Carpenter and Langford, P.C. was established in 1991 by Jean Carpenter-Backus, CPA and Joe Langford, CPA with the philosophy of providing the quality of services demanded of national firms with the close client relationship expected at a local firm. Since its establishment the firm has experienced constant growth and in 1999 added an additional partner, James T. Ragland, CPA. In addition to its partners the firm also utilizes the talents of its professional and paraprofessional staff, many of whom have years of experience. The firm continues to be a leader at providing tax planning and preparation services to both individuals and corporations.  In addition to the tax services, the firm also provides audit, compilation, business consulting services, IRS representation, and bookkeeping services. 

Joe D. Langford is the managing shareholder and he, along with James Ragland, oversee the audit and tax department.  The shareholders have over 60 years of combined experience in accounting and taxation.

Carpenter and Langford, P.C., believes its ultimate success is a product of the strong relationships that it builds with its clients.  A major focus of the firm is maintaining quality, long lasting relationships with both clients and staff.  The firm emphasizes effective communication and quality work that is reflected in its high standards.

	Jean Carpenter-Backus, CPA Jean received her CPA license in 1983, CFP license in 1993 and is a founding principal of Carpenter & Langford, PC. Jean loves to make the mysterious world of money understandable, fun & easy.  She is a financial adviser and business consultant with thirty years of experience. She manages a blog called The Naked Accountant.com that addresses financial areas including how to prevent embezzlement.  Jean is a passionate and witty public speaker and has written a book called, “Who’s Standing on Your Financial Hose”, published by Wizard Academy Press.
	Joe D. Langford, CPA Joe graduated from Texas A&M in 1985 with a BBA in accounting.  He began his career Career experience Gibson Johnson & Co., John Winn and Associates. He is member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA); Member, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA); Member and Austin Chapter of TSCPA.
	James T. Ragland, CPA Jim’s 21 + years of experience are invaluable to our firm and our clients.  He received a BBA in Accounting from The University of Texas at San Antonio.  He was employed by Johnson & Co. (later Johnson Smith & Co) from 1987 to 1996 when he joined Carpenter & Langford.  Jim became a shareholder in Carpenter & Langford, PC in 1999.  He is a member of the Austin Chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA).
	Curtis W. Bulgerin, CPA Curtis graduated from Texas Tech University with a BBA in accounting in 1980.  He began his career with Harold Simpson & Company in 1981 and was a Tax Manager for KPMG Peat Marwick (now KPMG) from 1986 to 1988.  At that time he opened his own public accounting practice in Round Rock.  Deciding he was ready for something different he joined Carpenter & Langford in 2001.  Already a seasoned tax accountant, Curtis adds much value to our firm.
	Jennifer A. Plyler, CPA Jenna has worked in the accounting profession for over ten years.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Arkansas State University and a Masters of Accounting from Baylor University.  She received her CPA license in 2000.  She came to us from KPMG, a big-four accounting firm, where she worked for three years.  While at KPMG, she increased her tax knowledge and ability to problem-solve.  She joined our firm in September 2001.  Jenna is organized and detail oriented.  She works hard for the benefit of her clients.  In the seven plus years with our firm, Jenna has become an integral part of our firm.
	Kevin Lenahan, CPA After graduating from the University of Texas in 1985 with a B.A. in Accounting, Kevin joined the Houston accounting firm Tyler, Ellis & Tufley.  In 1989 Kevin returned to Austin to join Bob Finley’s CPA practice, where he remained for 16 years.  Kevin joined Carpenter and Langford in January of 2006.
	Ira Siegel, CPA Ira Siegel began his career with a regional CPA firm in New York and has both national CPA firm and business management experience.  He had been with a local tax practice in California from 1984 to 2004 and was a tax manager at Powell, Ebert & Smolik in Austin from 2004 until he joined our firm in 2008.  He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Queens College in 1977. Ira has experience providing income and estate tax planning and consulting services for individuals and small businesses.  He is involved with numerous professional and social organizations in the local business community.
	Dawn Ward, Office Manager Dawn has been an employee of Carpenter and Langford, P.C. since July, 1999.  She was hired as receptionist, later worked as tax administrator and was soon after promoted to office manger where she has held her position since November 1, 2003.