Kim is an integral part of our firm, bringing unmatched expertise and a genuine passion for tax work. Originally from the Chicago area, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her career began at CPA firms in Santa Clara, California, and Naperville, Illinois, before she made Colorado her home.

As ZR CPA’s Practice Manager, Kim ensures the office runs smoothly while overseeing tax preparation, accounting, payroll, tax planning, and more. She values building strong relationships and working closely with clients to help them achieve their goals.

Outside the office, Kim enjoys walking, biking, and spending time with her husband, three grown children, and four grandchildren. She loves traveling to visit family and friends in Illinois, New Jersey, and Florida, and has explored France, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Portugal—her passion for international travel sparked just a few years ago. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and loyal Denver Nuggets supporter, Kim brings the same enthusiasm to her personal life as she does to her work.

Kim Ruane, CPA, Shareholder & Practice Manager

Team Member since 1996

Julie Bechtel, CPA, MST

The daughter of a career Army officer, Julie grew up as an “Army Brat,” moving from post to post and learning adaptability early on. After earning her first degree – a bachelor’s in Interior Design from Kansas State University—she relocated to the Denver area and soon discovered her passion for accounting and tax. Julie went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Taxation from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

Her professional career began at PwC, followed by several industry contract roles, years in a local public accounting firm in Longmont, and a year with CliftonLarsonAllen before joining Zaffore Ruane CPAs PC in 2015. Today, Julie focuses on assisting closely held businesses and individuals with tax planning, payroll, accounting, and IRS resolution matters. She is a member of the AICPA and the Colorado Society of CPAs.

Julie approaches every client relationship with care and a commitment to finding the best solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her three college-age children—all currently attending the University of Notre Dame. Go Irish!

Team Member since 2015

Kathy Zaffore, MS, CPA, Consultant

Growing up in a CPA practice in Los Angeles, Kathy was destined for a career in accounting. Her family also owned and operated a motel near Disneyland—she’s long since lost count of how many times she rode the Matterhorn!

Kathy earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California (Fight On!), an M.A. from San Francisco State University, and a Master of Science in Accounting and Economics from the University of Colorado Denver. After years with other firms, she followed her passion for helping people grow their businesses and manage their wealth by founding her own practice in 1994.

In January 2019, Kathy sold the firm to Kim Ruane and Julie Bechtel, forming Zaffore Ruane CPAs PC, where she continues to contribute part-time. She enjoys life in the Pinery, spending time with her grandson Ian- now building a career in the Los Angeles music industry- and exploring Italian cooking, travel, and language study (adding Norwegian and Spanish to her Italian).

Kathy’s beloved horse, Alex, has crossed the rainbow bridge, and his large hooves have been filled by a well-indulged group of cats.

Founded the Firm in 1994

Mary Kitchen, MS, Accountant

Team Member Since 2022

Mary grew up in Peru, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the National University of the Center of Peru. She later completed a master’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, UT.

Mary joined Zaffore Ruane CPAs with a QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification and five years of experience in bookkeeping and tax preparation. Dynamic, quick to learn, and highly motivated, she is dedicated to delivering exceptional client service through problem-solving and innovative solutions. Always eager to learn, Mary continues to expand her expertise as she works toward earning her CPA designation.

Outside the office, Mary enjoys playing tennis and exploring new places- especially the beautiful Colorado outdoors- with her family.

Kathleen Bell, CPA

A proud Denver native, Kathleen earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Colorado Denver. After serving as an assistant controller for two large companies, she “came to her senses” and transitioned into public accounting—a move that allowed her to work more closely with clients and make a real impact.

Kathleen brings extensive experience with QuickBooks (Desktop and Online), Timeslips, Clio, and Sherware—software tailored to the oil and gas industry. She enjoys every stage of the process, from day-to-day bookkeeping to financial reporting and tax preparation.

Living on the west side of town gives Kathleen easy access to mountain escapes, where she loves high-altitude hikes. An adventurous cook, she especially enjoys baking yeast-raised breads and desserts.

Team Member since 1996

Alicia Huang – Accountant

Alicia earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She brings to Zaffore Ruane CPAs solid experience in corporate financial accounting and tax—but with a desire for the variety and fast pace of public accounting. We’re glad she made the switch! Alicia combines a quick smile with an even quicker mind, thriving on the challenge of solving problems for our clients.

Originally from Taiwan, Alicia is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. She has called the U.S. home since 2008 and settled in Colorado in 2014. Alicia looks forward to busy season because she loves tax and math! Outside of work, she enjoys snowboarding (even though ski season collides with tax season), building jigsaw puzzles, and all things LEGO—she has quite the collection!

Team Member Since 2015

Vicki Hager, Bookkeeper / Tax Tech / Computer Wiz

A proud third-generation Colorado native and devoted Broncos fan, Vicki brings a wealth of experience and versatility to our team. Since joining Zaffore Ruane in 1996, she has worn many hats with a cheerful spirit and a genuine commitment to helping others. In addition to preparing tax returns, Vicki supports numerous small business clients with payroll, sales tax, and bookkeeping needs- always with a focus on personalized service.

Team Member since 1996

Cait Chapin, Front Office & CPA Assistant

Cait grew up in North Carolina and has lived across the east coast but calls Charleston, South Carolina home. She graduated from High Point University in 2012 with a Bachelors in English. Growing up at the stables with her horse, Dream, she competed in eventing and later found her true calling in natural horsemanship, guided by her cousin Cindy in England, who passed along the teachings of her good friend Monty Roberts.

Cait’s career has spanned hospitality management and the Hollywood film industry, where she worked as a set dresser, production assistant, and actress. She also has a deep interest in consciousness and the human brain. Recently, Cait discovered a new passion for accounting and tax preparation and is excited to grow her expertise in this field. She brings her hospitality mindset and quick problem-solving skills to every client interaction, always ready to answer questions or lend a listening ear.

Team Member since 2025