Brett E. Mills, CPA, MSA – 2016 40 Under 40 Honoree

Q&A:

Aside from the accounting websites, which blog/website do you consider a must-read?

To cut down on my screen-time, I prefer podcasts and books over blogs. Some podcasts I’m listening to are: Inc. Uncensored, TEDTalks, EOFire, Freakonomics Radio, & the Tim Ferriss Show. Books I have or am reading this year are: The Future of the Professions by Susskind, The Industries of the Future by Ross, Firm Forward by Osborne, Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics, and How to Have a Good Day by Webb.

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

In the last two years, I led efforts to rebrand our firm with a new logo, new website, and new office design, making us more attractive in the marketplace to employees and clients. I spearheaded efforts to close an M&A deal of another accounting practice increasing our revenue by double digits, securing quality talent, and expanding our service offerings. I also led efforts to move of our firm to one of the hottest business real estate markets in the country- the “$5 Billion Mile” in Frisco, Texas.

In what ways do you participate in the professional community to change/improve the accounting profession?

In addition to being an active member of the AICPA and the Dallas chapter of the TSCPAs, I am currently serving a 2 year term on the Intuit Accountant and Advisor Customer Council 2015 – 2017, I participate in twitter chats, I speak at local practice management groups about accounting firm technology, I participated in a White Paper study for CCH and their Axcess platform, and have written for AccountingWEB online magazine.  

In what ways do you participate in your local community to help others?

I am an active member of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce –a 4-Star Accredited and one of the fastest growing Chambers in the country. I also serve as a member of the board for several clients’ businesses. I also participate in several industry focused associations and guilds, acting as a mentor to young businesses.

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

Recent U.S. Census Bureau shows Millennials have surpassed Boomers as the largest generation actively working. Firms should be thinking about how to differentiate themselves to attract and retain Millennials soon or they will encounter performance and succession issues in the near future. Also, cloud adoption has been slow in our industry, but in 3 – 5 years we will see a significant shift of firms adopting cloud technologies.

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

Historically, our profession has been a laggard with technology. With a background in and a passion for technology, I feel I have a mission to educate my clients and our profession on the benefits of technology and the tidal wave of disruption that has occurred and will continue to happen at an increasing rate. I see my firm staying at the forefront of this trend, and I will continue to talk about these trends with anyone or any group that will listen.

What is your career philosophy?

My career philosophy is to focus on and develop my strengths, to create a great place to work not just for today but for the next generation, to continuously disrupt myself and my firm with new initiatives. These philosophies will allow my firm to go beyond providing traditional accounting services so that we may serve as true advisors to our clients.

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

My father has been an important mentor in my life before and throughout my career as a CPA – not telling me what to do or how to do it, but inspiring me to do things right. He encouraged me at a young age to embrace change and technology – teaching me addition and subtraction on the first Compaq laptop (about the size of a suitcase) on Lotus 123. His teachings of quality, client service, and technology is and will remain deeply engrained in me.

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