After graduating from Ball State University with a BS in Accounting, Rusty joined a regional CPA firm gaining experience in taxation, auditing and client write-up with industry concentrations in construction, banking and retail. Joining a Client with a diverse group of companies as Corporate Controller, Rusty discovered and developed skills in commercial real estate, loan facilitation, staff management and contract negotiations among other day to day small business management functions.
Desiring to act on his entrepreneurial spirit, and in order to help others with similar aspirations, in 1989 Rusty founded the firm that is today known as J.R. Helms & Associates, P.C. During the past 22 years, a wide variety of small business entrepreneurs and individual income tax clients have benefited from the unique experience and expertise gained from a combination of his years in public accounting and the time spent working in the private sector. The knowledge and perspective gained from these two different sides of the professional accounting arena have combined to provide an unusually rare 3 dimensional view of today’s financial world, especially as it affects entrepreneurs and their business interests.
Having prepared thousands of personal and business income tax returns over the years, Rusty is well qualified in income tax planning and preparation for individuals and business entities as well as trusts and estates. Multi-State tax preparation has almost become a specialty with clients residing in 15 states nationwide. The annual tax preparation exercise and annual classes and training insure that Rusty remains up to date on the ever-changing income tax world.
Accreditation
Certified Public Accountant
Certified Quickbooks Pro Advisor
Memberships
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
AICPA Tax Section ~ Indiana CPA Society
Boy Scouts of America ~ Order of the Arrow (BSA) ~ Firecrafter (BSA)
International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT) ~ International Association of Penturners
Awards/Honors
Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, Vigil Honor, Minisino
Hobbies
Woodworking, Woodturning, Fancy Ropework and Canvas work, Photography and Camping
Outside the Office
Rusty is an active member of Traders Point Christian Church. Married for 30 years, he a proud father of two grown children and a granddaughter. He loves dogs and enjoys driving his truck and leisurely rides on his cruiser motor cycle.
An Eagle Scout, Rusty has been a Boy Scout leader for over 15 years and continues to serve Scouting as Scoutmaster of Troop 69 and Committee Chair for Crew 69, both of Indianapolis, and as Associate Lodge Advisor for the Order of the Arrow in the Crossroads of America Council, Scouting’s National Honor Society. Holding many different positions over the years, Rusty has been the recipient of many Scouting accolades including the District Award of Merit and the coveted Silver Beaver.
As an offshoot of his interest in the Boy Scouts, Rusty has become a member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. He serves as a trainer on the staff of an annual Marlinspike Skills course, a weekend long adult training experience, and has become rather accomplished at fancy and decorative knotting and ropework.
Since a youth in the garage with his Grandfather, Rusty has had an interest, affection and talent for woodworking. Over the years he has created mantel clocks and small gift items, furniture and lathe turned pens.
Rusty’s attention to detail not only helps in his woodworking and knot tying, but is also one of the keys to his talents and success in his work as an accountant.
