Ashley cooper, CPA “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” ~Maya Angelou

Ashley Cooper, CPA, a tax manager with HoganTaylor LLP in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has two passions: the accounting profession and serving the Oklahoma City community. Cooper earned her bachelor’s degrees

in accounting and finance from Oklahoma State University. In the last five years as a tax professional, Cooper has become an instrumental part of HoganTaylor LLP’s nonprofit niche as the company’s “go-to” tax person when it comes to exempt organizations. “I have had the pleasure of working

with some amazing organizations and it is incredible to be able to see, in detail, the difference these organizations are making – not only in Oklahoma City, but throughout the state,” Cooper said. “Participating in our nonprofit community, both professionally and personally, is one of the many ways that I ‘lean into’ the CPA profession and my career at HoganTaylor.” One of Cooper’s most rewarding

Ashley’s Trail mix

What is your ideal vacation destination? Bora Bora (in one of those huts in the middle of the ocean)

What was your favorite toy as a child? My American Girl Doll, Kristen

What bugs you? Any pet peeves? Being late What’s your favorite game to play? Clue

community activities was when she, HoganTaylor LLP and Make-A-Wish Foundation worked together to raise money to send a boy and his family to Walt Disney World Resort. “Throughout the busy season, we played

online BINGO and penny wars as one aspect of raising money, which allowed the whole firm to get involved. We also held various events such as pizza and a show (at lunch) and putt-putt around the office. Employees paid to participate and all proceeds went to sponsor the wish,” Cooper said. “The actual goal to send [the boy and his family] to Walt Disney World Resort was $7,500, and it was amazing to see our office go above and beyond, raising

almost $12,000.” In 2015, Cooper and HoganTaylor LLP

worked with Positive Tomorrows and were able to raise $11,000, which provided school supplies for homeless students in Oklahoma City for an entire year. Cooper said, “Getting involved with

[Positive Tomorrows] and seeing how these kids’ lives are being changed was an inspiration to me and the office as a whole.” Richard Davis, CPA, is a chief financial

officer at Inasmuch Foundation in Oklahoma City and a client of Cooper. He said, “Ashley is an avid supporter of Oklahoma City and our efforts to improve the city, especially for young people.” An OSCPA member for one year, Cooper

currently serves on the OSCPA’s Young Accounting Professionals Committee and is a board member of the Accounting and Financial Women’s Association. She is also a member of – and volunteers with – Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYAL Class XI, the Young Non-Profit Professionals Network, Moderns at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the Allied Arts Catalyst, OKC Beautiful Young Professionals, the Pi Beta Phi Oklahoma City Alumni Association, United Way Subcommittee 11 and Life.Church. “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to

learn more about these nonprofits and I look forward to this community involvement each year,” Cooper said. “I love seeing how it brings our office together and exposes each of us to great organizations throughout our community.”

March/April 2016 CPAFOCUS 9