LSUS degree: Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 1999
What I do now: Tax Manager, Roberts, Cherry and Company
About my job: My main job duties involve tax planning for high net worth individuals and small business owners. I devise tax reduction strategies that utilize favorable provisions within the Internal Revenue Tax Code. Additionally, I assist my fellow tax managers with supervising and instructing our tax staff.
How I got to LSUS: My aunt was attending LSUS. She knew I was searching for a university that had a small student to instructor ratio, as I’ve always enjoyed getting to know my instructors both personally and professionally. She spoke very highly of LSUS and her professors, most notably Dr. Carlos Spaht. After getting such a great endorsement from her, I chose LSUS and have never regretted my decision.
Fond memories of LSUS: My best memories of LSUS involve the life long friendships that were the result of getting to know my fellow classmates. I met many interesting and successful people during my tenure at LSUS. I consider myself fortunate to call these fellow LSUS students my friends and professional peers.
LSUS faculty who helped me: I consider three faculty members my greatest influence: Dr. Carlos Spaht, Amy Wren and Dr. Rick Parker.
How LSUS helped me succeed: LSUS provided me with a learning environment that challenged me and taught me the value of preparation. I pride myself in always being prepared for the challenges that my professional responsibilities demand. My professors instilled in me the values of hard work and professionalism.
Advice to college-bound students: Use every situation in life as a learning experience. We can learn valuable lessons from routine tasks or experiences.
Advice to someone who wants to enter my field: We desperately need bright and energetic people in the accounting profession.
Tips on choosing a major or career: Capitalize on your strengths. I’ve discovered that many young adults are pressured to join the family business or to choose a profession that doesn’t suit their strengths. I chose the accounting profession because I’m able to think rationally and follow logic to an ultimate conclusion.
My toughest professional challenge: My toughest professional challenge involves working with very intelligent people who expect me to be on top of my game 100 percent of the time. I can’t have an “off” day while in the office.
My toughest personal challenge: My toughest personal challenge involves balancing the demands of my professional career with the responsibilities of parenting. My wife and I have three beautiful children, 3-year-old Benjamin and 1-year-old twins Sarah Margaret and Kate. Though challenging at times, my children bring me the greatest joy I could possibly receive.
Successes (honors, awards, etc.) in my life:
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Named one of the “40 Under 40” top professionals by Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce
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LSUS
Al umni Association Board of Directors
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Board member for the Shreveport Chapter of the Louisiana CPA Society
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Board member for the Shreveport-Bossier Advertising Federation
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Finance Director for the Mudbug Madness Festival
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Named Heard Scholar at LSUS
I’ve learned this from life: Never stop learning. The learning process is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying experiences in life.
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