I AM THE VSCPA

PROBLEM SOLVER >> Two minutes with Melanie Randall, CPA

Melanie Randall, CPA, is treasurer at McKinney & Company Engineers & Architects in Ashland. She graduated from James Madison University and has served on the VSCPA Industry Conference Task Force and Speakers Bureau. She is currently on the VSCPA Educational Foundation Board of Directors.

I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT... Financial literacy, especially among young adults. A few years ago, we had an influx of recent engineering college graduates join the company. It was my task to walk them through the payroll forms and 401(k) information. I was astounded at the lack of exposure they had regarding any of the information. Some of them could not even produce a void check.

PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THIS, BUT… I ride motorcycles and jet skis. On my motorcycle, I enjoy riding as a way to clear my head and take in nature from a different perspective. On jet skis, I get to satisfy my need for speed and my love of the water.

IF I WEREN’T AN ACCOUNTANT, I WOULD BE… An engineer. Problem-solving that helps society fits in with my enthusiasm.

MY ADVICE TO FELLOW CPAS IS… Share the profession with others. I have met many individuals who felt the accounting profession was an exclusive club open only to a few. After conversations and encouragement, I think I have persuaded quite a few to explore this path. One individual had his English degree and went back for his accounting degree and is now preparing for the CPA Exam.

I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT… My plan for the day. I know what I wish to accomplish during the given 24 hours, even if life happens and I don’t.

I WISH CPAS KNEW: How much they are valued in the community.

I AM A CPA BECAUSE: Out of all the undergraduate classes I took as an undeclared major, accounting was the one where I felt totally at home. n