Background
For over 30 years, Shonsey & Associates has been providing quality, personalized financial guidance to local individuals
and businesses. Shonsey & Associates' expertise ranges from basic tax management and accounting services to more in-depth
services such as audits, financial statements, and financial planning.
Shonsey & Associates is one of the leading firms in and throughout Grand Island. By combining our expertise, experience and the team mentality of our staff, we assure that every client receives the close analysis and attention they deserve. Our dedication to high standards, hiring of seasoned tax professionals, and work ethic is the reason our client base returns year after year.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help clients maintain financial viability in the present, while taking a proactive approach to achieve future goals. This requires open communication to reach an understanding of our clients' needs through research and sound analysis. Shonsey & Associates is dedicated to meeting these goals with high standards of excellence and professionalism. We have been a staple of Grand Island's business community for over 30 years, and pride ourselves on the level of esteem we have earned.
Our dedication to hard work has earned the respect of the business and financial community in and around Grand Island. We believe this to be a direct derivative of our talent and responsiveness to our client base. Whether you are a current or prospective client, rest assured that individuals and businesses who choose Shonsey & Associates receive competent and timely advice.
Our Team
Matthew E. Shonsey, CPA, corporate shareholder since 1980, was elected managing partner of the firm in May, 1987. In this position, Matt is responsible for the overall direction and management of the firm. He joined the firm in 1980 with extensive experience in taxation. Matt graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 1971 and took graduate work at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in accounting and taxation. He served four years as a revenue agent for the Internal Revenue Service in Omaha, and he has since been practicing public accounting in Grand Island. Areas of special expertise include tax planning and consulting for individuals, corporations, partnerships, LLC's, trusts and estates. Areas of specialized expertise include estate and gift planning, medical practice consulting, agricultural tax, merger and acquisition consulting, franchising, and IRS audit representation. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Grand Island Community Foundation, St. Francis Medical Center Foundation, College Park of Grand Island, Grand Island Economic Development Corporation, Community Council Member of Community Health Charities, and Stuhr Museum Foundation. He served as Co-Chair person of the Major Gifts Committee for the Heartland Events Center and the College Park Campaigns; he and his wife Kathy Co-Chaired the 2005/2006 Heartland United Way Campaign, and he chaired The State Volleyball Fundraising Committee. He is on the Board of Directors of the Greater Grand Island Sports Council and a member of Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Steven K. Placke, CPA, corporate shareholder, graduated magna cum laude with high distinction from Hastings College in 1985 with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration/accounting. A native of Hastings, Nebraska, he joined the firm in June, 1985, and became a corporate shareholder in July, 1996. Tax accounting and auditing experience includes the following: banking, ag-business, healthcare, automobile and implement dealerships, not-for-profit organizations, and retail trade. Tax experience includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, tax and estate planning, and consulting. He is a member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Nebraska Health Care Association, and is a current member of the Nebraska Health Care Association's Medicaid Rate Committee.
Jodi, a corporate shareholder, graduated in December, 1991, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln earning a bachelor of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. A Wood River native, Jodi joined the firm in January, 1992, and was promoted to corporate shareholder in October, 2006. Jodi is a member of the firm's tax department. Responsibilities include preparation of individual and business tax returns, tax research, and tax planning. She is also responsible for accounting and auditing services in the areas of employee benefit plans, nursing homes, nonprofit organizations, and car dealerships . She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and Nebraska Society of CPAs. She also serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Third City Community Clinic. She is a former member of the Grand Island Luncheon Business and Professional Women's Club and has formerly served on the Board of Directors of Hope Harbor.
Shane L. Stava, CPA, corporate shareholder, joined the firm in January, 1997. After graduating from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration, he worked as a staff accountant for APAC, Inc. of Kansas City. Shane's industry experience includes 401(k) audits, banking, dentistry, medical practices, nursing homes, agricultural businesses, manufacturing and construction contractors. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the 1999, 2000, 2008 and 2009 United Way Campaign Cabinet, Former Treasurer of Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism and Addiction, and is a 2000 graduate of the Leadership Tomorrow Program. Currently Shane is serving as a Board Member of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and Central Catholic Development Foundation. Shane is a native of Grand Island.
Justin, a Senior Manager, joined the firm in September, 1995, and was promoted to Manager in July, 2003. Justin graduated in May, 1994, from Hastings College earning a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. A native of Ravenna and resident of Grand Island. Justin’s industry experience includes banking, manufacturing, nursing homes, agricultural businesses, construction contractors, state and local governmental agencies and not-for-profit organizations. Justin is a member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Cindy, a Senior Accountant, graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 1977 earning a bachelor of science degree in business administration with emphasis in accounting. Originally from Holdrege, Nebraska, Cindy joined the firm in November, 1981. Cindy’s experience includes medical practices, hotel/motel operations, restaurant franchises, and farm supply stores. Her responsibilities include financial statements, corporate and individual income tax, bookkeeping services, payroll and employment taxes.
Lori, a Senior Accountant, graduated May, 1981, from Hastings College earning a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with emphasis in accounting. Originally from Hastings, Lori joined Shonsey & Associates in December, 1983. Lori was promoted to staff accountant in July, 1985, and then to Senior Accountant in July, 1990. Lori’s tax and accounting experience include individual, partnership, and corporate income tax, nursing homes, retail trade, franchise accounting, professional corporation, and small business bookkeeping and tax services.
Rogene joined the firm in 1992 as a Staff Accountant. She was promoted to Senior Accountant in July, 1994. Prior to joining the firm, she worked for nine years with another local CPA firm. Rogene graduated from Central Nebraska Community College in 1975 with a two-year degree in accounting. Rogene's areas of expertise include all client services for medical personal service corporations, small business bookkeeping and tax including QuickBooks and payroll services, livestock, agricultural businesses, retail/wholesale trade, restaurants, and construction contractors.
Russell joined the firm in 2003 as a Senior Accountant. A native of Madison, Nebraska, Russ graduated from Wayne State College earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. Russ has experience in corporate accounting, business management and tax preparation for individuals and businesses. Russ worked as controller for a commercial feedlot and ranching operation for 21 years prior to joining the firm. He served as chairman of Grand Island Chamber's Ag Council and Grand Island Optimist Club. Russ is active in numerous committees and organizations at Trinity Lutheran Church. Russ enjoys his grandchildren, golfing and woodworking.
Chuck Benal, CPA, Senior Accountant, graduated from the University of Nebraska - Kearney in July, 2006, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in accounting. He earned an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology from Central Community College, June, 1991, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Originally from Colon, Nebraska, Chuck joined the firm in January, 2008. His experience includes auditing, corporate and personal tax preparation, and payroll reports. Chuck's industry experience includes agriculture, small business, banking, nursing homes, not-for-profit organizations, trucking and auto dealerships. He is a member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Ashley, a Staff Accountant, graduated from Hastings College in May, 2009, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. A native of Hastings, Nebraska, Ashley joined the firm as an intern in 2008, and accepted a position as Staff Accountant after college graduation. Her industry experience includes agricultural businesses, medical service corporations, small business bookkeeping and tax services, personal financial statements, professional services, nursing home audits and audits of retirement plans.
Bryan, a Staff Accountant. Bryan graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in December, 2009, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting. Bryan is proficient in Excel, Access, Peachtree, QuickBooks, AS400, UltraTax, Outlook, and Minitab programs. He played baseball four years at UNO and was drafted in the 2008 amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Judith has responsibility for daily operations of the firm: carrying out policies and decisions made by firm management, implementing administrative procedures, management of the firm’s facilities, personnel issues, continuing professional education and business insurances. Judy’s responsibilities as employee benefits coordinator are the installation, communication and administration of employer retirement plans. A native of Chapman and resident of Grand Island, Judy began with the firm in September, 1979, as business manager.
Nancee Coufal, Staff Accountant, graduated summa cum laude from Midland University in Fremont in 2011 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with emphasis in accounting and management. Nancee has passed Financial Accounting & Reporting and Business Environment and Concepts sections of the CPA Exam, and is preparing for sections Auditing and Attestation, and Regulation.
