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Magen Smith

Accountant
Broussard, Poche, Lewis & Breaux
New Iberia, LA

 

Ask Magen Smith anything. By now she’s heard it all. “I have gotten questions from clients such as whether to buy or lease a vehicle, if they should expand into new markets…” she says. Not just the expected questions about how to lower tax liability.

Ask her about her day: “Making phone calls to various clients, some individuals, some businesses,” she says. But watch how you phrase the question – she’s an expert inquirer herself. “As a CPA, it’s important to be able to explain what information you need from people in a way that they can understand,” she explains. “Often, they don’t know our terminology or fully understand what we do, so we need to bridge that gap. They’re good at their job and we have to be good at ours.”

You might even ask her about the snowcone stand she almost ended up buying – one of her college jobs was selling the icy treats, and her boss offered to sell her the business. (She opted to continue her education instead.)

Mostly, you should ask Magen what she likes about the CPA profession. “There is always something new to learn and tremendous opportunity to grow,” she says. “This is a profession that can never be mastered.”

Just one more question, then: What would Magen say to someone considering becoming a CPA? “If you want a job that is flexible, challenging, rewarding and interesting, then becoming a CPA may be the job for you,” she says.

But don’t just jump in, she would add. As you make up your mind, feel free to ask lots more questions. “Take some time and think about what you enjoy,” she says. “Feel free to contact professionals who excel in the field you’re interested in. Most will welcome you as a job shadower and will love to give you advice.”

And rest assured, if they’re anything like Magen they’ll be happy to answer anything you’d like to know.

Got questions of your own? Ask a CPA.