PSP: Lisa Small, Warren Averett

CBA Preferred Service Provider Spotlight – Lisa Small, Warren Averett CPAs & Advisors

Lisa Small

Principal Warren Averett CPAs & Advisors

In this issue, CBA is pleased to feature Lisa Small, a Principal at Warren Averett CPAs & Advisors in Atlanta.

CBA invited Lisa to participate in a Q & A so you can learn a little more about Lisa and the Firm.

Tell us about Warren Averett and your role with the company:

Warren Averett is one of the largest accounting firms in the Southeast and has been recognized by Forbes to be among America’s Best Tax Firms and America’s Best Accounting Firms for 2021. With more than 800 employees across 15 offices, Warren Averett offers services that span beyond audit and tax.

Our Financial Services Practice Group is made up of 50+ professionals, who have dedicated their careers to helping banks, credit unions, insurance companies, broker-dealers and other financial institutions thrive. Our team of seasoned experts stays ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes to help financial services institutions save money, stay compliant and plan for the future.

My role is to establish long-term relationships with community banks, understand their unique needs and provide proactive solutions in a rapidly changing environment.

How do you help Georgia’s Community Banks?

As a former banker, I can relate to and understand the challenges in the business, regulatory and technology landscapes faced by community banks. I work with a team of experienced professionals, many who are former bankers themselves, and together, we help community banks assess how they’re navigating the financial sphere— ranging from risk management to compliance—and how they can be successful.

What was it that drew you and keeps you working at Warren Averett?

Not only do I enjoy being at Warren Averett because we have great opportunity to make differences for our clients, I also enjoy how the culture supports female employees. The Firm empowers women to take leadership roles through different programs and helps them take their careers to the next level. One of the biggest draws for me is the fact that both our CEO and COO are women. This has really encouraged me in my time here and helps me to inspire other women as well.

It is easy for a company to stick with their values and principles during the good times. However, the companies that are truly successful are the ones that stick with their values through the hard times. Over the past year, I’ve watched Warren Averett continue to take care of their clients, employees and their community with the same commitment that they had prepandemic. It makes me proud to be with the Firm.

Tell us a few interesting facts about you.

I am a Cobb County, Georgia native who attended Kennesaw State University where I received my business degree. I spent 20 years at a large bank here in Georgia and met some amazing people, including my wonderful husband.

Now, we live in Smyrna with our Argentinian mastiff, Argos. When I realized my puppy would soon outweigh me, I became a certified dog trainer, which allows me to help others with their furry family members.

I love the North Georgia mountains, especially Blue Ridge, where most of our vacations are spent.

What do you do for fun outside of work?

I volunteer at local animal shelters and enjoy reading mystery novels. I read every single Nancy Drew book growing up.

Mostly, I love spending time with my husband, family and friends.