Meet the SST Partners: Chris Adams
Welcome to the first installment of our “Meet the SST Partners” blog series. In this series, we’ll get to know the talented leaders who guide our firm with their vision, expertise and dedication.
This month, we’re highlighting SST’s newest partner, Chris Adams. Since joining the firm in 2015, Chris has provided assurance and advisory services for various for-profit industries, specializing in the higher education sector. Read on for an in-depth conversation with Chris about his goals for his new role, his favorite SST memories and his advice for emerging accounting professionals.
Congratulations on your promotion to SST Partner! How long have you been with SST?
I joined SST as an intern in 2015 and have dedicated my entire career to the firm. I’ve truly grown up here and think of SST as my home. I’ve always looked up to Bill, Eileen and Emily, and have enjoyed getting to know and learn from Ryan since he joined the firm at the start of the year. It’s truly an honor to join their ranks as a new partner.
What sets SST apart from other accounting firms?
Our diversity – diversity of people, diversity of background and diversity of thought. I think it’s incredibly important to have a variety of viewpoints at the table, so you can challenge yourself and learn from others. This culture at SST has made me a better professional.
I also think our leadership team’s commitment to mentorship has ensured that our team members feel valued, which in turn has created a strong sense of loyalty throughout the firm.
What is a core memory you have from your early days at SST?
As an intern, SST gave me the opportunity to travel out of state for a client meeting. When I accidentally missed my flight out of Dallas, I called my boss expecting to be fired. I remember being so stressed but feeling so relieved when he helped me schedule a new flight and treated the situation with graciousness and as a learning opportunity rather than punitively. It inspired me to want to do better, always.
What excites you most about your new role? What are some of your goals moving forward?
I’m looking forward to the increased level of responsibility and the chance to lead our audit and attest department alongside Bill and Eileen. I’m also honored to be the youngest partner at the firm, which allows me to relate to other SST team members on a deeper level. As a partner, I want any and all team members to feel comfortable coming to me with new ideas and feedback that can enable our firm to improve and evolve.
What advice would you give to other accountants or CPAs who are just starting their careers?
When I was in school, we were introduced to the “one foot in” mentality, where we were advised to go to a big firm, put in a few years of hard work and then move on to what we “really want to do.” I feel like this mentality has put our industry in a bad light, as recent graduates aren’t thinking about longevity. I encourage everyone entering the accounting or finance professions to bring an open mind and not assume your time here is temporary. As someone who started as an intern and is now a partner, I can truly say there is a benefit to investing in the firm that is investing in you.
What advice would you give to yourself ten years ago?
I’d tell myself to try and avoid the “one foot in” career mentality that so many of us are taught in school and instead focus on adding value to the firm you’re currently at, in whatever role you’re currently in.
