Meet Paige Smith, CPA and Associate Professor at Angelo State University, as well as Controller for Principal Industries.
Paige Smith, CPA
Associate Professor/Controller | Angelo State University/Principal Industries
Licensed in: 2021
Attended: Angelo State University
What CPA stereotype do you embody?
Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities.
What CPA stereotype do you defy?
Introverted - I love talking and communicating with my colleagues.
Why did you choose to become a CPA?
Accounting is the language of business. I knew I enjoyed business operations and I felt I learned the most from my accounting courses in college. Once I decided Accounting was a great career, I knew my next step was to become a CPA. With the CPA license I knew I would be able to grow in my career quickly and gain the knowledge needed to be successful in any business opportunity I have been given.
What's Your CPA "superpower"?
My CPA superpower is being able to communicate financial results and opportunities with my colleagues, as well as teach my team and students how to be successful in accounting and in their careers. Being able to not only determine the answer or solution but communicate it effectively is very important to me.
What's something that you've done that has nothing to do with accounting but you're really proud of?
I always dreamed of being a Division 1 soccer player. I worked extremely hard throughout high school and was able to play D1 Soccer for 2 years before having a career ending injury. Although my time was cut short with soccer. I learned how to work hard for something I wanted and that experience helped develop my work ethic and character.
What advice would you give to your younger self before taking the CPA exam?
Use the same study techniques you used in college. You know what works best for you to be successful.
Finish this sentence: "You know you're a CPA when ..."
You make a spreadsheet for everything.
