From Aviation Dreams to Accounting Leadership: A CPA’s Journey in a Growing Firm

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Laurian Tollett, Partner at DRDA LLC, to discuss her career journey, leadership role, and the wide range of opportunities available within the accounting profession.

Laurian shares how her path began in aviation before she discovered accounting as a profession that offers stability, flexibility, and endless opportunity. Now a partner at a growing mid-sized firm, Laurian discusses her work across attestation, tax, valuation, and firm leadership—highlighting how CPAs can build dynamic, people-centered careers that evolve over time.

This episode is especially valuable for students, early-career professionals, and anyone questioning whether accounting is limited to “audit or tax.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

???? What a Partner’s Day-to-Day Really Looks Like

Laurian explains how her role spans attestation, financial reporting, tax, valuation, client relationships, recruiting, and firm growth—showing that no two days are ever the same.

???? Why Mid-Sized Firms Offer Unique Opportunities

Working in a growing firm allows for greater variety, deeper client relationships, and the ability to help shape culture, hiring, and future service lines.

???? How Valuation Fits into an Accounting Career

Laurian shares how audit naturally led her into valuation work and how financial analysis plays a critical role in helping clients make major business decisions.

???? Why She Chose Accounting

After starting out in aviation, Laurian gravitated toward accounting because it is the “language of business” and offers long-term opportunity across industries, locations, and career paths.

???? The Importance of Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

A key theme of the conversation is staying curious, adaptable, and open-minded—qualities that help CPAs grow as professionals and leaders.

???? Advice for Future CPAs

Accounting is far more exciting in practice than it appears in textbooks. Laurian encourages students and candidates to explore different paths, pursue their CPA sooner rather than later, and stay open to where the profession can take them.

About the Guest

Laurian Tollett, CPA is a Partner at DRDA LLC, a growing mid-sized accounting firm south of Houston. She oversees attestation and financial reporting while also working in tax, valuation, and firm leadership. Laurian is passionate about client service, mentoring, and helping professionals build meaningful, flexible careers in accounting.