Shay Benton, CPA
A graduate of UNC and NCSU, Shay became a North Carolina licensed CPA in 2001 and has spent the majority of her career in public accounting with a heavy emphasis in taxation. After a couple years at a Big Four accounting firm, she spent 12 years at a top national firm focusing on community banking clients throughout the Southeast. She has extensive experience in tax provisions, tax compliance and IRS audit defense. She then spent the last seven years at the AICPA dedicated to continuing education in taxation and personal financial planning. Client service is her favorite part of the accounting profession as she focuses on creating valuable relationships. She serves on a number of boards locally and has a vested interest in giving back to her community.
Ashley Whitaker, CPA
A graduate of Meredith College, Ashley started as an auditor with a national accounting firm. Client service and building trusted relationships with her clients is Ashley’s favorite part about public accounting. After 11 years as an auditor, Ashley switched her focus to education and started with the AICPA reviewing, writing, and presenting continuing education courses to CPAs. Being with the AICPA for 8 years gave Ashley invaluable perspective about the profession. Seeing a need in her area for a firm offering quality, personal service to individuals and businesses sparked the idea of Benton Whitaker LLP with Ashley’s partner Shay. Ashley relies on a well-rounded knowledge base, and passion for providing excellent service, to deliver an exceptional experience to every accounting / tax client. Ashley is a licensed certified public accountant in the State of North Carolina.