Tammy Griffey has been an HCJ team member since 1985. She is a Tax Manager at the firm’s Jonesboro office and specializes in working with small and family-owned businesses in the farming, veterinary, and funeral industries. 

Read on to see what Tammy says about her reason for pursuing a career in accounting, her first mentor, and why she’s stayed with the firm for over 38 years. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting?  

I have always enjoyed working with numbers. In high school, I took a bookkeeping class and that was the start of my accounting career. Also, I wanted a profession where I could establish relationships and work closely with people.  

What role has mentorship played in your career? Who has been a mentor to you? How have you mentored others?  

When I was first hired by Jones and Company, I was assigned to work on several clients of Sherry Stringer’s. Many of these clients I am still working on today, plus their children and grandchildren in some instances. I have always admired and received valuable guidance from Sherry throughout my accounting career. Through the years, I have tried to share some of this knowledge that I learned from Sherry with newer staff members. 

What are the favorite parts of your job?   

Working with my clients is what has kept me in this field for all of these years.  Also, I enjoy the versatility of my job. Two workdays are never alike.  

How has HCJ specifically played a role in your career? What about the firm that has kept you here over the years?  

 My clients and coworkers are what has kept me at HCJ for all of these years. My coworkers are like a second family to me. I consider my position to be challenging and rewarding when I am able to help a client in a financial situation. I have always appreciated the fact that my job is never boring or dull. 

What do you do to unwind?  

To unwind I love to read, take a long walk, or listen to music. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the accounting profession?  

Be a team player, be open to work on a variety of jobs, always ask questions when you don’t understand something, and begin to develop your skills of developing client relationships.