The three partners of Wells, Houser & Schatzel make sure every client gets the specific knowledge, attention, and skills they need. Working together, Peter Wells, John Houser, and Peter Schatzel deliver 360-degree financial expertise and knowledge. They are advocates of your financial well-being and experts in fiscal fitness.
Peter B. Wells, CPA
(727) 578-1040 ext.118
wells@whspa.com
Peter Wells began his career with the large St. Petersburg accounting firm of Canning, Wells & Salzer, where he became a partner. Upon the merger of Canning, Wells & Salzer into the international accounting firm of Ernst & Whinney, Peter became a senior tax manager. He then joined Wells, Houser & Schatzel, P.A.
Peter’s years of public accounting experience are extremely diversified, including service for manufacturers, whole-salers and distributors, pari-mutuel operations, banks, real estate developers, investment firms, and contractors. He also has significant experience working with clients in the medical, legal, and insurance fields, as well as restaurants and retail operations.
Peter’s wide experience in taxation includes all types of entities: individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and retirement plans. Peter has wide experience in auditing and accounting as well, providing services to many clients in diverse industries. A significant amount of his time is spent working with clients as a business and management consultant.
Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Pioneer Park Foundation – Board Member and Treasurer
- American Stage Theater Company – former Treasurer
- St. Petersburg Family YMCA – former Board Chairman and Treasurer
- St. Petersburg Kiwanis Club – former Board Member
- St. Petersburg Quarterback Club – former Treasurer
- St. Petersburg Quarterback Club Scholarship Fund – former Treasurer
- Member of other social clubs and volunteer for various community activities
Education
- BS in Accounting, University of Florida
- Ernst & Whinney Accelerated Tax Training Program
- Continuing professional education includes approx. 40 hours per year in audit, tax, accounting, and related courses; consistently attends more than the minimum required to maintain Florida licensure
John B. Houser, CPA
(727) 578-1040 ext.115
houser@whspa.com
John Houser began his career in 1981 with a regional accounting firm in North Carolina. He provided tax, compilation, review, and audit services to various for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. John moved to Florida in 1985 and joined the internal audit staff of Lykes Bros. Inc., where he worked directly with their external auditors.
Upon leaving Lykes in 1987, John joined the firm of Wells, Houser & Schatzel, P.A., becoming a partner in November 1993. His experience includes individual and small business advisory and tax services, compilation, review, and audit services for municipal, not-for-profit and for-profit entities.
Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Education
- BA in Accounting, Belmont Abbey College, North Carolina
- Continuing professional education includes approx. 40 hours per year in audit, tax, accounting, and related courses; consistently attends more than the minimum required to maintain Florida licensure
Peter C. Schatzel, CPA
(727) 578-1040 ext.121
schatzel@whspa.com
Peter Schatzel began his career in 1973 with the large local accounting firm of Canning, Wells & Salzer, becoming a partner in 1979. Upon the merger of Canning, Wells & Salzer into the international firm of Ernst & Whinney in 1983, Peter became a senior audit manager.
In 1985, he left to become part of the firm that is now Wells, Houser & Schatzel, P.A. His many years of experience include accounting, auditing, and taxation, as well as business consulting. He has also directed large audit engagements in manufacturing, government, not-for-profit organizations, agriculture, real estate development, securities, financial institutions, and construction.
In addition to serving these industries, Peter has provided accounting, taxation, and consulting services to smaller business, including the medical profession, restaurants, wholesale distributors, and various other entities.
Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Government Finance Officers Association
- St. Raphael Church Finance Committee Chair
Education
- BA in Accounting, University of South Florida
Continuing professional education includes approx. 40 hours per year in audit, tax, accounting, and related courses; consistently attends more than the minimum required to maintain Florida licensure.