About Strategic Tax & Accounting Group

Jeff Rutherford

Greetings! I am very excited and honored for the opportunity to meet and work with you. I will provide you with expert level and proactive small business bookkeeping, tax (Individual and Entity), and accounting services.

The #1 thing I enjoy about my job is helping my clients meet their goals. I have assembled a small team of professionals to help provide you with the expertise and services that you need.

A little bit about me - I grew up in Davis California and my roots are in Northern California. I am a former United States Air Force Officer, and have 18 years of experience in public accounting and 2 years in wealth management as a CFO/Tax Director and in commercial real estate as a Controller.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from CSU, Chico, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of Maryland and a Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems Management from Webster University.

I am currently pursuing my DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), with an emphasis in Advanced Accounting, from North Central University.

I am an Enrolled Agent (EA), which means that I am certified nationally by the United States Treasury to represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service. EA’s are recognized as in-depth tax experts across the country. I have 2 very smart and athletic fraternal twin 17-year-old boys.

In my free time I enjoy watching my boys play basketball and baseball. I like to go hunting, fishing, golfing, hiking, camping, travel and weight training at the gym.

I am also a member of the Yurok Indian Tribe. My mom is from Humboldt County and my dad is from St Helena.  My wife Shannon is from Novato.

Once again, I look forward to meeting you, providing you a valuable service, and being a part of your financial wellness team!

Shannon Rutherford

Executive Director

Shannon has over 30 years of customer service experience including accounts payables, primarily in the automotive services industry. She grew up in Marin County and graduated from San Rafael High School. She is currently continuing her studies in accounting. Shannon is a valuable STAG team member and is an asset in client service delivery, quality and timeliness.

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Shannon has 2 x adult boys that live and work in the Sacramento area. She enjoys being outdoors, her fitness, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Carter, CPA

Jennifer began her career working for Deloitte & Touche, performing audit/assurance services and software quality assurance consulting out of the firm's Sacramento, San Francisco and London offices. After she and her husband purchased a small veterinary hospital in Petaluma, she spent the next 20 years managing and growing that business until its sale in 2022. She also co-owns and manages a second thriving veterinary hospital in Windsor, CA. Jennifer is now excited to utilize the many skills she gained from both her big-firm experience and small-business ownership to help other small business owners navigate the challenges of ownership and to help them achieve their own and their businesses' goals. An active Rotarian with Petaluma Valley Rotary, she currently lives in Petaluma with her husband Matt and twin daughters, plus a myriad of furry family members.

Tara Thompson

Shareholder

Tara has over 15 years of experience in the accounting field with extensive work with nonprofits, the healthcare industry and small businesses.

She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and received her Master’s in Accounting degree from Liberty University.

Tara is well versed with General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)and is an expert in helping clients keep perfect accounting records with bookkeeping, accounting services, audit support, financial statements, payroll, account reconciliations, and internal controls.

In her free time, Tara enjoys reading and activities with her family.