Cheri Hughes, EA
Founder
Cheri’s entrepreneurial spirit took her in a new direction when she opened Forward Focus Accounting in 2017. Prior to this, she founded and led Ohio State Bookkeeping for 7 years. Cheri has worked in the industry for over 15 years. She founded Forward Focus Accounting with a single mission: To help her clients understand their financial story by crafting a plan to help them keep more of their earnings.
Her expertise allows her to know exactly how your payroll services will affect both your business and personal tax return. Her experience as both a bookkeeper and tax preparer, allows her to properly set up your account. Cheri can assist you with tax related questions and can also explain any Federal, State, and Local tax codes to you.
In addition to her accounting background, Cheri is an Enrolled Agent, (EA). This means that she has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service in the case of an audit or other issues. Enrolled Agents, like attorneys and CPAs, are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.
Cheri attended The Ohio State University and Franklin University and has also trained in mediation at Capital University.
Cheri enjoys spending her free time with her daughter and granddaughter, Charlie. She also loves a good game of Wii Golf.
Geoff Zeller
Managing Partner
Over a 15 year career, Geoff has a diverse background in several areas of business. He joined Forward Focus Accounting in early 2018 and became a partner in 2019. Earlier in his career, Geoff worked in client services, investment accounting, and digital marketing within the financial services industry. He then started his own digital marketing firm before teaming up with Cheri at Forward Focus. He is currently studying to take the Enrolled Agent, (EA) examination.
His education includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Notre Dame, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Finance, from The Ohio State University. He also holds the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation from the Global Association of Risk Professionals.
Outside of the office, Geoff enjoys spending time with his wife and two children; Andrew who is 7, and Zofia who is 5. He loves to be outdoors and enjoys running, hiking, camping, and projects around the house. Another major hobby of his is investment analysis and trading.
Natalie Stellini
Lead Accountant / General Partner
Natalie brings to Forward Focus Accounting an extensive background of accounting experience. She began her career in the public sector, where the majority of her work was focused on individual, corporate, partnership, payroll, and sales tax returns. She was also involved in preparing monthly financial compilations and external audits. She then moved into the private sector where she gained ample experience with month end closings, accounts payable, accounts receivable, year-end tax preparation, 401K audit preparation, by-weekly payroll for 500 employees spanning over 9 states, BWC reconciliations for 9 states, and human resources.
Natalie obtained a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting, (BBA) degree from University of Cincinnati, and her CPA in Illinois and Texas.
Natalie is very active outside the office refereeing Soccer and Women’s Lacrosse. She holds an Ohio High School’s license for Soccer and Lacrosse and US Lacrosse club and her USSF Soccer license. When not in the office, you will surely find her on a field somewhere. She also enjoys gardening when she has the chance. Natalie’s greatest pride and joy has been her two children, Miranda who is a Nurse, and Grant who is currently in Medical School.
