Meet the Chapter President: Reagan Elkins, CPA
For TSCPA Appalachian Chapter President Reagan Elkins, CPA, her interest in numbers was what initially drew her to pursue accounting. “When I first contemplated a college major, accounting seemed like a natural fit,” she says. “I had always loved math and finances, and I thought I might want to own my own business one day.” Today, Elkins serves as the senior tax accountant for General Shale Brick, Inc., which has proven to be another natural fit. “I have to say I truly work for a wonderful company – the finance team I work with is my favorite part of the job.”
Tell us a little about yourself, your family and where you grew up.
I currently live in Johnson City, Tennessee, with my husband and three dogs. We are expecting a sweet baby girl at the end of June! I grew up just across state lines in Wise County, Virginia. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Radford University and a Master of Accountancy with a specialization in tax from the University of South Carolina.
What do you do now, and why did you choose to become a CPA?
I am currently the senior tax accountant for General Shale Brick, Inc. I chose to become a CPA after I saw all the incredible opportunities having the designation allows for!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to read, walk, play with our dogs and enjoy working out at Burn Boot Camp in Johnson City!
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome, or what’s been your most significant success?
Sometimes a challenging work environment can help you grow. My understanding of what I value in the workplace has changed significantly from the early days of my career. Now I enjoy leveraging my accounting skills while being part of a supportive and collaborative team. Don’t be afraid of change.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Be a fountain, not a drain.
What has changed the most since you entered the profession, and what do you see changing the most in the next 5-10 years?
I think the biggest change I’ve seen is that the skills needed by emerging professionals have shifted from more of a data entry-type role to an analysis role. Technology and software have come such a long way – and will continue to progress – that a first-year accountant is now looking at what the software reads and analyzing the data rather than entering data themselves. We’ve shifted from a preparation role to a review role. I think it changes the way we need to train new professionals; it expects a higher level of understanding from the get-go when you’re not building the data by hand. I think technology will only continue to progress in the next 5-10 years and shift that level of competency needed by emerging professionals even further!
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?
I am actually a three-time Virginia state champion in basketball.
This article was originally published in the July/August 2024 Tennessee CPA Journal.