Member Spotlight: Brandie McNamee

Was it worth it to get your CPA credential?
Of course! Though I’ve worked for many years in government accounting, I have always wanted to get my CPA license. However, living in rural Oregon limited me somewhat in terms of career opportunities and being able to work under an experienced CPA. One good thing that came out of the COVID pandemic was learning about firms that offer flexible career paths and remote work. When the opportunity at Jones & Roth opened, I jumped at the chance to work remotely full-time and do not regret it one bit. It was a career change for the better and I believe that having a CPA license is a career investment.

Who inspired you along the way?
There are two people who inspired me throughout my CPA journey. One is my long-time University of Oregon college professor Helen Gernon, who has always been a rock for me, inspiring me to “do better.” The second person is Fritz Duncan, one of our partners at Jones & Roth, who I first met when I was in college. Fritz has been a mentor to me for almost 20 years and has helped me remember that “it is never too late” to pursue the career I want. He has been very encouraging and supportive during my CPA journey.

What do you love about your job?
I love the flexibility of working remotely. I live on my family’s cattle ranch in Antelope, Oregon, nearly hours from the closest grocery store. Working as a remote team member has been a tremendous career change for the better. It’s allowed me to spend more time with my family, and as a mother of three young kids and a wife to a dedicated rancher, time is of the essence!

I also love that I’ve been able to design my own unique career path in a way that lets me reach both my professional and personal goals. It is incredibly rewarding to work for a firm that prioritizes employees and creates a positive working environment regardless of where we are physically located.

How has being an OSCPA member benefitted you?
During my CPA journey, the OSCPA website and publications assisted me greatly in learning and staying up to date with changes. The OSCPA emails are very insightful to hear about the latest and greatest, not only what is happening in Oregon, but nationally as well. The networking available via the OSCPA membership brings assurance that there are many resources available for newer CPAs.

What advice would you give a student who’s thinking about becoming a CPA?
Go for it, and do not get discouraged at what people say about the CPA Exam. It is hard; however, with determination and discipline you will pass. Some say I had a mid-life career crisis when, after 15 years of working in government accounting, I decided to switch to public accounting and pursue my CPA license. However, I wouldn’t change a thing—other than wishing I had done it earlier in my career! I would encourage new accounting students to focus on the exam directly following college. Don’t wait, don’t take time off before stepping in to study for the CPA exam. Just do it!  

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