Anna Durst, CPA

Controller and CFO of Somersett Golf and Country Club

Why did you decide to go into the accounting profession?

After realizing my true strengths and personality traits I found business was a great fit for me. While listening to a college guidance counselor talk about the accounting field I became excited about that area of study.  I’ve been in the accounting profession for 20 years and have never regretted my choice.

How do you typically spend your leisure time?

I love to read fiction novels. My husband and I try to take small trips throughout the year to get away and recharge. I enjoy hopping on my quad and riding in the hills around my house.

What are the best things about your job?

I spend my day at a beautiful golf course run by the best people in the business. Every day is different here; One day I may be working on monthly financial reports and the next day I may be helping out during a golf event. I have my core responsibilities mixed with many other non-accounting responsibilities. It keeps things interesting.

In your professional opinion, Why do you think accounting is so important?

Accounting is so much more than financial statements. Accounting lets business know if they are successful or not, what their strengths are and where they need to improve. Accurate and timely accounting information helps companies look at historical results and prepare for the future. It also can raise red flags before financial disaster strikes a company in order to change direction when necessary.

What are your three best life skills?

  1. I’m organized and detail-oriented
  2. I am a problem-solver.
  3. I can put all things, big or small, in perspective which helps me realize what is worth worrying about and what is not.

What advice would you have for those considering entering the CPA profession?

I would suggest that those considering entering the CPA profession to not only look at what technical skills they excel at but also what kind of work environment best suites them. Being a CPA does not always mean working in an office at a firm doing taxes and auditing. There are many, many opportunities out there from private industry to government work to non-profits to public accounting and more.  If you’re open to new opportunities you never know where that can take your career.

What do you think are the three most important skills CPAs should have to be successful?

I can’t answer this question because I feel the important skills a CPA should have depends on what they are doing.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

My workflow is always busy but stays fairly steady. Since I don’t prepare tax returns or conducts audits I don’t have a “busy season.” To balance by personal and professional life I try to give 100% of my focus to work when I’m there and 100% of my focus to home when not at work. I schedule my days and my workflow so that I can have a set times to be at work whenever possible. If I have to put in a lot of extra time at work I try to do it during the early mornings so that I can still go home and night and have dinner with my husband. I’m not always successful but I also try to not to talk about bad days I may have had when I get home.

What is your most meaningful volunteer experience?

A number of years ago my husband and I volunteered to be Team Motivators at a softball game run by the Special Olympics. Our job was to make signs, bring snacks and cheer on our assigned team. The players, their families and the coaches exemplified the true meaning of perseverance, sportsmanship and finding joy in everything around you. I was the one who ended up motivated after that experience.