About Next Peak CPA

Next Peak CPA exists to provide exceptional accounting and tax solutions so that our clients are empowered to focus on their families and God-given talents.

Our Mission

Community

Our tribe is reliable and committed to excellence, which creates loyalty both internally and externally. Our impact goes outside of our building, both in our primary services and in our intentional giving.

Compassion

People are the point. In our interactions with each other and the community, we demonstrate patience, kindness, and clarity, while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Best Self

A commitment to personal and professional growth makes the world around us better. We embrace the pursuit of who we were designed to be through consistent habits, understanding that who we become is dependent on the choices we make daily.

Clint Herndon, CPA, CFE

President

Clint is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in both California and Hawai‘i, and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) with over eleven years of law enforcement experience and over fifteen years in the accounting field. His time in law enforcement helped him to understand how important a few minutes of listening can be to someone in any walk of life. Clint has translated that into building an accounting and consulting firm that focuses on the idea of helping clients reach their “next peak.”

  • Through his experience in law enforcement, Clint learned to trace money that people didn’t want found. He also got extremely comfortable testifying in court, often being called upon to testify as an expert both in State and Federal court. Clint has translated his law enforcement and accounting experience into investigating cases that have included embezzlement, fraud, construction disputes, partnership disputes, trust litigation, and clarifying actual income from businesses.

    An avid outdoorsman, health nut, and family guy, Clint stays active year-round… yes even during tax season!

  • By working under a phenomenally gifted and vastly experienced CPA, Clint learned the intricacies of small business accounting and how to think long-term when it comes to tax strategy. He has extensive experience preparing tax returns for partnerships, S Corps, complex individuals, and non-profits.

    Clint learned about Dave Ramsey and his approach to finances in 2011. He has since read several Ramsey books, attended live events, and along with his wife, taught several Financial Peace University classes.

    He has served on three non-profit boards, the 10-33 Foundation, Orangevale Food Bank, and Northern California Fraud Investigators Association. He has helped create internal control structures for non-profits, churches, and for-profit businesses. Clint’s passion is to see people succeed, personally and professionally.

  • Clint always loved solving problems and wanted to put his desire to serve into action by pursuing a career in law enforcement. He was a police officer with the Roseville Police Department for seven years, with assignments in Patrol, Detectives, Field Training, Recruiting, and SWAT. Clint also worked for the California Department of Insurance for four years in the roles of Fraud Investigator and Sergeant.

    Through his experience in law enforcement, Clint learned to trace money that people didn’t want found. He also got extremely comfortable testifying in court, often being called upon to testify as an expert both in State and Federal court.

    Clint has translated his law enforcement and accounting experience into investigating cases that have included embezzlement, fraud, construction disputes, partnership disputes, trust litigation, and clarifying actual income from businesses.

Paula Beck, CPA

Tax Manager

Paula Beck is a Tax Manager with 20 years of accounting experience, including the past five years in public accounting. She specializes in tax planning, advisory services, and small business accounting, helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. A member of CalCPA, Paula brings a well-rounded perspective to her work, combining technical expertise with a strong commitment to client service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus on piano accompanying and earned her Accounting Certificate from UC Berkeley. Outside the office, Paula enjoys camping and hiking with her husband and their adventurous dog.

Melissa Jacobs, EA

Tax Manager

With over 25 years of public accounting experience, Melissa specializes in tax preparation and optimizing individual and small business tax strategies. She is an Enrolled Agent (EA) which allows her to “go to bat” on her clients’ behalf with the IRS and other government agencies. She is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP). She is also a skilled accountant who can assist clients to seamlessly integrate their financial information into their tax returns. When Melissa needs to unwind, you can find her practicing yoga, exploring Tahoe with friends, or spending as much quality time as she can with her 2 adult children.

Sohrab Gill, CPA

Senior Accountant

Almost a decade ago, Sohrab’s passion for accounting allowed him to immigrate to the United States to complete a Master’s degree in Accounting at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. 

Sohrab started studying for his CPA during the COVID-19 lockdown and landed his first public accounting job in Tax at Clifton Larson Allen LLP.  After relocating to the Sacramento area, he joined KPMG as an experienced Tax Associate and worked there for two years. Apart from work, he likes to do outdoor activities like hiking, camping, biking, and even some water rafting. Sohrab also enjoys catching up on Netflix shows and reading in winter. 

Amanda Divers

Office Manager

Amanda is a seasoned administrative professional from El Dorado Hills, boasting a decade of experience in the field, including a background in insurance. For the past two years, she has been a vital part of the team at Next Peak CPA as Office Manager, where her organizational skills and attention to detail have streamlined operations and enhanced client relationships. In addition to her professional commitments, Amanda serves as a board member for her local little league, passionately supporting youth sports. When she’s not juggling projects or volunteering, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her husband, two energetic boys, and their new puppy. Whether traveling, engaging in water sports, or simply soaking up nature, Amanda embodies a vibrant balance of work and family life.

Susanna Hadley

Staff Accountant

Susanna Hadley is a Staff Accountant at Next Peak CPA, specializing in tax returns, monthly financials, payroll, and client communication. A 2022 graduate of Arizona State University, she joined the firm shortly after earning her degree and is currently pursuing her CPA license.

Known for her attention to detail and dedication to growth, Susanna excels in collaborative settings and delivers accurate, timely service.

Outside of work, she enjoys time with her dog, Toro, and her family in Lake Tahoe—hiking, swimming, and cooking meals inspired by her Italian roots.

Diane Buller

Staff Accountant

Diane earned her BS in Management of Information Systems and pursued her career as a software programmer. After raising her family, she moved her focus from IT to accounting. Alongside building her accounting knowledge, Diane operated a small lien sale business and a cookie business. As a previous business owner, she understands the importance of maximizing deductible expenses. She’s committed to providing consistent, methodical, and detailed-oriented services to our clients while developing her client relationships.

Diane has earned her QuickBooks Online Bookkeeping and ProAdviser certificates. She enjoys baking, spending time with her family, and walking or hiking with her yorkie, Esther.

  • Accounting Manager

  • Administrative Assistant