Roy Keely, 2014 40 Under 40 Honoree

To what extent have you and your practice/company embraced cloud computing?

We have completely embraced the cloud! So much so, we have staked our whole company on it. We are a cloud provider to the accounting profession, and a majority of our revenue comes from our clients moving to our cloud.

In what ways have you contributed to your firm/company to make it a better place?

I am a driver and I am restless. This combo has an equal opportunity to create chaos (and it has at times), but it’s largely a positive in a business where obstacles are many and the market is highly competitive. I have yet to lose my energy after 9 years at Xcentric and have been able to drive change organizationally, tweak products & services, and change the way we sell and market.

What major changes do you foresee in the accounting profession of the near future (3-5 years)?

As the next generation of leaders take their seat at the table, I envision firms taking a more technology-centric approach to client service and marketing. Borders will begin to fall and specialized firms will run a leaner office environment with more and more people operating from markets around the world/country all made possible by the migration to cloud computing.

How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession?

While I am neither a technologist nor an accountant, I have an opportunity to be a bridge of communication and vision across the two unique professions. I hope to continue to provide tangible steps that allow firms to take advantage of the leverage technology provides their practice.

What is your career philosophy?

Take work home. Take home to work.

Describe one person who has been an important mentor to you and how that person helped change your life.

Rusty Gordon, an Atlanta based entrepreneur, decided to take time out of his busy schedule to meet monthly while I was in my mid-20s. This was an interesting season for me as I was just starting to learn what it meant to be a person of character in a fast-paced business environment. He always listened, provided tangible vision, and never acted like he had all the answers. I learned from his humility and leadership and look to do the same with ‘other young bucks’ in a world where traps of success are everywhere.

 

Read more about this year’s 40 Under 40 Honorees.