Proud of our past, Excited for our future

Introducing Ott, Norman & Co., CPAs

Founded in 1963, Ott, Norman & Co., CPAs has quickly become one of the leading firms in Chillicothe, OH. We are a full-service accounting firm dedicated to providing our clients with professional, personalized services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business areas.

Our clients will receive the close analysis and attention they deserve, whether it be payroll services, general accounting consultation, or tax preparation services. Our dedication to hard work has earned the respect of the business and financial community in the area.

Tax Preparation

Accounting

New Business Consulting

Payroll

Ott, Norman & Co., CPAs staff in a group photo in front of the office building.

Our Story

Jim Caldwell, the original founder of Ott, Norman & Co., CPAs acquired the practice of Lucetta Henkelman, a local public accountant, in 1963. Lucetta worked with her brother-in-law, Dennis Pfarr, who established the first recognized public accounting firm in Ross County in 1939. Upon Mr. Pfarr’s death, Lucetta continued his practice and later joined Jim in his practice. Through the years the company has had several different names but has continually operated. Jim was active in the firm until his retirement in 2020.

Sue Ott joined the firm as a student intern in 1986. After graduating from Ohio University in 1987, she joined the firm on a full-time basis. Sue successfully passed the CPA exam and became licensed by the state of Ohio in 1990. She became a partner in the firm in 1993.

Matt Norman joined the firm in 2007 after finishing high school and worked for the firm while attending college at Shawnee State University. He graduated from SSU in 2011, passed the CPA exam in 2014 and became licensed in Ohio. He became a partner with the firm in 2018 thus leading to our current firm name.

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Meet Our Team

Susan M. Ott, CPA, EA

Sue received her Bachelors of Business Administration from Ohio University in 1987 with majors in accounting and finance. She joined the firm on a part time basis in 1986 while still a student. Sue is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Ohio Society of CPAs. Community involvement is important to Sue and she has been a part of several organizations including the United Way, Red Cross, Chillicothe Jaycees and Chillicothe Business and Professional Women. She is also on the Ross County Convention Facilities Authority Board. Sue is a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and has served in various capacities. She is currently chairman of the St. Peter’s Church Finance Council and serves on the Bishop Flaget School Finance Oversite Committee. Sue, her husband Dave, and daughter Jessie are life-long residents of Chillicothe. Her interests include spending time with her family, walking, photography and traveling.

Matthew M. Norman, CPA, EA

Matt received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Shawnee State University in 2011. He joined the firm on a part-time basis in 2007 while still a student. Matt is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the Ohio Society of CPAs, a current board member for Junior Achievement of Ross County, is on the finance committee for the United Way of Ross County and is a Chillicothe Rotarian. He is an active member of his church, Storms Chapel. He lives just outside Bainbridge with his wife Tristan and two young sons, Barrett and Jett. Matt’s interests include woodworking, hunting, golfing, and spending time with his friends and family.

Jody Norman

Jody has been an employee with Ott, Norman & Co., CPAs. since 1993. She is a 1980 graduate of Adena High School and has an Associate’s Degree in Business from Ohio University. Jody resides on Owl Creek Road, Frankfort, Ohio with her husband, Mark. She has two children, Jessica and Matthew, and three grandsons, Barrett, Jett & Jaxon. Jody is a previous 4-H advisor and volunteer at Adena Regional Medical Center. She enjoys spending time with her family, babysitting her grandsons, gardening, baking, traveling and researching her family history.

Karen Rickey

Karen has been an employee with Ott, Norman & Co., CPAs since 1999. She has an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Karen resides in Chillicothe with her husband Kevin. She has two children and two grandchildren. Karen is a member of Andersonville United Methodist Church. Karen enjoys reading, traveling, crafts and spending time with her family and friends.

Heather Gordon

Heather joined Ott, Norman & Co., CPAs. in January 2017. She graduated from Ohio University-Chillicothe in 2012 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Business. She and her husband, Trent, live in Downtown Chillicothe with their two cats and surround themselves with close friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, cooking, and reading.

Jennifer Hughes

Jennifer joined Ott, Norman & Co., CPAs in May 2018. She graduated from The University of Rio Grande with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. She resides in Chillicothe with her husband and stepson and is a proud grandma. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and photography.

James M. Caldwell, CPA, CRC, EA, ATA - Deceased

Jim Caldwell is the Past President & Founder of our predecessor, Caldwell, Ott & Co., CPAs. Sadly, we lost Jim in January 2021. For so many years, he was more than just the head of our office, he was like a treasured member of each of our families. Sue, Matt, and the rest of our staff cherished all of the years he was around to be a mentor, father-figure, and friend.

To speak with one of our team members today, please contact us at 740-773-2745!