Home > News

News

McConnell & Jones LLP Expands Team in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

(IRVING, TEXAS — July 29, 2010)
McConnell & Jones LLP (M&J), one of the largest African-American owned and operated CPA firms in the nation, is proud to announce the addition of Knoel Kambak as the audit supervisor to the Dallas/Fort Worth Team. Mr. Kambak demonstrates M&J’s commitment to providing hands-on, quality work to its clients in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex as well as across the state.

With more than seven (7) years experience, Kambak has applied expertise in audit, compliance and internal controls. Kambak holds significant experience serving private companies and non-profit organizations in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. “Knoel’s technical expertise coupled with his regional experience allows McConnell & Jones to offer clients a personal relationship that will open communications and boost our capacity to provide quality and in-depth services,” stated Wayne McConnell, Managing Partner.

Kambak joins Marilyn S. Locus, Esq., Director of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Office. With more than 20 years experience in accounting, legal, financial, and business consulting, Locus has an extensive background that also includes working with public and private organizations as well as nonprofit entities. Together Kambak and Locus represent the seamless relationship between McConnell & Jones’ CPA practice and McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy’s consultants and business advisors practice.
Kambak received his Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas, Austin and his undergraduate Accounting degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs, and the Institute of Management Accountants.

McConnell & Jones LLP Grows SEC Audit Practice and Appoints Edward Hlousek to Lead Group

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —March 15, 2010)
McConnell & Jones LLP (M&J), one of Houston’s largest CPA firms is proud to announce Edward Hlousek as leader of the firm’s SEC Audit Practice as well as the Oil & Gas Industry Group. In his new role, Hlousek will promote and direct assurance services for a wide array of publicly-traded as well as privately-held companies.

With more than 30 years experience in accounting, financial and consulting services, Hlousek has worked with both SEC registrants and privately-held companies throughout the United States as well as in Latin America and Europe. His background consists serving large accelerated filers, as well as smaller capitalized companies, doing reverse mergers or IPOs. As the former leader of Arthur Andersen’s Merger Integration Practice, Hlousek’s expertise also includes M&A, internal controls, change management and process improvement services.

Hlousek’s career has focused on serving the energy industry including oil and gas exploration and production; electric and gas utilities; pipelines; and refining and marketing. “Edward’s technical expertise, especially as it relates to the oil and gas industry, enables us to greatly expand our capabilities and boost our capacity to provide the quality and depth of services our clients expect at McConnell & Jones,” stated Wayne McConnell, Managing Partner.

“The addition of Edward to our team is one of the significant steps we’ve taken to strengthen our position as a leading, full-service CPA firm and a viable alternative to the “big-four,” adds Thomas Jones, Partner of Tax and Small Business Services,. “He is a perfect fit for our team and we look forward to him working with McConnell & Jones’ rapidly growing client base.”
Hlousek, a graduate of the University of Texas, Austin, was a former Partner for both Arthur Andersen and Deloitte Consulting. He is a member of the AICPA, the Texas Society of CPAs and the Houston Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth.

McConnell & Jones LLP Joins the Airwaves on the Price of Business

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —March 4, 2010)
McConnell & Jones LLP (M&J), one of Houston’s largest CPA firms, is proud to announce its weekly radio appearance on CNN 650’s "The Price of Business” heard on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12 Noon. Hosted by Kevin Price, an award-winning writer and speaker, "The Price of Business" is a weekly radio show discussing hot topics in business including finance, accounting and tax issues of the day.

Tene Thomas, Principal of M&J’s Tax and Accounting Services Division within McConnell & Jones  the third largest African-American owned CPA firm in the country., stepped up as the firm’s first regular CNN contributor with her expertise in the tax concerns of small businesses and privately-owned companies as well as publicly-traded organizations. Bringing expertise as a certified public accountant, Ms. Thomas adds a human quality to business by expressing her passion for the Ashlyn Horry Foundation, a foundation raising funds and awareness to improve the quality of life of disabled children, and the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas where she serves on the Board of Directors.

In future broadcasts, Ms. Thomas will be joined by Thomas Jones, Jr., Partner in Charge of Tax and Small Business Services. With more than 32 years of experience in tax compliance and financial management, Mr. Jones works directly with a diverse mix of corporations, partnerships, individuals and non-profit agencies providing.  Additionally, Mr. Jones leads the firm’s small business solutions division where he works directly with entrepreneurs and small business owners to provide financial solutions that promote long-term business success.Supporting business in the communities where we live, Mr. Jones has a long history of civic involvement. Mr. Jones is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Additionally, he serves on Board of Florida A&M University Foundation and the Spirit of Texas Bank, where he is a founding board member.

“Thomas and Tene are the people I turn to for advice and to bounce ideas off of,” adds Wayne McConnell, Managing Partner. “Their expertise in the finance and accounting fields will benefit business and individuals alike. Their heart for community will offer a temperate touch that includes the human equation in balancing business, finances and life.”

McConnell & Jones LLP is a certified public accounting firm and registered with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. The organization specializes in solving problems, reducing risk, and improving performance for public, private and government clients in a variety of industries including individuals, private companies and non-profit agencies. McConnell & Jones is an affiliate of McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP, a full-service professional services firm providing accounting, financial planning, management consulting, engineering and technical services. According to a recent survey by the Houston Business Journal, McConnell & Jones is the 17th largest CPA firm in Houston.

Learn more about McConnell & Jones Small Business Solutions.

McConnell & Jones LLP Grows SEC Audit Practice and Appoints Jose Pena as Audit Director

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —January 19, 2010)
McConnell & Jones LLP, one of Houston’s largest CPA firms, is proud to announce the recent appointment of Jose Pena as Audit Director. In his new position, Pena will manage the firm’s middle market assurance services group which works with publicly-traded and privately-held organizations as well as broker-dealers and loan originators.

“McConnell & Jones is recognized as a client service leader,” says managing partner Wayne McConnell. “Our clients look to us for guidance on critical matters. Adding Jose to our team further enhances our leadership position and increases our ability to provide the quality and depth of services our clients expect from us.”

Pena has more than 25 years experience in auditing and related assurance services. He has provided accounting and assurance services for organizations in a variety of industries including trading, oil and gas, construction, distribution, manufacturing, and healthcare. Pena specializes in auditing the regulatory implications of specific trading transactions, and has worked extensively with clients in broker-dealer regulations, with particular emphasis on SEC compliance. His expertise includes auditing and reporting for derivative instruments/ contracts, hedging activities, fair value and complex capital structure.

Pena, a CPA in both Venezuela and Texas, offers proven international public accounting experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Universidad Catolica in Caracas, Venezuela, and is an active member of the Texas Society of CPAs.

“We’re very happy to have our new colleague join our firm,” adds Thomas Jones, Tax Services Partner. “Adding his technical expertise to our team of professionals enables us to greatly expand the services we offer to the middle market. Jose is a perfect complement to our team and we look forward to him working with McConnell & Jones’ rapidly growing client base.”

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Principal Selected as
Treasurer of the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas Board of Directors

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —July 14, 2009)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the recent appointment of Tene Thomas, as treasurer of the board of directors for the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas. As treasurer, Thomas, a licensed CPA with more than 14 years of technical experience, will be responsible for the management and reporting of finances to the Foundation’s Board of Directors as well as keeping the group regularly informed of key financial events and trends.

A graduate of California Polytechnic University, Pomona, Thomas holds a bachelor of business administration. In addition to her involvement with the National Kidney Foundation, Thomas also is a board member of the Robert Horry Foundation and is an active member of the Texas Society of CPAs.

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Managing Partner Selected for
Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater Houston

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —July 8, 2009)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the recent appointment of Wayne McConnell to the 2009-2010 Board of Directors for the United Way of Greater Houston. As a member of the Board, McConnell will also serve on the Audit Committee where his knowledge, background and industry experience will be instrumental upholding the Board’s high standard of governance.

McConnell, Managing Partner of MJLM, is a licensed CPA with more than 33 years of technical experience in assurance and accounting services. McConnell holds an MBA from Louisiana Tech University and Bachelor of Science from Grambling State University.

McConnell is actively involved in the community, and in addition to his current role with the United Way of Greater Houston he also volunteers his time to the American Heart Association, the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston City Club, and his alma mater, Grambling State University.

“Wayne’s commitment to the United Way of Greater Houston is not just inspiring, but it also embodies our firm’s culture of giving back to the community.” said MJLM Partner, Thomas Jones, “We’re proud of his dedication to improving the lives of others and support his endeavors to educate and raise the public’s awareness on key social issues that impact the Houston area.”

“The United Way of Greater Houston is fortunate to have someone of Wayne McConnell's stature and expertise dedicated to our mission,” said Anna M. Babin, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. “Wayne is passionate about community service and because of his influence in the community he is able to get others involved on a significant level. Wayne is a wonderful volunteer leader and we look forward to his insight on the Board."

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Appoints John Redd
as Tax Director

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —April 27, 2009)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the recent appointment of John Redd as Tax Director. In his new position, Redd will manage the firm’s tax services group which works with public and private companies as well as individuals to manage to provide tax compliance and planning services.

With more than 15 years experience in federal, state, and local tax matters, Redd’s background includes working with Fortune 500 firms to perform federal and multi-state income tax return, state and local excise tax returns, and tax minimization planning projects.
Redd holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Houston and is a member of the Texas Society of CPAs.
“I am delighted to have John join our team,” said MJLM Tax Services Partner Thomas Jones. “John’s experience and well-rounded tax background will be invaluable as we continue to grow our practice”

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP Partner Thomas Jones Jr. Selected to Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership Minority Task Force 

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —February 28, 2009)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP is pleased to announce that Thomas Jones, Partner, has been selected to lead the Greater Houston Partnership’s Minority Task Force.

The principal objective of the Greater Houston Partnership, which traces its roots back to Houston's original Chamber of Commerce founded in 1840, is to build regional economic prosperity. The Partnership facilitates relocations and expansions in the Houston area; international outreach initiatives such as business development missions outside the U.S. and receiving foreign trade delegations; and strategic planning.

“I look forward to working through the Partnership to help Houston’s minority businesses develop and thrive,” says Jones. “As important as Houston has become to the world’s economy, it makes sense to increase the opportunities available to disadvantaged business enterprises in our community.  This will increase competition in the marketplace and ultimately keep our local economy growing.”

Jones, a founding partner in Texas’ largest African-American owned accounting and consulting practices, has first hand experience in growing a minority-owned business in Houston.  As the leader of this special task force, Jones plans to apply his experience in spearheading several major initiatives, including increasing the visibility of Houston’s diversity to international businesses.

Known as a world-class city with a pro-business culture, Houston’s global possibilities are significant to the growth of minority-owned businesses.  The many dynamic business opportunities available in this region will help to achieve Jones’ goals for the task force.

“I congratulate the Partnership on its choice of Thomas Jones as its next Chair of the Minority Task Force,” said MJLM Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. “His leadership skills and business savvy will be a true asset as the Partnership continues to advance Houston’s image as a sophisticated international business center.” 

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP
Managing Partner Recognized by Grambling State University

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —October 17, 2008)
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP (MJLM) is proud to announce the induction of Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell into the Grambling State University (GSU) Alumni Hall of Fame. This notable honor recognizes the accomplishments of exceptional GSU alumni that make substantial and unique contributions to society.

A licensed CPA with more than 33 years of experience in assurance and accounting services, McConnell received his bachelors in business administration from GSU in 1972 and remains actively involved with the University. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the Grambling Black and Gold Foundation, McConnell, who is an avid art collector, donated a portion of his West African Art collection to the University earlier this year.

McConnell is passionate about giving back to the community, and as a testament to this commitment, he donates much of his time to philanthropic causes. At the American Heart Association, McConnell currently serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee on the national level, is a board member and Nominating Committee Chair of the Houston Division, and is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the South Central Affiliate. Wayne is also a member of the Minority Partnership Task Force of the Greater Houston Partnership and serves on the United Way Audit Committee. Additionally, Wayne serves on the Board of Directors of the Houston Museum of African American Culture, where he is Chairman of the Finance Committee. In addition to receiving his undergraduate degree from GSU, McConnell holds an MBA from Louisiana Tech University.

“The entire firm is proud of Wayne and his accomplishments” said MJLM Partner, Sharon Murphy. “Grambling’s recognition only solidifies what we’ve known all these years; that Wayne is an exceptional leader and has positioned himself as a true role model for future generations.”

About Grambling State University and The Alumni Hall of Fame
Grambling State University was founded in 1901 and offers degrees in seventy-two (72) disciplines, graduate and undergraduate, in four (4) colleges and three (3) schools. Grambling State University Alumni are recognized nationally and internationally as exceptional individuals performing or having performed, extraordinary feats within and beyond their areas of study and practice. These are the graduates that Grambling State University celebrates by bestowing them with the honor of induction in their "rightful place,” The Grambling State University Hall of Fame, Gallery of Distinction.

The Grambling State University Hall of Fame was initially started in 1980, under the administration of Dr. Joseph B. Johnson and has been dormant since 1996. Restoring the Hall of Fame is consistent with President Horace Judson’s mission of “Reclaiming Our Legacy and Claiming Our Place”.

McConnell & Jones LLP Begins Audit of Stolt-Nielsen S.A. Employee Benefit Plans

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —October 13, 2008)
Audits of Stolt-Nielsen S.A. employee benefit plans are underway. The CPA firm of McConnell & Jones, LLP (M&J) was selected to provide audit services for the company’s retirement plan and retirement savings plan. The Stolt-Nielsen S.A. benefit plans service more than 5,000 current and retired employees.

The Stolt-Nielsen engagement is a significant addition to McConnell & Jones’ employee benefit plan assurance practice. Currently the team services more than 30 clients, performs more than 120 plan audits and prepares approximately 65 IRS Form 5500s each year.

This specialized team is lead by Rance Buss, principal in charge of the Employee Benefit Plan Assurance Group. With more than 20 years experience, Buss is actively involved in the American Institute of Certified Public Accounting Employee Benefit Quality Center and ensures the firm’s professionals stay educated on the newest assurance regulations as they pertain to employee benefit plans.

“We are very excited about this auditing engagement,” said Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. “Not only does this project further enhance the skills of our dedicated employee benefit plan audit professionals, it provides our firm with an opportunity to build new business relationships.

McConnell & Jones Partner Selected as
Community Achievement Award Recipient

(HOUSTON, TEXAS —May 27, 2008) The Houston Metropolitan Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) has selected McConnell & Jones LLP Partner, Thomas Jones, as the recipient of the 2008 Award for Community Achievement.

 The Houston Metropolitan Chapter of NABA is part of a nationwide professional association with the primary purpose of developing, encouraging and serving as a resource for greater participation by African-Americans and other minorities in the accounting and finance professions.

 “I am proud that Thomas has been honored by the Houston Metropolitan Chapter,” said McConnell & Jones Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. “This recognition is a tribute to his outstanding community service and outreach within the accounting industry.”

 About McConnell & Jones LLP
McConnell & Jones LLP is a certified public accounting firm registered with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. The organization offers a complete spectrum of tax, assurance and small-business accounting services to individuals, private companies and non-profit agencies. McConnell & Jones is an affiliate of McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP, a full-service professional services firm providing accounting, financial planning, management consulting, engineering and technical services. According to a recent survey by the Houston Business Journal, McConnell and Jones is the 12th largest CPA firm in Houston.

McConnell & Jones Principal Selected for Special Task Force
Dedicated to New 403(b) Audit Requirements

HOUSTON, Texas (April 9, 2008)
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has selected McConnell & Jones LLP Principal, Rance Buss, to join a special task force dedicated to understanding the new 403(b) audit requirements as part of the Employee Benefit Plan Quality Audit Center.

Starting in 2009, organizations with 403(b) plans may face additional filing requirements by the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor. As a member of the AICPA’s Employee Benefit Plan Quality Center special task force, Buss is part of a distinguished group dedicated to learning more about the new requirements and meeting the challenges of performing quality audits for these unique benefit plans. Specifically, Buss will work with other task force members to communicate regulatory developments and share best practices with those organizations impacted by the new reporting obligations.

Buss joined McConnell & Jones in 2002 and has experience in a wide variety of audit engagements. As principal, he leads the firm’s employee benefit plan assurance and compliance services practice. He is a licensed CPA with more than 20 years of public and industry accounting experience including assurance services, corporate federal income tax and internal audit. Buss is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio where he holds a bachelor of business administration in accounting.

“I am proud that Rance has been selected for the AICPA task force,” said McConnell & Jones Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. “This appointment is a tribute to his outstanding service within the industry and deep understanding of the rules and regulations that impact our clients’ business operations.”

About McConnell & Jones LLP
McConnell & Jones LLP is a certified public accounting firm registered with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. The organization offers a complete spectrum of tax, assurance and small-business accounting services to individuals, private companies and non-profit agencies. McConnell & Jones is an affiliate of McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP, a full-service professional services firm providing accounting, financial planning, management consulting, engineering and technical services. According to a recent survey by the Houston Business Journal, McConnell and Jones is the 12th largest CPA firm in Houston.