Resources

Jessica Hudgins
Support Staff

Jessica was born and raised in Naples, Florida, and graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Integrated Studies. She is passionate about helping others and takes pride in providing friendly, reliable customer service. Jessica enjoys building strong relationships with clients and creating a positive experience for everyone she meets. Outside of work, you can find Jessica hanging out with her dogs or spending time outdoors near the water, while taking advantage of Southwest Florida’s beautiful nature.

Jenna Hesson
Support Staff

Born and raised in Naples, Florida, Jenna has also lived in Tennessee, Ohio, and Nevada. Jenna previously studied Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education at Middle Tennessee State University. She is currently attending Florida Gulf Coast University to earn her Tax Professional certificate. Jenna is a key member of our administrative and support team; with a genuine passion for helping others, you can find Jenna diligently supporting clients, executives and all department’s needs. Jenna plans to continue her education and pursue her Enrolled Agent status. In her free time, Jenna enjoys spending quality with her family and always appreciates the thrill of a classic horror movie.

Kaydee Fernandez
Support Staff

Kaydee is currently attending Florida Southwestern State College, where she is earning her Associate of Arts degree in General Studies. She plans to follow in her sister’s footsteps by continuing her education at Florida Gulf Coast University, with the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. With a strong interest in Family Affairs Law, Kaydee hopes to use her knowledge and the power of the law to support and advocate for individuals and families in need.

Since joining the team, Kaydee has become part of the Administration Department, where she is gaining hands-on experience through communication, organization, and dedication. She values learning and personal growth and recognizes this role as an opportunity to strengthen her problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges.

Lucas Holbek, CPA
Tax & Accounting Associate

Lucas earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from Palm Beach Atlantic University. As a Tax Associate with two years of experience in taxation, Lucas approaches his work with care, precision, and a strong attention to detail. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he enjoys applying his analytical mindset to help clients navigate their tax needs with confidence. Known for his kindness and thoroughness, Lucas takes pride in building trust and providing dependable support to every client he works with. Outside the office, he loves traveling with his wife and enjoys unwinding on the golf course in his free time.

DeMerse Richardson
Tax & Accounting Associate

DeMerse was born & raised in Naples, Florida and graduated Cum Laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art. Favoring cooler weather, DeMerse moved to Portland, Oregon where she was the Staff Accountant for a manufacturing company for 9 years. Upon her return to Naples in January 2018, she joined The Tax Professional Group. In 2022, she moved again to chase that cold weather she is so fond of, but The Tax Professional Group was pleased to keep her on staff working remotely. DeMerse is at her best when assisting clients with QuickBooks and tax return preparation. Additionally, she is a key facilitator among her colleagues. When she is not at work, she appreciates traveling, reading, and knitting while watching the snow fall.

TAX PREPARER/TAX ACCOUNTANT

Find pleasure and gratification in serving a wonderful well-established client base here in southwest Florida. A medium size public accounting firm seeks a special Income Tax Professional to enhance their dynamic client-oriented team. A qualified job candidate will have an intricate understanding of individual and entity tax law for practical application to competently and independently complete income tax returns on behalf of our group and our clients.

The Firm:
We are a cohesive group of Income Tax Professionals with decades of experience. Our professional specialty is income tax preparation. This is our passion. Additionally, we provide peripheral services as clients require; monthly accounting, payroll services, sales tax reporting, etc.

Though we are a very busy firm, we emphasize “quality of life” in our corporate culture so that we may better enjoy life outside our office. Therefore, unlimited time off without pay outside of tax filing season and extension deadlines is allowed with guaranteed position retention.

The Candidate:

TAX PREPARER/TAX ACCOUNTANT
Professional Designation: EA, CPA very useful and/or minimum 2 years of professional income tax preparation experience. Bachelor’s Degree preferred as minimum education.
Must have proficiency in preparing income tax Forms 1040, 1040NR, 1041, 1120, 1120S, 1065 and various state tax returns.
Proficiency in dealing with IRS correspondence and issues.
Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Be accurate and efficient.
Be detailed, organized and deadline oriented.
Be intuitive, approachable and compassionate. Positive attitude and perspective extremely important.
Utilize creativity and practice out-of-the-box thinking for practical client solutions.
Have effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to handle client communication in a patient, respectful manner.
Have excellent conversational and interview skills. Ability to listen, relate to clients and put them at ease.
Proficiency with Firm software important: Intuit ProSeries, QuickBooks, OfficeTools and Microsoft Suite

The Compensation:

Excellent hourly wage (plus time and a half over 40 hours/week) based on experience, education and the ability to efficiently, effectively produce accurate tax returns. Competitive benefits round out the package.

Start Date: Position Available Immediately

Contact: office@taxpg.com

Mike Cukierski

A Partner since 2016, Mike has spent his entire career at Cukierski & Associates beginning in 2004 after he graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a bachelor of science in public affairs. He began by working on corporate accounts and was later introduced to community association engagements. In 2005 he returned to school and earned a Master of Science in accounting from Loyola University Chicago in 2007. Born and raised in Arlington Heights, Mike is a proud Saint Viator High School alum.

When he’s not working, Mike enjoys golfing, playing with his kids, watching movies, and going on golf trips and vacations to Las Vegas and Orlando. Growing up, his family would take regular vacations to Disney World, so Mike and his wife love carrying on that tradition by taking their kids on an annual Disney World trip.

Christine Harootunian
Support Staff

Christine joined TAXPG in the height of the 2024 tax season and possesses a unique set of skills from her travels and past work experiences that makes her an invaluable member of the team! At age eighteen, she began her career with Marriott Corp and then even spent time in the Recorded Music Industry before fate brought her to TAXPG as an Admin and Client Liaison. Outside of work, Christine best describes her hobbies as anything that brings a sense of joy and peace, especially through acts of kindness.

Donald Garner

Donald has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Social Science from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law. At TAVAS, Donald has over 10 years managing the initial consultation, research and development process, and presentation of strategic recommendations to closely-held business owners throughout the United States with a focus on entity structuring, tax minimization, estate planning, employee benefits, and succession/transition planning. Donald was a Tax Analyst providing tax cost and accounting analysis for clients in the Fiduciary Wealth Division for Northern Trust. Donald has developed and presented seminars and classes for various trade groups on corporate tax and estate planning as well as serving as an Adjunct Professor.

Nicole Williamson
Paraprofessional

Nicole is a proud, Naples, Florida native. Nicole’s path to the accounting field began in 2014 when she had the opportunity to learn income tax and accounting client services skills. In 2021, we welcomed her to The Tax Professional Group, Inc. as a high -level client advocate, serving as an intermediary between our tax accountants and our clients. Nicole proficiently aids clients with their bookkeeping, payroll, state and local tax compliance. She is also well-versed in QuickBooks accounting software. Nicole is working towards earning her Enrolled Agent designation with the Internal Revenue Service. Outside of the office, Nicole appreciates adventure in the outdoors, while enjoying the warmth and sunshine of Southwest Florida.

Reily Frankum, EA
Tax & Accounting Associate

Reily Frankum joined The Tax Professional Group in 2022 after relocating to Naples from Indiana, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Manchester University. With the EA designation, Reily has the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to individual and business tax matters, Reily has extensive experience in bookkeeping and Quickbooks, and is dedicated to effectively serving our clients’ needs. Outside of the office, Reily enjoys coaching and watching sports, and spending time with family.

Melissa Propatier
Accounting Manager

Melissa, originally from Rhode Island, has been a Naples resident since 2002. She graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in English. Additionally, she is CDA certified in Early Childhood Development. Since Melissa joined The Tax Professional Group, Inc. in 2016, she has used her comprehensive knowledge of QuickBooks to assist clients with their monthly and quarterly needs. With Melissa, each day is met with positive energy and she handles all clients and situations with efficiency. Outside the office Melissa enjoys her days reading and writing and spending time with her family.

Christina Stein, EA
Tax Manager

Christina is a proud Naples native who earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Florida Gulf Coast University. Her career as income tax accountant began with The Tax Professional Group, Inc in 2005. With the EA designation, Christina has the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. She is well-read regarding current tax matters and she specializes in individual and small business income tax returns and QuickBooks. Thoughtfully and responsibly, Christina utilizers her work time efficiently and effectively. Christina enjoys traveling, the outdoors and spending time with her family and friends.

Income Tax and Accounting

Client Portal Pay Bill

Helpful Links/Resources

Federal

State

Local

The Tax Professional Group offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your needs.