2024 40 Under 40 Spotlight: Kristin Carter, 2018

Then: Chief tax officer, Central Trust Co.
Now: Head of tax advisory, Compound Planning

Kristin Carter went from a traditional accounting office job to a modern virtual position from home almost overnight. But that’s becoming more common these days.

Carter, 40, traded her leadership role over several offices with Central Trust Co. for working with the fully remote firm Compound Planning, which she describes as “tech startup meets wealth management.”

“It felt risky leaving a prestigious role, wonderful colleagues and a great company, but – with the support of my husband and family – decided to listen to my gut and take the leap,” she says of her move late last year.

Carter says the roles are similar – “but the firm and clientele are a completely different vibe.” Most Compound Planning clients are tech startup employees that need advice on stocks and taxes, she says. Think Facebook employees with millions of dollars in stock options or early staffers of payments processor Stripe Inc. that’s making tender offers reportedly over $1 billion as it heads toward an initial public offering. Both are among clients, she says.

“It’s the wild west out here, and I’m absolutely loving every second of it,” Carter says.

Best advice to young professionals? Know your worth. Grow your skills. Be a good listener. And then advocate for yourself.