Episode
Virtual Rolodex with Laurian Tollett and her CPA Journey
- Published
- Jan 13, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 803
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Summary
From Aviation Dreams to Accounting Leadership: A CPA’s Journey in a Growing Firm Episode Summary In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Laurian Tollett, Partner at DRDA LLC, to discuss her career journey, leadership role, and the wide range of opportunities available within the accounting profession. Laurian shares how her path began in aviation before she discovered accounting as a profession that offers stability, flexibility, and endless opportunity. Now a partner at a growing mid-sized firm, Laurian discusses her work across attestation, tax, valuation, and firm leadership—highlighting how CPAs can build dynamic, people-centered careers that evolve over time. This episode is especially valuable for students, early-career professionals, and anyone questioning whether accounting is limited to “audit or tax.” What You’ll Learn in This Episode ???? What a Partner’s Day-to-Day Really Looks Like Laurian explains how her role spans attestation, financial reporting, tax, valuation, client relationships, recruiting, and firm growth—showing that no two days are ever the same. ???? Why Mid-Sized Firms Offer Unique Opportunities Working in a growing firm allows for greater variety, deeper client relationships, and the ability to help shape culture, hiring, and future service lines. ???? How Valuation Fits into an Accounting Career Laurian shares how audit naturally led her into valuation work and how financial analysis plays a critical role in helping clients make major business decisions. ???? Why She Chose Accounting After starting out in aviation, Laurian gravitated toward accounting because it is the “language of business” and offers long-term opportunity across industries, locations, and career paths. ???? The Importan…