Meet Our Team

At Kanter and associates, PA, CPA’s we believe in a meaningful, proactive approach in supporting businesses and individuals ultimately achieve their vision of financial success.

We value and invest in educating our team of dedicated professionals and partner with like-minded specialists in their field, in order to solidify our commitment to provide trust-worthy advice that affords our clients, our employees, and our owners the ability to make the most informed decisions for their financial future.

Brad Kanter, CPA/CGMA, CFE, CVA/MAFF, EA, M.AC.

FOUNDER & CEO

In August 2004,   Brad S. Kanter, established Kanter & Associates, PA, CPA.  The firm has grown to 10 staff servicing over 750 clients both business and individuals.  Our firm performs tax preparation, both individual and corporate, Internal Revenue Service Controversy services up to petitioning tax court, compilations, and reviews, business services, and CFO services.  In addition, our firm conducts forensic accounting examination including fraud examination, valuation services, and litigation support services.

Prior to 2004, Mr. Kanter had gained experience in the private accounting and management sector through employment in multi-million dollar law firm management as a Legal Administrator and as a Controller and Business Manager of a $200 million Professional Employer Organization.  During his private sector employment, Mr. Kanter developed the skills and experience to manage both from an operational and accounting perspective small to large business models.  This experience included operational issues which included strategic planning, budgeting, and cash flow management.

“I have managed many Internal Revenue Service examinations ensuring financial accounting and tax accounting compliance.  Our successful representation of clients to the government has included examinations which handling client subpoenas, forensic examination and case management to resolve government claims.”

“In addition, I have provided forensic examination and fraud examination on matters including potential misappropriation of asset claims, non-compliant tax and accounting recordkeeping and irregular cash management.  I have also provided litigation support services during depositions and court hearings during divorce and corporation ownership matters.”

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
  • CPA– Mr. Kanter is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Florida.
  • CFE – earned the designation of Certified Fraud Examiner awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
  • CVA – earned the designation of Certified Valuation Analyst awarded by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.
  • CGMA– earned his Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA) awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
  • EA– earned the designation of Enrolled Agents (EA) awarded by the United States Treasury.
  • MAFF-earned the designation of Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF) awarded by the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.
  • NTPI Fellow – earned the designation of National Tax Practice Institute Fellow (NTPI Fellow) awarded by the National Tax Practice Institute under the National Association of Enrolled Agents.
EDUCATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
  • BA – earned the designation of Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major in Marketing from Florida Atlantic University.
  • BS – earned the designation of Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in Accounting from University of Tampa.
  • M.AC. – earned the designation of Masters of Accounting (MACC) with a focus on Forensic Accounting awarded by Florida Atlantic University School of Business.
  • Adjunct Professor at the University of Tampa

These designations signify competence in forensic analysis, valuation and fraud examination including tax preparation and analysis, financial accounting and business operations combined with ongoing substantial continuing education requirements.

Mr. Kanter holds memberships in the Business Valuation and Forensic and Litigation Services Membership Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), The Florida Association of CPAs (FICPA), The National Association of Certified Valuation Analyst (NACVA) and The Association for Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

Eric R. Benke

PRINCIPAL, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Prior to starting his professional career in 1993, Eric grew up in the family business, a delicatessen in New Your City gaining a unique perspective on small business and entrepreneurship. In 1993 he started his professional career with a boutique brokerage firm in NY where he earned his Series 7, Series 63, Life, Health and Variable Annuity Insurance licenses. After several years in the stock brokerage business in NY, he moved to Orlando and worked with First Union Brokerage Services as a full-service Personal Investment Counselor working with a wide variety of clients, specializing in small to midsized businesses.

In 2001 Eric developed and implemented a startup business model servicing the sales, customer service and collection needs for a variety of businesses. The model further developed into a full-service sales consulting firm with over 100 agents at its peak. In 2011, the business was sold and a new challenge was on the horizon.

In 2012, Eric joined Kanter and Associates, PA, CPAs as the Director of Business Development bringing with him many years of customer service, business consulting and business development experience. He has experience working with a wide variety of industries and businesses and manages the onboarding of almost all new clients to the firm.

Eileen Kanter

FIRM ADMINISTRATOR

Eileen Kanter holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of South Florida. For many years she worked for Hillsborough County Schools as an educator, as well as, a county writing specialist training students and teachers in the art of writing. During her years of teaching, Eileen co-authored a 6th grade Mathematics supplement for publisher Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley, now Pearson Publishing. Ten years ago she left the world of teaching to begin a new venture as a lifestyle and event planning expert. Diva With A Fork’s work has been showcased in a variety of print and online publications, including Occasions Magazine, Tampa Bay Weddings Magazine, Hostess With the Mostess, Mitzvah Market and Cheapflights.com.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Eileen has been active in numerous community organizations and activities. She currently is a Trustee on the board of Hillel Academy and is the recent Past President of the non-profit school. She has also served as their Recording Secretary and Vice President of Fundraising. In addition to her work at Hillel, Eileen has been an active volunteer for Carrollwood Day School’s Booster Club and co-chaired Carrollwood Day School’s annual fundraising event. She was a 2011 Woman of Distinction honoree.

Currently, Eileen manages the higher level administrative functions of the firm including invoicing and Accounts Receivables. Given her extensive teaching background, Eileen also prepares and presents client service training programs to the staff ensuring a progressive, continuous emphasis on client service delivery.

Janice Manuel-Norris

PRODUCTION COORDINATION MANAGER

Prior to starting her professional career in 2004, Janice grew up volunteering at city run recreation Centers in Newark, NJ teaching computer skills to middle school students and adults. After deciding to attend university online, she majored in Information Technology with a minor in Networking. Janice worked for Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa for 6 years as a Coverage Manager with guest services until she moved to Tampa, Fl in 2009. Shortly after her relocation she started her IT career at Verizon Data Services Helpdesk Support where she was promoted several times.

Janice has experience in IT management, Agile project management & analysis, and customer service and support. She is working towards getting her project management certification.

Janice primarily works with our staff, supporting the team, by scheduling the work needed to be produced to meet client’s deadlines and expectations.

EDUCATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
  • BS – Bachelor of Information Technology: Specialization in Network Administration in 2008 from American Intercontinental University, Chicago IL

Diemmy Nguyen, CPA, MSA

SENIOR STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Diemmy came to Kanter & Associates as an intern in early 2015 after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida. She quickly moved up to Accounting Clerk while finishing up her Master’s Degree in Accounting. Diemmy was promoted to Staff Accountant while working towards her CPA Licensing.

After receiving her CPA lisensure in 2019, Diemmy was promoted to Senior Staff Accountant.

Diemmy primarily works with our business clients. with the support of the team, she provides full service accounting functions as well as Federal and State Tax preparation.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATIONS 
  • CPA – Ms. Nguyen is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Florida
EDUCATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
  • BS – Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL in 2014.
  • M.S.A. – Masters of Science in Accounting from The University of Tampa, Tampa, FL in 2016.

Michael Kanter

INTERN

Prior to officially joining the firm, Michael spent the past several years in the hospitality industry. Over the years, he has helped the firm out in various temporary roles and is now pursuing a permanent career in accounting. Michael assists the professional staff and is in training to become an accounting clerk. He is also planning to enroll in HCC in the fall of 2018 to attain his accounting degree.

 

FOUNDER & CEO

Brad Kanter, CPA/CGMA, CFE, CVA/MAFF, EA, M.AC.

In August 2004,   Brad S. Kanter, established Kanter & Associates, PA, CPA.  The firm has grown to 10 staff servicing over 750 clients both business and individuals.  Our firm performs tax preparation, both individual and corporate, Internal Revenue Service Controversy services up to petitioning tax court, compilations, and reviews, business services, and CFO services.  In addition, our firm conducts forensic accounting examination including fraud examination, valuation services, and litigation support services.

Prior to 2004, Mr. Kanter had gained experience in the private accounting and management sector through employment in multi-million dollar law firm management as a Legal Administrator and as a Controller and Business Manager of a $200 million Professional Employer Organization.  During his private sector employment, Mr. Kanter developed the skills and experience to manage both from an operational and accounting perspective small to large business models.  This experience included operational issues which included strategic planning, budgeting, and cash flow management.

“I have managed many Internal Revenue Service examinations ensuring financial accounting and tax accounting compliance.  Our successful representation of clients to the government has included examinations which handling client subpoenas, forensic examination and case management to resolve government claims.”

“In addition, I have provided forensic examination and fraud examination on matters including potential misappropriation of asset claims, non-compliant tax and accounting recordkeeping and irregular cash management.  I have also provided litigation support services during depositions and court hearings during divorce and corporation ownership matters.”

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
  • CPA– Mr. Kanter is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Florida AND the District of Columbia
  • CFE – earned the designation of Certified Fraud Examiner awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
  • CVA – earned the designation of Certified Valuation Analyst awarded by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.
  • CGMA– earned his Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA) awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
  • EA– earned the designation of Enrolled Agents (EA) awarded by the United States Treasury.
  • MAFF-earned the designation of Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF) awarded by the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.
  • NTPI Fellow – earned the designation of National Tax Practice Institute Fellow (NTPI Fellow) awarded by the National Tax Practice Institute under the National Association of Enrolled Agents.
EDUCATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
  • BA – earned the designation of Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major in Marketing from Florida Atlantic University.
  • BS – earned the designation of Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in Accounting from University of Tampa.
  • M.AC. – earned the designation of Masters of Accounting (MACC) with a focus on Forensic Accounting awarded by Florida Atlantic University School of Business.
  • Adjunct Professor at the University of Tampa

These designations signify competence in forensic analysis, valuation and fraud examination including tax preparation and analysis, financial accounting and business operations combined with ongoing substantial continuing education requirements.

Mr. Kanter holds memberships in the Business Valuation and Forensic and Litigation Services Membership Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), The Florida Association of CPAs (FICPA), The National Association of Certified Valuation Analyst (NACVA) and The Association for Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

PRINCIPAL, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Eric R. Benke

Prior to starting his professional career in 1993, Eric grew up in the family business, a delicatessen in New Your City gaining a unique perspective on small business and entrepreneurship. In 1993 he started his professional career with a boutique brokerage firm in NY where he earned his Series 7, Series 63, Life, Health and Variable Annuity Insurance licenses. After several years in the stock brokerage business in NY, he moved to Orlando and worked with First Union Brokerage Services as a full-service Personal Investment Counselor working with a wide variety of clients, specializing in small to midsized businesses.

In 2001 Eric developed and implemented a startup business model servicing the sales, customer service and collection needs for a variety of businesses. The model further developed into a full-service sales consulting firm with over 100 agents at its peak. In 2011, the business was sold and a new challenge was on the horizon.

In 2012, Eric joined Kanter and Associates, PA, CPAs as the Director of Business Development bringing with him many years of customer service, business consulting and business development experience.  He has experience working with a wide variety of industries and businesses and manages the onboarding of almost all new clients to the firm.

FIRM ADMINISTRATOR

Eileen Kanter

Eileen Kanter holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of South Florida. For many years she worked for Hillsborough County Schools as an educator, as well as, a county writing specialist training students and teachers in the art of writing. During her years of teaching, Eileen co-authored a 6th grade Mathematics supplement for publisher Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley, now Pearson Publishing. Ten years ago she left the world of teaching to begin a new venture as a lifestyle and event planning expert. Diva With A Fork’s work has been showcased in a variety of print and online publications, including Occasions Magazine, Tampa Bay Weddings Magazine, Hostess With the Mostess, Mitzvah Market and Cheapflights.com.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Eileen has been active in numerous community organizations and activities. She currently is a Trustee on the board of Hillel Academy and is the recent Past President of the non-profit school. She has also served as their Recording Secretary and Vice President of Fundraising. In addition to her work at Hillel, Eileen has been an active volunteer for Carrollwood Day School’s Booster Club and co-chaired Carrollwood Day School’s annual fundraising event. She was a 2011 Woman of Distinction honoree.

Currently, Eileen manages the higher level administrative functions of the firm including invoicing and Accounts Receivables. Given her extensive teaching background, Eileen also prepares and presents client service training programs to the staff ensuring a progressive, continuous emphasis on client service delivery.

PRODUCTION COORDINATION MANAGER

Janice Manuel-Norris

Prior to starting her professional career in 2004, Janice grew up volunteering at city run recreation Centers in Newark, NJ teaching computer skills to middle school students and adults. After deciding to attend university online, she majored in Information Technology with a minor in Networking. Janice worked for Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa for 6 years as a Coverage Manager with guest services until she moved to Tampa, Fl in 2009. Shortly after her relocation she started her IT career at Verizon Data Services Helpdesk Support where she was promoted several times.

Janice has experience in IT management, Agile project management & analysis, and customer service and support. She is working towards getting her project management certification.

Janice primarily works with our staff, supporting the team, by scheduling the work needed to be produced to meet client’s deadlines and expectations.

EDUCATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS

  • BS – Bachelor of Information Technology: Specialization in Network Administration in 2008 from American Intercontinental University, Chicago IL

SENIOR STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Diemmy Nguyen, CPA, MSA

Diemmy came to Kanter & Associates as an intern in early 2015 after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida. She quickly moved up to Accounting Clerk while finishing up her Master’s Degree in Accounting. Diemmy was promoted to Staff Accountant while working towards her CPA Licensing.

After receiving her CPA lisensure in 2019, Diemmy was promoted to Senior Staff Accountant.

Diemmy primarily works with our business clients. with the support of the team, she provides full service accounting functions as well as Federal and State Tax preparation.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATIONS

  • CPA – Ms. Nguyen is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Florida

EDUCATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS

  • BS – Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL in 2014.
  • M.S.A. – Masters of Science in Accounting from The University of Tampa, Tampa, FL in 2016.

INTERN

Michael Kanter

Prior to officially joining the firm, Michael spent the past several years in the hospitality industry. Over the years, he has helped the firm out in various temporary roles and is now pursuing a permanent career in accounting. Michael assists the professional staff and is in training to become an accounting clerk. He is also planning to enroll in HCC in the fall of 2018 to attain his accounting degree.