Our Team

Our accounting services safeguard you and your family and optimize all your hard-earned dollars.
You've worked hard to get where you are. You deserve a firm that works hard for you.
More time to focus on new services, new customers and other core business issues.
Our services encompass nearly every aspect of financial life.

Services For Individuals

Protecting your personal assets has never been more important.

QuickBook Services

QuickBooks is the ideal business accounting software for small to mid-sized business owners.

Business Services

Are you running your business at peak performance?

Tax Services

Don't pay more in taxes than you have to!

Meet Our Staff:

Williamsburg Office:

Penelope Payne, President

Penelope is the founder of Payne & Associates, Inc. in Williamsburg and Gloucester, Virginia. She has been working in the accounting and bookkeeping industry for over 30 years. Penelope has vast experience in tax research, planning and compliance to individual, Corporation, LLC, S-Corporation and partnership tax law. During her career, she has had exposure to various industry requirements, and she works closely with her clients. She has been a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor since 1998 and supports most versions.

Since starting her business in 1998, she has served over 1500 clients across the country. Surpassing client expectations, Penelope offers comprehensive tailored approach to each one of her clients. Training and troubleshooting QuickBooks problems is her specialty. Her expertise comes from her many years of working with QuickBooks and the diverse companies she has had the pleasure to assist.

In addition to her Certification as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Penelope earned her Accounting Degree from the University of Texas. Penelope is a member of the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, Gloucester Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Accountant Society, York County Chamber, National Society of Enrolled Agents, and National Society of Accountants.

Penelope is involved in many community organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Literacy for Life, Dancing with the Williamsburg Stars, Angels of Mercy, Waterman’s Museum, and BikeWalk Virginia.

Tina Godwin, Enrolled Agent

Tina joined the Payne and Associates team in August 2001. She has had wonderful client interactions over the years with her job entailing on-site and in-house bookkeeping and payroll. Tina is extremely technically savvy in her ability to set up computers and link additional programs to QuickBooks for seamless accounting. With her diverse background in accounting, Tina has a unique ability to assess the needs of small businesses. Utilizing her powerful understanding of Microsoft Excel, she is able to generate simple or complex detailed reports from QuickBooks for key analysis and business decisions. Tina is skilled in both corporate and individual tax preparation. With her exceptional tax knowledge, Tina is able to recommend how to maximize deductions for business and individual tax returns. Tina is a member of the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents as well as the Accountants Society of Virginia.

Monica Harris, Enrolled Agent

Monica joined the Payne & Associates team in 2014. She recently finished her Associates Degree of Applied Science in Accounting and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting. In September 2017 she earned her Enrolled Agent Certification license in small business bookkeeping as well as individual income taxes. She is also a QuickBooks Pro Advisor.

She has 4+ years of experience in small business bookkeeping as well as individual income taxes and corporate taxes. Monica is responsible for in-house payrolls and bookkeeping for local businesses.

Shelby Dillon

Shelby started working in the accounting field with QuickBooks over 25 years ago. This included times of self-employment and working as an employee with local small businesses. Her scope of work would include all bookkeeping duties and preparing individual tax returns on an as needed basis. She joined Payne & Associates in 2013 after completing her Bachelor's Degree at Old Dominion University and spending time as a realtor in Hampton Roads.

Mary Jurasek

Mary has been with Payne & Associates since 2005. Her primary background has been in construction, businesses, and non-profits. Other services include QuickBooks Training and Support, Payroll, and IRS and State conflict resolution. She is also a notary.

Melissa Wall

Melissa has been with Payne & Associates since 2013. She does bookkeeping, QuickBooks, and payroll. She is currently working on her Associates Degree from Thomas Nelson Community College. When she has spare time, she enjoys fishing and doing cross stitch.

Patty Quesenberry

Patty Quesenberry came full time to Payne and Associates in September 2011 after several years working part time during tax season. She trained under Penelope in QuickBooks bookkeeping for retail and nonprofits. With a Bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech, she has worked bookkeeping in her own business as well as many years in the nonprofit realm. Patty is currently staffing the reception and general office manager position in the Williamsburg office. She is also a notary.

Deborah Dunn

Debbi joined Payne & Associates in late 2018. Currently, she services our front office by providing excellent customer service from her many years in the hospitality industry. She also provides excellent communication, marketing, QuickBooks knowledge and countless other skills for our Williamsburg office.

She has been very active in the Williamsburg community as a volunteer and by participating in various fundraising efforts for both children and cancer research. She has two Bachelor of Science degrees. After 25 years in the hospitality industry and living around the United States and Canada, Debbi moved from Maui to settle in Williamsburg to be with her Son and his family.

Layton, Utah Office:

Candace Lerman

Candace Lerman has been with Payne & Associates since 2005. A tax preparer with over 25 years experience, Candace specializes in military, multi-state and small business tax returns. Working with clients all over the United States, Candace is now accepting new clients at her office near Hill AFB in Layton, Utah. Candace can be reached by phone at (801) 388-6351 or email at clerman @paynassoc.com.

Gloucester Office:

Tori Bruch

Tori joined Payne and Associates in December of 2018. Tori will provide services at our Gloucester location.

Tori has an Associate degree in Accounting and has worked within the field for 24 years. She has worked with an import company, construction and manufacturing company, as well as other CPA firms. For the last 4 years Tori has worked specifically with QuickBooks. Tori is also notary.

Marketing:

Martha Payne & Nanette Opperman

Martha provides marketing services for Payne & Associates. After graduating from Texas Tech with her Bachelor's Degree in Science, she set out on a lifetime of travel. Martha loves the atmosphere and people of the Williamsburg area.

Nanette joined our marketing team this summer. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy. She will be working with our online division of marketing.