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Darlene Finzer
CPA, CSA, QKA
Principal, Director of ERISA
New Philadelphia, OH
Resident of Stone Creek, Ohio
Rea Team Member Since 1991
- At Rea, Darlene is responsible for leading the firm's Later Life Planning Services and is the director of Rea’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit Services.
Topics or areas of expertise that Darlene can talk about (even in her sleep):
- Social security strategizing/situational maximization
- Medicare tax minimization analysis
- Legacy family planning
- Retirement readiness/financial fitness
- Fiduciary responsibility
How we know she knows what she's doing:
- She began her career in the accounting industry in 1989.
- Prior to joining the Rea team in 1991 she worked at a local accounting firm.
- Darlene has been featured in several publications, such as Benefits Pro and Thompson Newsletter and has presented her expertise on a range of topics at numerous conferences.
- She earned her associate's degree in accounting technology from Kent State University and later went on to complete her bachelor's degree in accounting.
- She is the recipient of the 8th annual Distinguished Alumni award from Kent State University Tuscarawas.
- She was chosen as the inaugural winner of the Chet Stocker Award for Service to the Profession in 2013, which is presented annually by Rea & Associates.
- Darlene was named the inaugural Accountant of the Month by Accounting Today.
- Darlene earned the designation of Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) in May 2007.
- She earned her AICPA Advanced Defined Contribution Plans Audit Certificate in March of 2017.
- Darlene earned her National Social Security Advisor Certificate in 2019.
Furthering her professional development, Darlene is involved with:
- The American Institute of CPAs
- The Ohio Society of CPAs (Employee Benefit Plan Audit Conference planning committee)
- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (certified 401(k) plan administrator)
- The Society of Certified Senior Advisors (holds certified senior advisor credentials)
- Tuscarawas County University Branch District Board of Trustees for Kent State University
When she's not in the office, you can find her:
- Staying productive around her family's farm
- Attending truck and tractor pulls and Sprint car and NASCAR races (and an occasional donkey race)
- Working on projects for charitable causes, such as making teddy bears for Victory Junction Gang Camp, blankets for Project Linus and homemade dog treats for various events and organizations.
Darlene is involved in her community:
- Full Life Center (board member and volunteer)
- Alzheimer's Association (volunteer)
- Member of Senior Services Network of Tuscarawas County
- United Way Pledge Drive Volunteer
Inside The Mind Of...
- What does "A Brighter Way" mean to you? To me, "A Brighter Way" means not just the ordinary - a genuine extra effort.
- What line of The Rea Way describes you the best? Choose to be positive, every day. & Take your work personally.
- What do you consider to be your "brightest" quality? My ability to multi-task. Oh wait, that is actually supposed to be a bad quality. It would have to be my willingness to share with others.
- What is your most memorable moment at Rea? Besides passing the CPA exam, I am proud to say that I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Rea.
Just For Fun:
- What did 10-year-old you want to be when you grew up? An accountant
- What profession would you choose if you didn't go into accounting? Professional philanthropist - if I could afford it.
- What is your most prized possession? People may think this is my animals (and they are very important to me) but, I would have to say it is pleasant memories with family and friends
A hardworking, easy-going, quiet professional who enjoys personal space and time. According to Richard Simmons (yes, that Richard) I have a kind soul.