In Episode 79 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Precious Opaleke, a Senior Tax Specialist at Lido Tax LLC. From growing up and studying in England to navigating the U.S. tax system from scratch, her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
We talked about her unexpected transition from IT to accounting, adjusting to life in Palm Springs, and the moment a neighbor (who just happened to be a top CPA) changed the entire course of her career. Precious shared the highs, lows, and lessons from her CPA journey—and gave practical advice for anyone starting out in accounting.
Starting with Curiosity
Precious didn’t always dream of becoming an accountant. In fact, she started her academic path in IT. But one accounting module during her course lit a spark:
“It was fascinating to me how you can use numbers to make decisions… I discovered I was good at it and enjoyed interpreting results.”
She pivoted hard, diving into the ACCA program in the UK and later earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from top universities, including Queen Mary University of London.
Life Happens: The Big Move
After graduation, her plan was to land a consultancy role. But when her husband’s career brought them to Palm Springs in 2017, Precious was forced to start from scratch.
“I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t even know what a CPA was.”
Luckily, her next-door neighbor turned out to be Melody Thornton—an experienced CPA and former CalCPA chapter president. Over coffee, Melody explained the U.S. tax system and helped Precious enroll in a course at H&R Block.
Humble Beginnings at H&R Block
Stepping into the U.S. tax world wasn’t easy. From asking what a W-2 was to facing a 400-question exam, Precious was all in.
“The teacher assumed everyone knew the terms… I had to raise my hand and ask, ‘What is a W-2?’”
She credits that experience for giving her real-world tax exposure and boosting her confidence with clients.
Building a New Path
Encouraged by Melody, Precious attended a CalCPA student event where she made her first real connections in the profession. That same year, she began studying for the CPA exam.
“Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you—and show you the path.”
Actionable Advice
Here’s what you can take from Precious’s journey:
- Be open to change. You never know when a small class or conversation will spark a passion.
- Say yes to opportunities—even if they’re intimidating. Precious walked into events where she knew no one but walked out with direction.
- Ask questions. “Don’t be shy to speak up,” she says. “You’ll remember the answer forever.”
- Lean into the community. Connections, even next door, can be life-changing.
Join the Journey
Precious’s story is proof that no matter where you start—another country, a different field, or a humble tax prep gig—you can still become a successful CPA. It’s all about persistence, curiosity, and people.
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