Our Team

James Grimard, CPA

Jim graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1977. He commenced his professional career in public controllership until 1987 when he joined the CPA firm of Krost, Krost and Baumgarten in Pasadena, CA where he passed his CPA exam.    From 1991  until 2011 , he worked for the firms of Michael DiPietro Accountancy Corporation and Sendyk & Leonard as their tax manager. Over his career, Jim has developed an expertise in the entertainment industry working with business managers taking care of all their business and personal tax needs.  As a tax manager of several CPA firm s,  Jim has developed a “team approach” to identify problems for clients in a holistic approach that encompasses business, personal and estate.

Jim currently lives in Bonsall, California with his wife Celeste and five children, Christopher (who has joined this firm), Leslie, Katherine, Patrick, and Anthony.  Jim is involved with Fallbrook Boy Scout troop 737 as an assistant scoutmaster. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, biking, and other recreational sports.

John Kearns, Emeritus

John served clients in his capacity as a CPA and business advisor for more than 40 years.  He commenced his professional practice with Arthur Young & Company in 1970.  Following several years in public controllership, he joined Mills & Elliott Accountancy Corporation where he became a shareholder.  Later he split off a portion of the firm into John Kearns & Company where he served primarily small business.  He is retired but maintains a relationship with the firm and consults on matters where his years of experience are helpful.

Kurt Korniesel, CPA

Kurt graduated from The University of Iowa with a Masters in Accounting degree in 1983, after which he spent five years with McGladrey & Pullen, three years with a real estate development company, and now over 20 years with John Kearns & Company. Kurt previously taught high school mathematics in Iowa after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Iowa State University in 1975.

He earned his CPA Certificate in 1983 and is certified by the CSCPA in estate planning. His interests revolve mainly around sports, particularly football, baseball, and golf.

Christopher Grimard, CPA Candidate

Christopher is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Currently, he is a CPA candidate in the process of procuring his license as a Certified Public Accountant. This young professional has a list of accomplishments that line his office walls, including his rank of Eagle Scout, and his Black Belt in karate. Christopher has four years of experience working in accounting offices, but his interest extend beyond the world of accounting into activities like snowboarding, surfing, biking, football, volleyball, hockey, and triathlons.

Debbie Grauer, Office Manager

Debbie received a degree in Business Administration from Santa Monica College and also attended UCLA. She was employed for over ten years with the State Board of Equalization in the auditing department. Debbie worked for two other CPA firms before joining John Kearns & Company in 1990. She is married with two sons and a grandson.