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• Real-Life CPAs

Sara Portner

Controller
Frana Companies, Inc.
Hopkins, MN

 

In 6th grade, Sara Portner decided to become an accountant. She didn’t know exactly what accountants do, but she knew that it had something to do with money. And that was enough for her.

Of course, Sara came to find out in college that accounting is more than just money and numbers. She learned that “becoming a CPA provides you with a solid foundation in the business world.”

Now as a CPA, Sara’s living her childhood dream. “I manage my company's cash accounts, investments and receivables on a daily basis” she says. “My main responsibilities are financial reporting and budget analysis.”

Sara works for a construction company, which in itself defies the CPA stereotype. But she challenges the boring typecast in more ways than one. “I challenge the CPA stereotype in my varied hobbies: dance classes and performing, riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle, scrapbooking for my children and travel," she says. “Plus, my typical day is definitely not in a corner office just crunching the numbers.”

So forget those old stereotypes. Just remember that “the CPA credential will make you stand out as a trusted advisor to your clients and your company, with high integrity and competency.”

Got questions of your own? Ask a CPA.