Protea Financial: A Leader in CAS

In Novato, CA, Protea Financial has been shaping the Client Accounting Services (CAS) sector since 2014. Recognized as one of Woodard's Top 50 CAS Practices for 2025, the firm is known for its expertise in the wine industry and its unwavering dedication to integrity and excellence. Today, Protea Financial continues to raise the bar across the profession.

Core values that drive success 

Protea Financial thrives on a foundation of integrity, excellence, accountability, respect, community, kindness, and progress. These values guide every interaction, ensuring trust and reliability. Founder Zane Stevens, a visionary leader named to the North Bay Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, emphasizes the importance of staying true to these principles while delivering top-notch services. 

A team of experts 

With a team of 40 skilled professionals, Protea Financial specializes in transactional services, controller-level services, and advisory for the wine industry. Their deep industry knowledge and leadership in cost accounting allow them to provide tailored solutions that address the unique needs of their clients. 

Empowering client success 

Protea Financial prides itself on strong partnerships with various professionals and service providers. Their excellent reputation with lenders enables them to negotiate favorable terms for clients, often eliminating the need for costly reviewed financials. Recently, they successfully transitioned a client from cash to accrual accounting in stages, meeting loan covenants and saving the client significant time and money. This empowerment story highlights the firm’s ability to provide strategic solutions that drive client success. 

Recognized for excellence 

Protea Financial's achievements have been widely recognized. In addition to being named a Top 50 CAS Practice for 2025, they were also honored as Future Firm’s Firm of the Future for 2025. These accolades reflect their unwavering dedication to client service and professional growth. 

Innovation and community at the core 

Innovation is at the heart of Protea Financial’s operations. Their forward-thinking approach ensures they remain at the forefront of the industry, continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of their clients.  

Community engagement is equally important to Protea Financial. By fostering a supportive environment within the team and with clients, they create a sense of belonging and collaboration. This community-driven approach not only enhances client satisfaction but also contributes to the firm’s overall success. 

Looking to the future 

Protea Financial continues to inspire with its unique blend of professionalism, innovation, and industry expertise. As they look to the future, their commitment to empowering clients and fostering a positive community remains unwavering.

Zane Stevens’s advice to new CAS firms encapsulates this ethos: "Take time to understand what you are good at and like to do and make that your core service. Many people start out doing any work, and if you do not enjoy the work, it is hard to be successful. Find your joy and bring that to your daily work."

For more information about Protea Financial and their services, visit their website at proteafinancial.com.

This spotlight is part of our Top 50 CAS Practices series. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate innovation and excellence across the profession.  

This article was generated by AI and reviewed and edited by a human.