Alina Nikishina, CPA – 2018 40 Under 40 Honoree

Professional Associations/Memberships: AICPA, COCPA, PASBA (Vendor Member), Assoc. of Professional Women (Secretary for Outreach Committee)

Career Highlights:

The most recent highlight has been working with a team to develop “The Mastery Network” and its programs. These programs will help professional firms gain a competitive edge by gearing up to add more advisory services into their practice, and they will also educate small business owners on most frequently asked about topics (e.g. how to read financial statements, benefits, and exit strategies). In the last 4 years, I have helped with re-branding of an accounting firm including name change, culture identity, and framework for clear goal tracking. I worked with our team to focus more on an educational, consultative, relationship building approach. Also, I lead and trained a significant number of clients to cloud based accounting systems such as Quickbooks Online and streamlined internal procedures.

What are you doing to make a difference in the profession, your community, the world?

I serve on the Board of Directors and as a volunteer for a Denver chapter of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program) “DABC”, as a Secretary and volunteer for the Outreach Committee of a local professional women’s group “APW”, and I mentor accounting students at a local university. In the next year, I also plan on looking into doing educational classes for business owners and other professionals.

Favorite books/websites/speakers that you find influential:

I really enjoy motivational speakers and authors like Jim Rohn, Mel Robbins, and Esther Hicks. Some books that I have read lately that I recommend: The Dream Manager, by Matthew Kelly; Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg; and Synchrodestiny, by Deepak Chopra.

What accounting conferences do you normally attend?

Scaling New Heights & Professional Association of Small Business Accountants (PASBA)

What websites/magazines do you use to keep up on news of the accounting profession?

CPA Practice Advisor, of course! Also Insightful Accountant and informational websites that are sponsored by software companies such as Intuit.

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See more of the 2018 40 Under 40 Honorees, and the 20 Under 40 Vendor Superstars.