I had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Papin, a rare professional who holds both a CPA license and a law degree. Chris shared how he went from being a numbers-driven college student to running a one-stop shop that supports small business owners through both legal and tax services. In this episode, we dove into the unique career blend he created, how he communicates complex concepts to clients, and his advice for accountants looking to grow their impact.
5 Key Takeaways:
- Follow your curiosity—Chris’s desire to understand “why can’t we do this in one place?” led him to law school while studying for the CPA.
- Client communication is a learned skill; confidence grows with practice.
- Small business advisory blends legal, tax, and operational expertise.
- Accountants often serve as translators, helping clients understand decisions in clear, practical terms.
- You don’t need all the answers—own what you know and follow up when needed.
The Power of Blending Law and Accounting
Chris didn’t take the traditional route into public accounting. Instead, he was recruited into a Fortune 500 tax department while still in law school. “I recognized the audit probably was not my thing,” he said, laughing. That early clarity helped him focus his energy on becoming both a CPA and an attorney—an uncommon combination that gives his clients seamless support.
At his former firm, he worked under one roof with both legal and accounting services, helping clients start businesses, manage tax obligations, and navigate compliance—all in one place. “Clients always hear: ‘Check with your CPA’ or ‘Ask your attorney,’ but I was both,” Chris shared.
Why Client Education Matters
When asked what he valued most from those years, Chris emphasized the importance of communication. “I serve as a translator all day, every day,” he explained. “It’s not just English to Spanish—it’s taking what clients want and translating it into compliant, legal, and financial action.”
His most common phrase?
“No, you can’t do it like that… but give me time, I’ll build you the path.”
That mindset helps clients feel supported, not shut down.
Advice for Building Client Relationships
Many new professionals are hesitant to speak with clients, fearing they won’t have the right answers. Chris reassured:
“You do not have to have the answer on the spot.”
Instead, he recommends:
- Read clients’ financials aloud and ask questions.
- Don’t fake what you don’t know—follow up.
- Use mistakes as learning opportunities, not setbacks.
- Practice translating technical terms into everyday language.
Final Thoughts
Chris reminds us that accounting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building trust and guiding people through meaningful decisions.
“The better the relationship, the better the outcome.”
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