In this episode #99 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Minnie Lau, CPA, founder of Minnie Lau CPA PC. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Minnie runs a boutique tax firm that specializes in high-earning W-2 clients and crypto investors. Her journey—from a call center rep at the IRS to building her own firm—offers real talk on risk-taking, resilience, and redefining success.
🎯 Interview Highlights & Takeaways
Minnie’s story is full of hard-earned lessons and honest reflections:
- She navigated emotionally charged taxpayer calls at the IRS.
- She gained deep technical experience in stock options and real estate tax planning at Green and Green LLP.
- She started her firm with zero clients—and built it from the ground up while raising two kids.
Here are some of the most powerful insights from our conversation.
💥 Lessons from the IRS Frontlines
Before launching her firm, Minnie worked at the IRS, handling challenging calls from frustrated taxpayers. One call even escalated to a threat on her life.
“There may have been a threat on my life during that call… It’s a very emotional job.”
This experience taught her empathy, patience, and the limits of bureaucratic systems—lessons that shaped how she now communicates with clients.
🧠 Becoming a Specialist
At Green and Green LLP, Minnie transitioned from generalist to specialist.
“I realized I really enjoy working with stock options… and how to artificially create scenarios to reduce AMT.”
This exposure helped her build a niche practice focused on equity compensation and complex individual tax situations—especially in the startup-heavy Bay Area.
🚀 Starting from Zero
Starting a firm wasn’t easy. Minnie supported herself early on by taking contract work while slowly growing her client base.
“For the first three years, I worked as a per diem preparer. It was the best of both worlds.”
She also credits her growth to bringing on contractors and ultimately building a lean but effective team.
⚖️ Balancing Work, Life & Motherhood
Minnie’s firm is structured for flexibility. She still signs tax returns but has stepped into more of a strategic and mentoring role.
“In 2025, we’ve reduced our client base. Our complex returns allow us to extend—and breathe.”
This structure allows her to take up to 11 weeks of vacation a year while remaining deeply involved.
✅ Advice for Career Explorers
Minnie closed with this powerful reminder:
“It’s not just audit or tax—there are many paths. And firms like mine need leaders to take over. The opportunity is vast.”
🔔 Final Thoughts
Minnie’s journey is proof that your CPA career doesn’t have to follow a straight line. You can build something aligned with your lifestyle, values, and long-term goals.
Want more stories like Minnie’s? Join my monthly newsletter and get real conversations, expert advice, and actionable insights to help you navigate your CPA career on your terms.