Neal Wallace

Owner/Operator

Neal is the founder of Wallace Consulting, LLC- specializing in small business services and individual tax preparation. As a tax professional, Neal has helped individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations navigate the world of tax law – often helping generations of families and successors to business clients. His years of experience and continuous training enable him to solve complex tax issues and to offer tax planning services.

Neal earned his Bachelor’s in Accounting in 1998 and his CPA in 2003. Prior to starting his own firm, Neal began his career at some of the nation’s top accounting firms, including BKD, LLP and McGladrey & Pullen LLP.

He enjoyed his work at these firms but saw a need for small business and individual clients to receive expert service at a reasonable rate. Thus, Wallace Consulting was established. Over the years, Neal has acquired several firms with current locations settled in Merrillville and Gary, IN.

Professionally, Neal enjoys working directly with his clients, the challenge of identifying and solving problems and helping his staff grow into their full potential. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).

Personally, he is passionate about sports- you may spot Saints or LSU gear in his office. Neal is a history buff and enjoys learning more about how society has developed. He also enjoys traveling- especially to a tropical location or to his home state of Louisiana.

Teresa Wallace, EA

Tax Manager, Partner

Teri has always been interested in learning and solving problems. She holds degrees in Business Administration, Human Services, and Psychology. As she was earning her Masters, she volunteered for the IRS’ Volunteer Income and Tax Assistance (VITA) program which led to her interest in doing tax work. The opportunity to help others, continually learn new information and share that knowledge was exactly what she was looking for in her career.

Professionally, Teri thrives on being challenged and enjoys working with small business clients. She is well-versed in payroll, bookkeeping, accounting, and tax matters. Teri is licensed by the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent. She is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and holds several certifications in Quickbooks and Accounting. Teri has direct experience operating various small businesses, which is an asset to her clients.

Personally, she is a Northwest Indiana native and a Lake Central alumna. Teri dedicates her free time to her 3 children, enjoys dog sitting, and enjoys traveling to gain new experiences. She has also spent time volunteering in her community at organizations such as St. Jude House, Community Help Network, the VITA tax program, and is an active member of her children’s school PTO and Band Boosters.

Teri was recently voted into the board of Northwest Indiana Influential Women’s Association (NWIIWA) and is also an active member and co-chair for their Events and Education Committee.

k.cinko@wallace-cpa.com

Kayli Cinko

Staff Accountant

Kayli is a motivated and detail-focused accounting professional dedicated to making a significant impact at Wallace Consulting, LLC. She graduated from Purdue University Northwest in August of 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting and a minor in Psychology. With a passion for accounting and its analytical nature, Kayli has a solid foundation in accounting principles alongside a genuine interest in finance and numbers.

Her professional experience includes working as a retail banking intern at Centier Bank, where she delivered excellent customer service and contributed valuable insights to senior management through consumer behavior analysis. Known for her precision, accuracy, and dedication to delivering exceptional client service, Kayli tackles challenges with a growth mindset. By June 2024, she successfully passed all three IRS SEE Enrolled Agent exams, further expanding her expertise in tax and compliance. She is also working toward becoming a CPA, with a goal of passing all four exams by August 2026.

Outside of work, Kayli enjoys water sports, hiking, painting, and spending time with family, friends, and her pets. She also loves dog sitting and walking. Excited to continue growing in her field, Kayli is committed to service excellence and looks forward to contributing her skills and knowledge at Wallace Consulting.

hc@wallace-cpa.com

Heather Cipolla

Tax Preparer

With years of experience in preparing individual tax returns, Heather has developed a passion for guiding clients, friends, and family through the often-daunting process of tax season. What started as a favor for loved ones has evolved into a fulfilling career. Heather is dedicated to demystifying tax codes and ensuring that each return is meticulously prepared to maximize potential benefits and credits.

Her lifelong affinity for numbers and problem-solving drives her focus on accuracy and thoroughness. Heather’s attention to detail ensures not only compliance but also optimization—helping clients make the most of their financial situation. She embraces the challenge of staying current with ever-changing tax laws, continuously expanding her knowledge to better serve her clients.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys the outdoors, frequently hiking with her loyal German Shepherd. She also loves supporting her two sons in their athletic pursuits, cheering them on at their football games. In her spare time, Heather channels her creativity into woodworking and home renovation projects, finding joy in craftsmanship and precision—qualities she also brings to her tax work. A dedicated Packers fan, she eagerly awaits football season each year, showing the same enthusiasm for her hobbies and team as she does for her career.

Loki

Executive Greeter

Loki is a self-starter and takes his job very seriously. He wakes bright and early each day with renewed energy to focus on his mission: welcoming everyone who walks through our doors!

Becoming the Executive Greeter has been no easy task. Loki puts in long hours of evaluating each client with a sniff to ensure they’re clear to enter, taste-testing every employee’s lunch to make sure it’s safe, and comforting both clients and staff alike.

Though he hasn’t mastered answering the phone or delivering paperwork, he’s still an invaluable part of the team!

Loki spent his first months on a farm in Texas and truly enjoys being outdoors. Though he’s not a fan of Indiana winters, he enjoys providing warmth to our office with cuddles, kisses, and napping in his cozy beds. In his free time, he enjoys sunbathing, playing fetch, and chasing his friends.

(Check out Day of the Dogs if you’d like to find your own furry friend to love!)