Who we are

Paul A. Willis, CPA, CMA, MBA

Prior to his ownership of Willis Nichols PSC Paul had over twenty years of broad, international experience in a wide variety of industries and disciplines. Paul has in-depth expertise in project finance issues, contracts, project and software revenue recognition issues, generally accepted accounting principles (US and international), accounting policy, planning, forecasting and mergers and acquisitions accounting and due diligence. Paul is committed to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism and is known for his ability to foresee and identify key trends impacting the success of each business’s operations.

Paul is licensed as a CPA in Minnesota and Texas as well as being certified as a CMA. He received his MBA in Finance and International Business in Leuven, Belgium at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and his BBA in Accounting from Abilene Christian University.

Michael J. Nichols, CPA

Mike Nichols is a tax expert in all matters related to individuals and small businesses and specializes in tax research. Mike is a Minnesota native who graduated from Minneapolis Business College. Mike worked at a local public accounting firm for several years before establishing his own practice in 1974. A Certified Public Accountant since 1971, Mike has grown his practice into a large sole practitioner firm which is joined now with Willis Koppy Inc to form Willis Nichols PSC. As a man of high ethics and great moral character, the firm is proud to have Mike at the center of our tax services. Mike is also on the board of Pushpa, a local non-profit, and is an avid reader and golfer.

Heidi R. Schmitz, CPA, CFP

Heidi Schmitz is a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Financial Planner. Heidi received an Accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and worked in public accounting for five years after college before moving into the financial planning industry. As a CPA and a CFP she began a successful tax department for a local financial planning firm. **Heidi has been with Michael J. Nichols, Ltd. for several years now and is a brilliant tax preparer and, though with us part-time, she is integral to our business. Heidi enjoys golf, sewing, volunteering at her children’s school and an active lifestyle in her free time.

Nancy Marian, CPA

Nancy works for us as an independent contractor through Marian Tax & Accounting.

We are happy to welcome Nancy Marian into the Burnsville office. Nancy is a Burnsville resident and a trusted professional who can handle your personal and professional tax and accounting needs. Nancy began her career with Arthur Anderson & Co.’s Chicago office in 1984. After gaining experience in the healthcare, manufacturing and retail industries, she joined Rockford Health System as Budget and Internal Audit Manager. In 2005, she returned to public accounting specializing in tax preparation for both individuals and small business clients. Nancy graduated from the University of North Dakota with a BSBA in Accounting and a minor in Communications in 1983 and obtained her CPA in 1984. Nancy is actively involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Twin Cities affiliate serving as Media Representative and is passionate about advancing research to fight pancreatic cancer.

Kathleen C. "Camille" Willis

Camille has 15 years of experience in various forms of office management including managing the office for Willis Nichols PSC and several other Twin Cities businesses. Camille was Accounting Supervisor for both a law firm and a Big 4 accounting firm in Boston, MA.

Camille is knowledgeable in Quickbooks, business and personal income tax filings, payroll and payroll tax filings, construction company insurance compliance, subcontractor contract maintenance, bookkeeping and general office management. Camille has served clients in a variety of industries.

Camille holds a BBA in Accounting from Abilene Christian University.

Rita Geehan
Small Business Specialist

Rita Geehan joined the firm at the end of 2010. As a QuickBooks Pro Advisor and payroll and small business expert, Rita allows us to offer more services to more clients. With 27 years of accounting including experience in financial reporting, tax preparation and all areas of payroll, Rita can help any small business with all their bookkeeping needs. Rita received a business degree from St. Cloud State University. Rita is a great addition to Willis Nichols PSC and is a serious, thorough and extremely competent accountant.

Audra Bird, RAP

Audra Bird is a Registered Accounting Practitioner and, as an accountant, supports both our small business needs and tax preparation. Audra is detail oriented and very accurate in all her work. She attended Anoka-Ramsey Community College and has continued her education to maintain her licensure. Audra enjoys time with her family, cooking and is an avid camper.

Janelle Haynes

Janelle Haynes is the face of Willis Nichols PSC in Blaine. She is an exceptional receptionist and office facilitator and handles all administrative needs precisely and promptly. Customers look forward to seeing Janelle and know that they can count on her to follow through on their requests. Janelle attended Cambridge Community College and has been with Michael J. Nichols, Ltd. for several years. In her free time Janelle repurposes old collectibles and loves gardening.

Jennifer Frazho
Business Development Manager

Jennifer joined Willis Nichols PSC in our Burnsville location in the fall of 2011. Jennifer provides marketing strategies, human resource support and other essentials for clients while managing our office in Burnsville. Jennifer is originally from Omaha Nebraska and graduated with honors from The University of Bellevue at Nebraska with a Bachelors Degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Communications.

The administrative experience Jennifer brings to the table is the culmination of over 20 years experience working in a wide variety of office settings. Her education and overall work experience make her an ideal fit for Willis Nichols PSC, as well as for our clients. Jennifer also loves to spend time with her two children, go bicycling, and travel.