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Meet Our Partners
Tom Tesar, CPA, CFP, Managing Partner
Aindrea N. Balagna, CPA
Heather L. Longfellow, CPA
Christine A. Schwartz, CPA, CMA, CVA
Leslie K. Weyhrich, CPA, MSIA
Thomas G. Tesar, CPA, CFP
Managing Partner
Thomas Tesar graduated from Illinois State University in 1974 with a B. S. in Accountancy. His initial experience in public accounting was with Arthur Young and Company in St. Louis, Missouri. He left there to join Brandvien, Shapiro and Company which was a growing local St. Louis firm.
In November 1979, Tom joined Jim Wolf in Pekin, Illinois and they formed Wolf, Tesar and Company, P.C. on January 1, 1980. Since that time he has served in the capacity as vice-president and administrative shareholder. As such he has seen the firm steadily grow in revenue, number of clients, number of employees, and services provided.
A large part of Tom's time is devoted to practice management matters in the firm. Tom and Jim Wolf work closely in long-range planning and implementing Wolf, Tesar and Company, P.C.'s strategic plan.
Tom provides accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services to small business clients primarily in the manufacturing, retail, insurance, professional services, construction, real estate, not-for-profit, and governmental activities.
Tom handles a great number of trust, estate, and gift issues for clients including research, planning, and compliance. He also has substantial experience in advising small, closely held business clients on management, taxes, financing, and other matters related to their business. Tom has also been involved in business and personal financial planning and investment management as the need for these services continues to grow.
In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Tom is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and is the managing member of JT Financial Advisers, LLC, which is an affiliate company of Wolf, Tesar and Company, P.C. The affiliate provides financial planning and investment counseling and management services.
Tom and his wife Mary reside in Pekin and have two grown children and three grandchildren. He enjoys sports, exercise, fishing, golf, and computers. He is an active member in his church and other community activities including the American Business Clubs of America (AMBUCS).
Aindrea N. Balagna, CPA
Aindrea Balagna is responsible for reviewing the tax returns prepared by other team members, preparation of tax returns (personal, corporate, partnership, estates, trusts), and other special projects. She also interviews potential additions to the team and tracks team member attendance at required education classes.
Aindrea graduated from the University of Illinois and began her career as a staff accountant with Wolf, Tesar, and Company, P.C. in October 1994.
Heather L. Longfellow, CPA
Heather Longfellow is the audit manager overseeing non-profit, governmental and corporate audits. She also spends time preparing income tax returns during tax season and assists in the interviewing, hiring and training of new audit personnel.
Heather received her college degree in accounting and public administration from Augustana College in 1994 and became a CPA in 1996. She previously worked in St. Louis in public accounting with Arthur Andersen and has worked for Wolf, Tesar and Company, P.C. since May 1996.
Christine A. Schwartz, CPA, CMA, CVA
Chris Schwartz is responsible for the preparation and review of monthly and annual financial statements; all types of tax return preparation, review and electronic filing; business valuations; and human resources.
After working 15 years at Keystone Steel and Wire Co. in various accounting positions, Chris decided to return to college for completion of her degree. She began her career at Wolf, Tesar and Company, P.C. in December 1990 immediately upon her graduation from Bradley University. Chris became a partner in January, 2007.
Throughout the years with Wolf, Tesar and Company, P.C., Chris has contributed substantially to the success of the firm with her experience and knowledge of technical and managerial matters. In addition to being a member of the professional societies of her position, Chris is a member and Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin. Chris is also a Director for the Pekin Insurance Companies.
Leslie K. Weyhrich, CPA, MSIA
Leslie serves a dual role as a partner and our network administrator. As a network administrator, she oversees the network and performs some general information technology functions. As a partner, she reviews tax returns and other accounting work, prepares tax returns, participates in special projects as needed, and assists in the interviewing/hiring process when new members are being added to the team. She is also the Treasurer for our firm.
Leslie first joined Wolf, Tesar and Company, P.C. in 1989. She took time out to earn her MSIA degree from Purdue University, then spent several years in Chicago. In October 1999, she returned to Wolf, Tesar and Company, P.C. as a computer consultant and accounting manager. She became a partner in January, 2007.
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