Caitlin Almer, CPA, Senior Manager
Caitlin earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Elon University in North Carolina. She returned to her home state of Virginia after graduation, where she became licensed as a Certified Public Accountant and started her career at one of the Big Four accounting firms. After gaining experience as an external auditor and prior to joining OCS, she spent seven years at National Geographic Society in diverse accounting and financial planning and analysis roles. During her tenure at National Geographic, Caitlin held senior roles through two major M&A initiatives, leading the accounting and finance team through system implementations and re-alignment of accounting policies and procedures. At OCS, Caitlin has supported and managed client accounting system implementations, developed incurred cost analyses, redesigned client charts of accounts, and implemented automated accounts payable workflow solutions. She has also provided year-end and audit preparation support as well as assisted in client annual budgeting processes. Caitlin lives in DC and enjoys exploring the city by taking long walks and trying new restaurants, while still visiting VA often to spend quality time with family. She is also an avid traveler and is always planning her next big adventure.
Email: caitlin@oconnorcs.com
Terry Bachmann, Manager
Terry earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgetown University. Terry has over 25 years of experience serving the education and non-profit communities and joined OCS initially in 2019. Terry began her career at KPMG, LLP and ultimately served as an audit senior manager in their not-for-profit practice group. Over her career she has excelled in assisting not-for-profits with forecast and budgeting analysis, internal control assessments, and audit preparation services as well as financial accounting standards reviews and implementations. At OCS, Terry has served as an interim Controller, supported complex client investment account reconciliations and analyses, and worked with client finance and programmatic staff to design and implement process improvements. Terry is a member of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington’s Finance Counsel, Chairperson of Windover Heights Board of Review, Town of Vienna, and a Master Gardener. Terry is a committed runner, an avid traveler, and loves to spend time in her gardens.
Email: terry@oconnorcs.com
Cristina Barbudo, CPA, Manager
Cristina earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Universidad de Valencia, in her native Spain. Upon moving to the US, she earned her Master’s in Accounting from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Cristina joins OCS after close to 20 years serving the not-for-profit industry, including 18 years as the Director of Finance and Administration of the Association of Government Accountants. In that role, she had responsibility for financial reporting, external audits, budgeting and forecasting, board finance agendas, and Form 990 filing, and other regulatory compliance. Additionally, she was also responsible for the administration function, which included oversight of employee benefits, insurance policies, and chapter and building operations. Cristina was presented with an AGA National President’s Award in 2020 in recognition of her exceptional financial leadership and for overcoming extraordinary challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to her non-profit experience, Cristina worked for five years in the airline industry as a manager in corporate accounting and reporting. Cristina’s career started in a national public accounting firm where she worked in audit and tax engagements.
Email: cristina@oconnorcs.com
Jared Basco, Senior Manager
Jared earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Purdue University and joined OCS in 2017. Prior to joining OCS, he spent six years at Trinity Washington University, serving as the University’s Controller during the final three years of his tenure. In that role, he gained experience in an array of non-for-profit accounting functions, and worked directly with the University’s Board of Trustees, Audit and Finance Committees, auditors, and other department managers on behalf of the finance team. At OCS, Jared has supported clients in a myriad of areas, including financial statement and federal Single Audit preparation, accounting system selection and implementation, and serving as interim Controller. Jared has also supported several finance department assessments. In addition, Jared is an accomplished user of Excel, which has allowed him to support clients through complex budgeting, forecasting, and data analysis exercises. Jared is also proficient with Microsoft Great Plains and Management Reporter and has a particular interest in system integrations. Jared lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, two daughters, and their dog Jan. When not working, Jared and his family enjoy camping, hiking and running.
Email: jared@oconnorcs.com
Alison Benson, CPA, Senior Manager
Alison earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, with minors in Mathematics and Philosophy, from College of St. Benedict and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Alison has over 20 years of experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Alison joined OCS in 2016 after working at the National Geographic Society since 2006, with her last position serving as the Director, Financial Planning and Analysis for National Geographic’s Education and Children’s Media. During her time with OCS, Alison has supported several clients as interim Controller, performed in-depth examination and guidance on the management of endowments and restricted funds, conducted assessments of finance operations, facilitated formal documentation of accounting policies and procedures, and supported year-end and audit engagements. Alison has significant experience in financial planning, budgeting and financial reporting, and excels at managing complex reconciliation projects. Alison is also well versed in accounting principles, has a strong knowledge of several accounting systems including NetSuite, PeopleSoft, Hyperion, and QuickBooks, and has both led and supported various software implementation and chart of account redesign initiatives. With a passion for travel, cycling, backpacking, and the great outdoors, much of Alison’s non-working time is spent actively out and about. In her spare time, she also enjoys quilting, seeing live music with her husband, Glen, and either seeking out adventures around their home on Capitol Hill or a weekend escape to their cabin in West Virginia with their dog and two little girls.
Email: alison@oconnorcs.com
Meghan Biggs, CPA, Senior Manager
Meghan has over 20 years of experience and has dedicated much of her career to supporting mission-driven organizations in the Washington, DC area. She is an empathetic and passionate leader, a strategic and creative thinker with a focus on collaboration, and takes pride in serving the not-for-profit community. Most recently, Meghan served as the Vice President & Controller for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), with oversight of all accounting operations, including GAAP financial reporting and analytical activities, as well as tax, audit, and grant reporting. She recently oversaw the implementation of a new accounting system and chart of accounts redesign. Prior to joining PBS, Meghan was the Controller at both the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and at WETA. She began her career in public accounting gaining experience as an external auditor. Meghan earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from James Madison University. Meghan enjoys spending her free time with her husband, three children, and dog and can be found cheering them on at all their various sporting events, at the beach, doing yoga, running or enjoying a latte while reading a good book. She is also a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run at her children’s elementary school.
Email: meghan@oconnorcs.com
Diana Connolly, CPA, Director
Diana has served not-for-profit organizations throughout her career. For ten years, she worked as an auditor in public accounting, with a wide-ranging slate of clients, particularly focused on the not-for-profit and healthcare industries. More recently, she spent four years at National Geographic Society as a Director of Corporate Finance, responsible for accounting for the Society's not-for-profit activities. Diana holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Accounting and Management from Washington University in St. Louis and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the State of Florida. She joined OCS in 2016 and helps to lead the firm’s Professional Practice Group, focused on supporting the implementation of new accounting standards and providing technical GAAP guidance to OCS clients. Diana lives in Maryland with her husband and two young sons. She enjoys volunteering with her children’s schools, cheering for the Ravens, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Email: diana@oconnorcs.com
laura douglas, cpa, senior manager
Laura has over 20 years of experience serving the nonprofit sector, most recently as Controller for the National Academy of Sciences. Laura began her career as an auditor focusing on nonprofit organizations of all sizes. After leaving public accounting, Laura worked as a Senior Accounting Manager for National Geographic Society, overseeing the accounting for the Society’s nonprofit activities. Most recently, Laura was the Controller at National Academy of Sciences, where she supervised the Academy’s full-service accounting function and oversaw the financial statement audit process. Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Music, from Franklin & Marshall College and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Laura has significant experience with financial system implementations and improvements, combined with chart of account redesigns. Laura also has expertise in applying accounting principles, complex reconciliations, audit preparation and support, process improvements, and nonprofit tax filings. When not working, Laura enjoys spending time outdoors hiking or riding bikes with her husband and son. She also enjoys reading, movies, family game night, and cheering her son on at his many activities.
Email: laura@oconnorcs.com
Amy Foulkes, Operations director
Amy takes pride in being the very first OCS employee. She oversees the internal operations for OCS, assuring the day-to-day business operations are running smoothly to allow the OCS Team to concentrate on providing excellent service to our clients. Over the years, Amy has served many OCS clients, providing expertise in implementing and managing automated accounts payable workflow solutions such as Bill.com and AnyBill; in getting the most out of Quickbooks Online; and providing training and support for 1099 preparation. Amy particularly enjoys working with non-accounting staff in developing budgets and procedures that serve both the accounting and programmatic needs of our clients. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Westminster College. When not working Amy can be found at the track or rugby pitch cheering on her kids’ athletic endeavors, enjoying walks with her husband along the Chesapeake Bay, or reading a good book.
Email: amy@oconnorcs.com
Hannah Grisar, CPA, Manager
Hannah is a Certified Public Accountant licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. At OCS, Hannah has worked with several clients to develop financial policies and procedures manuals and to streamline and document financial processes. In addition, Hannah has supported many OCS clients through the financial statement audit process, including managing auditor requests, preparing audit workpapers, and reconciling accounts. Finally, Hannah has also served as interim Controller for clients and has redesigned client budget processes, with a focus on ensuring a user-friendly, collaborative approach to budgeting. Prior to joining OCS, Hannah worked for multiple trade associations in their accounting, budgeting and contracting functions. Hannah has also led several special projects to address associations’ evolving business needs, including system implementations and process enhancements to improve efficiencies and to provide better service to internal clients. Hannah has completed the AICPA Not-for-Profit Certificate Programs I and II. When not working, Hannah enjoys antiquing and working hard to ensure she maintains “favorite aunt” status to her nieces and nephews, by whatever means necessary.
Email: hannah@oconnorcs.com
rebecca horton, CPA, Director
Rebecca, a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the District of Columbia, joined the OCS team in 2019. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from George Mason University. Rebecca has worked in the not-for-profit industry her entire career, first serving clients as a senior manager in KPMG, LLP’s not-for profit audit practice and more recently as the Controller of the American Petroleum Institute (API), a 501(c)(6) trade association. Since joining OCS, Rebecca has assisted over 20 clients with the implementation of technical accounting standards including the presentation of financial statements of not-for-profit entities, revenue recognition, and leases. Rebecca is a member of the OCS Professional Practice Group and serves as a technical resource for all OCS clients. She has spoken at a variety of industry conferences, such as the Greater Washington Society of CPAs’ Not-For-Profit Symposium. Rebecca lives in St. Petersburg, FL with her husband and daughter, where they enjoy the plentiful sunshine during walks, bike rides, and time with friends.
Email: rebecca@oconnorcs.com
Shelby Jackson, CPA, Senior Manager
Shelby is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Finance, from Old Dominion University as well as a Master of Arts in Administrative Management, majoring in Accounting, from Bowie State University. After gaining experience with a local not-for-profit focused audit and consulting firm and prior to joining OCS in 2021, Shelby was the Director of Finance at the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, supporting their collective organizations and overseeing all aspects of their accounting and finance operations. She streamlined their accounting operations through implementation of new accounting systems and the automation of several processes. During her time at OCS, Shelby has performed an accounting system needs assessment with a focus on process improvements and opportunities to integrate existing systems and has redesigned and optimized a credit card usage and payment system. In addition, Shelby has provided support to clients to ensure a smooth transition during a period of staff turnover by documenting processes of incumbent finance team staff members and transferring that knowledge to new employees. Shelby has completed the Senior Executive Leadership Program with the Greater Washington Society of CPAs as well as the AICPA Not-for-Profit Certificate Program II certification. Throughout her career, she has provided insight and guidance to several not-for-profit organizations in her role on various Boards and Committees. Shelby lives in Maryland with her husband and Doberman. When not at work, Shelby loves spending time with her two adult sons, running for medals and swag, cycling on trails, volunteering in her community, and traveling.
Email: shelby@oconnorcs.com
Trish Johnson, CPA, Director
Trish is a senior financial leader with more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning, project management, and team development. Trish has recently joined OCS after serving as a consultant and interim CFO to not-for-profit organizations. Prior to that time, she served in the roles of CFO, Controller, and Senior Director for several large not-for-profit organizations in the Washington, DC area. Trish has significant experience with financial system implementations, managing audit engagements, financial reporting, 990 tax filings, budgeting and forecasting, internal controls analysis, and process improvement. Trish earned a Master of Science in Accounting and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting from George Mason University and a Master of Education from University of Mary Washington. She is an adjunct professor at George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, where she teaches accounting and finance. When not working, Trish enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two daughters traveling, cheering on their favorite teams (Go Nats, Fly Eagles Fly, and Roll Tide!) or any other fun adventures together.
Email: trish@oconnorcs.com
becca larson, operations assistant
Becca comes to OCS with a varied background in real estate and elementary education. Prior to joining OCS, Becca worked as a licensed real estate agent in Virginia where she ran her own business operations, including marketing, financing, contract negotiations, scheduling, and client support. She previously worked in the field of education in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Alexandria City, and Nebo School District, where she concentrated in special education. Becca developed individualized curricula for students with learning disabilities and worked with faculty and parents to support academic progress. Becca’s organization, scheduling, and online communications skills support the daily operations of OCS. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Brigham Young University. In her free time, Becca enjoys a number of hobbies, including sewing, quilting, home decorating, gardening, traveling, and visiting museums. She and her husband live in Northern Virginia with their four children and a dog. As a family, they enjoy the outdoors, hiking, camping, and road trips.
Email: becca@oconnorcs.com
Melinda O’Leary, Director
Melinda earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting & Economics from Chatham University. Melinda joined OCS in 2019 after spending over 20 years in senior finance and accounting roles with both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. Prior to joining OCS, Melinda was the Vice-President of Finance for the American Nurses Association, where she led the organization through a financial transformation. Throughout her career, Melinda has excelled in the areas of budgeting and forecasting, modernizing policies and re-engineering procedures, creating insightful financial reports and analyses, implementing financial systems, and ensuring overall financial sustainability. Melinda has successfully implemented Oracle’s NetSuite in various organizations, which has helped those organizations to modernize and create operational efficiencies. She also has significant experience creating board financial packages and presenting to the board of directors and subcommittees. At OCS, Melinda has supported our clients through significant financial transitions, including creating and implementing staffing plans for key positions within a finance organization, conducting assessments of finance operations, and documenting policies and procedures for crucial and significant functions within a finance department. When she isn’t working, Melinda enjoys staying active by hiking, gardening, golfing, and overseeing the adventures of her two rescue dogs, Patch and Finn.
Email: melinda@oconnorcs.com
Lynne Pratt, Senior Advisor
Lynne joined OCS after serving as the CFO of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for 22 years. At OCS, she serves as an interim high-level strategic CFO for client organizations. During her tenure at the Kennedy Center, Lynne was responsible for and had oversight of the entire finance and accounting function, including budgeting, financial and tax reporting, grant management, treasury and debt management, and contracting. Lynne also provided general analytical support for the Kennedy Center and its affiliate organizations. Lynne began her career with Mobil Corporation, where she spent 17 years in a variety of Finance positions. She started her time there in the domestic Marketing and Refining division before moving into the Corporate Financial Associate Program. From there she went overseas, with assignments in both Turkey and New Zealand. She returned to the States as Treasurer, North America. Lynne earned her MBA in Finance at the University of Southern California and her Bachelor of Science in Physics from UC Irvine. She has been active in many volunteer capacities, and currently serves as a trustee on a large multi-employer pension fund board.
Email: lynne@oconnorcs.com
jossie prudencio, cpa, cae, manager
Jossie is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a Certified Association Executive. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Finance from American University. With a detail-oriented and effective management style, Jossie excels in solving difficult problems. Jossie's experience includes working with local not-for-profit organizations, audit firms, and consulting firms. As the former Vice President of Finance at the Yoga Alliance, she oversaw accounting, finance, and operations, successfully bringing the organization's outsourced accounting function in-house. In her consulting work, Jossie has supported various not-for-profits, including trade associations, public charities, and foundations. She has expertise in audit preparation, IRS Form 990, and working with accounting systems such as Intacct, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Nav SL, and expense systems such as Bill.com and Tallie. She is also familiar with several CRM systems, including SalesForce, iMIS, and NetForum. Jossie enjoys taking hikes with her puppy, Snickers, going to comedy clubs, and dancing Zumba when time permits.
Email: jossie@oconnorcs.com
Stephanie Seiberg, cPA, Senior Manager
Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The American University and subsequently earned an MBA from The University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. Stephanie spent over 20 years with Marriott International where she became an expert in selecting, implementing, and supporting Finance, Accounting, and other operational systems. She led the organization through many transformation and acquisition projects and is skilled at managing change and keeping executive leadership informed. Stephanie also has deep experience in budgeting and forecasting. Most recently, Stephanie served as the Controller of The Women's Center, a not-for-profit providing mental health services in the greater Washington, DC area. During her tenure at The Women’s Center, Stephanie reengineered several processes, including implementing program budgeting and streamlining the grant reporting process. Stephanie is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Maryland and has attained the AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Certificate I. In 1998, Stephanie was honored by the AICPA with the Elijah Watt Sells Gold Medal for earning the highest national score on the CPA examination. Stephanie is an active volunteer in her community and currently serves as an adoption coordinator for Lab Rescue LRCP. When she isn't working, Stephanie enjoys travelling with her two college aged children and exploring with her husband and black lab Adele in their RV. She loves the mountains and the water, and you will often find her cycling, skiing, running, or swimming.
Email: stephanie@oconnorcs.com
kim thompson, Manager
Kim earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, with a concentration in Accounting, from the University of Virginia and has recently joined OCS. Kim has over 20 years of experience serving the education and not-for-profit communities. Kim began her career at KPMG, LLP and spent four years supporting several large not-for-profit organizations in the Washington, DC area. Since then, Kim has served in a variety of managerial positions at large not-for-profit organizations as an Accounting Director and Associate Controller. Mostly recently, Kim has served as a consultant and then Controller for a small museum in Florida. Throughout her career, she has excelled in assisting not-for-profits with closing processes, audit preparation services, and IRS form 990 coordination. Kim lives in Gainesville, FL with her husband and daughter. Outside of OCS, Kim enjoys volunteering with her daughter’s school and dance activities, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Email: kim@oconnorcs.com
penny williams, CPA, Manager
Penny is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Virginia and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Virginia Tech. After starting her career as an auditor at KPMG, LLC, Penny held senior finance and accounting roles with several not-for-profit organizations in the Washington, DC area. Penny’s career includes over ten years as a finance leader within a local CPA firm serving not-for-profit and for-profit entities. There Penny performed financial statement compilations, attestation services, and Form 990 tax filings, while also serving as an outsourced interim controller and business process advisor for many diverse clients. Most recently, Penny served six years as the CFO/Controller of a not-for-profit heritage area, where she prioritized supporting executive management in many ways, including strategic planning and scenario forecasting for new programs and building dynamic budgets and cash flow forecasts. Penny also affected business process improvements by re-engineering internal control policies and procedures and streamlining accounting transactions. In her free time, Penny enjoys biking, hiking, and traveling with her husband and three children.
Email: penny@oconnorcs.com
TASHA WIlliams, Senior Manager
Tasha earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina State University. She joined OCS in October 2013 and has served as an interim CFO and Controller for several multi-entity not-for-profit clients. In these roles, Tasha has assisted clients in improving accounting policies and procedures and enhancing reconciliation efforts to allow for more accurate financial reporting. Tasha’s consulting engagements have also included financial analysis, audit preparation, internal control and process documentation as well as specialized projects, including financial department assessments. She has completed the AICPA Not-for-Profit Certificate Program I certification. Prior to joining OCS, Tasha worked for nearly 15 years in the financial reporting area for the private equity, secondary mortgage markets and airline industries. When not working, Tasha enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with family and friends.
Email: tasha@oconnorcs.com
Helen Zelinsky, CPA, senior Manager
Helen has a Masters in Accountancy from San Jose State University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of California. Helen joined OCS in 2015. During her tenure here, Helen has supported OCS clients in a variety of ways, including audit preparation, project management, system implementations, and chart of accounts redesign. Helen has also served in the capacity of interim Controller. In addition, Helen has worked with OCS’ Professional Practice Team to assist clients with the implementation of new technical accounting standards, such as revenue recognition and leases. She has completed the AICPA Not-for-Profit Certificate Programs I and II. Helen started her career over 14 years ago in public accounting, serving both tax and audit clients in many industries, including the not-for-profit industry. Directly prior to joining OCS, Helen worked as a Controller for a small not-for-profit in California. Beyond her dedication to her work, Helen loves spending time with her wife and their two daughters.
Email: helen@oconnorcs.com
Will zimmerman, Financial analyst
Will is currently a senior at Clemson University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management with an emphasis in Corporate Finance. Will has experience working with accounting software as well as the preparation and filing of tax documents at a landscape construction firm in Columbia, South Carolina. In addition, Will works at a local family-owned fine dining restaurant at Clemson. On most weekends you can find him as a server waiting on tables, a host working up front, or a bartender helping the many customers who travel to Clemson for the busy football season. Will is also heavily involved on campus at Clemson, currently serving as the president of a club that collaborates with the university’s photography department. Will is also a member of an investment club for Clemson’s undergraduate students studying finance. Outside of work and school, Will enjoys running outside in the evenings or going for a swim at the local pool.
Email: will@oconnorcs.com