Firm Bios

Management:

Warren W. Almand, CPA

Providing personal and timely service with the professionalism that would be expected from a large firm remains a goal to Warren who assisted in creating The Firm in the 1970s. Warren has over 40 years of accounting experience. After graduating from Georgia Southern College, Warren’s professional career began in private manufacturing and government auditing with the Department of Transportation.
 
Warren has been an invaluable asset to the success of The Firm by exhibiting excellent knowledge and expertise. His work has specialized in government and non-profit audit, taxation, and consulting. In addition, he has worked diligently to provide the reliable service in saving individual clients money through knowledgeable taxation preparation, financial planning, and estate management services. 
 
When not physically in the office, Warren spends his time participating in an assortment of community organizations such as: The Believers Band; Hall County Rotary; the Arts Council; and is a member of Lakewood Baptist Church. In addition to being active in various sports within the community, much of his time is spent relaxing with his wife, Dena. Warren also has two sons and three granddaughters which frequently occupy his time. 
 
 

John C. Alexander, CPA

John joined The Firm in 1996 after graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting.  Shortly thereafter, he earned his professional license to practice public accounting in the State of Georgia. John manages the business that will continue to provide service to the community within the Gainesville/greater Hall County, Georgia area. 
 
John adds character to The Firm as an upbeat, positive member of management. He specializes in client relations, technological assistance, and various services for a variety of industries. In addition, John serves multinational organizations that operate in manufacturing, healthcare technologies, and investment based industries.
 
John thoroughly enjoys spending free time with his wife, Kristine, and their four children, Thomas, Jack, Matthew, and Abby. Participating in Gainesville athletics, fishing and traveling are a few of their favorite activities! In addition, they are members of the First United Methodist Church in Gainesville.
 
 

James “Andy” Bangs, CPA

Andy graduated with a Bachelors of Business Administration in accounting from North Georgia College and State University. He began working for The Firm in 1999 and earned his professional license in 2002. Andy was promoted to Junior Partner in 2006 and then to Senior Partner in 2011.
 
Andy provides all types of services including audit, tax, business consulting, estate and litigation support. Andy is a social person who is readily available to his clients at their convenience ensuring they receive preferred service and that expectations are exceeded.
 
Andy and his wife, Mandy, are the proud parents of twin daughters, Addie and Ellie. They enjoy traveling together to participate in competitive cooking events, mountain biking, and relaxing at the beach. Both Mandy and Andy are also active within several community organizations including the Gainesville Jaycees and Lakewood Baptist Church.

Accounting Staff:

Peggy Shirley, CPA

Peggy began working at The Firm in December of 1976. She entered as a Registered Public Accountant and received her CPA certification in July of 2005. She is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of accounting and audit work and is considered the “go-to” of the office. “Ms. Peggy” enjoys spending her days off and free time with her beloved dog, Zeus, and husband, Jimmy. Together, the trio tends to the new bundle of joy in the family, Lily, their first great-grandchild. In addition, Peggy is an avid reader, candy and crafts maker.

Bryan St. Pierre, CPA

Bryan joined The Firm in 2008 and recently earned his professional certification in the summer of 2010. Bryan also earned a BS in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master’s of Business Administration from Thomas College. He specializes in A-133, government, non-profit, and for- profit audits as well as reviews and compilations. Bryan is originally from Benton, Maine but currently resides in Gainesville with his wife Judy and son Nathan. In any spare time found, Bryan and his family enjoy hiking, swimming, and watching professional football.

Samuel Latimer, CPA

Sam is originally from Savannah, GA. After graduating from college in Jacksonville, FL, he joined Alexander, Almand & Bangs. He received certification as a public accountant in the summer of 2010. Sam specializes in A-133, government, non-profit, and for- profit audits as well as reviews and compilations.  He has one son, Alex, and currently resides in Gainesville with his wife Jessica. They enjoy SEC football, hiking, running, and reading when time permits.

Kay Sauls

Kay was born and raised in Gainesville, GA and has been with The Firm since 1981. As a highly valued member of our auditing team, Kay specializes in non-profit and government audits. She also trains and develops new staff in these areas. In any free time, Kay enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and volunteering with Cross Training Sports Camp, Inc., a local non-profit mission organization. In addition, Kay is a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where she teaches Sunday School and participates in the choir.

Sheila Floyd

Sheila has been a member of the firm since 1983. Sheila is an extremely driven member of The Firm. She focuses efforts to data processing, personal and corporate financial statements, as well as payroll and sales tax. Sheila spends her evenings taking walks, reading and spending time with her family, especially Jack, her first grandchild. Sheila and her husband reside in Gainesville and are members of Lakewood Baptist Church.

Angela Smith

Angela began working at The Firm in November of 1998. She has worked in most all areas from tax and audit to administration and internal account management. Angela stays busy as a parent and new grandparent. She is a very active volunteer supporter of the high school marching band and baseball programs. In addition, Angela enjoys sports, cooking. She and her husband, Randy, are active members of Airline Baptist Church in Gainesville.

Patricia Zurzolo

Patty moved south to Georgia and began working with The Firm in March of 1999. She maintains the office and adds a very special touch as a client relations specialist. When not at work, Patty spends her time relaxing, reading, and keeping up with her teenage son, A.J. Patty and A.J. live in Gainesville.

Alana Harben

Alana worked with The Firm while attending school at North Georgia College and State University.  Alexander, Almand and Bangs welcomed her as an official member of staff in August of 2010. Alana specializes in individual, corporate, payroll and sales taxes, as well as data processing services.  While not working, most of her time is spent with friends and family, exercising, watching UGA football, and traveling.

Crystal Hicks

Crystal joined the firm in October of 2008 after attending school at Georgia State University with a double major in Accounting and Finance. Crystal specializes in individual and corporate tax, fixed asset analysis, ad valorem tax, and nonprofit audit. Outside of work, Crystal’s time is spent on the dance floor, traveling, participating in volunteer ministries, mission trips, and enjoying family and friends.

Rachel Byers

Rachel began working for The Firm as an intern after graduating college in November of 2010. Rachel has recently completed the Master’s of Accountancy program from Brenau University and will be pursuing the CPA Certification. In any free time outside of work and studying, she enjoys outdoor sports, spending time with friends and family, and cooking.

Laura Lee Jordan

Laura is a native of Prattville, Alabama. She graduated from the University of Mobile with an Accounting degree and Master’s in Business Administration. She joined The Firm in March of 2011 specializing in individual & corporate tax and audit. Laura and her husband, Hamilton, reside in Gainesville. They enjoy spending free time with their families, watching Alabama football, and traveling. Laura is in the process of earning her CPA Certification.