Bethany Ryers

CPA, M.A.S.

Principal

+1 (608) 240 2382

Bethany Ryers is a principal with Baker Tilly’s energy and utilities practice, has been with the firm since 2006. She specializes in providing auditing, accounting and advisory services to utilities. She also assists with financial and capital forecasts, rate studies and impact fees.

Experience

Performs financial audits of electric, water, stormwater and sewer utilities
Conducts audits of fiduciary funds for single employer defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans and other post employment benefit plans, including integration into employer government reporting as needed
Executes financial risk assessments and internal control evaluations
Prepares financial forecasts, long-range plans and cash flow projections for municipal utilities
Develops electric, water, sewer and stormwater rate filings, cost of service studies and rate design
Analyzes the financial impact of construction projects on utility customer rates, borrowing needs and operational results
Compiles municipal utility financial statements and annual reports to regulatory agencies
Delivers consulting services to public utilities, including financial capital forecasts
Performs OMB Uniform Guidance compliance audits of federally funded programs
Assists with implementation of accounting standards for municipal utilities, including derivatives and regulatory accounting
Provides various other accounting services

Involvement

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
American Public Power Association (APPA) – utility education courses instructor
Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Thought leadership

Speaks on accounting and financial reporting topics at industry conferences
“Advanced public utility accounting,” APPA Spring, Fall and Winter Education institutes, 2016-2023
“Public utility accounting”, APPA webinar and Education Institutes, 2023
“The Role of the Audit Committee”, APPA Business and Financial Conference, 2021
"Keeping up with governmental accounting standards," APPA webinar, 2020
“Advanced public utility accounting guidebook,” APPA (contributing author), 2019
"Governmental accounting standards and reporting update," WIAWWA Annual Meeting, 2019
"Navigating the new lease accounting standard," Baker Tilly Utility University 2019
"Trending complexities in public utility accounting," APPA Business and Financial Conference, 2019, 2021-2023
“Utility work order accounting guidebook,” APPA (contributing author), 2019
"Welcome to the wonderful world of leases," APPA Business & Financial Conference, 2019
"How to meet new GASB standards," APPA Business and Financial Conference, 2018
“Meeting new GASB standards,” APPA webinar, 2018
"Meeting new governmental accounting standards," Baker Tilly Utility University, 2018
“Accounting standards and reporting update,” APPA webinar, 2017 and 2016
"Current issues in public utility accounting," APPA Business and Financial Conference, 2016
"Governmental accounting update," Baker Tilly Utility University, 2016
“Regulatory accounting: theory and practical applications,” APPA webinar, 2016
“Revenue bond requirements for utilities,” Baker Tilly webinar, 2013
“Advanced utility accounting manual,” APPA (contributing author), 2012