“I strive to be there for my clients… to help them understand how to run a healthy business and prevent possible mistakes. Whether it’s growing dollar-wise or people-wise, I start with a conversation and then help them stay on track.”
Jason Mills is a partner at Lanigan Ryan, with 19 years of experience providing public accounting services to government contractors, not-for-profit organizations, and construction contractors. His work includes audits, reviews and compilations, business and individual income tax planning and preparation, accounting, and consulting. Many of his clients are based in the DC/MD/VA region, while technology has also allowed him to expand the firm’s services nationally.
“Government contracting is a bigger niche because the region offers so many opportunities.”
Clients come to Jason and his team when they are looking for a high-level accountant whose work centers on compliance issues, especially in government contracting, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS); taxes; small-business matters; and dealings with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), which often creates a pain point for companies. While many of the guiding principles on the accounting side are driven by the federal government, every state is a little different. Jason and his team can respond to state-level concerns largely because the firm is a member of AGN International, a global organization of accounting and advisory professionals.
“Being active in groups like AGN is important to our clients and a membership that we’re very proud to have — we’re the only DC-area firm in the organization. It means we can leverage relationships around the country and around the world.”
Jason’s work also involves helping not-for-profits with budgeting and other challenging accounting issues related to industry standards and IRS compliance. To support his commitment, Jason is a member of the not-for-profit section of the American Institute of CPAs, which gives him access to the most-current resources, trends, and details about the field.
Jason’s practice is very much referral-oriented, with the firm’s AGN membership an important factor in that aspect, along with his commitment to getting things right and findings answers to clients’ concerns, no matter how long it takes, even though he’s in a deadline-driven business.
“We are responsive, which is critical. We thrive on meeting clients’ needs and expectations.”
Jason has even helped a client who was thinking about switching from over-the-counter software to a six-figure program tailored to government contracting.
“I approach things from a step-by-step perspective. Instead of just saying ‘Yes, whatever you want to do, let’s do it,’ I helped that client understand the ‘why’ and saved them from spending more than needed.”
Jason focuses on providing a personal aspect to common concerns.
“A lot of people can do financial statements and tax returns. Government contractors can put someone on the moon but aren’t always on top of managing the books for their businesses. At our firm, we aim for best-in-class ratios. I also aim to stay away from industry-heavy jargon and put things in a format that a client can relate to.”
While proud of his record as a trusted advisor, many of Jason’s relationships start with a look in the rearview mirror to understand what has led a client to their current situation.
“Our true values are helping clients succeed and thrive — the help factor is important to everyone in the firm.”
When Jason is not in the office he likes to cheer on the Nationals and any Miami Hurricanes team, enjoy the outdoors and spend time traveling with his family.
Professional Memberships
AGN International
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Not-for-Profit Section
Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum
Leadership Positions
Chair, Board of Directors, Manna Food Center
Government Contractors Committee Member, Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants
Membership Committee Member, Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum