Meet Thiel Accounting
Thiel Accounting was founded in 1983. Friendship and experience are the main factors behind our successful relationships with our clients. Our primary focus is to serve the needs of our clients and help them reduce their tax burdens. Since founded, our firm has continued to grow. We are a small enough firm to provide the quality of personal service you deserve and expect.
Thiel Accounting represents a large number of farmers and small businesses. We take great care of all our clients, and provide for them as much as we can. We are a known local leader in developing and maintaining quality practice standards for farmers, individuals, and small businesses. We enjoy providing our clients with the close, personalized attention that they are entitled.
Dennis enjoys serving others and working with the accounting team at Thiel Accounting. He has been especially happy sharing administrative duties with his new partner, Betsy Higginbotham, since January of 2022. In addition to her accounting expertise, she brings fresh vision and energy. With the addition of Lewis Thiel and Krista Krabel as tax preparers along with veteran Dan Phipps, Dennis believes the firm is keenly equipped to serve the public. Melissa Bradley is the icing on the company cake in terms of payroll and related services—the master of organization.
Partner
DENNIS O THIEL
A LABOR OF LOVE – As the sole proprietor of Thiel Accounting since 1983, Dennis is euphoric at how the firm has grown and matured over the years. Please take a look at the office timeline on this site to get a better understanding of the firm’s history.
PROFESSIONAL ROLE
Besides co-managing the accounting firm, Dennis provides income tax preparation, bookkeeping and consultation services for clients.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Square Dancing, Town & Country Square Dance, (his first official degree) at age 11.
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, University of Illinois with Minors in Chemistry and Computer Science
Master of Business Administration (with emphasis in Accountancy), Eastern Illinois University
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 1981
Illinois Certified Municipal Treasurer 1989
Certified Financial Planner 1991
Certified Municipal Finance Administrator 1995
AWARDS
Municipal Treasurers Association, US&C Service Award
Redhawk District of Boy Scouts of American, Award of Merit
James E West Fellow, National Endowment Award, Lincoln Trails Council
BSA
Distinguished Secretary and Distinguished President Awards
Kiwanis Club of Paris
40 Year Legion of Honor Award, Kiwanis Club of Paris
University of Illinois Presidents Council, Life Membership
Partner
BETSY HIGGINBOTHAM
Betsy came to Thiel Accounting in 2013 as a staff accountant. While working here she has had many different responsibilities and rolls, Tax Accountant, Bookkeeper, Consultant, Sales Tax, and Payroll. In 2022 she became Partner of Dennis O. Thiel Accounting, LLC.
Betsy graduated from Paris High School in 2005, and she earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance from Eastern University in 2010. After accepting the job position at Thiel Accounting & Financial Services in 2013, she went back to Eastern Illinois University and got her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. In 2010, Betsy married Paris Alumni Jacob Higginbotham and they have two darling sons Leo and Logan.
<br><br>Betsy is dedicated to maintaining the greatness of her community. She helps with many Non-Profit and Service Clubs in Paris. You might see her teaching a Pop-up Spin Class at the local Rec Center or catch her organizing and heading up the annual Eiffel Tower Triathlon. She also is a dedicated Kiwanian and helps with The Pancake Tent at the Honeybee Festival and Peanut Days.
<br><br>She is an avid outdoor adventurer. When she is not working in the office, she spends her time helping her husband with farm duties, riding horses, running, biking, swimming, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her children. She and her husband also have several beehives surrounding Edgar County.
LEWIS THIEL
In 2017 Lewis started working part-time at Thiel Accounting & Financial where he helped with the document imaging process. Now he still processes the document imaging, but he also prepares tax returns, information returns, and maintains the IT infrastructure at Thiel Accounting.
Lewis was born and grew up in Paris, IL. He attended Paris High School and before graduating he achieved the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout with Paris’s Troop 180. <br><br>Soon after he moved to Indianapolis where he attended ITT Technical Institute achieving an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Electronics. With his new degree he obtained a job with ESCO Communications in Indianapolis where he worked around central Indiana including The Carmel High School, Indiana University, and Greenfield City Power & Light. While at ESCO, Lewis helped assemble the audio/paging system for Lucas Oil Stadium.
<br><br>In the fall of 2008 Lewis was one of the many who were now unemployed. Unable to find work he moved back to Paris, but then in 2009 opportunity struck as a job interview with Citizens National Bank led him back to the career path as an IT Technician. He continued working with Citizens during their transition to First Farmers Bank & Trust helping bring in, configure, and maintain the new computer systems.
<br><br> During the summers he attends Ivy Tech Community College in Terre Haute where he obtained various certifications, and every year in the fall Lewis and the other tax preparers attend Tax School from the University of Illinois to prepare for the upcoming tax season.
<br><br>Lewis spends his free time with his family watching a good movie on the weekends, attending family functions in the park, school events at PHS & ISU, and making the yearly trip to Indianapolis in December to see the lights.
DAN PHIPPS
Dan has been a staff accountant with Thiel Accounting since 1986. While working full-time outside of Thiel Accounting, he has always helped prepare tax returns after hours. He meets with tax clients in the early evening allowing an option to customers who work during the day.
Dan graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. This is the same year that he married his wife, Mary Phipps. They currently live in Chrisman, IL
Dan graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. This is the same year that he married his wife, Mary Phipps. They currently live in Chrisman, IL
Dan is a Financial Representative for Country Financial and started working for them in 2008. He has his FINRA 6 & FINRA 63 licenses.
Dan and Mary are both outdoor adventurers and they both like to hunt deer in the fall. Dan also enjoys reading murder mysteries novels. Dan is a Financial Representative for Country Financial and started working for them in 2008. He has his FINRA 6 & FINRA 63 licenses.
Dan graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. This is the same year that he married his wife, Mary Phipps. They currently live in Chrisman, IL
Dan is a Financial Representative for Country Financial and started working for them in 2008. He has his FINRA 6 & FINRA 63 licenses.
Dan and Mary are both outdoor adventurers and they both like to hunt deer in the fall. Dan also enjoys reading murder mysteries novels. Dan and Mary are both outdoor adventurers and they both like to hunt deer in the fall. Dan also enjoys reading murder mysteries novels.
SARAH CLARK
Sarah Clark brings a diverse background, a creative perspective, and a strong commitment to helping others to her work at Thiel Accounting.
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Originally from Indianapolis, Sarah graduated from Franklin Central High School in 1999. She went on to study Graphic Design at Vincennes University for two years and later attended the Herron School of Art at IUPUI for a semester. Her creative education continues to influence her approach to both her professional and personal life.
Sarah met her husband, Brad, while living in Indianapolis. In 2003, they moved to Paris, Illinois, to be closer to her parents. Her parents owned and operated the restaurant at Walnut Point State Park in Oakland, Illinois, where Sarah spent her summers working in the kitchen until the restaurant was sold in 2008. Sarah and Brad married on Halloween in 2009 in Marshall, Illinois, and welcomed their son, August, in October 2010.
Sarah began her banking career with Citizens National Bank in 2011 and continued with the organization through its acquisition by First Farmers Bank and Trust in 2012. During her time with First Farmers, she worked in a variety of positions, gaining valuable experience across different areas of banking. In June 2026, Sarah joined Thiel Accounting, bringing that experience and her attention to detail to her new role.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and describes herself as a homebody. She and her family enjoy watching movies, and she and August especially enjoy watching anime together. Sarah has a wide range of interests, including reading, journaling, bird watching, animals, rocks, and even bugs. She is also an avid aquarium enthusiast and currently has four aquariums filled with water snails.
Creativity remains an important part of Sarah’s life. She enjoys making jewelry, painting, sculpting, and building miniatures, while August shares her love of art through drawing. Whether she’s working with numbers, creating something by hand, or spending time with her family, Sarah brings curiosity, creativity, and a genuine attention to detail to everything she does.
MICHELLE HALL
Michelle Hall is the Office Manager at Thiel Accounting and Financial Services, where she is often one of the first friendly faces our clients and team members meet. She helps keep the office running smoothly while supporting client payroll files, employee training, front-office operations, customer service, and data entry.
With 23 years of experience in loan processing, Michelle brings a strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a genuine desire to help others.
Born and raised in Chrisman, Illinois, Michelle has built her life close to home in Paris with her husband, Shane. She is a proud mom to her daughter, Katelynn Moonyeham, and especially enjoys being a grandmother to Lynden and Sadie.
When she’s away from the office, Michelle loves traveling with friends and family, especially trips to Florida and cruising. She is also an avid bicyclist and enjoys discovering new places to ride. Each year, she sets a goal to ride in as many states as possible, with memorable adventures through Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan; along the New Madrid Fault Line; from Key Largo to Key West; and as part of the Kentucky Century Challenge.
Michelle considers joining Thiel Accounting and Financial Services a leap of faith that turned into a great decision. She enjoys being part of a team that values its clients, its community, and the people who make the business special.
NATASHA CASH
Natasha brings a diverse professional background, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to serving others to her role at Thiel Accounting.
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After several years working in the Paris community as a beautician, Natasha transitioned into office support and customer service roles, allowing her to maintain a consistent schedule while raising her two children. As her children reached and completed high school, Natasha took the opportunity to pursue a long-held goal of returning to college.
In 2024, she earned her Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration from Ivy Tech Community College, graduating as a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Her experiences in both customer service and business administration have given her a well-rounded perspective and a strong foundation for supporting clients and the team at Thiel Accounting.
Outside of work, Natasha enjoys life in rural Paris with her husband, Kevin, and their two beloved Shih Tzus. She treasures spending quality time with Kevin and their grown children. When she’s not working, you can often find Natasha tending to her flower gardens or enjoying time on the lanes with her local bowling leagues.
Natasha’s dedication to her family, community, and continued personal growth is reflected in the care and attention she brings to everything she does.
GAVIN MARLOW
Gavin joined the team at Dennis O’ Thiel Accounting in June 2026, bringing with him a strong foundation in accounting and computer skills.
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Gavin graduated from Paris Cooperative High School in May 2026 and is currently attending Lakeland College, where he is pursuing a degree in Accounting.
At Thiel Accounting, Gavin assists with document management and IT-related projects. He is particularly interested in combining his knowledge of bookkeeping and programming to develop spreadsheets, tools, and programs that can help businesses work more efficiently and support financial growth within the community.
Outside of work and school, Gavin enjoys staying active and maintaining a balance between productivity and downtime. He spends time at the gym and enjoys relaxing at home with video games. His dedication to learning, technology, and personal growth makes him an enthusiastic addition to the Thiel Accounting team.
CORINNE HEINTZ
Corinne Heintz is a high school student at Shiloh High School and a friendly face at the reception desk at Thiel Accounting. You can find her at the office in the afternoons, where she helps welcome clients and support the team.
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Balancing school and work has given Corinne the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a professional environment while developing her communication and customer service skills. She is excited to be part of the Thiel Accounting team and looks forward to learning and growing along the way.
Outside of school and work, Corinne enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and, of course, enjoying plenty of coffee! She loves staying active, discovering a good book, and spending time with family and friends.
We’re excited to have Corinne as part of the Thiel Accounting team and appreciate the energy and enthusiasm she brings to the office.