My name is Chris V. and I live in beautiful Boise, Idaho. I am the proud father of four great kids ranging in ages from 21 to 7. I have a great and supportive wife named Amanda.
My working career has included some pretty interesting experiences. I joined the Navy right out of high school and attended Naval Nuclear Power School. After about two years of intense math and science, I was stationed aboard the USS Michigan. When I got out of the military eight years later, I went to work for the power company in Idaho. After several years, I decided that I wanted to go back to school and get a degree.
In 2004, I began attending Northwest Nazarene University. I was working at the Idaho State Tax Commission and thought a business administration degree would help me in my tax administration career. About a week before graduation, I was told by the department head of the Audit department that if I ever wanted to work for her, I needed an accounting degree! So, I decided not to graduate that spring and to pursue my BS in accounting. I was able to convince NNU that they should allow me to enter the MBA program even though, at that point, I did not have a bachelor’s degree. Since I had met the requirements to graduate with a business administration degree, they agreed to let me begin my MBA.
In 2008, I was able to earn both a BS in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration. I graduated cum laude in Accounting and with honors in my MBA program. I got both degrees on the same day, a first for a NNU student!
Currently, I am preparing tax returns and doing business accounting for a small firm in Boise. After much contemplation, I have decided to pursue my Enrolled Agent Status. I had at first considered taking the CPA exam, then briefly considered taking the Registered Tax Return Preparer exam. I believe the EA is the best alternative because it will allow me to specialize in taxes and to help more clients than would be possible with only the RTRP designation. I enjoy working with clients and helping them make well-informed decisions regarding their taxes.
I look forward to sharing my study experiences with you over the next few months as I prepare to take the EA exam.
