Linkenheimer LLP is proud to announce the promotion of Anya Cunningham to Partner. Since launching her public‑accounting career in 2007 and joining our firm in 2012, Anya has guided closely held businesses in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, distribution, and professional services through critical moments—business transitions, capital planning, financial modeling, and succession strategy. A co‑founder of the North Bay Trusted Business Academy, she is passionate about equipping entrepreneurs with holistic education and advisory support. Looking ahead, Anya sees AI and automation “taking over more routine compliance work,” freeing CPAs to deliver the real‑time insights and proactive planning clients will demand over the next five years.

Anya’s “secret sauce” is intentional listening: understanding each client’s goals, pressures, and aspirations before diving into technical solutions. She believes the profession’s future hinges on pattern recognition—spotting trends in numbers, industries, and people early enough to turn risks into opportunity. “We’re not just scorekeepers,” she says, echoing how she explained a CPA’s value to her soccer‑loving 10‑year‑old son: “We help people win the game.” Known for owning mistakes quickly and turning them into learning moments, Anya will foster a culture of clarity, curiosity, and forward thinking at Linkenheimer—helping clients navigate complexity with confidence while continuing our tradition of approachable, care‑driven teamwork.

Questions for Anya:

How do you see AI and automation changing the value we bring to clients over the next 5 years?

AI will continue to take over more of the routine compliance work, and I think that it is a positive shift. It creates space for CPAs to focus on what matters most: being strategic advisors, critical thinkers, and decision-making partners. In the next five years, I believe clients will expect more than just accurate books and tax returns. They will look to us for real-time insights, proactive planning, and guidance in moments of uncertainty.

What’s your “secret sauce” for transforming a transactional client relationship into a true partnership?

It starts with listening early, often, and with intention. CPAs often jump straight to solving the technical problem, but the real value comes from understanding the bigger picture: the client’s goals, challenges, and pressures. When clients feel that you truly understand them, the relationship shifts from transactional to trusted. That’s when the work becomes more meaningful and the impact deeper.

If you had to explain the value of a good CPA to a 10-year-old, what would you say?

Funny enough, I actually did this with my 10-year-old son who loves soccer. I told him: A good CPA helps people make smart money choices and avoid expensive mistakes. We’re not just scorekeepers—we help people win the game.

What’s your philosophy on mistakes?

Mistakes happen, what matters is how you handle them. I believe in owning them quickly, learning from them, and making sure they lead to something better. I try to be open about that with clients and our team. It builds trust and keeps us moving forward.

What skill that isn’t traditionally associated with accounting do you think will be crucial for CPAs in the future?

Pattern recognition. Not just in numbers, but in people, businesses, and how industries are changing. Spotting early signs before something becomes a problem or a big opportunity, is what helps a CPA be proactive, not just reactive. That is how we bring real value to our clients.

How do you plan to contribute to our culture while bringing your own unique perspective?

I thrive on clarity, honesty, and solving problems. I want to help build a culture where people feel comfortable asking tough questions, staying curious, and thinking ahead while still respecting what has worked well so far.

What excites you most about the clients and industries we serve?

I really enjoy working with people who are growing businesses and juggling a lot of moving parts. They’re under pressure to make smart decisions with limited time and resources. Helping them find clarity and make good decisions feels meaningful, and I’m grateful to be part of that process.