Full Time Staff
DENNIS AUKEMA, CPA
Dennis is the founder and owner of Aukema & Company P.C. With more than 30 years of experience, he goes beyond just crunching the numbers. Dennis helps clients gain a better understanding of their financial situation and assists clients in making both accounting and general business decisions. This advice is backed by years of experience of being a small business owner along with extensive accounting knowledge. He values building relationships with his clients and desires that each one succeeds. He is a member of the MiCPA and AICPA.
He was born in New Jersey and raised in Zeeland, MI. Before obtaining his accounting degree, Dennis worked on a farm which began his love the tractors spotted around office! After graduating from Holland Christian and later Central Michigan University, he started his accounting career at Marathon Oil Company. In 1993, he started in public accounting at Disselkoen & Company which he later purchased a portion of the business in 1998 when he formed Aukema & Company P.C.
Dennis and his wife, Julie, live in Holland and both enjoy spending time hunting, fishing, and traveling. In addition, they are actively involved members at Borculo Christian Reformed Church.
SCOTT MEYER, Accountant
Scott joined the firm in December of 2000. He holds a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from WMU. His focus at Aukema is working with businesses and nonprofits, including financial statements for review and compilation engagements.
With over two decades at Aukema & Company, Scott has developed many long-term relationships and enjoys implementing strategies to minimize taxes and improve overall business operations.
KATLYN GEETING, Accountant /Payroll Manager
Katlyn started working at Aukema & Company in 2020. She became full-time in 2021 after she graduated from Cornerstone with a bachelor’s degree in both accounting and finance. In 2023, Katlyn works primarily with payrolls and personal tax returns.
Katlyn has been married to her husband, Ryan, since October 2021. Together they enjoy fishing, golf cart rides, and any outdoor activities. When she’s not in the office, you’ll most likely find Katlyn helping on her family’s farm, Visser Farms, and most Saturdays you’ll find her working at the Waukazoo Farmers Market.
DAVID AUKEMA, Accountant
David has been around Aukema & Company his whole life. In December of 2021, he joined the full-time staff after graduating from Albion with a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a CPA emphasis. At the office, David works primarily on business tax returns and financial statements.
While attending Albion, David played on the football team from fall of 2017-fall of 2021. Now, David is a football coach for Holland Christian, where he graduated from high school. David married his high school sweetheart, Rylea, in August of 2022. When he’s not at the office or on the field, you can find David hunting, fishing, or spending time with his family.
MARK VANDERMEER, Accountant
Mark started working full time at Aukema & Company in the fall of 2024. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Master’s in Accounting in 2023. At the office, Mark primarily works on business returns and financial statements.
Mark and his wife Lisa have been married since December 2021 and are members of Borculo Christian Reformed Church.
During the summer, Mark and Lisa enjoy going up north, kayaking and spending time with family. In the winter months they enjoy playing board games and watching Christmas movies.
Part Time or Seasonal Staff
SARA BROWER, Accountant
Sara has been with Aukema & Co since 2003 when she started with us part-time through college. After graduating from Grand Valley with her bachelor’s degree in accounting, she joined the team full time in 2006. With many years of experience, Sara has mastered the personal tax side of things.
In November of 2008, Sara married her husband Ross, and they were blessed with three children: Quinn, Dominic, and Spenser. They have since expanded their family to include a four-legged friend, Gunner, a yellow lab. During the offseason, you can find her camping with her family or cheering on the Michigan Wolverines! Go Blue!
KATIE JONGEKRIJG, Accountant
Katie started working for Aukema & Company in 2005. She became full-time in 2010, after graduating from Grand Valley State University with degrees in both accounting and finance.
Katie married her high school sweetheart, John, in October of 2010. They had twins, Ellie and Liam, in March of 2019 and welcomed Mya into their family July of 2023. Katie and the family enjoy the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Katie’s primary work is on accounting and tax preparation for businesses. Katie and John are members of the Drenthe Christian Reformed Church.
BROOKE VISSER, Accountant
Brooke joined the Aukema Team in the fall of 2017 working part-time while in college. She graduated from GVSU in the fall of 2018 with a degree in accounting and started full time. Brooke works mostly on business tax returns and financials, but she takes on payrolls and any other projects that get thrown her way!
Brooke has been married to her husband, Will, since November 2019 and welcomed Jameson into their family in October of 2024. When she is not working, Brooke enjoys driving their golf cart with Jameson and their dog, Diesel!
MOLLY WIELING, Accountant
Molly began working for Aukema and Company in 2012 while attending Grand Valley State University. Though her degrees are in Legal Studies, Criminal Justice and Accounting she found herself best placed at Aukema. She came on board full time in 2017.
Molly and her husband, Justin, have been married since 2017 and welcomed Joshua into their family in January of 2023. Molly and her family attend Summit Church in West Olive.
Besides keeping the office in order, Molly primarily works on 1041 trust returns, 1040 personal returns, 1099’s, and payrolls. Molly enjoys keeping the office decorated and planning company events.
JULIE AUKEMA, Payroll Assistant
Julie married Dennis in 1996, so she has been behind the scenes with Aukema & Company since its beginning. She came on as an employee in 2011. Julie graduated from Calvin in 1992 with her degree in Criminal Justice. Julie works in our payroll department, processing payroll for clients and preparing the related tax documents.
Julie lives on the north side of Holland with Dennis since they were married. They have two sons, David & Philip. Dennis and Julie are actively involved at Borculo Christian Reformed Church where they are members. Julie loves spending time with her family, whether it is hunting, fishing, or traveling. While hunting, the question always arises: “who is the better shot?” We’ll let you guess the answer to that one. The Aukema’s family choice for vacation is Disney, where the villain characters are Julie’s preferred.
AREAL TOLSMA, Office Manager
Areal started working at Aukema & Company as the Office Manager in 2020 after graduating from Hope College with a bachelor’s degree in business. At the office, she works with scheduling, 1099s, payrolls, and any projects to keep the office running smoothly throughout the year.
In addition to working at Aukema, Areal is the Head Diving Coach for Davenport University. On the pool deck every morning, she coaches student-athletes to be their best self both in and out of the pool. Outside of season, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, traveling, or tending to her indoor and outdoor gardens. Areal attends The BLVD Church with her fiancé, Jonathan, and enjoys being a part of the worship band there.
LAUREN SCHWALLIER, Tax and Payroll Assistant
Lauren started working part-time at Aukema & Company in 2022. She is currently working towards her BA in accounting at Davenport University. At the office, Lauren primarily works on payrolls and personal tax returns.
When she’s not at work or studying, she enjoys attending concerts with her friends, vacationing with her family, and spending summer weekends at her family cottage. In the fall you will find Lauren in East Lansing cheering on the Spartans. Go Green!