Kelli has over 20 years of experience providing accounting, tax and consulting services to individuals and privately-owned businesses. In addition to being a CPA, Kelli also holds the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential through the American Institute of Certified Public Accounting (AICPA). This credential reflects expertise in all areas of the planning process, professional responsibilities and disciplines that make up personal financial planning.
Kelli joined BE in January 2018 when Gibbons & Kawash merged into Brown Edwards. She has worked in Charleston, WV and Colonial Heights, VA. She has visited many, but not all, offices and looks forward to seeing them all! Our virtual environment allows her to work with clients and team members no matter where they physically are which is a tremendous benefit in this profession!
Kelli earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Marshall University.
People are typically surprised to find she is ambidextrous. She is right-hand dominant for most things except golf and softball, maybe others if the occasion calls for it.
Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I’m from West Virginia and grew up between the southern coal fields of Logan, WV and then through Huntington and Charleston, WV. And I’m still working on growing up.
I enjoy spending time with family, friends and pets. I enjoy a wide variety of activities. I often end up “all in” on something for a bit before moving on to a new activity to try. My newest venture is a D&D campaign with my kids (all college-age) that we can enjoy together remotely to accommodate our difficult schedules.
I’m currently addicted to audiobooks. I often have something playing during various chores and activities. I’ve made it through many series from authors like Simon Sinek, Brene Brown, Dickens, Edgar Allen Poe, Frank Herbert, George R.R. Martin, J.R. Tolkien and more (suggestions accepted)… For “best ever”, I would go back to my childhood reading of many, many horse books including the Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. I don’t recall now which came first, my own horse adventures or the books, but both were my obsession.
I don’t have a formal travel bucketlist because I’m missing a lot of the things, and already have enough lists to tend to! I lead a sheltered life! I would like to go to all 50 states and go to other countries. What I would do there changes as I change in life. But I will start with just going…
What is one food you can't live without and why?
Cheese.... mic drop!
If you starred in your own hero action movie, what would be your superhero name and superpower?
I actually DO have superpowers. I can close my eyes at the EXACT time someone tries to take a photo and I can always pick the checkout lane that will take the longest amount of time to get through. I haven’t developed the name and costume that properly portrays those skills, but when I do – WATCH THE NEWS!
If you knew you were going to be stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?
Goodness! That is a true test of my preparedness brain! I’ve raised 3 kids to adult-ish-hood so, I feel like “I got this” no matter what I have on me – just give me 3 random things. Like MacGyver or Bear Grylls. Just drop me man, and let’s see what I can do and for how long! This seems like a good time to circle back to the superpower discussion – my kryptonite, forgetting to take stuff I need. That’s why I pack last minute and make lists.
Why did you choose a career in public accounting and what do you enjoy most about it?
That’s a really great question and I’m so glad you asked! When I was 3 years old, my parents said I would always….. Just kidding. Thanks to those who read this far. Public accounting found me in college. And said, "I think we should be friends and hang out for a while." So I did. I could make it more complicated than that, but that’s the truth. We met, liked each other, and have kept hanging out through the good, bad, and awesome! Best friend I’ve ever made!
Genuinely and on a more serious note, I was drawn to the variety of options available in public accounting – and let’s be even more honest, of course the benefits of supporting my family. I’ve found so many ways to pair my own personal, unique skillset and interests with my career path. I can attest to there not being any rigid path to be followed. I’ve enjoyed continuing in this profession for not only the benefits of always being challenged, opportunity for continuous improvement and learning, but also, and most importantly, the relationships. I have fellow associates, mentors and partners who are like family to me and have developed so many valuable relationships with clients and other service providers. I’m very grateful for the many ways public accounting has enriched my life.
