solves serious problems with spreadsheets. He is an Excel genius (at least in Liz’s eyes). Steve earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Integrated Science and Technology from James Madison University. Steve began his career in the automotive industry as a manager and assistant controller, where he developed a deep love for accounting, finance, and Liz. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Montana State University–Billings. An avid baseball fan, Steve had his Don Larsen moment when he recorded a perfect score on the auditing section of the Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”) examination. He worked as a CPA in the auditing department of a large regional public accounting firm in Billings for several years, and later as a financial controller and accounting manager for a large regional construction company.
At the beginning of 2020, Steve joined Varela Law Firm as its on-staff Accountant, Office Manager and Paralegal. For example, Steve works together with Liz and the Firm’s clients to calculate damages. Depending on the type of case, that may mean figuring out past and future lost wages; past and future medical bills; figuring out who stole what from Grandma’s trust account, etc.
Liz the Lawyer and Steve the Accountant are a powerful team. They have married their professional and personal strengths to serve the Firm’s clients in a unique, mission-driven way.