Principals

Get to Know Shannon at Work

Q. What do you love about your job?
After spending 20 years providing audit and tax services to the not-for-profit sector, I was looking for something more. I found the audit independence rules prevented the type of hands-on assistance I find most rewarding. In 2020, I made the move to client accounting services and now enjoy the freedom of developing and implementing solutions to my client’s needs. I can now find it, fix it, and prevent the problem from reoccurring. Ever received an audit comment again.. and again.. and again? Or find it frustrating that the person that finds the mistake, can’t provide the answer or explain clearly why it needs correcting? (Lease accounting, anyone?) My clients enjoy the comfort of knowing their records are under the care of a professional who has the insider knowledge of an auditor and tax preparer but is on their side.

Q. Describe your most memorable moment at KWC.
Being trusted to assist in the redesign our new office space in 2012 was both a compliment and a challenge. I hope clients see it as a visual testament that KWC is not your ordinary accounting firm.

Q. Why did you choose a career at KWC?
After life at a “big four” accounting firm, KWC was a welcome change of lifestyle. This is a place where work/life balance is truly a priority. I was also amazed at the level of commitment by the Principals to their clients and their employees. It’s not often you see a Principal spending time training a first year team member, but at KWC, it’s the norm, not the exception.

Q. What are people most surprised to learn about your job?
Most people view a typical accountant with their head down behind a computer with adding tape spilling out of the calculator. I think people would be surprised to learn that my job allows me to spend more time out of the office at client sites, visiting with non-profit boards and performing other services.

Shannon Outside the Office

Q. How are you active in your community?
I currently serve as Treasurer on the Board of our community pool and founded a non-profit as a supporting organization. This has been a great way to experience what it’s like to be part of a Board in the non-profit environment. It gives me another perspective on some of my clients’ challenges.

Q. What do you do for fun?
I’m a dedicated cross-fiter, sports photographer, pretend interior designer and mom of three active kids.

Q. What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
We’ve been going to the Outer Banks since I was a little girl. It’s the one place we continue to trek year after year.

Q. What word best describes you?
Dedicated

Q. What’s your favorite book, or one that you’ve read recently?
Harry Potter- the entire series. My nine-year-old is currently enthralled with everything in the wizard word. If you are in the know – I’m a Ravenclaw.

Q. What’s one thing people are often surprised to learn about you?
The biggest shocker continues to be that I grew up on a small tobacco farm in southwest Virginia, in a one red-light town. I progressed on the farm from water girl to driving the tractor, much like I’ve progressed at KWC from staff to Principal. The same drive is required. The same character-building ethics are learned. My nails just stay a bit cleaner these days.