Kelly, Sparber, White & Associates, LLC is a full-service certified public accounting firm located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Our Firm has over 60 years of experience and success behind us, and offers a wide range of services to both businesses and individuals.
Tax & Accounting Professionals
Ronald P. Kelly founded the Firm in 1962 primarily as a tax practice, and Edward Sparber joined the Firm in 1984. Maryann White came on board in 2001 and took over the ownership and management of the Firm in 2003. Ron and Ed have since retired, but their commitment to client service continues on.
Maryann White-Helfferich
CPA/ABV – Partner
Maryann joined the firm in 2001 and became the managing partner in 2003. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Bachelor of Arts in Business/Economics with a dual concentration in Accounting and Finance. She is a Certified Public Accountant and is Accredited in Business Valuation. Prior to joining the Firm, she worked for the "Big-Eight" accounting firm, Price Waterhouse, and Clifton Gunderson LLP, the 11th largest public accounting firm in the country, where she specialized in business valuation.
Maryann received her license as a Certified Public Accountant in 1991 and became Accredited in Business Valuation in 2000. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Maryann specializes in the valuation of small, closely held businesses for purposes of mergers/acquisitions, estate and gift taxes, succession planning, and shareholder transactions. She has qualified as an expert witness in business valuation in Westmoreland, Indiana, Fayette, and Cambria counties. Maryann also specializes in taxes and business planning.
Maryann serves as treasurer for the Greater Latrobe / Laurel Valley Community Chamber of Commerce and the Latrobe Area Historical Society. She was the founding President of the Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation.
Maryann received her license as a Certified Public Accountant in 1991 and became Accredited in Business Valuation in 2000. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Maryann specializes in the valuation of small, closely held businesses for purposes of mergers/acquisitions, estate and gift taxes, succession planning, and shareholder transactions. She has qualified as an expert witness in business valuation in Westmoreland, Indiana, Fayette, and Cambria counties. Maryann also specializes in taxes and business planning.
Maryann serves as treasurer for the Greater Latrobe / Laurel Valley Community Chamber of Commerce and the Latrobe Area Historical Society. She was the founding President of the Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation.
"Our Firm has a long-standing history of delivering top-notch tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services. Serving both businesses and individuals over many decades, our experienced and knowledgeable staff take pride in their work and in helping our clients achieve financial success. We truly care about every client we serve, and take a very customized and friendly approach to our services. With great staff and our ability to effectively serve a wide range of clients, I am truly honored and blessed to be a part of this Firm." Maryann White-Helfferich
Ronald States, CPA
Manager, Accounting & Tax Services
Ron joined the Firm in October of 2023. He graduated from Robert Morris University with a
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Ron received his license as a Certified
Public Accountant in 2002. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Prior to joining
the Firm, Ron worked for both local and regional firms specializing in audits of local
governments and non-profit organizations, tax preparation, and consulting. He is a
QuickBooks Online Certified Pro Advisor.
Christine Weise
Senior Staff Accountant
Chris joined the Firm in early 2008 and has over 30 years of experience in small business management. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. Chris provides business and individual tax compliance and reporting, accounting, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and preparation of monthly financial statements.
Jason Burkey
Senior Staff Accountant
Jason joined the Firm in 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Pittsburgh. He has over 24 years of experience in financial services including individual and corporate tax preparation, tax planning, audit representation, business tax reporting, and preparation of financial statements.
Maria Sulosky
Staff Accountant
Maria joined the Firm in 2021. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Mathematics and holds a Master of Business Administration from Seton Hill University. Prior to joining the Firm, she worked as a billing accountant. In addition to tax preparation, she also performs a variety of accounting functions including preparation, reporting, and analysis of financial statements, and supervision of accounts payable and receivable.
Heather Bureau
Staff Accountant
Heather joined the Firm in 2022. She graduated from Seton Hill University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Prior to joining the Firm, she worked in the insurance industry preparing premium tax returns. Heather specializes in accounting & consulting related to Quickbooks Online in addition to income tax preparation for both businesses and individuals.
Jennifer Brewer
Payroll Specialist
Jennifer joined the Firm as a payroll specialist in 1996. She graduated from Westmoreland
County Community College with an Associate's degree in Secretarial Science and Office
Management. She has over 30 years of payroll and accounting experience. In addition to
providing payroll services, Jennifer prepares individual income tax returns and performs the
accounts payable function for many of our clients. Jennifer is a member of the American Payroll Association.
Robert M. Charley
Staff Accountant
Bob joined the Firm full-time in 2021, after working as a seasonal tax preparer for a few
years. He graduated from Saint Vincent College, holding a Bachelor of Science in
Accounting with minors in Finance and Mathematics. He received public accounting experience working at two local accounting firms concentrating on individual and corporate tax preparation, governmental and non-profit audits, and payroll. Before joining our Firm, he spent 15 years in local government. Bob focuses on corporate and individual income tax preparation & planning.
Ashley White
Assistant Director of Operations
Ashley joined the Firm in June of 2024. She graduated from The Pennsylvania State
University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a minor in
Business Law. Prior to joining the Firm, she worked in the business manufacturing & supply
industry focusing on account management, customer service & sales. In addition to
providing income tax services, Ashley is involved with automating the Firm’s services,
research and implementation of new technologies, and assisting with office management
and human resources.
Sherri Hixson
Office Manager
Sherri joined the Firm in 2021. She graduated from Everest University Online of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Higher Education Management. In addition to her exceptional communication and organizational skills, she has a wealth of experience in office management including customer service, human resources, staff management, cash management, payroll, and scheduling.