Rising Star | Sarah Irons, CPA, MPAC, MST

What initially interested you in accounting?

In high school, I decided to lean into my love of math and business and try an accounting class. I was immediately hooked and never looked back. Every day I learn something new and I’m constantly challenged, and working with clients fills my need to make a positive impact on the lives of others.  

Do you have a mentor or person you look to in the industry for guidance?

I am fortunate to have several great influences who taught me skills I needed to succeed. When I started at the firm, my then manager, Jessica Nguyen, helped guide my career and to this day, she helps me navigate my leadership role. Both our legacy partners, Howard Newburg, CPA, and David Natan, CPA, MST, CVA, have also taken time to mentor me over the years. They’ve given me invaluable feedback that influenced both the technical and administrative parts of my job, and they are helping me learn how to run an accounting firm.  

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Continuing my partnership in managing the firm and seeing the firm and our personnel flourish and grow, while maintaining our midsize firm feel and strong commitment to superb client service.  

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Over the last 11 years I have been fortunate to see several of our staff members grow from newbies up to supervisor/manager/director level. Knowing that I helped with their growth through mentoring and education gives me great pride. On a more personal level, reaching partner after 10 years made me very proud and validated that my efforts and work ethic were recognized by our firm’s leadership.  

How did you become involved with fundraising for the Autism community?

My younger brother was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder — or as it was known in 1993, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) — when I was five, and I have seen his and my family’s journey from fighting to get him the support he needed in school to adult day programs now. This journey informed how I look at my own ability to learn and communicate, and over the years I had opportunities to volunteer in the programs he was in to assist other individuals in our community with autism. I help with fundraising activities that support organizations that are actively working to create better lives for all those individuals (and their families) affected by this disorder.

Do you have a favorite hobby?

In my off time I like to use the other side of my brain and get creative with digital photography and baking.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite series is still Harry Potter — the books are so much better than the movies!