BRIAN CAIN

With over 20 years of experience as a tax attorney and accountant, Managing Director Brian Cain is proud to work with a firm dedicated to providing comprehensive tax preparation, tax planning, and financial consulting services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals. Known for his strategic approach and commitment to client success, Brian has built a reputation as a trusted advisor who navigates complex tax and financial landscapes with precision and integrity.

Beyond his professional achievements, Brian is deeply passionate about travel and cherishes exploring the world with his wife, Sandra, and their two daughters. From 2017 to 2020, the family embraced a life-changing opportunity to live in Italy, where Sandra served as a civilian attorney for the U.S. Navy. During their three-year stay, the Cains visited over 26 countries, enriching their lives with diverse cultures and experiences. Despite being based overseas, Brian seamlessly continued serving his clients by working remotely and frequently traveling back to the United States, logging over 57,000 miles in a single year to ensure uninterrupted service.

In January 2020, Brian returned to San Diego, with his family joining him later that year. Today, Sandra leads the legal office at Navy Region Southwest, while their daughters are thriving in school and navigating the adventures of teenage life. Brian remains committed to his work, combining his professional expertise with the invaluable perspectives gained from his global experiences.

KEVIN KNIERIEM

Kevin Knieriem is a Certified Public Accountant with over seven years of diverse experience as an auditor and tax professional, serving both private and publicly held businesses. His expertise spans industries such as construction, real estate, manufacturing, and multi-state taxation.

Kevin specializes in business strategy and tax planning for high-net-worth individuals, offering tailored solutions to meet their unique financial needs. His professional background also includes corporate accounting with a multi-billion-dollar insurance company, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of day-to-day operations from the client side. This insider perspective allows Kevin to deliver practical and strategic accounting solutions for his clients.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family and playing the saxophone.

ROBYN NELSON

Robyn Nelson has been with our team since 2015, bringing over 25 years of experience in client relations and tax preparation. As a Certified Registered Tax Preparer, she is dedicated to building long-term relationships with clients, offering personalized tax advice and solutions.

With a background in operations management, business administration, accounting, and tax administration, Robyn plays a key role in aligning the firm’s vision with client needs. Her extensive experience in both client service and tax management make her a valued member of our team.

Born and raised in Southern California, Robyn is a proud U.S. Navy veteran and studied her Business Operations Management at California State University, San Bernardino. She has lived in San Diego since 2010. Outside of work, Robyn enjoys camping, playing the piano and flute, and spending time with her dog.

RACHEL PALUMBO

Rachel is a 2023 graduate of San Diego State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a specialization in Quantitative Analysis. Her academic background provided a strong foundation in economic theory and data analysis, preparing her for a career in finance and tax.

Rachel joined our team as an intern in February 2023, where she quickly developed a passion for the tax field. During her internship, she gained valuable hands-on experience in accounting and tax-related tasks, which led to her transition into the role of Tax Support Specialist after completing the CTEC California Registered Tax Preparers (CRTP) course.

In her current role, Rachel supports both clients and the tax team throughout the entire tax preparation process, assisting with documentation, tax filings, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Her attention to detail and strong communication skills makes her a key asset to our team as she continues to grow in the tax and financial services industry.

MARY VANSTON

Mary Vanston brings over 20 years of accounting experience to her role as a trusted member of your team. A Certified QuickBooks Advisor, Mary manages all aspects of bookkeeping, from general ledger maintenance to payroll and tax preparation, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Mary is known for her attention to detail and commitment to providing exceptional service to clients. A longtime member of our team, she works closely with clients to optimize their financial systems and streamline operations. Outside of work, Mary is passionate about NASCAR, especially as a fan of Kyle Busch. She also loves baking, particularly cupcakes, and is an avid collector of eclectic miniatures. In her free time, Mary enjoys traveling by train and exploring new destinations.