Gerald L. Fister, EA Chief Tax Accountant – President and Director

Our Chief Tax Accountant is Gerald L. Fister, EA. Jerry received his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Accounting from Cal State University Long Beach in 1972 and his Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) from Cal State University Fullerton in 1981. He earned his Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certificate in 1983 and became an Enrolled Agent (EA) Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service in 1989. Mr. Fister has extensive industry experience as a management accountant, financial analyst, internal auditor and accounting manager in the retail industry. He is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the Institute of Management Accountants and has been preparing tax returns for over 40 years. He has been an Orange County resident for over 50 years.

Connie J. Fister, Marketing Manager, Vice President and Director

Our Marketing Manager is Connie J. Fister. Connie attended Fullerton College and Brigham Young University prior to suspending her university studies to become a full-time mother. She is an active volunteer in various civic and religious organizations. Connie has received various service award recognitions from the PTA, the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts. Connie is a natural marketing person and as we often like to say, “She never met a stranger”. Her personality is infectious and she is a strong advocate for the business in the community. Jerry and Connie have seven children, five of whom have worked in the business over the years. Three of their sons are Eagle Scouts and have served full-time missions for their church. Connie and Jerry also have 15 grandchildren. Connie recently returned to college in an online program offered by Brigham Young University, Idaho in pursuit of a degree in Professional Studies.

Kaylin Deardeuff, one of our grandchildren, is sharing a ‘funnel cake’ with her grandma.

Akela Shin

Akela Shin is our Assistant Office Manager and our Senior Tax Assistant. She has been with us since 2016.

Akela recently completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from California State University, Long Beach. Working at Fister Tax Service has inspired her to pursue a career in the Accounting and Tax Preparation industry. She is currently preparing to take the CPA exam.

Akela has outstanding business and office skills and is very familiar with the income tax laws. She is a good communicator and is committed to helping our clients. She is a natural leader and is well organized and very efficient.

In addition to working at our office, Akela is also a dance instructor and performer and enjoys trying new activities. We are thankful to have her with us for another year, contributing not only professionally but also with her pleasant personality.

Erica Dittman

Erica Dittman and her company, Koala Bookkeeping, continue to help us with our bookkeeping services. Erica is an Enrolled Agent and is also a QuickBooks expert. She has a degree from Cal Poly Pomona and has two small children.

Erica started working with our firm in 2022. She previously worked for another local tax preparation firm before leaving to go into business for herself and to start her family. We look forward to a long relationship with Erica. She will be doing all of our bookkeeping work and may help with tax preparation from time to time.

Leila Alsayed

Leila Alsayed is one of two new office assistants we are adding to our staff this year. She is a dedicated individual who is currently pursuing a nursing degree. As a student, Leila has excelled in her science healthcare courses, showing her ability to grasp complex concepts and apply theoretical knowledge.

She has many other skills that will allow her to excel in her new position. She has a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and is eager to learn. Leila is excited to join Fister Tax Service. She brings fresh perspectives, a commitment to excellence and a proactive approach to her work. We are grateful to have her with us this tax season.

Lizbeth Favela

Lizbeth Favela is joining Fister Tax Service this year as our new office assistant. Although she is new to the world of taxes she has significant office and computer experience and she is also bilingual (Spanish). She is excited to be part of our front office staff and to meet all of our clients.

She has excellent organizational and communication skills and has a pleasant personality. She is pursuing an Associate of Science degree at Cypress College. Her dedication to her goals coupled with her enthusiasm for learning make her a promising addition to our team. We hope you will make her feel welcome.

Scottie Hassen

Scottie Hassen is our computer technician at Fister Tax Service. He has over 25 years in business computer technoloy. He is excited to be part of our back-office staff supporting our ‌information technology needs.

He has excellent tech support skills and has a pleasant personality. His enthusiasm for our business continues to make him a valuable member of our team.