Edward Zhang

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas, Edward kicked off his career as an intern at Edwards & Associates. Since 2021, he has been sharpening his research and prep skills to calculate client taxes faster than you can say “deductions!” Edward’s favorite aspect of his role is the problem-solving component. For him, accounting is like piecing together a puzzle, and he finds great satisfaction in finding the perfect fit for clients.

Edward is a proud Dallas native. When he’s not crunching numbers, he enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, especially camping. Edward also has a keen interest in cars, racing, and trucking. When he’s not exploring nature or the latest automotive trends, you might find him listening to his favorite music. 

Fun facts

  • Edward’s favorite author is transgressional fiction writer Chuck Palahniuk. Unsurprisingly, his favorite movie is Fight Club.   
  • Edward’s favorite number is 37. Did you know that when you multiply 37 by any multiple of 3 (up to 27), the resulting product’s digits add up to 9? For instance, 37 x 3 = 111 (1+1+1 = 3), 37 x 6 = 222 (2+2+2 = 6), and 37 x 9 = 333 (3+3+3 = 9).
  • Edward enjoys the whimsical adventures and insightful yet humorous commentary on life through the eyes of a boy and his stuffed tiger, Calvin and Hobbes.
  • Despite having a sweet tooth for Butter Pecan ice cream and Tres Leches cake, Edward also loves to reach for Popeye’s favorite vegetable: Spinach.
  • Edward is honored to be the “World’s Best Cat Dad.” 

Armande Patel

Since 2022, Armande has been handling a variety of tasks in his role as a Staff Accountant, including preparing monthly financial statements, managing client data, and organizing business tax returns. Armande’s passion for numbers and desire to help others improve their financial situations led him to this career. He loves his job for the challenging environment, the great team that supports him, and the continuous learning opportunities that help him thrive.

Armande holds a bachelor’s in finance from the University of Texas at Dallas. Originally from Dallas, he now calls Austin home. 

Armande is not just about balance sheets and tax returns. He has a variety of hidden talents, including cooking and navigation. In his free time, Armande enjoys playing soccer, rock climbing, and collecting wine. He’s also committed to giving back to the community and regularly volunteers for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Fun Facts

  • In the past decade, Armande has called ten different houses home. He’s practically a professional mover at this point!
  • Armande’s favorite superhero is Batman, and his favorite cartoon is Avatar: The Last Airbender. Who would win in a showdown between Batman and Aang? One can bend the elements, and the other… bends the rules!
  • Armande’s favorite vegetable is actually a fruit – the bell pepper! Scientifically speaking, bell peppers are fruits because they contain seeds and develop from the flower of the plant.
  • For the movie of his life, Armande would cast Idris Elba to play himself. With such impeccable taste, it’s clear Armande knows how to pick a leading man!
  • Armande enjoys listening to the Ranks FC podcast for its football tactics and analysis.

Kristian Allen

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of North Texas, Kristian completed a two-year internship with Edwards & Associates. In 2019, he joined us as a Staff Accountant where he handles everything from personal financial statements to comprehensive tax plans and returns.

Kristian chose this career as a practical fit for his personality and the opportunity to utilize his skills—meticulous attention to detail and a solid analytical brain. He thrives on learning and solving problems independently. However, his focus extends beyond mere numbers; Kristian is committed to helping people better understand their finances too.

Originally from Plano, TX, Kristian now resides in Aubrey with his wife and two children. Kristian has a hidden talent for playing the electric guitar and is a self-proclaimed foodie. An avid strength trainer and fitness enthusiast, he lifts heavy weights to even heavier music.

Fun Facts

  • If Kristian could pick any planet as his favorite, it would be Earth because there’s no place like home… especially when home has Blackberry cobbler and Texas Honey Whiskey ice cream (thanks, Beth Marie’s)!
  • His favorite class in school was Geometry. There’s just something about shapes and angles that “fit” him perfectly!
  • When it comes to pets, Kristian is definitely a dog person. 
  • Given the chance to travel anywhere, Kristian would head straight to Norway to see 

Evan Kroenung

In 2023, Evan joined Edwards & Associates as a Staff Accountant, where he specializes in bookkeeping, financial planning, and tax return preparation. Leveraging his expertise in Excel and strong communication skills, he consistently delivers exceptional client service. For Evan, the best part of his job is his exceptional colleagues and the opportunity to truly impact clients. His unwavering passion for helping others is a driving force, and he finds great satisfaction in knowing that his work makes a difference.

Like many college students, Evan wasn’t sure which road to take. However, after his first accounting class, he was pleasantly surprised to find a natural aptitude and interest in accounting principles and practices. Equipped with a BBA in Accounting from the University of North Texas, Evan started his professional journey as a legal assistant, gaining valuable insights into the intersection of law and financial management. Evan is expanding his knowledge with an MS in Taxation and working towards his CPA designation.

Carrollton, TX is more than just a dot on the map; it’s been Evan’s lifelong home. When he’s not poring over spreadsheets, Evan enjoys a good game—from billiards and ping pong to basketball and video games. Over the years, he’s become quite adept at pool, so think twice before challenging him. Evan also has a passion for travel and exploring various styles of rock climbing.

Fun Facts

  • Evan’s go-to snack is a Hostess Sno Ball. Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that if you peel back the marshmallow on a Sno Ball, you’ll find a surprise? It’s an upside-down Hostess cupcake!
  • Evan is a first-generation American with five siblings (four brothers and one sister). His mom and grandma immigrated from Vietnam, while his dad came from Japan. 
  • While he can devour an entire tub of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream, he balances it out by munching on his favorite veggie – carrots!
  • Rick Riordan might be his favorite author, but “Dune” by Frank Herbert is his favorite book. Sandworms and spice, anyone?
  • As a kid, Evan dreamt of being an astronaut. Now, he just watches his favorite movie, “Interstellar” and appreciates the vastness of space from his couch.