Our people

Chris Tikvart has more than 25 years of experience in public accounting. He joined Neal, Bradsher & Taylor immediately after graduating from North Carolina State University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. Chris has been a principal with the firm since 2000.

Since joining the firm, Chris has gained a significant amount of experience helping small businesses and individual clients. He really enjoys developing long-term relationships and helping clients achieve their goals. Chris also has experience with fiduciary and trust tax return preparation.

Chris has served on several local boards including Capital Area Soccer League and the Philippine American Association of North Carolina.

Chris has been married to his college sweetheart and best friend, Rose, for over 25 years. They have two kids, Kelsey and CJ. When not at work, Chris loves following NCSU sports and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Institute of CPAs
• NC Association of CPAs
• National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts

Tim has over 20 years of experience in public accounting, concentrating in the area of taxation. He joined the firm in May, 1994 and became a partner in January, 2004.

Tim was born in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Raleigh in 1983 at the age of thirteen. He attended West Millbrook Middle School and Millbrook High School locally. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting. He currently resides in Raleigh with his wife and two daughters.

Tim has worked with clients in industries including construction, service businesses, and nonprofit organizations. He has experience in individual tax planning, compilation, reviews, and audits of closely held businesses and nonprofit organizations, and business related consulting pertaining to accounting software and bookkeeping.

In his free time, he enjoys swimming, playing cards, and Wolfpack sports.

Education and Professional Affiliations:

• Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Conferred 1993 from NCSU
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants

Shayne re-joined Neal, Bradsher & Taylor, P.A. in 2011 after being employed with the firm previously and became a partner in January 2015. Shayne is a 1992 graduate of North Carolina State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile and Apparel Management. After graduation Shayne joined the textile industry where he worked for a well-respected, family owned textile company in Burlington, NC. Shayne worked in several capacities which exposed him to the full business and accounting cycle of the manufacturing process. After almost 10 years in the textile industry Shayne returned to NCSU to acquire the necessary classes to qualify to sit for the CPA exam and to ultimately become a CPA in 2007. He has worked both in private industry as well as public accounting since earning his CPA certificate. His wide range of experience brings a unique perspective to the firm and its clients. In 2013, Shayne also became a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Shayne works with all types of clients at the firm and enjoys developing relationships with existing and new clients to help them make sound financial decisions regarding their personal and/or business tax issues. He likes to be a resource for clients to rely on when needed. He also works on several non-profit audits each year and participates in forensic accounting engagements when they arise.

Shayne is a native of the Raleigh area and he and his wife, Debra, live in Raleigh with their son Daniel. He serves as Treasurer of his church and volunteers in other areas as well. He enjoys golf, hunting, following NC State sports and spending time with his family and their three beagles.

He is a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Michael is a 2003 graduate of the Appalachian State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and became a CPA in 2005. Since graduation he has gained valuable experience working for the State of N.C Auditors Office and other local and regional CPA firms.

Michael joined the firm in 2008 and manages most of the firm's audit engagements. In addition to audits he performs compilations, reviews, and bookkeeping services. He also prepares corporate, partnership, and individual income tax returns.

Michael resides in Apex with his wife, Erin and daughter, Madison. He enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants

James (Jim) Neal is a 1963 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He began his accounting career with a large national firm dealing in both audit and income tax services. He founded the current firm in 1968. In addition to his CPA certificate, Jim holds the professional designations of Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Valuation Analyst.

His involvement with the Firm has led to extensive experience in the fields of income taxation, fraud investigations and litigation support. He has developed a very in-depth understanding of many industries to include construction, professions, real estate, retail sales, wholesale sales and the unique problems associated with closely held businesses. He has spent over 35 years serving as an expert witness in various litigation proceedings including issues involving fraud and business entity valuations. He has authored numerous professional articles and lectured to many professional and public groups on issues involving income taxes, income tax audits, fraud and business valuations.

Jim is a member of the following professional organizations, many of which he has served as a director, officer, committee chairman or committee member:

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants
• National Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
• National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts
• Institute of Business Appraisers
• Institute of Management Accountants
• American Arbitration Association
• National Association of Security Dealers Arbitration Panel

Joe Sullivan attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas where he received his Bachelors of Arts in Accounting graduating cum laude and with honors in accounting in 2008. In 2009 he received his Masters in Accounting from Hendrix College. During his studies Joe received the Frank Dicken McAlister, E.W. Martin Memorial, & Eloise W. Raymond awards signifying excellence in the field of accounting.

Joe joined Neal, Bradsher & Taylor, P.A. in 2014 after beginning his professional career in Nashville, Tennessee working for a local public accounting firm. While at the firm he worked on a comprehensive his CPA license in 2011.

Joe and his wife, Chelsea, live in Chapel Hill. Joe enjoys reading and ice skating.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Institue of Certified Public Accountants
• North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants

Angela joined Neal, Bradsher & Taylor, P.A. in 2015 and serves as the office manager of the Durham location. Her extensive administrative background spans over 25 years primarily in the accounting and financial industries. Prior to joining Neal, Bradsher & Taylor, P.A., she worked with a large independent accounting and management consulting firm as an administrative supervisor for 16 years.

Angela is a Durham native and enjoys spending time with her family and friends and staying active in her community.