Colleen Windham

About Colleen Windham

As a CPA and the Director of Retirement Plan Services at Independent Retirement, I am passionate about educating clients, financial advisors, and fellow CPAs to help them successfully navigate the complexities of retirement plan administration. My goal is to equip others with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and implement effective retirement plan solutions.Beyond client consulting, I am passionate about teaching and public speaking. I have designed and led technical training sessions within my firm and have had the privilege of speaking at industry-leading events, including: ASPPA Annual Conference ASPPA Spring National Conference ASPPA\'s Continuing Education Program New Mexico Society of CPAs Continuing Education Program I believe that complex topics such as compliance testing, Form 5500 rules, missed deferral opportunities, and late deposits can be broken down in a way that makes them actionable for both clients and coworkers. Whether I’m speaking at a conference, mentoring a colleague, or leading a training session, my goal is to help others grow their own retirement plan knowledge base so they have the tools they need to navigate complex retirement situations in the future. I also serve as Co-Chair of ARA’s Thrive Committee, which fosters 1:1 mentorship within the retirement plan industry. I want to help others not only expand their technical knowledge but also their professional networks so that they can achieve their own personal goals. Aside from my work in the retirement plan industry, I am an Enneagram 3, who loves to travel, play pickleball, rock climb, and hike. My husband Keith and I recently traveled to Norway and will be heading to Portugal and Spain later this year. It’s always interesting to explore new places and gain new perspective. So if you’re looking for a dynamic speaker, expert in retirement plan compliance, or a mentor committed to the next generation of industry leaders, let’s connect!

Experience

1. Director of Retirement Plan Services

   Independent Retirement

   Dec 2025 — Present · Albuquerque, NM, US

Education

• UNM Anderson School of Management

  Bachelor's of Business Administration, Concentration: Accounting, Minor: Spanish

  2009 — 2013

• UNM Anderson School of Management

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Accounting

  2013 — 2015

Skills

• Budgets
• Highly Organized & Strong Analytical Abilities
• Management
• General Ledger
• Analysis
• Multi Tasking
• Peachtree
• Budgeting
• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Auditing
• Building Relationships
• Accounting
• Financial Accounting
• Critical Thinking
• Peachtree Accounting Software
• Microsoft Word
• Visio