Meet Our Team
We specialize in providing quality accounting services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and Government Contractors that only a CPA firm is entrusted to perform.
Cheryl Jefferson Cooke, CPA|CFF, CFE
President/Principal
Cheryl Jefferson Cooke is Principal of Cheryl Jefferson & Associates, LLC. She specializes in the areas of government contract accounting, forensic accounting, litigation support, financial statements, internal control, and small business advisory.
Amanda E. Dunning
Accounting Associate
Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting – Washington State University
Personal:
In a fascinating twist of career paths, Amanda has transitioned from the world of bioengineering to the dynamic field of accounting. Initially pursuing a major in bioengineering, Amanda was drawn to the intricate science behind biological systems and the innovative technologies designed to improve healthcare. However, a deep-seated passion for numbers and a keen analytical mind led to a pivot towards accounting after taking an accounting course for fun in college. Currently, Amanda is diligently working towards becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The meticulous nature of accounting and the opportunity to help individuals and businesses navigate her financial landscapes align perfectly with Amanda’s strengths and ambitions. In an alternate universe, Amanda would have embraced a different dream: rising through the ranks to become a top-level equestrian.
Christy L. Gonzalez
Firm Administrator – Client Relations Specialist
Christy has over 15 years of experience working in Executive Administrations, Client Care, HR and Marketing.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Florida Atlantic University
Personal:
Christy has extensive experience in client care and prides herself on the relationships she has built in her professional career. Not only is she a people person, but she loves marketing and all the fascinating things you learn along the way in our ever-changing world. In her free time, she enjoys bonding with her family and soaking up the beautiful Florida weather… sunscreen in hand.
Cheryl Jefferson Cooke, CPA|CFF, CFE
President/Principal
Cheryl Jefferson Cooke is Principal of Cheryl Jefferson & Associates, LLC. She specializes in the areas of government contract accounting, forensic accounting, litigation support, financial statements, internal control, and small business advisory.
Cheryl has 20+ years of experience working with small businesses consisting of 1 to 150 employees with revenue upward of $24 million. Her background ranges from public accounting to internal CFO functions. She has provided financial statement audits, compilations, and reviews; consulted with business owners for finance staff recruiting, budgets, projections, growth plans, staff training, and financial analysis. She has guided companies in all financial areas of government contract accounting including accounting system setup, policies and procedures, incurred cost submission, claimed cost analysis and indirect cost rate agreements. Cheryl also assists in compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Defense Contract Audit Agency (CDAA), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
She has supported small businesses with services ranging from basic accounting needs to strategic finance and due diligence. Her skills allow her to communicate with all levels of an organization, making her a trusted advisor and sounding board for major business decisions, including legal matters involving accounting and tax compliance issues. Regardless of the complexity of the engagement, she has always been able to convey information in meaningful terms, evaluating and offering recommendations to business stakeholders for future improvement and success.
Cheryl is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Maryland, Florida, and the District of Columbia, Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). She is a current member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Cheryl holds a master’s degree in financial management.
Cheryl has served as Treasurer on the boards of the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County and National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Baltimore Chapter. She also served as a member of Maryland’s Association of CPA’s (MACPA) Technology Committee.