Meet a Member: Randy Allen, CPA

Randy Allen, CPA, MBA, CGFM, CGMA, began his career at KPMG, but soon went to work in internal audit with Salt Lake County where he worked for 30 years. He has returned to public accounting and is working at WSRP as an assurance associate. Randy and his wife have six children and five grandchildren. As an avid waterskier, Randy enjoys teaching them and says “We ski almost ‘til ice forms and start up again soon as it thaws.”

What Led You To Become a CPA? I started at the U of U to be a dentist. Accounting seemed a good backup, and when time for dental school arrived, needing two more years of chemistry and biology made me enter the workforce to take care of family. Doubt I’ll ever become a dentist, but I do wear braces and enjoy watching my kids have dental surgeries!

What Do You Like About Volunteering

With the UACPA? After years of attending UACPA conferences, I thought I’d better get off my butt and get involved. Then I found myself enjoying the folks at the UACPA offices so much I’ve been “helping” for as many years as I can remember. One of my fondest memories is talking with Gail Miller and having Thurl Bailey ask me “if he could take a picture of me with him” (thought that was a little backward). What nice people!!!

What Would Surprise People To Know

About You? I am a Certified Pirate – licensed and the whole works. I tell my grandkids I’m what they call a “good pirate” meaning I look for ways to help people. Not sure they believe that. They do know I like George Strait and country music. I also like big band stuff.

What One Book Has Influenced You?

The “Book of Mormon.”

What Are Some of Your Goals? Learn as much as possible as quickly as possible, and don’t be afraid to admit I don’t know everything. There are few experts, if any, but a lot of folks know a lot more than me. The only way for me to keep learning is to keep asking questions. Personally, I want my family and friends to know I love them and want to help them however possible. Professionally, I want my associates to know I love them and want to help them however possible, too. My main goal is to help and serve someone somehow some way.

What Advice Do You Live By?

“Keep your nose clean.”; “If a job is once begun, never quit until it’s done. Be the job great or small, do it right or not at all,”; and “Tell my wife I love her at least once a day” n