Meet Billy Gilliam!
Billy is a partner with 35 years of accounting, auditing, and tax experience. He consults with businesses and individuals alike. Billy's diverse background allows him to be a team member in the firm's tax and auto dealer practices and to serve as lead partner on several of the firm's internal audit and compliance work for financial institutions.
Billy earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Billy has worked in Kingsport, TN all his professional career.
We interviewed Billy to get to know him outside of his profession, and we were surprised to learn that to be the big fan of country music that he is, especially older country music, he has attended two Pitbull concerts as well as two Pink concerts.
Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Kingsport, TN. I spent my college years in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee and then returned back Kingsport to start my professional career where I have been ever since. I went on to marry my high school sweetheart and we currently have two sons who are married and living in Knoxville.
I love to travel in my free time. I also enjoy attending University of Tennessee sporting events with my family. My wife and I have had season football tickets for 33 years.
What's the last book you read or what is your favorite book/series you ever read and why?
I am not one that enjoys reading for pleasure, my wife reads enough for she and I both! I enjoy waiting until the book is made into a movie.
The next place on my travel bucket list would be either Ireland or Italy. I would want to take in as much of the natural beauty either one offers, as well as enjoy a few of the Irish Pubs along the way.
If I could have a superpower, I would probably like to be able to time travel. There are many people from the past I would like to meet. I might even help fend off problems for my clients before they come to fruition. I could be known as Abacus!
What is one food you can't live without and why?
It would be tough to live without pizza. It has always been my favorite.
If you knew you were going to be stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?
I would bring food, my television, and music.
Why did you choose a career in public accounting and what do you enjoy most about it?
I had a part-time job during my high school and college years, and I quickly realized that I enjoyed working with the public and was very interested in business. It brings me satisfaction to be able to help someone achieve their business goals and to know that I played a part in it. I have practiced long enough now that I have worked with businesses from their inception to being strong, successful businesses in our community.
