W. Ashley Thiem, CPA/PFS – 2016 40 Under 40 Honoree
Sep. 19, 2016
Q&A:
Aside from the accounting websites, which blog/website do you consider a must-read?
I always try to read The Wall Street Journal and my local paper, The Post & Courier, to stay up to date on current events. As an avid UGA football fan, I am also a frequent visitor to ugasports.com.
In what ways have you contributed to your firm/company to make it better?
I co-founded my firm in 2009 and have helped increase our client base, kept us up to date on technology and expanded our operations to have more sources of revenue.
In what ways do you participate in the professional community to change/improve the accounting profession?
I was involved with the SC Association of CPAs (SCACPA), first on the Young Leadership Cabinet and then on the Board of Directors. The Young Leadership Cabinet helped introduce young CPAs across the state so they could get to know their peers and become leaders in the CPA industry. The Board of Directors is the governing body for SCACPA and controls the affairs, funds and properties of the organization.
In what ways do you participate in your local community to help others?
I am on several non-profit boards as Treasurer so I can use my accounting background to help others. I always cringe when I read about a non-profit having their funds stolen and I want to keep that from happening.
What changes do you foresee in the accounting profession of the near future (3-5 years)?
Tax laws! CPAs will continue to be up to date so they can advise clients properly on changing tax laws. Technology has also streamlined the process for clients and their CPAs to share information in a secure and quick manner and I think that will continue as new technology emerges.
How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession?
By continuing to be involved on the local, state and national level. I am always eager to give back and help the profession that has made me successful.
What is your career philosophy?
Always grow. Whether it is knowledge, a bigger client base, or more efficient operations, I think it is important to always grow in your profession.
Describe one person who has been an important mentor to you and how that person helped change your life.
My father. Growing up he was a role model to me. After college I started to work for his CPA firm and then six years ago we started our own firm. I have been lucky to have worked down the hall from him for the past 13 years.
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