Stacy L. Kildal – 2014 40 Under 40 Honoree

What are the key areas of your firm that have seen the greatest change/challenge in workflow over the past few years? (Or, what are the key challenges you see firms facing?)

I think for us, it’s going to be practice management. With the increase in really good apps, and the fact that I’m always looking for that killer app, deciding on one that works for us – and sticking with it – is going to be a challenge.

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

100%! All of our clients are either using QuickBooks Online, or have their QuickBooks desktop file hosted. As a distributed team, we keep our firm files, such as engagement letter & authorization templates in Google Docs.

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

I’m constantly testing new technology and apps to see if they’ll improve our processes, or if they’ll work for any of our clients. I think being an “early adopter” is incredibly important these days, so I try to stay on top of upcoming tech trends and products. 
 
In what ways do you participate in either the professional community or your local community to help others?

We do TheQBShow.com each week, it’s a show that we started almost 4 years ago as an audio only podcast called Radio Free QuickBooks, and it’s a resource for accounting professionals and small businesses on how to, best practices and new products, all related to QuickBooks. I also contribute articles to Intuitive Accountant, and really try to use that as a place to put it all out there, to talk about topics and ideas that many of us in the accounting industry think and experience, but may not be comfortable talking about to our peers.
 
What major changes do you foresee in the accounting profession of the near future (3-5 years)?

What I’m hoping to see is more accounting professionals moving online. I thought this was the future of the profession 8 years ago, and I think it’s imperative that they keep up with technology in order to stay relevant.

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

My motto for the last few years has been “Get online or get left behind” and I will continue to shout this from the rooftops, and try to drag my peers right along with me, even if they’re digging in their heels!

What is your career philosophy?

Find your jam. In other words: do your best to love what you do.

Not including your current employer, what company do you most admire and why?

The first one that comes to mind is TSheets.com. They have a great product, they market the hell of it, and the team is one of the most fabulously awesome group of people that are great at what they do, and truly care about their customers.

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

Just one? My dad. He owned a residential building company while I was growing up and he taught me that it was okay to play hard as long as you worked hard, to own my mistakes, to always protect my integrity, and how to shoot pool.

 

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