My path to becoming a CPA was not what I had originally envisioned for myself. I started my college career at the University of Texas Austin in the School of Natural Science after graduating in the top ten percent of my class from Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD. It was my dream at that time to go to medical school and become a doctor. Only after daydreaming in the chemistry lab and causing an evacuation of the entire building did I reevaluate my career path!
I have always been, and continue to consider myself to be, a studious individual and found comfort in the structure of accounting. My stepdad is an accountant, and it seemed like a logical choice as I continued my college career. I ultimately graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Houston Clear Lake. I was determined to take what I had learned to the next level and pursued my license as a CPA. I firmly believe this license over the medical one turned out to be a much better choice for both society and me!
My number crunching career started with a small city experiencing incredible growth and in need of their first accountant. I found that I enjoyed defining this role and learning what politics was all about. This is also where I met my first auditor and, shockingly, I fell in love with her job! She ultimately became a great mentor and helped me cross the bridge into public accounting.
As an auditor, I thrived amidst all the structure of rules provided from the AICPA, GASB, and GAGAS, to name a few! I have found, and continue to find, the most rewarding part of my job to be getting to know the people who also live in the accounting world, as well as those who don’t, but have a fiduciary duty to guide their government and must read the reports we accountants write. I enjoy working through the challenges of when something does not add up and providing solutions to bring back balance to the processes that are relied upon by many to make good decisions for the welfare of our communities.
In addition to being a member of the AICPA and the Government Audit Quality Center, I take pleasure in serving on the Special Review Committee for the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for governments. Serving on this committee has provided an opportunity to see financial reports from all over the country. It is this experience that allows me to pass along things that I see to enhance the reports our clients present.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my incredibly supportive husband and two beautiful boys. I also find a sense of achievement as a runner and athlete. I completed my first triathlon in May 2012 and have been hooked since then! I have also enjoyed the dirty challenges and demands of a mud run!