Bayerkohler & Graff - Our Professionals

Bayerkohler & Graff consists of two partners and several consultant resources, all of whom have many years of experience in their individual areas of expertise. It is the policy of our firm that all professional personnel comply with continuing education requirements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Minnesota State Board of Accountancy, in addition to maintaining an awareness and understanding of current technical developments.

Brian Bayerkohler, CPA

Brian co-founded Bayerkohler & Graff, Ltd in 1997. He is involved with all aspects of client services performed by the company. Brian specializes in business tax preparation and planning. With a strong background in multi-state tax issues and business start-up, he provides a valuable resource for any business client. He supports all estate administration and estate tax preparation.

Brian worked with a small influential firm based in Fargo, North Dakota after graduating with a Bachelor's degree in 1997 from Moorhead State University (MN). Brian holds a Minnesota CPA license.

David Graff, CPA, MBA

David co-founded Bayerkohler & Graff, Ltd. in 1997. David's responsibilities cover a wide range of services. He handles both individual and corporate income tax return preparation, as well as helping clients minimize tax liability through planning. David works with business clients to prepare budgets and provide management level analysis of financials to evaluate performance, and identify opportunities. In addition, he represents clients for both IRS and state audits.

David is a 1996 graduate of Moorhead State University (MN), and earned his MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota in 2004. He holds a Minnesota CPA license.

Christina New

As our payroll specialist, Christina is responsible for the facilitation and execution of all client payroll services and processes. In addition to her payroll responsibilities, she also handles all administrative support duties including client communication and correspondence, scheduling, and maintenance of records and documentation. Christina has been with Bayerkohler & Graff, Ltd since 2002. Her professionalism, diverse set of skills, familiarity with our business, and attention to detail insure that our clientele will experience only the highest standards of service and make her a valuable member of our team.

Justin Soles

Justin joined Bayerkohler & Graff, Ltd. in January of 2006. As a staff accountant, Justin’s responsibilities include individual and business income tax preparation, monthly sales tax preparation and monthly financial accounting.

Justin is a 2006 graduate of the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with degrees in Accounting and Finance. Before joining B & G, Justin interned at Medtronic, Inc., RSM McGladrey, Inc., and Hawkins, Inc. Justin is a CPA candidate.

Barb Bayerkohler, CPA

Barb began working for Bayerkohler and Graff in the fall of 2006. Her responsibilities include individual and business income tax preparation, financial accounting, tax planning, business consultations, payroll and payroll setup and research coordinator.

Prior to joining Bayerkohler and Graff, Barb worked for 9 years in the private sector for large food companies. Barb’s responsibilities during this time included consolidation accounting, subsidiary accounting, fixed asset accounting, financial statement analysis, managing accounting staff, supporting year end audits, various account reconciliations, and SOX documentation and compliance.

Barb graduated from Moorhead State University, MN in 1997. She holds a Minnesota CPA license.

Ralph Vix, CPA

Ralph joined Bayerkohler & Graff, Ltd. during the fall of 2008. His responsibilities include both individual and business income tax preparation, payroll reporting and financial accounting.

Prior to working for Bayerkohler & Graff, Ralph had 4 years experience in public accounting. He has experience with various business sectors including construction, retail sales, service industries and real estate. Ralph’s prior experience included tax preparation, financial accounting and attestation services. Ralph graduated from St. Cloud State University with degrees in Accounting and Political Science. Ralph holds a CPA license in Minnesota.

Lee Lor

Lee joined Bayerkohler & Graff, Ltd. in November of 2008. As a staff accountant, Lee’s responsibilities include individual and business income tax preparation, monthly sales tax preparation and monthly financial accounting.

Prior to joining Bayerkohler and Graff, Lee interned at HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd. Lee graduated with degrees in Accounting and Economics from the University of Wisconsin, River-Falls in 2008. Lee is a CPA candidate.

Kobby Owusu-Acheampong

Kobby joined Bayerkohler & Graff, Ltd. in November 2009. As a staff accountant, Kobby’s responsibilities include tax planning, individual and business tax returns, researching tax topics and financial accounting.

Prior to working for Bayerkohler & Graff, Ltd. Kobby worked in the mortgage finance industry for 7 years and has also worked as a Financial Data Analyst with a national electronic retailer. Kobby is a 2002 graduate of Luther College, were he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Math Statistics. Kobby recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Accounting & Financial Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. Kobby is a CPA candidate.

Stephanie Smart

Stephanie joined Bayerkohler & Graff, Ltd. in November 2009. As a staff accountant, Stephanie’s responsibilities include tax planning, individual and business tax returns, financial accounting and researching tax topics. Stephanie is a 2008 graduate of Viterbo University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a 2010 graduate of DeVry University with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Before joining Bayerkohler and Graff, Ltd. Stephanie worked in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Stephanie is a CPA candidate.