Jason Mills started his career path with the intention of becoming a meteorologist, traveling to the University of Miami for their esteemed atmospheric science program. He discovered his true calling as an accounting and finance double major when his first accounting professor pulled him aside and told him that he “really had a knack for doing accounting”, to which he replied that he “would take it under advisement”. Much to our delight, he did.
As his career has progressed from staff accountant to manager, Jason worked with not-for-profits, and construction firms but has gravitated toward the government contracting field. Now as a firm partner, he remains intrigued by the changes in the government contracting landscape with its increased competition and budget restraints, which have created an ever-growing need for contractor efficiency. Jason has immersed himself in this field, and is involved with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce GovConNet group and the Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum, recently having joined their membership committee.
He has presented on a number of topics, including “Surviving a DCAA Pre-Award Audit”, “Using Financial Information to Successfully Win Contracts”, and “Understanding the Value of Your Government Contracting Business”, and his experience includes attestation services, business tax planning and preparation, preparation of incurred cost submissions, and indirect rate development.
Additionally, he retains memberships in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum (SECAF), Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and AGN International (a global association of separate and independent accounting and advisory businesses).
When asked what advice he would give to someone starting their accounting career, Jason stated, “There’s never a dumb question. Being able to ask any question at any time, that’s important.”
Many staff members agree, Jason offers the support and advice that he too was given while rising through the ranks. “He cares about us learning the information and understanding what we are doing,” remarks Staff Accountant Emma Deininger. “He made my first tax season as easy as it could be.”
Not only does Jason actively support the culture of growth and development of the firm, both inside and outside firm walls, but he finds the interaction and collaboration with clients to be one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“When you see the light bulb go on, and that can be in any facet, but when they start to understand their business . . . and it’s things we have talked to them about.” Jason continues, “That’s a highlight from a professional standpoint to really see the growth of a client. It’s something we preach, but we actually experience it quite often and that’s pretty fun to see.”
Reminiscing on Jason’s arrival at Lanigan, Ryan, Shareholder Steve Dasher comments, “When Jason first started it was obvious that he fit the firm’s vision, values, and culture.” Steve went on to describe Jason’s tireless efforts to service clients, providing support for any and all issues they encountered.
The current leaders of the firm agree: Jason has shown true potential and growth from day one. Co-Founder and Shareholder David R. Malcolm remarks, “Public accounting requires bright, personable people who take a personal interest in our clients. Jason has shown from his first days with us that he has all of the traits that a partner needs to continue helping our clients reach their goals and prosper.”
Lanigan, Ryan is pleased to announce the elevation of new Shareholder Jason L. Mills and expects many great things to come. Co-Founder and Shareholder W. Kelly Ryan seems pleased both personally and professionally with the newest addition to the group of firm shareholders.
“I’m real excited about having an individual of Jason’s capabilities and experience, specifically with respect to working with government contractors and retirement plans coming in behind me,” Kelly Ryan relates. “He’s got the technical knowledge, but I think he’s demonstrated that the key ingredients to ultimate success [are] good communication, good problem solving skills, and initiative.”
“We are very fortunate.”
A warm welcome and huge congratulations to our very own, Jason L. Mills.
