About

Kenny Allen, co-founder of Clear Trail CPAs, brings over 25 years of municipal auditing experience. Kenny’s education includes a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Accounting from Portland State University. He previously held a leadership role at a prominent auditing firm and began his career at the Governmental Accountability Office (GAO), the entity responsible for writing Governmental Auditing Standards. Over the course of his career, Kenny led the statewide early adoption of GASB Statement 34 in 2002, revolutionizing governmental reporting practices. He has also specialized in implementing complex accounting and auditing standards for municipal clients.

At Clear Trail CPAs, Kenny serves as Engagement Partner and In-Charge, where he is responsible for audit planning, program development, and ensuring compliance with professional standards. He remains actively engaged during fieldwork and reporting, resolving complex audit issues and providing clients with actionable insights.

Management Skills and Experience

• Recognized thought leader presenting on topics such as GASB standards, municipal audit law, and internal controls at:
  • Oregon Association for School Business Officials and ESD Zone Meetings.
  • Special Districts Association of Oregon and OGFOA
• Topics presented include:
  • GASB Statements 34, 45, 68, 87 and 96
  • Internal controls and board oversight policies.
  • Oregon Municipal Audit Law and best practices.
• Certifications:
  • Certified Public Accountant (#10042) and municipal auditor (#1344)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner.
• Professional Affiliations:
  • Member of the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA).
  • Served as a Technical Reviewer for the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) Program.

Tara graduated with honors from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. She has extensive governmental and not-for-profit experience, including being the Engagement Partner for many governmental clients. Throughout the year she goes to great lengths to make herself available to clients so that she can answer questions and help solve problems, and consult with client staff regarding any proposed transactions or changes in policies.

Management Skills and Experience

• GASB 34 implementation and continual compliance, including the set-up of government-wide trial balance and conversions from governmental fund financial statements to the full accrual statements
• GASB 45 implementation and advising clients on the need for actuarial valuations and footnote disclosures in accordance with Governmental Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards
• GASB 54 implementation including providing one on one client training and tools to make the implementation process smooth
• Provided many client training sessions on various accounting and internal control related topics
• Previously a GFOA Technical Reviewer for the CAFR Program
• Past OSCPA Education Foundation Board of Directors