MBE CPAs Partner, Diane Payne, Earns Prestigious CFP® Certification

Partner expands skillset to provide comprehensive financial planning services

SUN PRAIRIE, WIS., January 2026 - MBE CPAs, a leading provider of accounting, tax, consulting, and other professional services, announces today that Diane Payne, partner, EA, has successfully earned her Certified Financial Professional (CFP®) certification, a distinguished credential that represents a high standard of competency and ethics in financial planning.

The CFP® certification enables Payne to provide clients with integrated financial planning services that extend beyond traditional tax preparation, which she has more than 30 years of experience in. This rewarding new step offers comprehensive strategies that encompass investments, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, and tax optimization.

"We are so proud of Diane in her efforts to obtain her CFP® license! She is a true professional who is always working to improve herself," said Tim Moy, CPA, CGMA, managing partner.

Payne's journey to certification represents the culmination of a long awaited goal. Her determination to master financial disciplines beyond her original tax competency drove her to complete the rigorous certification process, which includes comprehensive coursework across five financial planning disciplines and a capstone integration course.

"This designation gives me a different level of credibility and elevates opportunities to work with more complex clientele," Payne said. "It reassures clients with complex situations that MBE and I have the ability to confidently address their needs and provide value."

Reflecting on the intensive certification journey, Payne described the experience as a pivotal milestone in her professional development. Notably, deepening her knowledge across these five disciplines has illuminated the importance of financial synergy, allowing her to uncover new 

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avenues for growth and security that benefit her clients. Payne is eager to apply her expanded skill set to deliver customized financial plans tailored to each client's unique circumstances and goals.

She envisions her CFP® certification as a catalyst for transforming how accounting firms serve individual tax clients, providing deeper financial insights that extend beyond annual tax preparation. Looking ahead, she is hopeful that this certification will help inspire young professionals to reinvent the client approach in this industry. 

Payne expressed gratitude for the support of MBE leadership and staff throughout her certification journey, acknowledging their encouragement as instrumental to her success.

About MBE CPAs

MBE CPAs is a diversified accounting firm that offers a wide range of services, including assurance, business consulting and valuations, tax preparation and planning, and accounting. MBE CPAs has an extended network of locations, including several branches in Wisconsin and offices in Arizona, Colorado, and Nebraska.
 

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