CPA Summit - Attract New Clients, Grow Your Practice and Increase Service Offerings - Cost Segregation Studies and Research & Development Tax Credits

Ashley is a Director at MS Consultants, where she oversees all operational activities and works closely with practice leaders to drive business development across the country. With a career spanning over two decades in the cost segregation industry, Ashley has cultivated strong relationships with CPA firms, real estate professionals, and accounting societies, establishing herself as a pivotal figure in the field. You can see her speaking regularly at national and regional conferences including the AICPA National Tax Conference, the AICPA Construction & Real Estate Conference, and State CPA Societies.  

Since 2004, Ashley has participated in over 10,000 cost segregation studies, and her expertise extends to areas such as Cost Segregation Studies, Repair vs. Capitalization Analyses, Sec. 1031 Exchanges, Fixed Asset Reviews, and Energy Deductions and Credits. Her extensive knowledge and experience have earned her recognition as a Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) through the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP). Ashley has served on the ASCSP Board of Directors for eight consecutive years, holding various positions including Secretary, Vice President, and Director. She continues to lead as the chair of the Conference Committee, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to advancing the cost segregation profession.  

Before joining MS Consultants, Ashley gained over 8 years of experience in the cost segregation industry, contributing to the publication of The Practical Guide to Cost Segregation by CCH (a Wolters Kluwer business). She also played a key role in developing software solutions that streamlined the cost segregation process, making it more efficient and paperless.  

Ashley holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Averett University and is a sought-after speaker on cost segregation and tangible property regulations, providing CPE training to numerous accounting firms.  

She has been involved in several professional organizations, including the Virginia State Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA), the Hampton Roads Commercial Real Estate Association (HRACRE), the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and CREW Coastal Virginia.

Les Bryson is a Director at MS Consultants where he oversees the education and awareness and operational capabilities of Probity Tax Recovery. He founded Probity in 2018 to provide tax credit and incentive services to small and mid-sized businesses. Probity became a division of MS Consultants in 2024, expanding MSC’s offerings in research and development tax credits, Employee Retention Credit audit defense, sales tax relief, merger and acquisition due diligence and cost segregation services.

In his nearly 20-year career in the tax industry, Les has overseen, managed, worked and reviewed thousands of tax credit studies for businesses in myriad industries. His understanding of the Internal Revenue Code and passion for problem solving allows him to find practical ways to guide clients through complex tax situations. Les began his career as a chemist before his tenure in the tax industry. As a result, his approach to consulting is through the lens of both a scientist and a trusted advisor. He received his Bachelor of Science from Rice University, is a member of the American Chemical Society, and on the advisory board for the Houston Council of Recovery.