James J. Tencza, CPA, has joined Cotton + Allen, a full-service accounting and advisory firm, as an audit partner, effective January 1, 2009, according to Gwen Tilton, CPA, president of the firm.

Tencza has a combined 19 years of experience with Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen. He joined E&Y in 2000 as an audit senior manager and was promoted to partner in 2005, where he was responsible for providing audit and business advisory services to various types of organizations - primarily public companies and large multi-national companies. Tencza was with Arthur Andersen from 1990 to 2000. His experience covers a wide range of industries, including chemicals, energy, manufacturing, real estate and service organizations.

"Of course we're thrilled to have Jim join us at Cotton + Allen," said Tilton. "I'm confident his expertise will complement our client service and provide many opportunities for growth at the firm."

A native of Chicago, Tencza received his bachelor of arts in accounting from Bellarmine University in 1989. He is a certified public accountant licensed in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, and a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Kentucky Society of CPAs. Tencza is a graduate of the 2006-2007 Leadership Louisville class and a member of the board of overseers at Bellarmine.