Q: When contemplating a job change, how do you ensure that you make the change at the right time and that you make the right choice for you? What are some tips for landing a job compatible with your passions and interests?

Job changes are complex and should always be carefully thought out and researched.  In terms of the timing, we believe that the best time to evaluate a new opportunity is when you are already employed (and hopefully not completely miserable in your current role).  People make better decisions if they are not already desperate to make a job change. When evaluating a new opportunity, you should research and interview the company you are considering as much as they are interviewing and researching you.  Try to talk to people who have worked there previously to get multiple perspectives on what the company is truly like on the inside. Above all, you should strive to make sure there is a strong cultural match that aligns with what you believe and value.  We never recommend taking a new position just for the money.  Money can be part of the equation, but it should never be the sole reason for making a career move.  Don't be afraid to do some self-reflection and self-assessment to ensure the new role is in fact in line with your passion and interests or you may find yourself unhappy again as soon as the "honeymoon" phase ends.

Christine Bell, MBA, CPA | Professional Recruiter/Shareholder | BGT Recruiting & Consulting, Inc. | Knoxville, Tenn.

How to Get the Most Out of Mentors

By Jessica Tarpley Stover, CPA

Over the years, I’ve learned the value of the mentor-mentee relationship, as I’ve had numerous people impart wisdom as my career has progressed. Having been in your shoes, mentors often offer up invaluable feedback and offer impartial guidance that can help you grow personally and professionally. When I learned that I did not have to figure everything out on my own, I was amazed to learn that there were plenty of people willing to share the lessons they learned the hard way, and they wanted nothing in return. Here are some tips to get more out of the mentee-mentor relationship.

The first step to a successful mentor relationship is identifying what you hope to achieve from the relationship as the mentee. Mentoring is a time commitment for both parties, and to be successful you need to know what you want to accomplish from the relationship and how to steer things in that direction. Step back and make a list of the most important outcome and goals for the relationship. The mentor may have the experience, but they are there to help you and need your input to be helpful. Many times, mentees just wing it, which can result in wasted time for both parties. Having a mentor for the sake of having a mentor is counterproductive for everyone involved. Know what you want from the relationship and make sure to convey that to your mentor.

The next step is finding the right mentor or mentors. There are endless professionals out there who are willing to spend time with you, but sometimes it requires creativity and looking outside your comfort zone or office walls to produce a meaningful relationship. If your career aspirations are just to progress within your current company, then the easy choice may be the best choice. If you are unsure what you want to do long-term, it might be a better idea to seek support from other resources and business professionals. They might provide better guidance for your long-term career goals, not just your current job. One of my more successful mentor relationships was with a career advisor provided by my firm. He was not a CPA and was not in my focus group within the firm; he was merely someone with a professional accounting background who the firm contracted to work with its staff. He was able to offer advice from the outside looking in and imparted wisdom that was honest and impartial. I know he had my best interests at heart, and I was able to make some bigger career decisions based on his advice. Always be open and honest. You only get out of the relationship what you put in it.

Put together a schedule/agenda and stick to it. As I said before, successful mentoring is time consuming; it takes commitment from both sides. If you don’t make time for it and schedule it, it can get pushed to the wayside. Don’t fear following up with your mentor; they expect you to! They are often busy and feel that you will contact them if the relationship is important to you. I know in the past I’ve made the mistake of not wanting to bother my mentor because I knew how busy they were, and I missed out as a result. By providing an agenda and following up, your mentor can come to meetings prepared and knowing that you are engaged. This ensures you get the most of out the relationship.

 

Jessica Tarpley Stover, CPA, is a staff accountant for the Blankenship CPA Group, a member of TSCPA’s Young CPA Workgroup and a mentor in TSCPA’s mentor program. She can be reached at jtarpley@bcpas.com.

 

Discover Accounting Program at Lipscomb University

The Discover Accounting Program came to Nashville at Lipscomb University on Sept. 21. With more than 100 students in attendance from 10 different schools, it was the biggest event yet!

Jenneen Kaufman, CPA and CFO for the Tennessee Titans
presented on the different career options for accountants.

Dr. Perry Moore, CPA, kicked off the day with a fun icebreaker that got all the students up and moving. It was a great way to begin the day with lots of engagement.

Jenneen Kaufman, CFO for the Tennessee Titans, challenged the students’ preconceived stereotypes of accountants. As a woman in the NFL, she isn't your typical CPA. Working in the male-dominated world of sports, she not only follows the teams plays, but also manages their finances.

Accountants are also one of the most trusted professions out there. Jamie Hart, CPA, an auditor with LBMC, spoke about the importance of ethics in the profession and even had the students role-play as if they were CPAs having to testify in court over a business dispute.

Jamie Hart, CPA with LBMC talked about being an auditor.

"Has anyone ever testified under oath? Imagine putting your CPA license on the line. You’re an expert now with your CPA and believe it or not, juries and judges make decisions on what you say and you do because you’re a forensic CPA."

Students used Kindle Fires to discover what type of accounting best suited their personalities with an online quiz through the AICPA's Start Here Go Places website. With over 68 different job titles, each student was matched up to an accounting career that best suited them.

Knowing whether they were geared for a future in tax or audit, public or private practice, the students then were able to go around the room to talk with a host of different CPAs from different areas of practice. A big thanks to Brittany Boyer, Director of Financial Reporting at Surgery Partners; Kathryn Grant and Kevin Gentry with KraftCPAs PLLC; Jamie Hart with LBMC; and Jennifer Sturgeon, Controller at Frasier, Dean and Howard, PLLC.

Brittany Boyer, Director of Financial Reporting, Surgery Parnters	Kathryn Grant, Supervisor, Assurance Services, KraftCPAs PLLC	Kevin Gentry, Supervisor, Risk  Assurance & Advisory Services, KraftCPAs PLLC
Jennifer Sturgeon, Controller, Frasier, Dean and Howard, PLLC	 Jamie Hart, Auditor, LBMC

Karla Chavez, Lipscomb Recruiter

Karla Chavez, recruiter with Lipscomb University did a great job of explaining what students should focus on now, while still in high school, to help get them accepted to the college of their dreams. She also covered ways to save for college and tips on how to make college more affordable, like taking advantage of the Tennessee Promise program, where students can attend their first two years of college for free at community colleges. Her presentation was followed by a campus tour.

Hannah Simmons & Christopher Avrit, TSCPA Scholarship
Winners Lipscomb Accounting Majors

Lipscomb accounting majors, Christopher Avrit and Hannah Simmons shared their experiences as college students, what drew them to accounting and how they both won scholarships from the TSCPA. The students were full of questions about college life and what classes they should take in order to prepare for the CPA exam.

Leisa Gill, Director of Marketing, LBMC

Social media can be a wonderful tool, when used appropriately. Leisa Gill, Director of Marketing with LBMC, provided students with the do's and don'ts of social media. Many students aren't aware that their social media profiles are often reviewed by recruiters for jobs they are applying for. With a word to the wise, Gill shared some of the greatest social media blunders of all time, along with some great advise on how to build a social media presence that can actually help students achieve their goals.

With nine more events scheduled through Nov. 9, TSCPA is working to bring an interest in accounting to more than 1,000 high school students across Tennessee. Attendance is free for high school students and their teachers, but space is limited.

The upcoming dates and locations are as follows:

Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City: Oct. 2
Christian Brothers University, Memphis: Oct. 10
Lee University, Cleveland: Oct. 20
Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville: Oct. 23
King University, Bristol: Oct. 25
University of Tennessee at Martin: Nov. 7
Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville: Nov.9

If you are interested in becoming involved or becoming a sponsor, please contact Aleshia Garrett at agarrett@tscpa.com, 615/377-3825 or discover more at tscpa.com/discoveraccounting.

These events were made possible by contributions from the following sponsors:

GOLD SPONSORSHIP

SILVER SPONSORSHIPS

Carr Rigs & Ingram

KraftCPAs, PLLC
Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC

BRONZE SPONSORSHIPS

CBIZ MHM
Dent K. Burke Associates, P.C.
Frasier, Dean & Howard, PLLC
HORNE LLP
Pugh CPAs
Regions Bank
Roderfer Moss & Co., PLLC
WSW CPAs

Discover Accounting Program at Carson-Newman University

On the road again, The Discover Accounting Program wound it's ways through the mountains of East Tennessee to Jefferson City for the Oct. 2 event at Carson-Newman University. Students from Morristown Hamblen West High School braved the rainy weather to share in the fun of learning about a future in accounting.

With eight more events scheduled through Nov. 9, TSCPA is working to bring an interest in accounting to more than 1,000 high school students across Tennessee. Attendance is free for high school students and their teachers, but space is limited.

The upcoming dates and locations are as follows:

Christian Brothers University, Memphis: Oct. 10
Lee University, Cleveland: Oct. 20
Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville: Oct. 23
King University, Bristol: Oct. 25
University of Tennessee at Martin: Nov. 7
Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville: Nov.9

If you are interested in becoming involved or becoming a sponsor, please contact Aleshia Garrett at agarrett@tscpa.com, 615/377-3825 or discover more at tscpa.com/discoveraccounting.

These events were made possible by contributions from the following sponsors:

GOLD SPONSORSHIP

SILVER SPONSORSHIPS

Carr Rigs & Ingram

KraftCPAs, PLLC
Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC

BRONZE SPONSORSHIPS

CBIZ MHM
Dent K. Burke Associates, P.C.
Frasier, Dean & Howard, PLLC
HORNE LLP
Pugh CPAs
Regions Bank
Roderfer Moss & Co., PLLC
WSW CPAs

Discover Accounting Program Shattering Stereotypes for Tennessee High School Students

On Sept. 2, TSCPA launched the first of 10 Discover Accounting Programs to be held across the state this fall. The event was held at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn., and drew more than 40 students from area high schools to learn more about a career in accounting.

Dr. Michelle Freeman
Professor of Accountancy at East Tennessee State University

Michelle Freeman, professor of accountancy at ETSU, kicked off the day challenging the students’ preconceived stereotypes of accountants. Freeman taught the students about the different types of accountants and the many career paths available to those pursuing a degree in accounting and passing the CPA exam.

“Because accounting is the language of business, it’s one of the most adaptable business degrees you can obtain. With an accounting degree, you can really go into any type of business and understand exactly how that company works, judge how successful it is and project where it’s future will be based on different options,” Freeman said.

Kevin Peters, CPA
Partner at Blackburn, Childers, & Stegall, PLC

Accountants are also one of the most trusted professions out there. Kevin Peters, CPA, a partner with Blackburn, Childers & Stegall, PLC, shared stories of his experiences as an auditor.

“There have been times when I’ve been doing an audit and discovered someone in the company was stealing. They may be the nicest person in the world but with enough situational pressures and an open opportunity, many people falter,” Peters said. “As an accountant, people don’t think about us having people skills, but it’s one of the skills we use most often. We don’t just work with numbers, we’re working with people.”

Jonathan Bailey, MAcc, CGMA, CPA
Tax Manager at General Shale

Jonathan Bailey, MAcc, CGMA, CPA, Tax Manager with General Shale, and Jamie Ketron, CGMA, CPA, Auditor with Cherry Bekaert, teamed up to talk about the differences in their jobs, what helped them decide to go into accounting and why they love what they do. Travel and working at remote locations was a big part of what fuels their passion for accounting, but they also love working with people and providing help and insight into the often complicated government regulations.

Jamie Ketron, CGMA, CPA
Auditor at Cherry Bekaert

“It was also a very secure career choice that pays very well,” said Ketron. “When you graduate with an accounting degree, there is no lack of job opportunities. And if you get your CPA certification, the options are limitless.”

However, Chad Kisner, CISA, CITP, CPA, a partner with Blackburn, Childers & Steagall, PLC, cautioned students about what they post on social media. “Recruiters will look at your social media profiles,” he warned. “If it’s something you wouldn’t want your parents to see, don’t do it.”

Social media can help or hurt a student’s future career plans, and this is a critical lesson that high school students need to understand sooner rather than later.

Dr. Mark Steadman, ETSU professor of accounting, did a fantastic job of helping the students understand the perils of financial debt as a student and smart ways to avoid it.

Chad Kisner, CISA, CITP, CPA
Partner at Backburn, Childers & Steagall, PLC

The event wrapped up with Ben Daugherty, one of the college recruiters, and Alyssa Reed, an ETSU accounting student, helping the students to better understand how to prepare for college, how to choose the right school and ways to apply for scholarships.

Students attending said they learned more about accounting as a career option and more about going to and applying for college. One student said, “It gave great insight and showed that the stereotypes aren’t the case.”

With nine more events scheduled through Nov. 9, TSCPA is working to bring an interest in accounting to more than 1,000 high school students across Tennessee. Attendance is free for high school students and their teachers, but space is limited.


The upcoming dates and locations are as follows:
Lipscomb University, Nashville: Sept. 21
Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City: Oct. 2
Christian Brothers University, Memphis: Oct. 10
Lee University, Cleveland: Oct. 20
Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville: Oct. 23
King University, Bristol: Oct. 25
University of Tennessee at Martin: Nov. 7
Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville: Nov.9

If you are interested in becoming involved or becoming a sponsor, please contact Aleshia Garrett at agarrett@tscpa.com, 615/377-3825 or discover more at tscpa.com/discoveraccounting.

These events were made possible by contributions from the following sponsors:

GOLD SPONSORSHIP

SILVER SPONSORSHIPS

Carr Rigs & Ingram

KraftCPAs, PLLC
Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC

BRONZE SPONSORSHIPS

CBIZ MHM
Dent K. Burke Associates, P.C.
Frasier, Dean & Howard, PLLC
HORNE LLP
Pugh CPAs
Regions Bank
Roderfer Moss & Co., PLLC
WSW CPAs

Meet a Young CPA

Meet TSCPA Member Clay Crockett!

Job: Supervisor - Tax
Company: HORNE LLP
City: Jackson, Tenn.

How and why did you become involved with TSCPA?
I became a TSCPA member as soon as I started my first job in public accounting. I quickly realized how valuable a resource membership is. Specifically, I find great value in the CPE offered by the Society, the publications that keep us aware of current issues and the advocacy the Society takes on for the profession.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to other young CPAs and/or those that are just passing the exam, getting ready to embark in their career?
My advice is to find your passion. I'm so fortunate to have found mine. Doing what you enjoy makes your time at work so fulfilling. Also, for anyone who hasn't passed the exam, my advice is to do so as soon as possible. It takes true dedication to pass the exam, but the rewards of passing are great.

What is your secret to surviving busy season?
I'm most productive early in the morning. I like to get to the office early and get things accomplished before the phone starts ringing. I make it a priority to spend quality time with my family in the evening. Also, a walk at lunch really helps to clear my mind.

What motivates you?
I'm motivated by my work. I take great pleasure knowing my team and I have done exceptional work for our clients. Also, I treat every day as a "school day." Learning something new keeps things fresh and interesting.

How do you unwind outside of work?
I most enjoy spending time with my wife, Brittany, and 3-year-old daughter, Hannah. We all love to go camping, which allows us quality time together and a time to make lasting memories. I also enjoy woodworking and any other hands-on project.

Meet a Young CPA

Meet TSCPA Member Erin Lotz!

Job: Financial Analyst II
Company: ServiceMaster
City: Memphis, Tenn.

Why did you become a CPA?
The accounting professors at the University of Mississippi helped me realize early on the importance of earning the CPA designation in order to set your career apart from your peers, demonstrate your commitment to the profession and for continuous professional development. I am so happy I took their advice to pursue a CPA license, as it has opened many doors in my career and has provided the educational foundation and experiences that allow me to bring value to a variety of organizations.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to other young CPAs and/or those that are just passing the exam, getting ready to embark on their career?
Take ownership of your career and persistently challenge yourself and your team to improve performance. Prioritize projects. A simple "to do" list is an important first step. Complete high priority projects early in the day during your peak of energy.

What is on your desk right now?
My morning Diet Coke, daily "to-do" list and the latest issue of the Tennessee CPA Journal..

What/Who motivates you?
My fiancé, family and future family, and passion for helping others is what drives me every day.

How do you unwind outside of work?
Dates with my fiancé, exercise and weekend road trips.

Five Minutes with a Young CPA Member

We sat down with Rachel Lloyd, Nashville Chapter Young CPA chair and incoming secretary, to chat about TSCPA. Check out her thoughts:

Rachel Lloyd with husband Josh at a
TSCPA Nashville Chapter
Predators Outing

How did you become involved with TSCPA?
Attended a couple of Young CPA events before becoming a committee member. I wanted to network and get to know other Young CPAs. I wanted to help the next generation of Young CPAs coming out of college.  

What is the main reason you are involved in TSCPA?  
To meet other CPAs (not just my coworkers).  

What is one of the most rewarding things you have experienced with your involvement in TSCPA?  
Before I was the chair of the Nashville Chapter Young CPA committee, I went to a Beta Alpha Psi meeting at MTSU (my alma mater). There were approximately three or four of us, Young CPAs, there and we each told our story of what to expect out of college. The room was packed and the students attending asked lots of questions. So many questions, in fact, that I stayed after the event over an hour and a half answering them. I felt I had helped a few students understand what to expect out of college.

What is the one piece of advice you could give to other young CPAs and/or those that are just passing the exam, getting ready to embark in their career?  

Network, network, network! Most Young CPAs either do not network or are unsure how it is done. The accounting world is not as large as it seems, although I know it may seem that way straight out of college. Don't just put your head down and work away; get involved in something and meet people. The more you do network, the easier it is. Networking is about building relationships.  

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I played snare drum in the marching band throughout high school in Mt. Juliet and part of college at MTSU. 

Ask an Expert

Q: Right now, I’m struggling with what to do so far as additional certifications go. I’ve got the CPA down, but I’m still in the school/study mindset and want to take advantage of my free time. The only problem is that I don’t know what to look at (e.g. CMA, CIA, CFE, etc.) since I’ve only just started my career and don’t know where I want to end up. I don’t have the money for MBA/MAc at the moment, but it’s also on the to-do list. Where should I start?

A: First off, congratulations on passing your CPA exam so quickly. This is a great accomplishment that will prove to be beneficial for you. When a company/firm is looking to hire someone with a certification, 98 percent of the time that are requesting a CPA.  

As far as other credentials go, I suggest that you assess what direction you want to take your career, and consider specialty designations based on the direction you choose. For example, if you want to pursue Internal Audit or Forensics then you might consider sitting for the CIA or CFE. However, if you aren’t heading in that direction, I wouldn’t waste your time or money. Forensics is something that a lot of people like the sound of, but the opportunities to do that work are fewer (specialized field) than traditional accounting/audit. You will need to network with forensic professionals already doing the work to get an opportunity in that field.

In regards to the CMA, unless you are in a heavy manufacturing/cost environment there is no need for a CMA. In my past experience with working with manufacturing clients looking for cost experience, the majority of the hiring managers still desire a CPA over a CMA.   

When considering going back to school, I would make sure you have a plan before you spend the money for another degree. The majority of individuals that get their MAcc do so to get the required 150 hours, myself included. If I were in your shoes and choosing a graduate degree, I would choose an MBA with the caveat that I would only go back to MBA school if your desire is to be outside a traditional accounting/auditing profession. If you have an interest in the finance side of the world that is where an MBA can become more valuable.

My advice to you would be now that your CPA is under your belt, work the long hours to start establishing a career over the next three-four years and then reassess what you want to do, and keep in mind that your career aspirations can change over time.

About the Expert: Kyle Allen, CPA, is a partner at Vaco Resources in Brentwood, Tenn. He can be reached at
kallen@vaco.com.

Do you have a question that you haven’t found the answer to as it relates to your career? No need to look further for the answer! Submit your question via email to Katie Cheek at kcheek@tscpa.com, and we will ask an expert.