Meet Us

Van Maanen & Associates was established in 1983 by Jeff Van Maanen. In 2003, Dave Sietstra became a partner with the firm. We currently employ six full-time and five part-time workers. Our five financial professionals have a combined industry experience of almost 70 years, ensuring that you receive knowledgeable advice and service throughout your relationship with Van Maanen.

Our firm operates on a Christian-based value system. In our work, we place honesty and integrity above our own profitability. We offer objective advice and are not swayed by outside motivations.

For we remember before our God and Father how you put your faith into practice, how your love made you work so hard, and how your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ is firm.
- I Thessalonians 1:3

Wealth you get by dishonesty will do you no good, but honesty can save your life.
-Proverbs 10:2

Positive attitudes help us build stronger relationships. We believe our clients' interests are best served if we develop servant-hearts toward them, and toward each other.

So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.
-1 Corinthians 15:58

There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service.
-1 Corinthians 12:6

We believe financial planning that keeps faith in Christ at its core will help you achieve your dreams. We are happy to use our God-given talents to assist you along that path.

"I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11

To ensure that we always know how to best serve our clients' needs and to reach our full potential, we invest in professional development.

Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts.
-Proverbs 24:3-4

Our Staff

	Jeff Van Maanen Jeff attended Central College and then graduated from the University of Iowa in 1978. He received his CPA certificate in 1979 and has been in public accounting since 1978. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants (ISCPA). He is presently the General Manager of Van Maanen & Associates. In addition to management responsibilities he also provides services to clients in the areas of income tax planning and preparation, estate planning, small business financial advice, and reviewing financial statement workpapers for audits, reviews and compilations. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and friends, participating in sports activities and woodworking.
	Dave Sietstra Dave graduated from Simpson College in 1997 and joined our company at that time. Dave passed the CPA examination in 1998. He is a partner in the firm and is the Accounting Manager. His responsibilities include the preparation of tax returns, compilations and reviews for business clients, and governmental auditing. He enjoys spending time with his family.
	Colleen Williams Colleen graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1996 with a major in accounting and economics. She passed the CPA examination in 1996 and has worked in public accounting since then. Her specialty is income tax preparation. She also prepares compilations, reviews and audits for businesses, nonprofits, and governments. Her family has lived in Pella since 2001 when she joined our firm and her husband joined the I.T. Dept. at Pella Corp. Prior to working in public accounting she worked as office manager in a family-owned manufacturing business for nearly 20 years. They have 2 daughters, and enjoy gardening, landscaping and antique cars.
	Marcena Schwab Marcena graduated from Central College in 1986 with a major in accounting. Prior to joining our company in 2003, her experience was in the private sector as the accountant at a physicians' clinic and then as the accountant at various manufacturing companies. Her duties include assisting clients with software issues and performing various accounting duties for clients. She also assists with audit fieldwork and tax returns. She loves spending time with her family, including camping and the kids' activities. She also enjoys participating in church activities, especially being a GEMS counselor.
	Melanie Meyer Melanie graduated from Central College in 1997 with a major in Accounting and passed the CPA examination in 1999. Prior to joining our company in 2004, Melanie worked in public accounting with an emphasis on auditing and then as an accountant and controller for manufacturing companies. She became a partner in the firm in 2006. Her duties include performing various accounting duties for clients and assisting with audit field work and tax return preparation. Melanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
	Kris Van Maanen Kris is the wife of Jeff and works part-time. She provides help to the office throughout the year as needed. She has worked in this position since 1983. She also attended the University of Iowa and Central College. She enjoys being a homemaker, attending the kids' activities, music, church activities, and having coffee with friends.
	Marcy Stravers Marcy works part-time, primarily out of her home. She assists with various projects. Marcy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, staying fit, and pursuing musical interests.
	Marla Terlouw Marla is part of the clerical staff for our office. Other than keeping busy with four children, Marla and her husband are happy taking part in church duties and youth activities. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, and relaxing camping trips with her family.
	Pam Van Sant Pam works full-time in the front office, and she greets clients as they come through the door. She also does payroll, payroll taxes, accounts payable, and accounts receivable for different companies. Pam and her husband have two daughters, and they love to take trips to Chicago and Ames to visit them.
	Donna Knerr Donna arrived in Pella in September of 2006 from the Chicago suburbs. Her husband, Chris, recently retired from the United States Navy after more than twenty years of service. Donna is the proud mother of two children: Robert who lives in Sacramento, Calif., and a daughter Sabrina, who also resides in Pella. Donna's role at Van Maanen includes handling accounts payable, payroll, and other accounting functions for our clients.