About Strategic Tax & Accounting Group

Jeffrey R. Rutherford, DBA Candidate, EA, CFE (pending)

Professional Overview

Jeffrey R. Rutherford is the President and Founder of Strategic Tax & Accounting Group, where he provides expert-level bookkeeping, tax, and accounting services to individuals and small businesses. His mission is to combine technical precision, ethical leadership, and forward-looking strategy to help clients achieve lasting financial wellness.

As a former U.S. Air Force Officer and Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Jeffrey brings an investigative mindset, discipline, and integrity to every engagement. His professional philosophy blends Stoic principles of wisdom, justice, and courage with his Yurok heritage of balance, respect, and community — creating a truly unique foundation for modern financial leadership.

Experience

• 18+ years in public accounting and tax advisory
• 2 years in wealth management as CFO/Tax Director
• 2 years in commercial real estate as Controller
• Former U.S. Air Force OSI Special Agent specializing in investigation, compliance, and ethics

Jeffrey has built a firm known for proactive client care, strategic insight, and trusted results. His goal is to help small business owners navigate complex financial landscapes with clarity and confidence.

Education

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Candidate – Advanced Accounting, Northcentral University
• M.S. Computer Information Systems Management – Webster University
• B.S. Accounting – University of Maryland
• B.A. Political Science – California State University, Chico

Credentials

• Enrolled Agent (EA) – Federally licensed by the U.S. Treasury to represent clients before the IRS
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – In progress, with specialization in forensic accounting and fraud prevention
• Former U.S. Air Force OSI Special Agent – Experienced in investigations and ethical oversight

Personal Philosophy

Jeffrey believes integrity is not an achievement — it is harmony between what is right, what is wise, and what sustains others. His life and work are guided by a faith-centered worldview that blends Christian principles of humility, stewardship, and service with Stoic virtue and Yurok balance. This foundation shapes his approach to leadership, family, and business — to act justly, lead with compassion, and serve others with honesty and respect.

“When I act with courage, discipline, and respect for all creation, I am at peace.” — J.R.R.

Community & Family

A proud member of the Yurok Indian Tribe, Jeffrey’s roots extend through Northern California and Humboldt County. He currently lives with his wife Shannon and their twin sons, who are active in basketball and baseball.

A former college football player, Jeffrey still values the discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit the game instilled in him. He continues to channel those principles through weight training, outdoor activities, and his leadership style.

Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, hiking, camping, traveling, and time outdoors with family — where reflection, gratitude, and balance come together.

Jeffrey’s Christian faith is an important part of his life, guiding him toward gratitude, humility, and ethical service. He values working with people from all walks of life and believes mutual respect and integrity transcend background or belief.

Shannon Rutherford

Client Experience Manager

Shannon has over 30 years of customer service experience including accounts payables, primarily in the automotive services industry. She grew up in Marin County and graduated from San Rafael High School. She is currently continuing her studies in accounting. Shannon is a valuable STAG team member and is an asset in client service delivery, quality and timeliness.

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Shannon has 2 x adult boys that live and work in the Sacramento area. She enjoys being outdoors, her fitness, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Carter, CPA

Tax Director

Jennifer began her career working for Deloitte & Touche, performing audit/assurance services and software quality assurance consulting out of the firm's Sacramento, San Francisco and London offices. After she and her husband purchased a small veterinary hospital in Petaluma, she spent the next 20 years managing and growing that business until its sale in 2022. She also co-owns and manages a second thriving veterinary hospital in Windsor, CA. Jennifer is now excited to utilize the many skills she gained from both her big-firm experience and small-business ownership to help other small business owners navigate the challenges of ownership and to help them achieve their own and their businesses' goals. An active Rotarian with Petaluma Valley Rotary, she currently lives in Petaluma with her husband Matt and twin daughters, plus a myriad of furry family members.

Tara Thompson, CPA

Accounting Director

Tara has over 15 years of experience in the accounting field with extensive work with nonprofits, the healthcare industry and small businesses.

She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and received her Master’s in Accounting degree from Liberty University.

Tara is well versed with General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)and is an expert in helping clients keep perfect accounting records with bookkeeping, accounting services, audit support, financial statements, payroll, account reconciliations, and internal controls.

In her free time, Tara enjoys reading and activities with her family.