Chris Holman welcomes Matt Latham, CPA, Principal, CEPA, Maner Costerisan, Lansing, MI.

Watch Matt and Chris discuss the new designation, what he does, Maner Costerisan's service lines, challenges for businesses in the recent tax season, and how the CEPA role is special, in the YouTube video shared below:

For their conversation the topic was Maner Costerisan’s Matt Latham earns Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation.

CHRIS HOLMAN INTRO: My guest today is Matt Latham, CPA and principal in Maner Costerisan’s tax department. Maner is a full-service business consulting, wealth management, technology, and public accounting firm located in Lansing, with an additional Grand Rapids office. Matt recently earned the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor or CEPA designation from the Exit Planning Institute, which is a huge achievement and will benefit Maner’s clients.
CHRIS HOLMAN: First, tell me just how excited you are that tax season is finally behind us and that you can finally have time to relax a bit. (Laughs). Okay. In all seriousness, tell me briefly about the CEPA designation you recently earned, what it means to you personally, and how it will benefit Maner’s clients.
MATT LATHAM:
· First, earning this credential is a significant professional achievement and one for which I worked extremely hard. To obtain the CEPA designation and be among the elite group of business advisors worldwide who have earned the distinction, you must complete an intensive five-day educational program involving 100 hours of pre-course study, 30 hours of classroom instruction, and a three-hour, closed-book proctored exam.
· The CEPA credential showcases my proven expertise in master planning and exit strategy.
· More importantly, it will allow me to guide our clients through the strategic exit planning process and ensure their financial futures and goals are secure.
CHRIS HOLMAN: There continues to be much chatter in the media and even in the day-to-day about how so many people—we’re talking millions here—are set to retire soon and what a drastic shift and disruption that will create. How does this type of credential allow you to help people navigate that unprecedented situation?
MATT LATHAM:
· I’m so glad you asked that question because it does relate to the value-add of this CEPA designation.
· ·According to the Alliance for Lifetime Income, an estimated 4.1 million Americans are set to retire annually through 2027.
· ·To break that down further and provide context, that equates to roughly 11,200 people retiring DAILY vs. 10,000 retirements over a decade in the past.
· ·Therefore, all those looking to retire will need the help of a trusted advisor to help them navigate and truly understand the issues and complexities surrounding their personal and professional situations.
· My job and this credential, in a nutshell, is to eliminate the fear of the unknown and ensure clients facing this next stage in life are set up for success.
CHRIS HOLMAN; So Matt you look well rested after a busy tax season, tell me about the challenges you and businesses experienced this year?...
CHRIS HOLMAN: Wow, that is incredible, both in terms of the number of retirees coming down the pike and your unique ability to help them navigate it all. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
MATT LATHAM:
· Yes, thank you! I am incredibly grateful that I can work at Maner and that they are committed to my success and investing in my career and future so that I can help serve our clients better and more effectively. 
· Also, if you’re looking for a trusted advisor or a resource on any complex exit planning issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at Maner Costerisan.

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At the time of the announcement Maner Costerisan also shared a press release on the occasion.

Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation provides expertise on complex exit strategy plans 

LANSING, Mich. – Maner Costerisan is proud to announce Matt Latham, CPA, principal, has earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation from the Exit Planning Institute. Attainment of this prestigious credential means Latham has proven expertise in master planning and exit strategy that will allow him to be a trusted advisor and resource on complex, cutting-edge exit planning issues. 

“Matt has always been very passionate about helping his clients secure the maximum value for their business,” said Trey Williams, CPA, president, Maner Costerisan. “With this certification, Matt further equips himself and our firm with the expertise necessary to guide our clients through the strategic exit planning process, ensuring their financial futures are secure and their goals are met.”

Latham has joined an elite international group of business advisors who have earned the prestigious credential after he completed a rigorous and intensive five-day educational program that involved approximately 100 hours of pre-course study, 30 hours of classroom instruction, and a three-hour, closed book proctored exam.

“I’m excited about the value this designation will bring our firm and clients,” expressed Latham. “It’s a significant professional achievement for me, but more importantly, the knowledge I’ve gathered through this program equips the firm to better serve business owners in need of support and guidance building a strategic exit strategy.”

To qualify for the training, Latham was required to have an undergraduate degree and five years of experience working directly with business owners as a financial advisor, CPA, or in a related capacity. 

Latham has nearly 20 years of public accounting experience and joined Maner's principal group in 2021. He provides tax consulting and support to the firm's affordable housing, construction, manufacturing, and small and midsize business clients. 

A resident of Okemos, Michigan, Latham is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. He also regularly authors thought leadership pieces for Maner's website and presents webinars regarding tax legislation and compliance-related changes. 

About Maner Costerisan
Maner Costerisan is an award-winning and nationally recognized full-service public accounting, technology, wealth management, and business consulting firm with offices in Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan. With over 100 years of experience, the firm employs more than 180 professionals. Maner is the sixth-largest accounting firm headquartered in Michigan based on annual revenue. In 2023, Maner Costerisan was named one of the top 50 Best of the Best Firms by INSIDE Public Accounting and a Top Firm to Watch nationwide by Accounting Today. Maner also continues to be acknowledged for its positive and inclusive work culture as it consistently is named a ‘Top Firm to Work For’ by Accounting Today and was recognized as one of the 2023 ‘Best Firms for Young Accountants’ by Accounting Today in addition to being named to the 'Best Places to Work in Southeast Michigan' list by Crain's Detroit Business. For information about Maner Costerisan, visit manercpa.com or call 517.323.7500.

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Photo caption Maner Costerisan’s Matt Latham