Let’s Welcome New Shareholder Emily Paszkowski!

How many tax seasons have you worked (here or elsewhere)?

I have worked nine tax seasons, with four of those here at Hungerford and the previous five as an auditor. Each season has given me a unique perspective, deepening my experience and understanding of the industry from multiple angles.

What industries do you specifically work with and what are your areas of specialty?

My career has centered around the manufacturing and distribution industries, where I’ve developed a strong expertise. I’ve also spent significant time working with clients in real estate management and professional services, giving me a well-rounded view across multiple sectors.

Where did you go to college?

I earned my BBA in Accounting from Grand Valley State University, graduating in 2008.

Did you have other career aspirations other than what you’re doing now?

Back in kindergarten, I dreamed of becoming a dental hygienist like my aunt. Later, I set my sights on being a NICU nurse and held onto that goal until my junior year of college. But after tackling organic chemistry, I realized medicine wasn’t my path. That’s when I pivoted, applied to business school, and found my true fit in accounting.

When did you know you wanted to be an accountant, auditor, or business advisor?

I knew I wanted to be an accountant within the first few weeks of my very first accounting class. Something just clicked, and I had that ‘aha’ moment where I felt, this is where I’m meant to be!

What was your first day at Hungerford like?

My first day at Hungerford was unusual, to say the least! It was during COVID, and it just so happened to be the day Governor Whitmer issued the stay-at-home order. The office was nearly empty, handshakes were off-limits, and there was this palpable sense of uncertainty in the air as we all braced for the unknown.

How has your career evolved since your first day?

My career has come a long way since that first day. Initially, I spent almost a year working solo from my basement, but now I’m mostly in the office where the real energy is—and I prefer it! When I started as a manager, I focused heavily on overseeing client engagements day-to-day. Over time, I’ve shifted my focus toward staff development, strategic planning, and business growth. It’s been an exciting journey from hands-on project management to shaping the bigger picture.

What were some of the toughest aspects of your job/career?

One of the tougher aspects of my career has been learning how to navigate difficult conversations – whether with staff, supervisors, and clients. It’s never exactly easy, but each experience has taught me that addressing a problem head-on sooner rather than later always outweighs the discomfort. It’s been a valuable lesson in communication and leadership.

What are some achievements of which you are most proud?

Personally, I’m most proud of my boys. Watching them learn and grow is absolutely incredible—it’s a constant reminder of how much potential there is in the world. Professionally, becoming a shareholder takes the cake. It’s been a goal I’ve worked toward for years, and it honestly feels a bit surreal to finally reach that milestone!

Are there any organizations you volunteer with/serve on a board/passion project that you want to highlight?

I’m currently serving on the finance committee for Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore. Reconnecting with the Girl Scouts has been especially meaningful, as it reminds me of how impactful the program was for me. From making lifelong friendships and gaining unique experiences like camping, volunteering, and even building my own Geocities website to earn a tech badge, it’s an honor to contribute to an organization that gives today’s girls the same opportunities to grow.

Most recently, I was nominated to the Board of Directors of MomsBloom, serving as Treasurer. MomsBloom is another cause I’m deeply passionate about. I first learned about them when my boys were in the NICU. They provide critical support to families during the first 12 weeks postpartum through doulas and trained volunteers, offering wellness checks, household help, and even just holding your baby so mom can take a shower. That kind of support goes a long way in helping moms feel supported in those tough first months. It’s amazing how just a few hours a week can positively impact a mother’s mental health by knowing someone is there to help shoulder the load.

Board positions currently held:

I am currently serving as Board Treasurer for MomsBloom.

Community organizations our family is involved in and/or supports:

Our family is actively involved in the community – in the physical sense of active! We’ve developed a great group of friends and support system within RunGR, which is where I became connected to the Brian Diemer Family of Races. This 5K, founded by Brian and his wife Carrie, raises funds for impactful community charities like Pine Rest and Guiding Light. It’s a meaningful way for us to give back while supporting causes close to our hearts.

What made you want to be a shareholder?

I’m passionate about the work we do and the positive impact we have on our clients and our community. Becoming a shareholder felt like a natural next step because I love being part of shaping and executing our firm’s growth strategy and supporting the well-being of our team. Contributing to something greater than myself and helping to drive our shared success is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you see for the future of your industry/the firm?

As our industry continues to shrink and consolidate, the future will call for even greater efficiency and creative thinking in how we utilize talent and tackle our work. For our firm, that means staying agile and finding innovative ways to serve clients, develop our team, and adapt to an ever-evolving landscape. It’s an exciting challenge that I believe will lead us to even stronger growth and impact.

Who are some people that influenced you and your career?

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to meet some incredibly influential people who helped shape my path. Early on, during an interview for one of my first jobs, the CFO asked me what I was looking for in an employer. At 23, I told him I wanted a place where I could see myself retiring. He responded with advice that’s stayed with me ever since: to learn and enjoy everything I could while I was there, but also recognize when it was time to move on. He saw my drive for growth before I did and created a space where I felt comfortable being honest when it was time to pursue something bigger.

Through that role, I also connected with an intern from our audit team who first introduced me to the world of public accounting. She encouraged me to go after my 150 credit hours and CPA, sparking a career pivot I hadn’t considered. Her influence led me to a path that completely changed the course of my career.

Years later, in my first interview with Hungerford, I met Tessa Keena and Katy Felver, and it was one of those defining moments where I felt I’d finally found my professional home. Our shared vision and values reignited my passion for the work and opened my eyes to the impact I could make in accounting.

And to bring it all full circle, one of my early conversations with Rick Chrisman ended with him saying that he hoped the people we hire would retire from Hungerford. Today, I’m excited and honored to say that the outlook is strong that I’ll be one of those people.

What does the DEI initiative mean to you and what is the importance to the firm/field/community?

Our firm’s DEI initiative means a great deal to me personally and professionally. The efforts of our DEI team has brought meaningful opportunities for education and outreach to everyone and have been invaluable in my own growth. One of our core values is life-long learning, and DEI provides a powerful way for each of us to expand our understanding of experiences beyond our own. Through this education, we’re able to build compassion and understanding—not just of our differences, but of the many similarities that connect us. This mindset is essential, not only for the firm’s culture but also for the positive impact we aim to have on our field and community.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self that the path to success is rarely a straight line. Every twist and turn—especially the tough ones—brings invaluable growth, both personally and professionally, that will pay off in ways you’d never expect. Embrace the journey, and trust that even the challenging moments are setting you up for what’s ahead.