Member Spotlight: Allegra Jasper

Was it worth it to get your CPA credential?
I got my Master of Accountancy degree from the University of Idaho in 2004. I'd gone back to school after a several year hiatus when my daughter Aurelia was 6 months old. When she was born, I quickly realized I wasn't going to be able to give her the life I wanted for her without a big career change. After graduating I launched into public accounting at Moss Adams and found a very rewarding career that let me build the life I envisioned. It's changed over the years from building great skills in public accounting to finding a better fit for me personally in non-profit accounting So, yes, totally worth it!

Who inspires you?
Whenever this question comes up, I always think first of the head of the accounting program at the University of Idaho, Marcia Niles, for whom I will be forever grateful. When I arrived, determined but unsure of how to pull off grad school with a baby, she helped me at every turn from encouragement to more than a couple well timed scholarships to helping me land a job at Moss Adams after graduation. She knew how to get me there because she had been there herself. We all need those cheerleaders who step in when you most need it.

What do you love about your job at McKenzie River Trust?
Working at the McKenzie River Trust takes my accounting skills and puts them to good use supporting an organization of amazing individuals who are working to protect my first love, rivers. I grew up in a family business of whitewater rafting and the core of what we did required good stewardship of the rivers we shared. The trust allows me to play a different role in that by stewardship of the financial resources we use to do the good work we do. As an added bonus I've got the flexibility with our work to get out regularly and connect directly with the rivers I love so much.

How has being an OSCPA member benefitted you?
The OSCPA is a valuable resource for getting help with questions and emerging issues and for CPE to keep my license active. I really appreciate the free non-profit resource network CPE so we can spend organization resources on the important work of the trust.

What advice would you give a new CPA?
Being a CPA is a great career and there are so many ways it can work. But first you must pass the CPA exam. While you are still in study mode, the things you learned in college are still top of mind and your schedule is not yet full, knock that test out. It gets harder the longer you wait and life doesn't get less busy!

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