Meet a Member: Chad Atkinson

Chad Atkinson is an audit partner with HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors. He started working with his dad in construction when he was 13 years old for $2 per hour. His high school years were dominated with football, basketball, and baseball, which ended with all-state baseball and all-state academic honors his senior year. In school, Chad took a few accounting classes “because that is where the cute girls were” and was involved in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). After high school, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Japan Sendai Mission from 1991 to 1993. Upon returning home, Chad says, “I married the beautiful and intelligent Cassie Naegle. We attended the University of Utah where I received my master’s in accounting and my wife earned her bachelor’s of pharmacy and became a licensed pharmacist. We have been blessed with six wonderful children that fill our days and nights with happiness, headaches, and the unexpected.” As a family, they enjoy being outdoors, hiking, canyoneering and backpacking. Chad proudly adds, “all of our children are avid readers and love to play soccer.” Chad lives in Washington, Utah, and serves on the UACPA’s audit committee.

MEET A MEMBER

CHAD ATKINSON, CPA

What led you to become a CPA? When I began thinking of potential careers in high school, I never thought I could sit at a desk or behind a computer screen every day for my job. While serving my mission in Japan, I was asked to be the financial secretary for the mission. I enjoyed the work and discovered that I could sit at a desk longer than I thought I could. Today, I enjoy helping individuals and organizations accurately capture financial information and improve their financial processes so they can experience financial clarity.

How have you been involved with the UACPA? I have attended Color Country Chapter meetings and trainings sponsored by the UACPA. I have also served on the UACPA audit committee for the past few years.

What would surprise people to know about you? Despite the glasses and CPA persona that I am sure I exude, my 15foot jump shot from the baseline is money.

What is one book (or books) that have greatly influenced

you? The “Book of Mormon,” “Getting Things Done” – David Allen and any book by John C. Maxwell.

What do you like to do outside of work? Basketball, travel, landscaping/gardening, backpacking, fixing things.

What are some of your goals both personally and

professionally? First and foremost, be an excellent husband and father. Be an outstanding partner and team player at HintonBurdick.

What advice do you live by? Matthew 22: 37–39. n