Higher Education

“BKD was instrumental in guiding us with their expert tax guidance and a new accounting methodology for our subsidiary. The result was lowering of the tax liability for both organizations and a streamlined, enhanced accounting approach for our subsidiary.

BKD has in-depth experience with non-profits and especially with organizations that may have a for-profit entity as part of their overall company structure. They have a strong expertise in the tax and IT areas, performed soundly with due diligence, and showed solid work ethics.

As our association has grown, so have the complexities of our business. BKD has been very helpful with answers to questions regarding grants and operations, helping us to demonstrate transparency and best practices as we deliver high-level services to the non-profit sector throughout the state of Colorado.”

— Jeannie Nims, Chief Financial Officer
Colorado Nonprofit Association
Denver, Colorado

I knew BKD had a focus in organizations like us and felt that we could benefit from their industry experience and technical knowledge. Having an audit can be a necessary evil. If that’s all you get, you’re not getting much value. A lot of firms can do an audit, but BKD brings value.

— Bruce Arick, Vice President
Butler University
Indianapolis, Indiana

…We have been totally pleased with BKD's performance and professionalism. The have done a wonderful job of staffing our engagement with highly skilled and thoroughly accurate professionals. They take a very critical approach to their review, ensuring our financials are accurate and in accordance with accounting principals. I am very happy to recommend BKD as a highly professional and very thorough auditing and tax firm.

— Ron Winkler, Vice President & Treasurer
University of Oklahoma Foundation
Norman, Oklahoma

We are very pleased with the dialogue we engage in during audit committee meetings as well as the detail of the audit and audit recommendations. BKD’s team promptly responds to our questions during the annual audit as well as between audits. Their knowledge of not-for-profits has been very helpful over the years, especially when we wrestle with issues that could have an impact on our tax-exempt status.

— Dr. Larry D. Case, CEO
National FFA Organization
Indianapolis, Indiana

BKD is a trusted firm that not only advises Cook on issues we raise, but proactively advises us on changes in the financial environment.

— Scott Miller, Senior Vice
President of Finance
David C. Cook
Colorado Springs, Colorado

I have been pleased with BKD’s detailed approach as it relates to our external audit function. BKD validated a number of concerns of our department and agreed such concerns need to be addressed.

The engagement team brings airport industry expertise, and we have benefited from their knowledge and experience. The team is responsive and candid with MAC management, bringing a fresh perspective with their substantive approach to the audit. BKD’s timely consultations and management letter will help MAC’s leadership and board enhance controls and provide an accurate and credible report to the public.

— Michael Willis, Assistant Director - Internal Audit
Minneapolis Saint Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission
Minneapolis, Minnesota

BKD's personnel from staff to partner that I've worked with are very professional and consider the operations and timelines of the agency personnel in their planning. They are willing to discuss issues and accounting treatments in an open method while ensuring that the standards are met. The comments and recommendations are helpful and have assisted the city in making improvements.

— Beth Machann, City Controller
City and County of Denver
Denver, Colorado

Heartland hired BKD, LLP after using a Big Four firm for many years.  Heartland has experienced BKD’s commitment to excellence first hand and our Board of Directors and staff are glad we transitioned to BKD.  BKD’s personnel have brought a level of utility experience, integrity, and professional demeanor at standards we did not experience before.  BKD responds to our questions in a timely manner and openly discusses accounting treatments to ensure the best course of action is taken and accounting standards met.  Heartland looks forward to a continued successful relationship with BKD and highly recommends them to anyone in the utility industry.

— Mike Malone, Financial Operations Manager
Heartland Consumers Power District
Madison, South Dakota