We Are All About Serving Small Businesses

Our Story

Our firm exists to provide accounting solutions and financial insight that help business owners enjoy the rewards of their labor. Nearly two decades ago, Joseph Bearden and Elizabeth Stroup joined forces as business tax accountants to launch what is now Bearden Stroup CPAs. We deeply understand the accounting and tax needs of small businesses in North Alabama, and we want to use that expertise to help you build a profitable and successful business.

We believe in supporting our small business clients with year-round communication. That is why we work hard to prevent surprise tax balances and to make sure you know about any new tax laws that would impact your business. You can trust our team of CPAs and tax professionals to reduce your stress, support your business, and save you taxes. Your business isn’t seasonal, and your accountant shouldn’t be either. If you value your time, and you want to keep your business financially healthy, we would love to show you how our team can help!

Our team is driven by dedication to small business owners in the Huntsville area, and we strive to be the best business CPAs Huntsville Alabama. We focus on clients in Madison Alabama, Decatur Alabama, Madison County, and Limestone County. Our work with local businesses has grown steadily as our happy clients enthusiastically share their experiences working with the Bearden Stroup team.

Our Team of Tax Accountants

Joseph Bearden, CPA, CTC

Joseph Bearden is a seasoned tax advisor with a wealth of experience in the field of public accounting. He enjoys serving as the President of Bearden, Stroup & Associates, specializing in comprehensive financial and tax advisory services. Joseph has an impressive academic background, holding degrees in both Accounting and Violin Performance. His dedication to excellence earned him the prestigious Faculty Academic Award from Pensacola Christian College, where he graduated at the top of his class.

Drawing on his technical expertise, Joseph derives immense gratification from assisting clients in navigating the complex realm of tax planning. His mission is to alleviate the tax burdens of his clients, ensuring they remain in good standing with the IRS while experiencing a profound sense of relief. Joseph Bearden’s multifaceted expertise in tax advising and his commitment to client satisfaction make him an invaluable asset to individuals and businesses seeking effective tax solutions.

Outside the world of tax advising, Joseph is a skilled musician, excelling on the violin, viola, piano, and organ. He frequently performs special occasions such as weddings and other events as a guest musician, adding a touch of musical elegance to cherished moments. Joseph and his wife & daughters reside in Toney, Alabama, where they enjoy farming and camping and other outdoor adventures together.

Areas of emphasis include:

Certified Tax Coach
Corporate tax planning and tax return preparation
Employee benefit consulting
Tax exempt organizations
Multistate and international taxation
Estate and trust tax planning and return preparation
IRS representation

Elizabeth Stroup, CPA, CVA

Elizabeth Stroup is the managing partner at Bearden, Stroup & Associates, CPAs. From a young age she had a passion for business growth and investing. These interests have found a perfect home in the realm of small business where she thrives on challenges and embraces competition. Elizabeth is always eager to discuss tax planning, business consulting, and profit maximization. Her unwavering commitment to knowledge drives her to continually absorb insights from business strategy books and podcasts, translating these strategies into tangible strategic plans for her team and clients.

At the outset of her career as a tax accountant and business advisor, Elizabeth’s achieved national acclaim by winning the prestigious Elijah Watts Sells award for attaining one of the top 10 CPA exam scores in the country. She later added her credential as a Certified Valuation Analyst, to coach her clients in negotiating the purchase or sale of business interests. Elizabeth has the distinction of having one of her valuation reports added to the library of the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Elizabeth and her husband Ben reside in Huntsville, Alabama, where dedicates her time to teaching in children’s ministry and small group studies. She has served as a mentor at both the Women’s Business Center of North Alabama and the Christian Women’s Job Corps. When she isn’t reading or pursuing her next big idea, Elizabeth enjoys art projects, travel photography, and playing strategic board games with friends and family.

Areas of emphasis include:

Certified Valuation Analyst
Small business consulting
Business valuation
Corporate tax planning and tax return preparation
Financial analysis and trend reports
Budgeting, projections, and planning
Business setup and entity selection

Ashley Harper, CPA

Ashley Harper is a Partner at Bearden, Stroup & Associates, CPAs, where she delivers strategic tax planning to growing businesses across North Alabama. Known for her analytical precision and solutions-focused mindset, Ashley helps clients navigate complex financial landscapes with clarity and confidence. Her work spans corporate tax strategy, business consulting, and valuation—empowering business owners to make informed decisions at every stage of growth.

Ashley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Liberty University and a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of North Alabama, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA in both programs. She completed her education while working full time and raising three young children—an experience that reflects her strong work ethic, focus, and commitment to excellence.

Ashley is passionate about helping business owners navigate growth and transitions with clarity and structure. Known for her practical approach and deep technical knowledge, she excels in areas like multistate taxation, estate and trust planning, QuickBooks support, and payroll compliance. Her team often jokes that she thrives in chaos—bringing calm and order where it’s most needed. Ashley also enjoys speaking at events and mentoring students, especially those exploring careers in business and accounting.

Originally from Georgia, Ashley lives in West Limestone with her husband and three children. She enjoys watercolor painting, serves in her local church, and is known for her uncanny ability to quote cartoons in any situation—a quirky skill that keeps things light, no matter how serious the spreadsheet.

Areas of emphasis include:

Corporate tax planning and tax return preparation
Financial analysis and business consulting
QuickBooks support
Payroll compliance
Estate and trust tax planning and return preparation
Multistate taxation

Jeb Williamson, CPA

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Stephanie Tanner, CPA

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Anna Luneau, CPA

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Jasmine Hawkins

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Wendy Amos, CPA

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Amanda Moore

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Kevin Diehl, CPA

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Michael Butler, CPA

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Jahon King

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Cory Judge

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Michael Butz

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Monica Hill

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Anna Goodson

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Jennifer Dunson

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Debbie Austin

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Juan Guevara

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Russ Dunford

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Lauren Stokes

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Kaylee Thomascik

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Christine Rhoades

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Wylie Trammell

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Jaime Hedden

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Caitlyn Harbison

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Windy Norman

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Laura Dyer

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Our Values

We believe . . .

in listening to your story – because advising starts with understanding you and your goals.
in helping you increase your profit – and keep more of it.
in giving you the information and advice you need to make smart decisions with your finances.
in making it easy for you to focus on what's most important to you.