“I believe personal service begins with communication. I strive to communicate with my clients on a regular and ongoing basis, not only to give updates on their engagements, but to keep them informed of potential opportunities or threats for their organizations.”
Chas has been with Swart, Lalande & Associates, P.C. (SLA) since 1972 and currently serves as a shareholder and member of the firm’s Board of Directors. He practices within the firm’s Diversified Services Group, where he performs the majority of the pre-issuance reviews of financial statements issued by SLA. Chas also assists the quality control shareholder by annually assessing and monitoring the firm’s accounting and auditing systems to ensure clients receive the highest quality services possible.
Chas specializes in providing sound tax, accounting and business advice to clients, ultimately striving to accomplish their long-term goals. In addition, he serves as a general practitioner and assists clients in the areas of: estate, trust, gift, individual, partnership and corporate taxation; accounting and assurance, including compilations, reviews, audits and attestation; and general business consulting. Chas primarily works with clients in the automobile dealership, real estate and contracting industries.
With over 38 years of experience in the accounting profession, Chas is regarded as an expert in his field, helping clients overcome a wide array of challenges during the course of his career. In one instance, he helped a client identify and implement a required material change in accounting principle, which involved a complete overhaul of their accounting system. In turn, the client avoided a major misrepresentation of their financial statements. Beyond his client service, Chas has served as a guest speaker on numerous occasions for organizations such as local rotary clubs and chambers of commerce. He also made a local television appearance to discuss income tax issues as they relate to the real estate industry.
Chas was inspired to become a CPA during his freshman year in college by Charles F. Printz, former Chairman of the Business Department at Shepherd University. Though Mr. Printz is now retired from both public accounting and education, he continues to serve as an inspiration to this day. Today Chas attributes his success to his perseverance. He strongly feels that if one has a dream, they should create a plan and work toward it until the dream is achieved.
Born in Winchester, Virginia, Chas has experienced life across the U.S. and internationally as the son of a military officer. In particular, he has lived in Ohio, Panama, California, Germany and Illinois. Chas currently resides in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia with his wife, Chris. Together they have two children and one grandchild. In his free time, Chas can often be found cruising the country roads of West Virginia in his Porsche Boxter. He also enjoys building, gardening, canning and spending time with his family and friends.
