Many of you are familiar with our desire to make studying for the CPA Exam effective, efficient and most importantly, enjoyable. But maybe what a lot of you don’t know is that we take this motto to heart in our work ethic as a company too. While Roger CPA Review started with humble beginnings and has since grown and changed dramatically, one thing remains the same…one of the simple philosophies from which the company was built and from which it continues to propel forward:
“Never settle. Seek your goals and find success by loving the means that will get you there. Enjoy what you’re doing—always.“
In this Q&A series, we’ll be talking to and highlighting a member of Roger CPA Review’s staff each week. You’ll learn more about the people behind the review course, including what they do, why they find this industry so rewarding, and what kind of kitchen appliance they’d be if they had the choice, well maybe not the last one. We’re excited to interview some of the great folks at Roger CPA Reivew who make CPA review a little more fun, exciting and worthwhile.
So, without further ado…
Q&A with Kristin Lynes, Vice President of Roger CPA Review
What do you do at Roger CPA Review?
I am responsible for projecting growth, developing and executing business plans, aligning resources, and delivering maximum return volume for stakeholders. I specialize in producing eLearning products and online education management tools that are data driven, intuitive and – most importantly – enable our students and clients to achieve their professional goals.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Roger CPA Review?
We are an e-learning provider and therefore a service oriented company, so our people are our biggest asset. We’ve hired a great team, and I love our people! I listen to the market, and to our students, clients and staff. I develop goals and strategies, and I set and lead the company and our people on a united path. I get to do what I love, and it never feels like work.
How does your current position influence what you’re passionate about?
I’m passionate about helping others achieve their goals, and I am able to do that on multiple levels at Roger CPA Review.
First, our products and services allow our CPA Exam candidates to properly prepare for their future. The CPA Exam is tough, but we give our students guidance, support, the best e-learning tools, and excellent content so their job is as easy is possible. It’s our job as a review provider to show and lead our students down the path of success, so providing top of the line preparation products that enable students to pass the exam so they can go on to realize greater career success is very rewarding.
Secondly, as a leader, I guide and develop our team members and empower them to grow professionally—and enjoy immense job satisfaction. We have a sharp, dedicated team. Everyone works hard and is genuinely dedicated to the company vision and to growing an outstanding organization. We hire passionate people who want to contribute. It is very rewarding to guide and empower people through challenging projects, see them gain new skills, see them work together to accomplish goals. We celebrate a lot together as well – that makes it even more fun.
Who has impacted you most in your life and how?
My family. My parents and husband have always been tremendously supportive and encouraging. Roger and Louisa Philipp have been tremendous professional mentors as well.
If you could go back in time and do one thing over, what would it be and why?
Nothing! I’m future oriented and learn from my past. My past decisions inform my future, but I don’t believe in regret. Trust yourself, trust your decisions, learn from them, and move forward!
If you could offer one piece of career (or life) advice to recent college graduates, what would it be?
Work hard, ask questions, and contribute. Also, never underestimate the importance of self-assessment. You need to be confident and positive about your future, but also reflect and do a gap analysis of where you want to be and where you are presently. You can only control yourself, so look at your goals and figure out what you need to do to reach them. You have the power to do it, but you have to be self-critical, and formulate a plan. Things don’t happen magically. Hard work, determination, foresight and general kindness towards others—that will get you there.
What is your favorite quote or mantra?
“To whom much is given, of him much will be required.” It’s a message about leadership and the associated responsibility and obligation one has to help others. It’s about giving back, not taking.
How do you plan to enjoy the summer?
I’ll be travelling a lot for both work and vacation! I just got back from trips to Seattle, San Francisco, and Tokyo. Up next is exploring Southern California on the weekends with my family, and also travelling back to the Midwest to see our relatives and celebrate my Grandpa’s 80th Birthday.