A true-blue accounting professional since the beginning, Lisette Crespo is CPA Solutions’ lead tax accountant, who utilizes her experience as a seasoned bookkeeper to help clients prepare for all sorts of tax planning —individual, partnerships, corporations, estates, and trusts.
Having both a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Taxation, Lisette’s main specialization is in tax-related accounting matters for high-net-worth individuals and closely held business entities, further serving companies that operate in the professional services, real estate, and healthcare industries. She is also an expert in federal tax planning.
Looking at your professional background, we can see that you’ve always been involved in accounting. Can you tell us what fostered this interest?
While I was working on my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, I had a tenure with another CPA firm in Central Florida. My first role had me starting off as a bookkeeper, working 12 hours a week. It was through this role that I fell in love with accounting even more.
After three years with the firm, I began helping with preparing simple tax returns without thinking too much about it. I didn’t expect it to be true love! It might sound cheesy, but it was from that moment that I knew tax was it for me. I was ready to spend the rest of my life with it.
From there, it was a natural progression. It took me just a few years after my first stint as their bookkeeper to be promoted to Senior Tax Accountant, and then I became a supervisor overseeing both the accounting and tax departments. It’s been more than a decade since I fell in love with accounting, and my passion hasn’t changed at all.
What drew you into working for CPA Solutions?
After being with my prior accounting firm for almost 13 years, I felt as if something was missing. While being comfortable was good, being able to grow as both an accountant and individual felt equally as important to me as well.
I wanted more growth, to have the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and further improve my skills.
It was during this time when I stumbled upon CPA Solutions’ job listing in the area, And honestly, applying for the job has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. As a much bigger firm with an extended international team, CPA Solutions has challenged me in new and exciting ways. I have not only improved my professional approach toward accounting, but also upgraded my people skills working with the increasingly diverse team we have at CPA Solutions.
What are the things you enjoy the most about CPA Solutions’ working culture?
What I enjoy most about CPA Solutions’ working culture is the team I get to work with. At CPA Solutions, we’re a close-knit group that works together and plays together.
This team spirit is what was missing at my last firm. I’ve been able to learn so much by working closely with my team members. It also feels great to receive personalized mentorship, which wouldn’t be possible if you were in a larger firm. Especially Nicole and Dalia, who are wonderful mentors that have guided me throughout my professional journey with CPA Solutions.
We’re a team that works hard, but we also like to unwind together. It’s always a nice moment when we can relax together and talk about things other than work. At the end of the day, it’s good to know that your colleagues are human, with lives beyond numbers and deadlines.
We’ve noticed that CPA Solutions is taking steps into diversifying the company in a long-term manner. Could you comment on how this plays out in CPA Solutions’ current working environment?
We’re definitely a very diverse team, with individuals from many different cultures and backgrounds working with us. I think what sets CPA Solutions apart from other workplaces is the fact that we can bring this wide range of individual experiences together. Having diverse perspectives is what helps us bring new ideas and methods to the table for each new client, making sure that each relationship is personalized to their needs, rather than having a one-size-fits-all approach.
How do you see CPA Solutions moving forward over the next 5 to 10 years?
In the four years that I have been with CPA Solutions, I’ve already seen so much growth, both within the team and with the firm in general.
In the next five years, I believe we will continue to grow because we’re always thinking ahead. Our passion, dedication, and confidence in what we have to offer is what will ensure we remain successful.
