Pevita Pearce
Squire, a prominent firm recognized among the INSIDE Public Accounting top 200, has announced that three of its distinguished leaders – CEO Jonyce Bullock, Southern Region Managing Partner Phillip Peine, and retired Managing Partner Tim Larsen – have been lauded by the Utah Association of CPAs (UACPA) for their significant and enduring contributions to the accounting profession and the broader business community in Utah. The UACPA, a vital professional organization representing certified public accountants in the state, annually bestows these accolades to individuals who exemplify excellence, leadership, and dedication to advancing the field of accounting and its impact on the economy.
This collective recognition underscores Squire’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering exceptional talent and its impactful presence within the professional landscape of Utah. The awards highlight not only individual achievements but also the firm’s consistent dedication to cultivating a culture of service, innovation, and professional development that resonates across generations of accountants.
UACPA Awards Spotlight Squire’s Leadership Excellence
The Utah Association of CPAs, a cornerstone of professional development and advocacy for accounting professionals in the state, held its annual awards ceremony to celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and impact. This year’s event saw Squire’s leadership team at the forefront, with three key figures receiving prestigious honors.
Jonyce Bullock, CEO of Squire, was presented with the UACPA’s Distinguished Service Award. This award is bestowed upon individuals who have exhibited sustained leadership and made significant, long-term contributions to the accounting profession. Bullock’s tenure at Squire has been marked by strategic vision and a profound dedication to both the firm’s growth and the development of its people. Her leadership has navigated Squire through periods of substantial expansion and transformation, all while maintaining a steadfast focus on the core values that drive the accounting profession forward.
Phillip Peine, Southern Region Managing Partner at Squire, received the Outstanding CPA in Business & Management Award. This recognition celebrates CPAs who have excelled in business and management roles, demonstrating exceptional acumen, leadership, and mentorship within their organizations and the broader business community. Peine’s career, spanning three decades, is a testament to his role as a trusted advisor and a driving force in business development.
The esteemed Lifetime Member Award was presented to Tim Larsen, a former Managing Partner of Squire. This award is reserved for individuals who have dedicated their careers to the accounting profession, accumulating over four decades of service and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to its advancement and ethical standards. Larsen’s extensive career at Squire and his active involvement in professional organizations have left an indelible mark on the accounting landscape in Utah.
A Legacy of Leadership and Forward Momentum
The recognition of these three Squire leaders by the UACPA serves as a powerful affirmation of their individual accomplishments and the firm’s overarching commitment to excellence. The awards ceremony, typically a significant event for the Utah accounting community, provides a platform to honor those who have not only achieved professional success but have also actively shaped the future of the profession.
Jonyce Bullock: A Visionary CEO Driving Transformation
Jonyce Bullock’s Distinguished Service Award is a testament to her visionary leadership as CEO of Squire. Under her guidance, the firm has experienced significant growth and undergone strategic transformations, solidifying its position as a top-tier accounting firm. Bullock has consistently championed initiatives that foster professional development and empower individuals within the firm. Notably, as Squire’s first female partner, she founded "Women Improving Professionally," an organization dedicated to providing mentorship, leadership development, and support for women pursuing careers in accounting. This initiative reflects a deep-seated commitment to diversity and inclusion within the profession.
Bullock’s service extends beyond Squire’s internal operations. Her contributions to the broader accounting community are evidenced by her impactful roles on the AICPA Board of Directors, her engagement with the Schools of Accountancy at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, and her active participation in the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership has garnered numerous local, national, and international recognitions, further solidifying her status as a leader in the accounting world.
Phillip Peine: A Stalwart in Business and Management
Phillip Peine’s Outstanding CPA in Business & Management Award highlights his extensive experience and success as a business leader and trusted advisor. His 30-year career has been characterized by his ability to guide businesses through complex challenges and foster environments of growth and development. Prior to his current role at Squire, Peine was instrumental in the growth of HintonBurdick, a firm that later merged with Squire. During his tenure as HintonBurdick’s managing partner for over 13 years, he oversaw its expansion from three offices to a multi-state operation. A key aspect of his leadership was his dedication to mentoring employees, many of whom rose to become partners. Peine played a pivotal role in the strategic merger of HintonBurdick and Squire, a move that has further strengthened Squire’s regional presence and capabilities. As Southern Region Managing Partner and a member of Squire’s board of directors and management committee, he continues to drive the firm’s strategic direction and operational excellence.
Tim Larsen: A Pillar of the Profession’s Past and Future
Tim Larsen’s Lifetime Member Award is a fitting tribute to over four decades of unwavering dedication and impactful contributions to Squire and the accounting profession in Utah. During his 14 years as Managing Partner of Squire, Larsen laid much of the groundwork for the firm’s sustained success and ethical framework. He was a pioneer in embracing technological advancements within the accounting field, becoming the first CPA in Utah to earn the AICPA’s Certified Information Technology Professional credential. This foresight demonstrated his commitment to modernizing accounting practices and preparing the profession for future challenges.
Larsen’s service extended to significant leadership roles within professional organizations, including his involvement with UACPA, the AICPA Council, the Provo-Orem Chamber of Commerce, and the Utah Tax Review Commission. These roles underscore his broad impact on the business and regulatory landscape of Utah. His commitment to mentorship and his profound understanding of the accounting profession have influenced generations of CPAs, including many at Squire.
Reflections on a Shared Commitment
The sentiments expressed by the award recipients and other leaders underscore the profound impact of these recognitions. Tim Larsen, reflecting on the achievements of his colleagues, stated, "Having watched Squire evolve over more than four decades, it is incredibly meaningful to see leaders like Jonyce and Phillip continue to move the firm and our profession forward. Their leadership reflects what has always made Squire special: a commitment to our people, our clients and the communities we serve. I’m proud of what they have accomplished and even more excited about where they are taking the firm."
Jonyce Bullock echoed this sentiment, highlighting Larsen’s foundational influence: "Tim helped build the foundation that has allowed Squire to become the firm it is today. His leadership, foresight, and commitment to the profession have had a lasting impact on generations of professionals at Squire, myself included. I’m honored to be recognized alongside someone who has contributed so much to our firm and the accounting community throughout his career."
These statements offer a glimpse into the collaborative spirit and shared values that have propelled Squire to its current standing. They emphasize that the firm’s success is not solely attributed to individual talent but also to a collective dedication to professional growth, client service, and community engagement.
The Broader Implications for the Accounting Profession
The recognition of Squire’s leaders by the UACPA carries significant implications for the accounting profession in Utah and beyond. It signals a trend towards valuing comprehensive leadership that encompasses not only technical expertise but also ethical conduct, community involvement, and the cultivation of future talent.
The UACPA’s awards serve as benchmarks for aspiring accounting professionals, illustrating the diverse pathways to success and leadership within the field. The honorees’ varied contributions—from strategic business management to technological innovation and dedicated mentorship—demonstrate the dynamic and evolving nature of the accounting profession.
Furthermore, the awards highlight the critical role that firms like Squire play in developing and retaining top talent. By fostering an environment that encourages leadership development and professional growth, Squire not only benefits its own organization but also contributes to the overall strength and vitality of the accounting profession in Utah. The continued success and recognition of its leaders suggest a positive outlook for the firm’s future and its ongoing impact on the economic landscape.
The UACPA’s commitment to recognizing these achievements reinforces the importance of professional excellence and ethical practice in building trust and driving economic progress. As the accounting profession continues to adapt to new technologies and evolving regulatory environments, the leadership exemplified by Bullock, Peine, and Larsen will be crucial in navigating these changes and ensuring the profession remains a cornerstone of economic stability and integrity. The legacy of individuals like Tim Larsen, combined with the forward-thinking leadership of Jonyce Bullock and Phillip Peine, ensures that Squire and the broader accounting community in Utah are well-positioned for continued success.
