RLI-CPA, Certified Public Accountants, PC.

About Us

If you're looking for a Hickory CPA firm with a client-first philosophy, consider RLI-CPA, Certified Public Accountants, PC.. We believe in getting to know your business and listening to your needs, then working closely with you to develop a plan to meet them.

Like most CPA firms, we offer standard services such as accounting and tax preparation, but unlike others, we have developed an extensive menu of specialized services designed to ensure that your business remains financially sound and prepared for a strong future.

We believe in getting to know your business and listening to your needs, then working closely with you to develop a plan to meet them. We offer standard services such as accounting and tax preparation, but unlike others, we have developed an extensive menu of specialized services designed to ensure that your business remains financially sound and prepared for a strong future.

Want to learn more? Call us at 828-322-9300. We'll set up an introductory appointment to meet at your convenience – and at no cost to you – so we can begin getting acquainted.

The CPAs:

Peter M. Maxwell - NC Certification # 44168

  • Peter began working with the firm in December 2015
  • Served as Vice President for LKP Design Associates
  • Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Charles M. Snipes School of Business and Economics, Lenoir-Rhyne University
  • Graduate of the Lenoir-Rhyne University with a BA Degree in History
  • CPA, AICPA, and NCACPA

Debra A. "Debbie" Groteluschen NC Certification # 18476

  • Debbie began working with the firm in 1997
  • Debbie was the Controller at Institution Food House, Inc. in Hickory.
  • Served as staff accountant with McGladrey & Pullen, CPA
  • Graduate of Truman State University
  • MS from Truman State University
  • CPA, AICPA, and NCACPA

Elaine D. Kale NC Certification # 28903

  • Elaine began working with the firm in September of 1997
  • Graduate of Gardner-Webb University
  • CPA, AICPA, and NCACPA

Lynn S. Murphy NC Certification # 14524

  • Lynn rejoined the firm in October 2019
  • Experience includes over 35 years of which approximately one-half is in public accounting
  • Graduate of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
  • CPA, AICPA, and NCACPA

The firm:

Debbie Major

  • Office manager

Robby Spencer

  • Staff accountant

Zack Starnes

  • Staff accountant

Jamie Brittain

  • Staff accountant