Ketel Thorstenson, LLP announces the addition of new Tax Director, Tom Alvarez, CPA, in the firm’s Rapid City office. Alvarez recently moved to the Rapid City area with his wife and son and is excited to be closer to family.

With the addition of Alvarez, Ketel Thorstenson and its clients will have access to over 30 years of private sector and public accounting firm tax experience. “By combining my extensive client service strategic tax planning experience and Ketel Thorstenson’s powerful platform,” says Tom. “I plan to provide our clients with service that is nothing short of excellent!”

Prior to joining Ketel Thorstenson, Tom began his career at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, staying several years as a Senior Tax Manager. He then worked more than 30 years as a tax advisor, including serving in the private sector as a Tax Director for an international enterprise headquartered in the U.S.

Tom has extensive experience in strategic planning and research for closely held businesses including partnerships, S-Corporations and C-Corporations in a wide-variety of industries and many with operations in foreign jurisdictions.  He also has extensive experience assisting high-net worth individuals with their tax planning and compliance requirements and has been published in several major tax journals.

His private sector experience provides Tom with a different perspective than someone working solely for an accounting firm. “I served for several years on the client side with the responsibility of hiring outside tax advisors,” he explains. “This has heightened my awareness of how to better serve my clients. I view things from my client’s perspective.”

After moving to the Black Hills, joining Ketel Thorstenson wasn’t a given to Alvarez. Like any good accountant, he analyzed everything he could before making a decision. “Of all the firms I looked at as far as client service, talent, and a culture of giving back to the community, Ketel Thorstenson rose to the top,” says Tom. “My research was spot on, not to mention they treat everyone who works here as family.”

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Business Taxation degree from the University of Southern California. He is a licensed CPA in California, Indiana, North Dakota and South Dakota, and a longtime member of the American Institute of CPAs Tax Division.

When he’s not at work, you can find Tom helping at his church, finding new hiking trails with his family, and helping his son with Boy Scouts.