Renner Firm News; November 14, 2022
In an accounting career spanning parts of six decades, John J. Renner, II, has dedicated himself to service — in his daily work, in his profession as a whole, and in his community.
This year marks Mr. Renner’s 50th tax season in the profession.
“It’s a long time, isn’t it?” Mr. Renner said with a laugh. “I never thought I’d be doing it this long. I never anticipated being an accountant for 50 years. I can tell you that.”
Education and background
A graduate of Virginia Tech in 1973 with a bachelor of science in business, Mr. Renner has helped countless small businesses grow and flourish. He became a CPA in 1975 and founded Renner and Company in 1989 — an accounting firm that has been recognized numerous times as one of the best in Northern Virginia.
“The longevity, commitment and passion that he has for the field and for the firm … you don’t see too many people hit 50 (years) in this business, put it that way,” said Andrew Young, Managing Shareholder of Renner and Company. “The way he solves problems is something that I have always (admired).”
Mr. Renner’s areas of expertise include services to professional practices, government contractors, manufacturers and other closely held businesses. He is licensed to practice in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Illinois.
Mr. Renner is also certified in Financial Forensics under standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Accolades
He was named the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants Member of the Year in 2015.
Mr. Young said he’s always admired the dedication shown by Mr. Renner toward the VSCPA and the accounting profession.
“(Mr. Renner’s) commitment to the ethics and rules of the profession is something he has always prided himself on,” Mr. Young said.
Mr. Renner served on the board of directors for the VSCPA and the Northern Chapter of the VSCPA. He is an active member the VSCPA, AICPA, and the Greater Washington Society of CPAs.
Mr. Renner credits his success largely to the education he received at Virginia Tech and currently serves on Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business ACIS Advisory Board.
“(Virginia Tech) is great. It gave me a good foundation,” he said. “It’s got a different program now than we had, but it really helped us with the (CPA exam) and preparing for work.”
Community contributions
But Mr. Renner’s imprint on the Alexandria community goes well beyond his considerable accomplishments as an accountant. He’s been an indelible figure working tirelessly for positive outcomes.
For decades, Mr. Renner has served the community in various volunteer leadership roles in organizations, including First Night Alexandria and ACVA (Visit Alexandria).
As Chair of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in 2013, he worked to build consensus around important community issues. He also served for a number of years on the City’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee (BFAAC).
Over the years, Mr. Renner has helped raise money for many community organizations through fundraising events, including the Taste for Art, Taste for Giving and Sips for Saints, and many groups have recognized him for his service.
“He has a tireless commitment to the (Alexandria) community,” Mr. Young said. “He puts the community needs ahead of himself sometimes.”
In 2010, Mr. Renner was named one of the Living Legends of Alexandria with his wife, Joan.
The Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade named Mr. Renner its Grand Marshall in 2016. In 2018, he helped charter the region’s newest Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Alexandria Central.
Never one to rest on past accomplishments, Mr. Renner recently started a new nonprofit, the Alexandria Fire Foundation, to support Alexandria’s Firefighters and Paramedics.
“The community has done so much to get us to where we are,” Mr. Renner said. “It doesn’t hurt to give back a little bit. We give back a lot. I think it’s good. We help those who help us.”
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