Christopher Harper
Senior Manager
Education/Certification
Dr. Harper serves as the firm’s Director of Education in addition to providing accounting and advisory services to a wide variety of clients. He has been serving the tax and accounting needs of individuals and closely-held businesses since 1998. Chris serves as an assistant professor of accounting for Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
A frequent speaker, he has also taught a variety of continuing education courses for several state CPA societies. He is frequently interviewed by media outlets on a variety of financial, tax, and accounting topics.
He earned his Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, his Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University, and his Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.
What is your area of specialty – how do you best help your clients?
• Accounting & auditing consulting.
• Quality control regarding accounting & auditing engagements.
• Specialized ad hoc consulting projects.
• Empirical and professional research that offers practical solutions for closely-held companies and their stakeholders.
What are your top 5 strengths? What is your favorite strength?
• Achiever
• Ideation
• Woo
• Learner
• Communication
Communication is my favorite strength because I teaching is my passion. I also love public speaking and my TV/radio interviews.
How do you like to give back to the community?
I serve as an affiliate instructor of accounting for Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business. A frequent speaker, I also taught a variety of continuing education courses for several state CPA societies.
I am frequently interviewed by media outlets on a variety of financial, tax, and accounting topics.
What are your superpowers – something you’re good at that others should know about?
• I like to simplify complicated concepts.
• I can translate technical jargon into plain English.
Accomplishment you’re proud of?
Helping shape the next generation of business professionals.
Tell us about your life outside of work (family/pets/sports/activities/interests/hobbies)
I’m active in the following organizations:
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA)
• American Accounting Association
• Wings of Mercy (Volunteer pilot and former member of the board of directors)
I’m an instrument-rated commercial pilot who enjoys traveling in my airplane as well as running, bicycling, camping, and spending time with my wife Sarah, daughter Brooke, and son Blake.
What is your favorite part of working at the firm?
I love HN’s culture. Even as the firm continues to grow, we have retained a family atmosphere. I love the supportive and collaborative environment.
