Member Spotlight: Maddie Glass
February 12, 2024
Maddie Glass
Delap LLP, Lake Oswego
Was it worth it to get your CPA credential?
It was absolutely worth it to get my CPA credentials. Delap LLP has some financial incentives to getting licensed which was a nice perk, but more importantly the increase in my own confidence as a professional was wildly rewarding. Making it to the other side of the process was more rewarding than graduating from college because the experience is so unique and challenging. Now I am on the other side and get to encourage newer staff and seniors as they begin the process.
Who inspired you along the way?
My coworkers at Delap LLP played a huge part in helping me to stick with it when I felt discouraged or overwhelmed. I would get check ins when they knew scores were being released and even at the partner level they'd ask what I was studying for and be really encouraging throughout the whole process. They celebrated the wins and sent coffee cards when exam results weren't what I'd hoped for. My family was also my number one fan. My husband and kids would drive by the testing center and leave me an encouraging note on my windshield during every exam so it felt like everyone was really pulling together to get me through those long months.
What do you love about your job?
I love the ever changing nature of public accounting. There is some predictability to the year between busy season, summer (Flex Fridays!) and the fall deadlines that make my schedule-oriented brain super happy. The work is never boring and always changing which is both a challenge and an exciting part of the job. I get to see and learn something new nearly every day and slowly building the big picture of how accounting and tax law runs together has been very rewarding. Every day is different, whether I'm learning something new or getting to share my knowledge with staff or interns, it is a very rewarding field.
How has being an OSCPA member benefitted you?
Having access to resources online and getting the quarterly magazine updates has been a great way to start interacting with and getting to know the larger community of Oregon accountants. Entering a professional field after graduating can be intimidating, but being a part of the OSCPA gave me a great picture into different career opportunities and the human side of the industry, which is diverse and filled with a world of wonderful humans!
What advice would you give a new CPA?
Take advantage of every opportunity that passes in front of you, even the ones that feel a bit uncomfortable. The things that feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar this year are the ones that you can pass on next year to an up and coming accountant.