Meet a Member: Daniel Frei, CPA

Dan Frei, CPA is a CFO for the IT department in the State of Utah. The University of Utah graduate and Utah native has worked in state government for 18 years. Dan and his wife of 21 years have "six darling kids that keep us busy." Dan can be found behind the scenes planning and coordinating the annual conference.

WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A CPA?

Way back in the days of Enron, WorldCom, and other financial scandals, these unfortunate wrongdoings gave me the spark to get my CPA later in life. I believe that we have a duty as CPAs to make sure companies and individuals are following financial code of ethics.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF

WORK? With our six kids, we keep busy in their activities. We like to travel and also like to be outside snow skiing, water skiing, and exploring the great scenery of Utah.

WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

My wife says my second calling in life is to be a travel agent — I help others find great deals. Also, I am helping change the perception that accounting professionals are "boring." My kids say I am the fun parent going on adventures. In business and life, we should work hard and play hard.

WHAT IS ONE BOOK THAT HAS GREATLY INFLUENCED YOU?

As a senior leadership team in the IT department, we read professional books from time to time. We just finished reading "Five Dysfuntions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GOALS?

Professionally, I like fixing things that are not working to make sure an organization is as efficient as possible. Personally, I like to exercise daily.

TELL US ABOUT ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

We have a fantastic team that cares about getting quality educational opportunities for CPAs and other finance professionals. It is amazing to work with the incredible speakers and to work with the committee to make everything happen for two days in December. The networking with other professionals is another enjoyment of mine. Although this year will be our first time going 100% virtual, we will have a great conference.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU LIVE BY?

"How are you going to pay for that?" "Do your best and forget the rest." "Don't look for recognition, but work to be recognized." "No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone." n