Culpepper CPA is thrilled to announce some changes around the office. At the beginning of this year, Leigh Anne Joseph and Michael Thomas were promoted to Partners at the firm.
They are two individuals who have demonstrated excellence, both in skill and in their care for our clients. Get to know more about these new partners in our most recent interview.
- What does it mean to you to be a partner at Culpepper CPA?
Leigh Anne: It means upholding the utmost integrity and always doing the right thing for our clients and associates.
Michael: More work? Ha! No, seriously, it’s just a level that places more even more responsibility on what everyone here strives for – getting things correct, on time, and with a smile.
- How did you get into accounting?
Leigh Anne: I’ve always liked math and excelled at it. I also worked at an accounting office in high school filing papers back when accounting firms had massive file rooms and before cell phones and the Internet. When I chose my career, it seemed like the most natural fit!
Michael: Well, after taking one class in high school, it was always on the “career choices” box. After some detours, I decided to finish traveling down that path.
- What’s your favorite part of your job?
Leigh Anne: I love getting to help people and save them money. I was always taught to treat others as you would want to be treated, so that’s what I try to do every day. Accounting and taxes can be very complicated at times. I like breaking concepts down so that they’re easily understandable for our clients.
Michael: I love working with an intelligent, professional team.
- What’s the craziest tax/accounting problem you’ve solved?
Leigh Anne: Too many to count in 22 years of public accounting!
Michael: I am not going to share all my secrets! We once had a corporate client that came to us after receiving a tax notice with a $180,000 assessment. We were able to correct the return they had previously filed and reduced the liability to $5,000.
- What’s your best accounting tip?
Leigh Anne: Work with an accounting professional that you know and trust.
Michael: Don’t ignore the small things!
- Do you have any hidden talents?
Leigh Anne: I used to be a pretty good deer hunter when I was younger (in middle school and high school.)
Michael: I shock people that a true northerner can make better biscuits and gravy than a southerner.
We’re very thankful for these two. Their hard work and leadership will make them great additions to the firm’s ownership.
Tax season is upon us all, so now’s the time to get the right people in your corner. If you’re in need of an experienced team, give us a call.
