Meet Robert Gray, Member and Principal for Gray Schrupp & Associates.
Robert Gray
Member & Principal | Gray Schrupp & Associates PLLC
Licensed in: 1978
Attended: Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, IL
What CPA stereotype do you embody?
I can talk about a 40 plus year career as a Forensic Accounting, Litigation, and Business Valuation specialist.
What CPA stereotype do you defy?
CPAs are not "Norm" from Cheers. We are problem solvers.
Why did you choose to become a CPA?
Some of the best CPAs who specialize in forensic accounting, litigation, and business valuations are the CPAs who have personality!
What's Your CPA "superpower"?
I wanted to help and advise entrepreneurs and business owners.
What's something that you've done that has nothing to do with accounting but you're really proud of?
I was able to be the local Chair and be on-stage for the Jerry Lewis Telethon in Omaha, NE and Louisville, KY and display how our firm and other businesses provide aid and support to those suffering from MD.
What advice would you give to your younger self before taking the CPA exam?
Write down your objectives (why you want to get the CPA) and strategies (steps - when do you want to get the CPA and how you are going to hold yourself accountable for achieving it). Talk to recent folks who passed and ask them for advice - distill their answers and fit it to your personality and commitment.
Finish this sentence: "You know you're a CPA when ..."
Even after you pass the CPA and get your certificate - you need to consider that is the ticket to the dance. No one will dance with you until you go through some real world experience of practicing. The experience is like an MBA (but you get paid for it). Embrace the good and bad and commit yourself to adopting the good and do your best to eliminate the bad experiences. As you progress - you will know you are a CPA when management and/or clients start calling you for assistance. Embrace it and progress. It is a great career! You might work with famous business leaders. entertainers, presidents and other politicians, etc. if you are lucky like myself. We (all CPAs) wish you the best in your career.
