FOCUS THE OSCPA TRAILBLAZER AND PATHFINDER AWARDS


SARA MAYS, CPA


SENIOR TAX MANAGER/TAX TEAM LEADER CCK STRATEGIES, PLLC


SARA MAYS, CPA, has been with CCK Strategies for the past 17 years. She became a CPA five years ago while raising a family and strives to be a living example of female empowerment for her daughters. With a passion for mentoring future CPAs, Mays is a Trailblazer who is paying it forward in the profession by encouraging others to accomplish their career dreams.


ACCOMPLISHMENTS Education:


Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance) from Northwestern State University


OSCPA Involvement: Day of Service Volunteer


Professional Organizations: AICPA


Community Involvement:


Junior Achievement of Oklahoma Tulsa Dream Center American Cancer Society Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Jenks Food Bank Newspring Family Church


OSCPA: Describe your greatest achievement in your community and profession. SM:My greatest professional achievement would have to be completing my bachelor’s degree and obtaining my CPA license all while raising a family. My husband and I were young when we started our family, but I still had the dream to complete my education and pursue a career in accounting. I know my girls witnessed a mother who did persevere through all the challenges. Maybe not always with a smile, but always with joy because I see that modeled in them as they grow into amazing young women. My greatest community achievement has been through CCK Strategies’ commitment to giving back to the community—through providing opportunities to volunteer with various organizations in the Tulsa area.


OSCPA: How are you creating an impact on the community and CPA profession? SM:My passions are two-fold. 1) Develop and mentor up-and-coming accounting professionals. My goals are to educate and inspire others to explore the diverse aspects of public accounting, develop professional judgment and build solid decision-making practices that help business owners in develop-


ing strategies for success and executing plans. I have had mentors speak into my career, and my focus is to continue the CCK legacy and share what I have honed and develop others who have chosen the accounting profession. I lead by example and empower people to be great and encourage them to find joy in their work. Accountants are a rare breed, and I love to watch people excel in this field. 2) Be a partner with my cli- ents through all their business cycles— starting up their business, growing and succession to the next generation.


OSCPA: What motivated you to get involved? SM: Seeing the joy on a person’s face— not only with those in the accounting field when they learn something new, but also with a client when I have worked hard to save them tax dollars!


OSCPA: Who has been your greatest inspiration since starting your career? SM: So many people have inspired me during my career, it’s hard to name the “greatest.” God has placed people in my path that have mentored me as I encounter each new season. Tose individuals were placed there for a specific purpose, for that specific moment, and I thank God for each and every one.


July/August 2023 CPAFOCUS 11


OSCP


CPA TRAILBLAZER


TRAILBLAZER


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