2007 40 Under 40 Honoree: Rema Houston

CPA Rema Houston was 29 when she purchased her accounting practice in 2004.

Now, Houston CPA Accounting and Tax Services has grown to approximately 400 tax clients and several audit/review engagements, in addition to providing payroll, payroll compliance and accounting services for about 70 area companies.

In addition to growing her practice in Missouri, Houston had an opportunity to expand her horizons in 2006, when she was asked to provide audit services for a client in Alaska.

She did so after earning the requisite certification in that state, and she has since added a second client in Alaska.

“I’m not planning a satellite office just yet, but it was pretty incredible to be standing in downtown Anchorage and watch moose casually trot down the street,” she said.

Houston finds a great deal of satisfaction in owning her accounting firm, which she said has experienced 16 percent growth so far in 2007, largely based on referrals.

“My proudest accomplishment was printing that first tax return with my firm’s name at the bottom,” Houston said. “There is such an overwhelming feel of empowerment, knowing that it was my signature on the line and I owned the work.”

Still, she’d like to add a couple other small businesses to her holdings – namely a parcel shipping business for which she is in negotiations.

“I'm pretty open as to where my career is headed, (and) if I see an opportunity that fits, I'll consider it,” she said.

A single parent, Houston’s community involvement revolves around her children, Haileigh, 8, and Nolan, 6. This year, for example, she’s sharing homeroom parent duties for her daughter’s class at Fair Grove Elementary.

“I’ve learned a whole lot about organizational skills and negotiating from third-graders,” she said.

Stats

Position: CPA, Owner, Houston CPA Accounting & Tax Services LLC

Age: 32

Favorite professional sports team: Springfield Cardinals – “They’re local and the kids love them.”

A quote to live by: “The people who get on in this world are those who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them.” – George Bernard Shaw

Information accurate at the time of the honor.