Justin Hayes

Partner, CPA, CGMA

Justin Hayes is a partner in KSM’s Audit & Assurance Services Group and the leader of the Governmental Services Group. Justin works with his clients to help ensure accurate financial reporting and advises them on ways to improve their reporting and internal controls to provide maximum performance and efficiency. He has experience in a number of industries; however, his main areas of focus are not-for-profit, state and local government, and professional services. He is a member of the firm’s Not-for-Profit Services Group.

An important lesson I learned early on: You don’t have to have all the answers yourself. One of the most important things when advising clients is knowing when you don’t know the answer and need to get other experts involved.

Martial arts I’m involved in (Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)

Kids and Rottweilers

Countries I’ve traveled to

Justin received both a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting (cum laude) and a Master of Accountancy degree from Ball State University. He has also earned the Chartered Global Management Accountant^® designation.

Justin is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS), the Institute of Management Accountants, the Association of Government Accountants, and the Government Finance Officers Association. He is also a member of the Ball State University Ac-counting Advisory Council and serves as a Miller Mentor for the Miller College of Business at Ball State. Additionally, Justin serves as the treasurer on the board of directors and finance committee for Second Helpings Inc. He is a graduate of Opportunity Indianapolis 2010 and Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) 2011 with Leadership Indianapolis (formerly Lacy Leadership Association). Justin was selected as one of 25 individuals to participate in Class XLVIII of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, which expands the ranks of com-munity leaders by teaching and motivating members to address the needs of central Indiana.

Justin is a recipient of an Emerging Leader Award from both INCPAS and the Paul W. Parkison Department of Accounting at Ball State University, where he has also previously been honored as a recipient of the 3 Under 30 Award. He was selected as a finalist for Junior Achievement of Central Indiana’s 2021 Best and Brightest Award in the Accounting category. In 2019, he was selected as a finalist for United Way of Central Indiana’s ELEVATE Awards in the Board Member of the Year category for his work on behalf of AYS Inc. In 2012, Justin was selected as a finalist for the Ball State Alumni Association’s Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D) Award, which recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of recent graduates.