Kristen derryberry, CPA “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” ~Wayne Gretzky

Accounting has become a popular second career, but for Kristen Derryberry, CPA, an assurance manager with HoganTaylor LLP in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, it was her first – and only – choice. Derryberry’s journey started with an

accounting class she took during her junior year of high school. “I participated on my high school

(University Interscholastic League) team, and my high school National Honor Society Award in accounting still hangs in my office as a reminder of where it all started,” Derryberry said. “I recognized potential career opportunities for accounting in high school and set my goal to become a CPA.” After high school, Derryberry attended

Texas A&M University’s Professional Program in accounting, and obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. “Graduating from college with my

master’s degree and obtaining my CPA are my most significant personal achievements,” Derryberry said. “I am the first person in my mother’s immediate family to graduate from college, and my father was the first person in his immediate family to graduate from college.” Derryberry, an OSCPA member for two

years, says her biggest blessing is sharing her entire career – including all the goals she accomplished since high school – with her parents, who have celebrated with her every step of the way.

She started her career with Deloitte &

Touche LLP in Dallas, Texas, and worked while she passed the CPA exam. “After a few attempts – back when all four

parts were taken over a two-day period – and in a coliseum with a massive group, I obtained my CPA [license] and enjoyed a remarkable eight-year career serving a variety of clients in Dallas,” Derryberry said. Derryberry joined HoganTaylor LLP in 2013

and is a member of the company’s project management committee, which is responsible for reviewing the assurance department’s processes for innovative ideas, as well as training the staff. Ashley Waters, CPA, an assurance senior

with HoganTaylor LLP in Oklahoma City, said, “Kristen encourages improvement, from improving client service, to improving efficiencies and improving personal and professional skills.” “She dedicates herself to her work, to her

staff and seniors, to her clients and to her community.”

kristen’s Trail mix

One thing on my bucket list is: Visit the Baseball Hall of Fame

You’ll never catch me wearing: Crocs

What was your first concert? MC Hammer & Vanilla Ice

12 CPAFOCUS March/April 2016

Have you ever met anyone famous? Mostly Dallas Stars hockey players at events (Brett Hull and Steve Ott)