Behind the Numbers

As Associate Editor of CPA Practice Advisor, I get the opportunity to meet lots of interesting and inspiring people in the accounting profession. Some work for vendors in the profession and others are CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, advisors, consultants. You name it. Whatever their official title, the individuals I come across usually leave a lasting impression with me.

I get to meet people that have spent their entire lives surrounded by numbers, often following in the footsteps of their parents. Sometimes, that’s not the case, though. Like me, there are a few who “stumbled” into the world of accounting. I have met mothers, fathers, tech geeks, bookworms, DIYers, people that love the outdoors, sports enthusiasts and community advocates.

The more I talk to them, the more I get to see into their lives outside of the office. I get to see the very things that drive them to become such “Powerhouses” in the office. I get to see the people behind the numbers. Yes, I learn about accounting topics, the issues facing accountants and small businesses and the latest technology available to professionals. But I also learn so much more. I learn tips and wisdom that surpass the accounting profession. I learn what it takes to be successful, how to maintain a happy work/life balance and, most importantly, how to play pool. (Thanks Doug, Isaac and Jill!)

And these lessons make me glad that I have the opportunity to interact with so many wonderful individuals outside of the office. They truly have amazing stories to tell and now I’m going to share those stories with you. In our new blog series, “Behind the Numbers,” I will talk to various individuals in the profession and shine a little light on what they are like when they sign out of the accounting cloud.

And just like me, you’ll find that there is more to these professionals than numbers.