Cheri L. Walker
CPA
Managing Principal
Cheri Walker joined ARB in 1987. She was the first female to become a principal with the firm and has served as its Managing Principal since 2006. Cheri’s public accounting career focus is in providing financial accounting, income tax planning, and business advisory services to automotive dealerships, credit unions, employee benefit plans, and closely held businesses, including those with family dynamics.
Education and Designations
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bentley College
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Personal
Cheri resides in Falmouth, Maine. She has a son attending college in Maine and a daughter attending college in Massachusetts. She enjoys golfing, skiing, traveling with her kids, and is passionate about anything chocolate.
Community Involvement
- Board of Trustees, University of New England
- Student Advisor, sponsor, and an active supporter, Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute
- Board of Directors, Finance Authority of Maine
- Annual Campaign Cabinet Member, United Way of Greater Portland
- Past Treasurer, Falmouth Football Boosters
Specialties
In serving some of northern New England’s largest auto dealership groups, Cheri routinely provides financial statement, tax preparation, and advisory services, including guidance on dealership systems, acquisitions and dispositions of dealerships, as well as succession planning. Cheri has significant experience assisting auto dealerships in navigating manufacturer compliance issues, owner transitions, and other industry-specific challenges.
Leadership
As the Managing Principal, Cheri oversees firm operations, promotes firm initiatives, and upholds the ARB mission, core principles, and values. She is a proven leader, active community member, and a winner of the 2016 MECPA Women to Watch Award. Cheri places high value on staff development and is committed to coaching staff on setting and achieving career advancement goals. In addition, she regularly mentors high school students interested in pursuing a career in public accounting.
Under Cheri’s leadership, the firm has achieved continuous growth and improved profitability. She strives for the firm to attain industry accepted best practices and continually looks for ways to improve the firm’s performance, its client service, and its commitment to its employees. During her tenure as Managing Principal, the firm has implemented technologies that support improved workflow and document management, formed the Wellness Committee and Community Committee, installed ergonomically adaptable work stations, and supported flexible work schedules with the ability to work remotely. ARB has achieved recognition as one of Maine’s Best Places to Work for seven consecutive years.
Professional Associations
