Northwest CPA Group PLLC
Member (Partner)

Number of employees you oversee: Our firm has 35 employees.

Brief background of your business:

Northwest CPA Group PLLC was founded 20 years ago by a group of CPAs with a large number of existing clients. We serve all size businesses, in many different industries, in many different states. Our services include consulting, tax planning and preparation, and audited financial statement preparation.

How did you land your current role? How long have you been in it?

After college I began work for Ernst and Young in Seattle, then returned back to the Tri-Cities where my husband and I grew up. I have been a CPA since 1989, an owner since 2006.

How has the accounting sector evolved since you first started working in it?

Technology and flexible work schedules are more prevalent in all firms now. The ability of the IRS to immediately match technology at the government level to data that is submitted has increased. One thing that has not changed, we are still our clients’ trusted advisor and that is a wonderful part of our profession.

Can you share your best tax advice for small businesses?

For anyone starting a new business my advice is to be frugal. Many times new business owners can become focused on the idea that all business purchases are now tax deductible. Sometimes clients equate tax deductible as “free.” One of the goals of a new business owner should be to provide a generous salary for the owner. Tax decisions should come second. First make decisions based on what is best for the business.

Are there any significant tax changes businesses should be aware of as we head into the end of the year?

A couple of items to be aware of:

• Bonus depreciation, which used to be 100%, will be 80% for 2023 and 60% for 2024.

• If your business issues more than 10 Form 1099s for 2023 they are required to be e-filed.

• Beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, many companies in the U.S. will have to report information about their beneficial owners.

• In 2025, barring action from Congress, many tax provisions will sunset. Tax planning will be needed.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Humbleness. Seeking input on decisions results in better decisions.

What is the biggest challenge facing business leaders today?

Delivering value to customers while creating a safe, positive workplace for employees is challenging. Headlines and social media can contribute to negativity, hopelessness and depression.

If you had a magic wand, what would you change about your industry?

I love this industry. We have the privilege to work with successful professionals. Every day is different and we are constantly learning. However, if I had to change something it would be to have tax law changes known at least nine months in advance. There have been times Congress has retroactively changed tax provisions.

What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?

Read as much as you can about being a good leader, empathize with others, laugh.

Who are your role models or mentors?

My initial partners, Sandy Gamble and Bernie Walter, both taught me different skills, being organized and creative.

“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey was very impactful.

How do you keep your employees motivated?

It is most important to me that the employees here feel safe with me. They know I will treat them with respect and without judgment. I believe in the philosophy from the “One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard: To “catch them doing something right.”

How did you decide to pursue the career that you are working in today?

I was always an organized person and accounting classes were a very good fit for me.

How do you measure success in your workplace?

Success is measured ultimately by client and staff feedback.

What do you consider your leadership style to be?

My leadership style is casual, but I really abhor waste and inefficiency. I love the challenge of developing systems that give the most value in the most efficient way.

How do you balance work and family life?

First, I recognize I have a problem with overcommitting. Even if I am not officially on vacation, I schedule days to take time away from the office. This helps me put bookends for my time at work. We have a great staff here and I have lots of help. They help me get away.

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

My family loves to travel, hike, play board games and go to escape rooms. One perfect day would be being with my family, eating cookie dough and playing a board game.

What’s your best time management strategy?

Delegate early. Decide immediately that you will not have time to do a task and ask for assistance.

Best tip to relieve stress?

I work out almost every day: Stairmaster at the Pacific Clinic or my husband and I hike Badger Mountain or McBee.

What’s your favorite TV show? Favorite book?

At home,  I have the home and garden station on at all times. I love to read. I only allow myself to read on the Stairmaster. I love fiction books about women who get stuff done!

Do you have a personal mantra, phrase or quote you like to use?

My two favorites:

“It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.” -Sir Winston Churchill

“If you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” -Conan O’Brien