As the host of the CPA Career Paths Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Terrell Turner, CPA, co-founder of TL Turner Group and creator of engaging financial content, on Episodes #57, #58 and #59. Terrell’s journey—from working in Big Four public accounting to founding his own firm specializing in law firm finances—offers valuable insights for young professionals starting their careers in accounting.
In this post, I’ll share highlights from our conversation, actionable advice, and lessons Terrell has learned that can help you thrive in your accounting career.
From Public Accounting to Entrepreneurship: Terrell’s Career Journey
Terrell’s path to success began with a strong foundation in accounting. Like many CPAs, he earned his undergraduate degree, pursued a Master’s in Accounting, and worked at EY in public accounting. But his journey took a unique turn:
- Starting in Private Accounting: Before EY, Terrell gained practical experience in private accounting. “I worked as a staff accountant, learning inventory accounting and month-end close processes,” he shared. These hands-on roles prepared him to tackle larger challenges later in his career.
- Adapting at EY: While public accounting helped him refine his skills, Terrell emphasized the importance of learning to adapt. “My prior experience helped after six months at EY because I understood inventory accounting from both sides,” he noted.
- Building a Diverse Skillset: Terrell’s time in private accounting, GE Aviation, and leading a finance team in Brazil helped him develop leadership, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication skills—all of which were essential when he started his own firm in 2020.
Key Takeaway: Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line. Embrace opportunities that allow you to diversify your skills and explore different aspects of accounting.
Chasing Experience, Not Just Money
One piece of advice Terrell emphasized during our discussion was to “chase experience, not money.” Early in his career, Terrell prioritized gaining diverse experiences, even if they didn’t come with the highest paycheck.
Why this matters:
- By prioritizing learning, he discovered what he enjoyed (and didn’t enjoy).
- These experiences positioned him as a well-rounded professional, ready to take on leadership roles.
Actionable Advice:
- Seek internships or entry-level roles that expose you to multiple areas of accounting.
- Don’t hesitate to explore new industries or roles—even if they’re outside your comfort zone.
Quote: “Early in your career is the least risky time to try different things. If you make a mistake, people are there to guide you.” – Terrell Turner, CPA
Lessons from Public and Private Accounting
Navigating Public Accounting: Terrell’s time at EY highlighted the importance of pacing oneself during busy seasons. “I learned to speak up and set boundaries,” he shared. This lesson came after working back-to-back busy seasons without a break, leading to burnout.
Adapting to Private Accounting: Transitioning to private accounting gave Terrell insights into the operational side of businesses. At Navistar, he led a physical inventory project, managing a team of 65—a daunting task for someone in their early 20s. “I had to gain the respect of older colleagues by being professional and articulating decisions clearly,” he said.
Key Takeaway: Each phase of your career will present unique challenges. Focus on learning and growing from every experience.
The Leap to Entrepreneurship
In 2020, Terrell launched his own firm, specializing in law firm finances. He credits much of his success to a combination of preparation, adaptability, and an openness to learning.
Why law firms?
- Terrell identified a niche where he could add value. “Lawyers understand other lawyers, and the referrals in this field are strong,” he explained.
- This niche allowed him to develop a focused marketing strategy, positioning his firm as an expert in the legal industry.
Challenges as a Founder:
- Building a team: “I realized my job as a leader is to provide a clear vision, resources, and guardrails for my team. It’s not to do all the work myself,” he said.
- Accountability: Holding team members accountable helped them grow professionally and take ownership of their roles.
- Celebrating progress: “As a leader, I had to learn to celebrate milestones to keep morale high and prevent burnout,” he added.
Actionable Advice:
- When starting your own firm, focus on a specific niche to differentiate yourself in the market.
- Build a strong team by empowering employees to work independently within clear guidelines.
- Celebrate small wins to foster a positive work environment.
Making Accounting Fun: Content Creation and Public Speaking
Terrell’s LinkedIn videos and public speaking engagements are as engaging as they are educational. His goal? To make learning about accounting and business entertaining.
How he does it:
- Short, humorous videos that grab attention and deliver insights quickly.
- Speaking engagements that combine storytelling with actionable takeaways.
Quote: “I’m a huge believer that there are so many wonderful lessons we can learn from everyday events,” Terrell said.
Actionable Advice:
- If you’re interested in content creation, start small. Use your expertise to create short, engaging posts or videos.
- Public speaking can be a great way to build your personal brand and connect with professionals in your field.
Closing Thoughts
Terrell Turner’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. His story reminds us that no career path is linear and that each experience—even challenging ones—can prepare us for future success.
If you’re a young professional just starting in accounting, take these lessons to heart:
- Focus on gaining diverse experiences.
- Don’t be afraid to take risks and pivot when necessary.
- Always prioritize learning and growth over short-term rewards.
Want more tips like these? Join my monthly newsletter for exclusive advice and resources to help you master your CPA journey. Let’s navigate this career path together!