OUR FIRM
We are committed to treating
your business like it is our own.
This commitment has resulted in principles
which have become the foundation of our firm.
Kevin Payne, CPA
Owner
Kevin, owner of the firm, has been licensed as a Certified Public Accountant since 1985, when he began practicing public accounting. Prior to this, he spent seven years as an accounting supervisor and financial analyst in private industry. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration with an Accounting major from Bowling Green State University, and currently holds memberships in the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Kevin and his wife, Kathy, live in Hilliard where they raised four children, and now enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.
Director
Kent Payne, CPA
Kent has been licensed as a Certified Public Accountant since 2008 and joined Payne and Company as a Senior Accountant in September 2009. Prior to joining our Firm, he spent three years with GBQ Partners as a Senior in the Assurance department. While at GBQ, he worked on audits of companies in various industries, including not for profit, manufacturing and service. Kent received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Accounting from Ohio University, and currently holds memberships in the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Kent and his wife, Liz, live in Hilliard, with their two children.
Cheri Garapic, CPA
Audit Manager
Cheri has been licensed as a Certified Public Accountant since 1990 and has been employed with Payne and Company since January 1988. Prior to joining Payne & Company Cheri worked in private industry and for a public accounting firm in southern Ohio. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Fairmont State University in West Virginia. Cheri is the Accounting and Auditing Manager, and her responsibilities include direct client management and supervision of all accounting and auditing engagements. She is also member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ​ Cheri lives in Columbus and enjoys attending the variety of sporting events available in Ohio.
Thomas D. Karn, CPA
Tax Manager
Tom has been licensed as a Certified Public Accountant since 2010 and joined Payne and Company as a Senior Accountant in September 2018. ​ Prior to joining our Firm, he spent over ten years working for both local and regional CPA firms in Columbus, Ohio. Tom is mainly focused on tax compliance and planning for both individuals and businesses. He has experience working on complex individual, various business entity, and not for profit tax returns.   Tom received his Bachelor of Science in Communication from Ohio University and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Franklin University, and currently holds memberships in the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  Tom and his wife, Lora, live in Westerville, and have five children. Outside the office, he and family enjoy recreational and travel ice hockey, live music, and having an overall good time!
Wade Bright
Accountant
Wade has been an accountant with Payne & Company since September 1998. Wade received a degree in Finance from The Ohio State University and was employed as an accountant in private industry before joining the firm. His responsibilities include assisting clients with the closing of their books and preparation of tax returns. Wade and his wife, Debbie, live in Powell with their son.
Mu Lin
Accountant
Mu graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor Degrees in Accounting and is currently studying for the CPA exam. She has been an accountant with Payne and Company since 2021. Her experience includes personal and business tax returns, including assisting our CPAs with compilations, reviews and preparation of tax returns.
Cortney G. Prantl
Office Adminstrator
Cortney earned her Bachelor's Degree from The Ohio State University. Her field of study included business, media, and marketing. She became a lisensed Notary Public in 2012. She has over 10 years of business expirence in various industries working in office administration, devoting her time to business growth and client services. Prior to joining Payne & Company, Cortney held several office manager positions within public accounting. She enjoys making and selling crafts, heading up various artistic projects, volunteering, and singing in her free time.