Jason Deshayes, CPA, CGMA – 2016 40 Under 40 Honoree

Q&A:

Aside from the accounting websites, which blog/website do you consider a must-read? 
Honestly, Facebook seems to be my conduit of news as of late.  There is so much content that people post up there, I can usually find relevant articles from people I trust.

In what ways have you contributed to your firm/company to make it better?
 I have been the driver of most of the firm’s growth.  Since I started with the firm in 2008, our revenues have doubled with most of the growth happening since I became a partner in 2012.  Our firm also expanded from a staff of 3 to 8 pretty much since 2012.

In what ways do you participate in the professional community to change/improve the accounting profession?
I serve on a number of boards and professional associations where I can offer up my accounting and financial knowledge.  Most of my professional volunteerism is with the American Institute of CPAs – I truly believe that the AICPA is leading the way in the profession and being a part of that through a number of volunteer roles allows me to contribute my unique perspective and impact the bigger picture.

In what ways do you participate in your local community to help others?  
I have always believed that being a contributing member of the community is critical as a professional.  I cannot think of a time during my professional career where I was not one or two nonprofit boards or volunteering.  While I obviously have an affinity to financial roles, I actually prefer not being the treasurer of organizations.  I like being able to support the financial team (be it the treasurer or internal accountant) while being in a position where I can drive the strategic direction of the organization.  I love being involved in organizations where they help meet the needs of others, especially children.

What changes do you foresee in the accounting profession of the near future (3-5 years)?  
The public accounting sector is prime for huge changes over the next few years.  The models that have worked so faithfully for so long are going to change pretty radically as the aging leadership starts phasing out.  There are people ready to take the lead – we as a profession just need to get behind those individuals and firms, versus hanging on to what “has always been done”.  I do see more non-CPAs being leaders within the profession – I don’t believe this is a dilution of the CPA brand…I would rather see the CPA community lead and work alongside other accounting professionals for the betterment of our clients.

How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession? 
I want to help model the profession of the future and provide a path for the upcoming professionals (who may or may not be in the profession already).  I firmly believe that if we work collaboratively and learn from each other, we will all serve our clients and communities far more effectively.  I want to be that person who other CPAs can connect with and if I can’t help them, I can directly them to other like-minded people who can.

What is your career philosophy?
If I do what is right, I always will be able to sleep.  If I serve others, I will ultimately be served.   

Describe one person who has been an important mentor to you and how that person helped change your life.  
I’ve been very fortunate to work with Mark Koziel over the past five years or so.  I aspire to be what he is to the profession – a forward thinking leader who understands the big picture, can cut through the noise that often distracts us and collaborates with others to get the best out of everyone.

 

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Learn more about this year’s 40 Under 40 Honorees.