Audit Senior Manager
Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A.
Tallahassee, FL
Like father, like daughter? Absolutely. Allison Harrell’s father was an accountant. In college, she decided to try that path too.
When Allison took her first principles of accounting class, she “loved it” and she knew that accounting was the career for her. “I chose auditing because I like the investigative nature involved,” she says.
After school, Allison worked for the Florida State Auditor General for almost two years. Then she moved into public accounting and has been there even since. “Once in public accounting, I've concentrated on not-for-profit organizations and local government,” Allison says. “I enjoy this work, since I'm not only doing my job but also helping another organization fulfill their mission for the greater good.”
At work, she spends most of her time maintaining client relationships. “I need to make sure that our relationships are maintained and see how the clients' organizations are going. I also review audit and consulting files and prepare them for partner review.”
Even though she has taken the same career path as her father, Allison hasn’t walked exactly in her dad’s footsteps. “I make a habit out of wearing 4 inch heels. Stuffy, boring and bean counter are definitely not adjectives that I think our clients would use to describe me.”
When she’s not working, Allison spends most of her time with her husband and son. Could we have a third-generation accountant in the family?
Years as a CPA: 8
Worst job: Blockbuster Video
Hobbies outside of work: Photography, traveling, college football
Pets: A Pomeranian named Riley
Words to live by: "Shoot for the moon even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."