John Schaaf, Owner/Partner, After graduating from Indiana University with bachelor of science degrees in Accounting and in Finance, John joined the Indianapolis office of Deloitte & Touche, one of the largest tax and accounting firms in the world, as a tax consultant. While there, he worked closely with Deloitte’s tax experts in serving the tax consulting and preparation needs of some of Indiana’s largest closely-held and publicly-traded businesses. He also assisted in the development and implementation of the tax preparation software that Deloitte uses in all of its United States offices. In 2005, John left Deloitte and joined the Indianapolis office of Alerding & Co, LLC, a top 25, by size, CPA firm in Indianapolis. While at that firm, he served somewhat smaller businesses and their owners in their tax consulting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and other accounting needs. In October 2007, John founded Schaaf CPA Group in downtown Westfield.
Along with his wife, Lisa, and three children, John is a resident of Westfield, Indiana. John is a member of the Indiana CPA Society, the founding chair of the Westfield Farmers Market Committee and was recently named Westfield’s outstanding volunteer of the year by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce for that work. In addition, John is the Past-Treasurer of the Downtown Westfield Association – a non-profit association of Westfield residents and businesses committed to bringing vitality and growth to downtown Westfield, and the Past-Treasurer of The Heart & Soul Clinic – a not-for-profit dedicated to providing free medical and dental care.
Candice “Candi” McDonald, Accounting and Payroll Manager, joined Schaaf CPA Group in 2013. She is a native of Iowa and an alumna of Indiana University. Candi has a background in agriculture, marketing, and currently specializes in payroll, small business accounting, and income tax. Candi is extremely proficient in all versions of QuickBooks and related accounting systems. She and her husband Steve live between Westfield and Noblesville, are active in their church and enjoy traveling to visit family as often as possible.
Emily Ransdell, Senior Tax and Accounting Advisor, joined Schaaf CPA Group in January of 2018. She is a recent graduate from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, while also retains a Biology Associate of Science degree. She is currently striving for her certified public accountant (CPA) designation. Presently, she specializes in payroll, small business accounting, and income tax. Emily is from Springfield, Illinois but has delightfully adapted as a Westfield resident. She is fond of exercising, outdoor activities, as well as spending time with family.
Ryan McLaughlin, Tax and Accounting Manager, joined Schaaf CPA Group in August 2020. Graduating from Butler University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Ryan brings 9 years of accounting and tax experience to the firm, specializing in dentistry. He lives in Carmel, Indiana with his wife and four children. Besides being an avid Butler Basketball fan, Ryan is the Treasurer of the not-for-profit Clothes With A Cause, located in Carmel.
Cole Tribbett, Senior Tax and Accounting Advisor, joined Schaaf CPA Group in September of 2020. He is a 2015 graduate from Purdue University with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Management. He obtained his certified public accountant (CPA) designation in 2017. He began his public accounting career as an auditor for a national firm, working primarily with manufacturing and not-for-profit clients. He currently specializes in payroll, small business accounting, and income tax. Cole and his wife, Jessica, are both lifelong Westfield residents and have two young children. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, and leading Dave Ramsey classes at his church.
Christina Gilbert, Office Manager, joined Schaaf CPA Group in November 2018. She graduated from Purdue University in 1997. She and her husband, Jake, live in Westfield with their three sons and are highly involved in the community. She enjoys traveling and sporting events with her family, exercising, and is a volunteer at her church.
Becky Johnson, Accounting Specialist, joined Schaaf CPA Group in May 2019. She is a 1999 graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Krannert School of Management. Becky and her husband, Brennen, live in Lafayette, Indiana with their three children. Along with being active in her community, she enjoys attending her children’s sporting events and spending time with family.
Cole Riley, Staff Tax and Accounting Advisor joined Schaaf CPA Group in August 2021. He is a 2022 graduate of Indiana University Kokomo with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance and is currently striving for his certified public accountant (CPA) designation. Cole is originally from Kokomo, Indiana and currently lives in Noblesville with his wife, Kaitlyn. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, watching sports, spending time with family, and being outdoors.
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Harrison Hellmich, Staff Tax and Accounting Advisor, joined Schaaf CPA Group in October of 2022. He graduated from Marian University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance while also receiving the Business Leadership Scholarship Award from the Byrum School of Business. He is aiming for his certified public accountant (CPA) designation and a master of business administration (MBA) with a specialization in finance. Born and raised in the Indianapolis area, Harrison enjoys volunteering at his local parish, participating in food drives and community outreach. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as off-roading, snowboarding, hiking and backpacking.