Brett D. Schwantes, CPA

Director

Brett Schwantes has more than 25 years of experience working closely with financial institutions and is the leader of the audit and accounting committee for the financial institutions practice of Wipfli LLP and a member of Wipfli’s Accounting Standards Advisory Group. He advises clients on various unique and complex issues such as derivatives, fair value measurements of financial instruments and the new CECL accounting standard. Brett also consults with clients on the impact of new accounting standards and how best to implement them to avoid negative consequences whenever possible.

Brett shares his knowledge and understanding of current accounting trends and issues with other professionals through professional organization meetings, including FMS Finance & Accounting Forum, the National Directors and CEOs Leadership Convention, the WICPA and ICPAS Financial Institutions Conferences, the Banking CPAs annual conference, the CBAI Annual Convention and Wipfli’s annual Community Banking Forums. In addition, he has authored several articles that address new and technical accounting issues affecting the financial institution industry.

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant

Professional memberships and activities

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) - Member
Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA) - Member
WICPA Financial Institutions Conference - Past member and planning task force chair
Banking CPAs – Past member and executive committee chair

Services

Audit and Accounting

Areas of Focus

Financial institution audit and accounting services
Investment company audits and examinations
SEC, FDICIA, HUD, and other regulatory reporting
Asset/liability analysis and assistance with interest rate swaps and other risk management tools

Industries

Financial Institutions Financial Services

Education

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Bachelor of business administration degree in accounting - Graduated summa cum laude

Recent Insights

Partners, principals and associates