Our Firm & Nonprofit Experience

We’re a local, certified public accounting firm focused exclusively on providing auditing, form 990 preparation and consulting services to at least 75% local and independent nonprofit organizations within 50 miles of Asheville and throughout Western North Carolina.

We maintain a tight, intense focus in our chosen service area – the nonprofit sector. For over 17 years we’ve worked with over 100 nonprofit organizations of all sizes in Asheville and surrounding areas. In that time, we’ve cultivated the experience and knowledge base to become a valuable resource to our clients. And that’s a resource that isn’t simply relegated to audit time – it’s one we make accessible throughout the year for assistance with accounting and financial matters, grant compliance and other organizational issues as questions arise.

30
Years
Experience

Our Values

We believe in making a long-term commitment to each organization we have the opportunity to work with. We believe that being a smaller firm leads to bigger things, like more individual attention, better service, and easier access when you need it most, not just when it’s convenient for us. As part of our commitment to developing and maintaining these long-term client relationships, every client we serve has direct access to our principals. Whether we’re preparing an audit, doing your annual form 990 or providing planning support, we bring a personal touch to the table. We value progress over profit, and working toward greater goals with clients like you who put their best foot forward every day to tackle problems and make the community and the world a better place. In a nutshell, we believe in helping good things grow.

CLIENT: Babies Need Bottoms

Our Clients

Our clients include a range of nonprofit types, including:

  • Social service organizations
  • Environmental organizations
  • Health care organizations
  • Cultural arts organizations
  • Professional membership associations
  • Social action organizations
  • Volunteer fire departments
  • Schools and learning centers
  • Community college foundations
  • Animal protection/humane societies

Non-Profit Accounting Services

Financial Statement Assurance Services:

• Audits
• Reviews
• Compilations

Tax Services:

• Federal form 990 preparation

Consulting Services:

• Financial control procedures
• QuickBooks utilization
• Budgets and projections
• Grant and project tracking

Our Principals

At Corliss & Solomon we understand the needs and challenges facing organizations today. The challenges are daunting: a tough economy, ever-increasing regulations, new technologies, the precarious balance of aligning day-to-day operations with your strategic mission – just to name a few. We feel fortunate to work with so many people who are passionate about their organization’s mission, and we’re here to help. This is who we are:

Slater Solomon
Owner & Certified Public Accountant
North Carolina Certificate #30979

Slater has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Auburn University and was a member of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society. He is a member of both the AICPA and the NCACPA. Slater also co-teaches a course each year through the Western North Carolina Nonprofit Pathways program, which provides resources to area nonprofit organizations.

Upon graduation, Slater went to work for Yeager & Boyd, LLC, an accounting firm in Birmingham, AL. During his time there, he had the opportunity to work with public housing authorities throughout the southeastern United States, learning about what role they played in addressing the housing needs of their communities. This experience helped shape his desire to apply his skillset in a way that helped his community to become a better place.After leaving Yeager & Boyd and before moving to Asheville, Slater spent a year traveling in the Western United States with his wife Nikki who was working as a traveling nurse at the time. They explored the west coast, learning more about the country, and when it came time to settle down, they immediately looked to Asheville as a place to call home.

Slater soon joined Steve in his practice, and in May of 2008 they partnered to form Corliss & Solomon, PLLC. Slater is always looking for opportunities to improve and streamline processes, and he has integrated a number of technological tools to better support our clients’ needs.

When he’s not working, Slater spends time with his family and they stay active exploring the creeks and trails of Western North Carolina.

Michael Figuera
Owner & Certified Public Accountant
North Carolina Certificate #36224

Michael joined the Corliss & Solomon team in 2009 and holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Western Carolina University. He is a licensed CPA in the state of North Carolina with memberships in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA).

Michael has over 15 years’ experience in both public and private accounting, with a concentration in assurance services for not for profit organizations. Michael routinely assists clients with the implementation of new accounting standards and the preparation of financial statements. He advises clients on the application of accounting and internal control policies and views his role in the financial reporting process as an opportunity to provide constructive solutions for maximizing efficiency and delivering value add services to the community.

Michael grew up in South Florida before moving to Asheville in 2001. He enjoys spending time with his wife, three daughters and a menagerie of pets. Michael also enjoys staying active outside and an occasional rugby match.

Our Staff

Nancy J. Fulmer
Manager & Certified Public Accountant
North Carolina Certificate #27662

Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Western Carolina University. She holds a CPA license in North Carolina and memberships in the AICPA and the NCACPA.
During her time at Western Carolina University, she worked as an intern with a regional accounting firm. Upon graduation she earned full employment with the firm and grew into management over the next years. During her time there she specialized in attest services. She enjoys helping staff and clients grow into their professional goals.
Nancy grew up in western North Carolina and spends her spare time enjoying her family.

 

Jennifer Jenson
Certified Public Accountant
North Carolina Certificate #32723

Jennifer has been a valued member of the Corliss & Solomon team for many years, bringing over 20 years of accounting experience to the table. When she’s not working on 990s, you can catch her hiking, rafting, and climbing all over Western NC.

 

Todd S. Oldenburg
Manager & Certified Public Accountant
North Carolina Certificate #40637

Todd joined the Corliss and Solomon team in 2020. After 20 years of working in higher education, Todd made the switch to accounting in 2015 and received his NC CPA license in 2016. He has work experience in the NC State Auditor’s Office and also done tax and accounting work for various small accounting firms in the Asheville area. Todd has a B.A. from Davidson College, an MEd from Oregon State University, and a MAcc from Western Carolina University.

Todd has lived with his wife and two sons in the Asheville area since 2005. They enjoy playing in the great outdoors as well as going on adventures both nationally and internationally. Todd has traveled to over 35 countries on six different continents and has been to every state except Rhode Island. He is active in his church and believes wholeheartedly in the power of community and service to others.

 

Rose Soto
Senior Accountant

Rose joined Corliss & Solomon in 2024 after studying accounting and finance at Marian University in Indianapolis. With almost a decade in the audit industry, Rose has conducted various public accounting audits and worked on the internal audit team for a public company.
Driven by her love for the outdoors, Rose recently moved to Asheville, where she finds joy in hiking, camping, and exploring local breweries. Rose is also working towards fluency in Spanish and enjoys practicing in her downtime.

 

Anna Caldwell
Senior Accountant

Anna joined the Corliss & Solomon team in the Spring of 2021. She received her M.S. degree and B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in May 2019 and 2021. In addition to the B.S. in Accounting from Charlotte, she also earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Helping people has always been a significant focus in her life, whether via tutoring students in accounting or taking on the roles of president and captain of the women’s ultimate frisbee club at Charlotte. After briefly pursuing this passion via attending a police academy, she learned that law enforcement was not the way for her. She is proud to be able to achieve her goal of helping people by serving Nonprofits.

In her free time, she plays Ultimate frisbee with the local teams. She also enjoys spending time with family, binging tv shows with them, or playing games.

 

Ethan Bennett
Senior Accountant

Ethan joined the Corliss & Solomon team in November 2021. He holds a B.B.A. Degree in Accounting from East Tennessee State University and was a member of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society. Ethan also has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Milligan University. He is currently sitting for the CPA exam in the state of Tennessee.

Ethan has worked in the accounting field for nearly 10 years in both the public and private sectors. In his public accounting experience, Ethan has performed assurance services for many industries including non-profits, public companies, private companies, and local governments.

Although he has spent a great deal of time in the Asheville area, he is based out of his hometown Johnson City, TN. He developed a love for Asheville from his visits, which motivated him to join a firm here. In his free time, Ethan enjoys cooking, going to the movies, and exploring the great outdoors.

 

Jessalyn Valentine
Staff Accountant

Jessalyn joined the Corliss & Solomon team in the winter of 2023. She received her M.S. degree in Accounting from Western Carolina University’s Biltmore Park Campus. She also received her B.S. Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University’s Distance Program, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Jessalyn is a second-generation graduate from Western, her mother’s alma mater.

Jessalyn has maintained multiple bookkeeping and administrative positions for local small businesses as she obtained her education. She has found that working with small businesses and helping others reach their financial goals is something she is passionate about. As a Western North Carolina native, Jessalyn is also passionate about preserving nature. In her free time, Jessalyn enjoys hiking in the Pisgah National with her family as well as catching concerts at local music venues.

 

Nick Collins
Staff Accountant

Nick Collins joined the Corliss & Solomon team in July 2022. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Southern Wesleyan University in May 2022. He is based out of his hometown of Easley, South Carolina. Nick plans to continue his education by obtaining a master’s degree in accounting along with his CPA license to aide in his goal of becoming an auditor.

While earning his degree, Nick became a certified personal trainer and still works with clients in his free time.

 

Gabrielle Thies
Staff Accountant

Gabrielle joined the Corliss & Solomon team in the fall of 2022. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from James Madison University. Before deciding to return to her accounting roots, Gaby had a decade long career in the mortgage industry. As she shifts into her new role within the auditing industry, she looks forward to obtaining her CPA. In her free time, Gaby is an avid traveler. She hopes to visit all 195 countries and has set a goal to visit at least 40 before her 40th birthday.

 

Reema Desai
Staff Accountant

After several years of owning a small business, Reema decided to further her education in 2018. She earned a B.S. of Accounting from Fayetteville State University to pursue a career change in public accounting. She has completed her CPA exam and is currently working on acquiring her license. Personally, she loves spending time with her family, cooking, reading, and staying spiritually involved.

 

Christy Dillard
Staff Accountant

Christy joined the Corliss & Solomon team in 2023. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Western Carolina University. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in accounting. Christy spends most of her free time at the gym, playing video games, and spending time with her family.

 

Courtney Ponder
Staff Accountant

Courtney joined the Corliss & Solomon team in 2019. She has achieved a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in Accounting from Western Carolina University.

Courtney is an Asheville native, and when not enjoying a good book, she is outdoors hiking, spoiling her niece and nephew, or baking.

 

Amelia Nutter
Staff Accountant

Amelia joined the Corliss & Solomon team in January 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics from the University of North Carolina – Asheville and worked in education for many years before venturing into finance. While working as a bookkeeper at a local marketing firm, she began the Master of Accountancy program at Western Carolina University. Since obtaining her master’s in 2021, she has been working in corporate tax accounting and is excited to try something new in nonprofit attestation.
Amelia moved to Asheville in 1998 and now lives in West Asheville with her husband and two kids. When not studying and sitting for the CPA exam sections, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, walking her dog Zelda, watching movies, hosting game nights, and trying new things.

 

Deanna Bagwell
Engagement Support Specialist

Deanna joined the Corliss & Solomon team in 2017. She holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting with a minor in Management from the University of North Carolina – Asheville (UNCA). While in attendance at UNCA, Deanna was the Publicity Officer of the Accountancy Association, was inducted into the IMA Accounting Honor Society (IAHS), and participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Deanna has held multiple positions with Corliss & Solomon, beginning her journey in Admin as Office Manager before transitioning to a Staff Accountant. She has recently returned to her Admin roots with the role of Engagement Support Specialist, where her accounting experience and love of project management work in tandem to ensure engagements run smoothly.

As an Asheville native, Deanna enjoys spending her free time hiking through the Blue Ridge Mountains, developing her nature photography skills, playing board games with family and friends, and participating in local volunteer activities.

 

Tania Parkins
Client Services Coordinator

Tania joined the Corliss & Solomon team as Client Services Coordinator in early 2022. Originally from Fayetteville, NC, she graduated from East Carolina University in 2018 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Linguistics. After graduation, she participated in the Disney College Program in Spring 2019 and 2020, which she credits for cutting her teeth in customer service. In fall 2020, she moved her home base to Asheville before setting off to teach English in South Korea in 2021. Since coming back stateside, she has loved being a part of the Corliss & Solomon team and serving nonprofit organizations across Western North Carolina.

 

Jenn Garrett
Operations Coordinator

Jenn joined the Corliss & Solomon team in 2022.  She earned a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Florida, teaching licensure from the University of North Carolina Asheville, and Waldorf Administration & Leadership certification from Antioch University in Keene, NH.  As our Operations Coordinator, Jenn combines her professional experience and diverse educational background to create a positive office and welcoming environment for both guests and staff alike.

Jenn is the mother of two daughters. Being a caregiver to not only them, but to all she holds dear is one of the greatest joys of her life. She enjoys gardening, houseplants, cooking, music, family, and friends.  She has been an active member of the Asheville community for over 20 years through volunteering and serving on several local nonprofit boards.  One of her proudest achievements is being a member of the 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave, a group of mothers that have raised over $1,000,000 for childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in 2011.

 

Stephen C. Corliss
Owner Emeritus & Certified Public Accountant
Retired May 1, 2023

Steve founded a public accounting firm in 1997 to provide auditing and consulting services to nonprofit organizations. He saw this as the ideal way to blend his accounting practice with his passion for the nonprofit and social service sectors. In 2008, after several years working together, Slater Solomon formally joined Steve as partner in the practice, thus creating Corliss & Solomon, PLLC.

 

Peer Review

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Here is a link to our firm’s most current Peer Review Report.
January 30, 2023 Peer Review Letter