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Colleen Conrad

Partner
RubinBrown
St. Louis, MO

 

Now here’s a hobby you don’t see every day: “I’m into macrophotography,” says Colleen Conrad. “…extreme close-up work.” She’s also into seeing things on a slightly larger scale – she loves to travel and has been in over 25 (!) countries so far – but the macrophotography would seem to prove that Colleen likes to get up close and personal with a subject and really understand it.

That’s true in her professional life, too. “I’m still at the accounting firm I started with out of college – 25 years now!” She loved it so much, she stayed with it, and she’s now a partner at the firm.

It all started with an accounting class in high school. “It sucked me in,” Colleen remembers. “I found it much more interesting than most of my other classes.” Today what keeps her excited about accounting is the variety in her job. “Each client brings new challenges and different situations,” she says. “And through my work with clients in the real estate industry, I feel that I can really help make a difference in urban revitalization, preserving the history of our country through the historic rehabilitation of significant buildings and providing affordable housing to those in need.” It’s a perfect fit for someone who loves the details, but can also see the big picture.

Colleen’s dedication to the CPA profession doesn’t stop when she leaves work. She’s also on the AICPA’s Board of Examiners, which is in charge of the CPA examination. She’s excited to see the exam and the profession continually evolve. “Can you believe we’re getting ready to offer the examination internationally?” she asks.

With her on the job, yeah. That’s not hard to believe.

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