Principal

John Kirkeide joined ATG as a Principal in January 2004 when he merged his company, Audit Excellence (founded in 2001) with ATG. He brings 13 years of accounts payable audit recovery experience and several decades of technical accounting systems knowledge, and has shared responsibilities for our Midwest and Southwest operations.

John was previously Vice President of Audit Development for The Profit Recovery Group International, Inc. (now PRG-Schultz International, Inc.). In this role, he developed comprehensive audit plans utilizing systemic approaches to optimize the use of technology for some of the nation’s largest retail audit engagements.

Prior to joining the PRG, John was a Principal with Robert Beck & Associates, Inc., the premiere niche provider of computer-supported accounts payable audit recovery services. His unique audit perspective and proficiency with contemporary technologies dramatically improved recoveries and significantly contributed to the success of RBA and its clients.

Before entering the accounts payable audit recovery industry, John was Chief Financial Officer for LeeWards Creative Crafts, Inc., a leading retailer now part of Michaels Stores, Inc. John was instrumental in the company’s success and led the management buy-out of LeeWards from its previous owner and subsequent IPO. Prior to joining LeeWards, he held a variety of financial positions with General Mills and Ernst & Ernst (now Ernst & Young) in Minneapolis.

John received a BBA degree in Accounting from Moorehead State University and a BS degree in Business and MS degree in Business Economics from North Dakota State University. He maintains both a CPA and CMA, receiving recognition for achieving the nation’s top CMA exam score in 1978. He currently serves as the President of the Chicago Chapter of FENG (Financial Executives Networking Group LLC). John and his wife, Leslie, reside in Lake Forest, Illinois.