State University and hopes to one day become a CPA. Lily joined the CAAS team at B.A. Harris in 2023 and has grown to love the people she works with and the work she is doing. She is excited to continue growing with B.A. Harris and to continue learning all that she can.

Outside of work and school, Lily loves reading, crafting, board games, learning miscellaneous fun facts, and spending time with her dog.

Aaron Lavarias

Aaron Lavarias CPA, Tax Senior

Aaron was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in Woodinville, Washington. A graduate of the University of Idaho, he majored in Accounting and was a member of their moderately successful football team. In 2011, he began his professional football career which included stints with the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and the Montreal Alouettes. After retiring in 2017, Aaron passed his CPA exam and began working for B.A. Harris. Aaron enjoys the consistent challenges and learning opportunities afforded to him in the public accounting sphere, as well as researching new and exciting tax incentive programs.

In his free time Aaron enjoys spending time with his three children, mowing his lawn, and cheering the Mariners on to their inevitable first World Series appearance.

Education and Professional Designations

Emily Matos

Emily Matos CPA, Tax Senior

Emily is a Northern California native, but moved to Southern Idaho with her family in 2006 and has considered it her home ever since. She graduated from BSU with a degree in accountancy. Emily joined B.A. Harris in 2019 as a tax season intern, then started full-time later that fall. She recently became a licensed CPA and values the experience she gained along the way. She strives to provide quality work in order to serve our clients.

Emily loves animals, traveling near and far, and continuously learning. In her free time, you'll find her playing her Nintendo Switch or getting lost in a good book.

Education and Professional Designations

Karina Olson

Karina Olson Tax Associate

Karina is a Boise native and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Accountancy-Taxation degree at Boise State University. Karina joined B.A. Harris in 2022 is so excited to be a part of the B.A. Harris team as she finishes her education.

In her free time, Karina loves running in the foothills with her two dogs and being outside in the beautiful Idaho weather. She also loves to read and spend time with family and friends.

Education and Professional Designations

Jacob Olvera

Jacob Olvera Tax Associate

Jacob grew up in Central California and obtained an A.A. in Computer Science in 2016. After working for a while at a non-profit in the area, Jacob moved to Idaho to attend Boise State University. During his school years he also worked at a small business, following that he had two internships with tax firms. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and a full-time position at a tax firm in 2020. Due to the extra credits included from the A.A in California, Jacob is eligible to sit for the CPA exam and has passed two of them. He joined B.A. Harris in 2023 and is excited to be a part of the team!

When not at work, Jacob enjoys spending time with his two cats, Checkers and Lark. During the downtime between work and studying he makes time for watching movies, playing boardgames, and reading a good book.

Education and Professional Designations

Jessika Rouse

Jessika Rouse CMA, CAAS Senior

A Boise native, Jessika graduated from BSU with a BBA in Accountancy and later obtained the Certified Management Accountant credential. After working several years in public and private accounting Jessika joined the firm in September 2023. As a part of the Client Accounting & Advisory Services team she especially enjoys working with small business owners to improve the usability of their financial data and bring new efficiencies to the accounting cycle.

Outside of work Jessika loves to read, craft, and travel with her husband Travis. An animal lover, Jessika volunteers as a dog walker, board member and accountant for a local dog rescue.

Education and Professional Designations

Brett Shaffer

Brett Shaffer Client Services Specialist

Brett is a Boise native who earned his bachelor’s degree in Special Education in 2020. Since then, he has taught reading for students with special needs in the Boise area for the last three years. Although he enjoyed his previous line of work, he has decided to pursue a different passion in the accounting world. He is so excited to be a part of the B.A. Harris team and learn more about the world of Tax and client services.

When not working at the firm, Brett is a published fiction author. You can also find him watching reality TV, reading over 50 books a year, and hanging out with his bearded dragon and tuxedo cat.

Madison Skaggs

Madison Skaggs Tax Associate

Madison was born in San Diego, California and has lived in several states since then including, Washington, Oklahoma, Missouri, and now Idaho. She moved to the Treasure Valley area during the summer of 2022 and has loved it ever since. Madison has her Bachelor’s degree in Counseling and spent several years working with students with special needs in the school system. While she loved her previous work, she has decided to pursue a different passion and obtain her MBA, and eventually her CPA license. She is so excited to be a part of the B.A. Harris team and learn more about the world of Tax as she continues her education.

Outside of work, Madison stays busy spending time with her family. She enjoys game nights, hiking, and watching football. Go Chiefs!

Education and Professional Designations

Lauren Stevens

Lauren Stevens CMA, CAAS Senior

Lauren grew up in Idaho and Eastern Oregon. After graduating from Corban University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and then with her Master’s in Business Administration she has pursued a career in Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS). She is passionate about her work and loves to see clients thrive. Lauren joined the firm in July of 2022 and is thankful to be a part the talented team at B.A. Harris.

Lauren enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with her husband and dog, Mabel. She finds great joy in being around her family, friends, and delicious food

Education and Professional Designations

TJ Stevens

TJ Stevens Tax Associate

After growing up in Colorado and spending some time in Oregon, TJ moved to Idaho in 2003. Her first 15 years here were spent in small business and retail management. She joined BA Harris in fall of 2021 while attending Boise State University. She received her Master’s in Accountancy – Taxation in fall of 2023. TJ loves to connect with her clients and apply her hands on experience of running small businesses to help them maximize their potential. Working at BA Harris enables her to engage with many different business structures and sizes, keeping things interesting and rewarding.

Outside of work, TJ loves to travel or tend to her urban homestead with her husband and son. They raise bees and chickens, grow as much of their own food as possible, and have a vineyard. Any extra time is spent in the outdoors enjoying all that Idaho has to offer.

Education and Professional Designations

Kate Warner

Kate Warner Tax Associate

Kate attained a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2021 as well as a master’s in accounting in 2023 from West Texas A&M University. Kate is eligible and working towards earning her CPA license. Between degrees, Kate worked full-time at an accounting firm in Austin, Texas to gain experience in tax, specifically nonprofits. Kate looks for opportunities to make an impact and grow relationships with all clients. She joined B.A. Harris in early 2024.

Kate looks forward to developing her relationship with B.A. Harris and their great clients.

During her free time, Kate enjoys outdoor activities in the Boise area. She also enjoys lifting weights. If her dog Allie is not keeping Kate busy, she is reading a good book or searching for the next adventure.

Education and Professional Designations

Myles Witte

Myles Witte Tax Associate

Myles was born in Costa Mesa, California and came to Boise, Idaho to pursue a college degree in Accounting at Boise State University. Upon graduation, Myles will be enrolled in the Masters of Accountancy program at Boise State to help him prepare to be a CPA. Myles joined the Tax Team at B.A. Harris in 2023 and loves learning something new every day and applying what he learns in the classroom to his work. He is excited to continue learning from the amazing team at B.A. Harris and to grow as an accountant.

Outside of work and school, Myles loves playing basketball and pickleball, comedy movies, country music, and spending time with his friends, family, and dogs.

Carlee Woods

Carlee Woods CPA, Tax Associate

Carlee is a native of the Treasure Valley and has been working in the accounting field since her graduation from Northwest Nazarene University in May of 2021. Since then, she has been focusing on the areas of tax and financial statement preparation. She recently attained her CPA certification and is excited to develop her knowledge in the public accounting realm.

Outside of work Carlee enjoys playing tennis and soccer. She also enjoys game nights with friends and going to the movies.

Education and Professional Designations