A Q&A with VSCPA Chair Krystal McCants, CPA

Tell us about your career path.

I’ve been in public accounting since 2003; I graduated from Virginia Tech and started my career in Northern Virginia. My first role was with a small firm, which felt like the right fit because I’m a small-town girl at heart and the environment felt comfortable and family oriented. As I grew in my career, I realized I wanted more opportunities for advancement, so I moved to another firm that offered more growth. Eventually, I wanted a place that combined both things, the small firm feel and strong growth potential, and that led me to YHB, where I’ve been for the past five years.

What do you love most about being a CPA? 

What I love most about being a CPA is forming relationships. In public practice, so much of what we do revolves around people, whether it is clients, colleagues, VSCPA staff, or the network you build over the years. It is truly a relationship business, and I am a people person. That may seem a little “anti-accountant” to some, but the interactions I have energize me.

My clients have taught me so much over the years, as have the CPAs I have worked with. Being a CPA exposes you to worlds you might never see otherwise. I did not grow up around accountants, attorneys or financial advisors, so this profession opened doors and broadened my experience in ways I never expected.

Everything I enjoy most about my career is rooted in those relationships, the connections with clients, with peers, and with the VSCPA community. That is truly my favorite part of being a CPA.

What are some of your professional accomplishments?

I have a few accomplishments that mean a lot to me for different reasons. Passing the CPA Exam is certainly one of them. It was not easy for me, and earning those credentials is something I will always be proud of.

Another accomplishment that stands out is being named to the inaugural Forbes list of the Top 200 CPAs in the country last year. It was incredibly humbling because you cannot nominate yourself. Knowing that someone thought enough of me to put my name forward was an honor. Being part of an inaugural list and recognized among the top CPAs in the country was an amazing feeling.

Serving as the VSCPA Board chair is also a major accomplishment. I remember my very first Board meeting, looking around the room and thinking how impressive everyone was. I could not imagine being able to lead a group like that. Now, being the Chair, I realize how many people believed in me and supported me behind the scenes to reach this point. That has been very meaningful.

What was your experience taking the CPA Exam? 

I’m not a naturally strong test taker, so the CPA Exam was definitely a challenge for me. I took it several times. I was not one of those people who passed all four parts on the first try and moved on with life. I actually started taking it back in the paper exam days, when you had to sit for the test over two full days. I was more successful with the electronic version of the exam.

When the hours requirement changed, I was grandfathered in, and that really pushed me to focus and accelerate my studying. Even with that, it still wasn’t easy.  

I found it to be intimidating to be in a testing room where everyone looks calm and focused while I was trying to get myself settled. It can throw you off. Now whenever I have the chance, I remind individuals in the process to keep going and not get discouraged. If you stick with it, you will get there.

What do you feel are the top challenges facing the profession today? 

One of the biggest challenges is the staffing shortage. Public accounting is a demanding profession, and when there are not enough people to support the work, it becomes even harder. Many new associates do not want the intensity of tax season, which forces firms to rethink how they attract and retain talent.

Another major challenge, especially for smaller firms, is keeping up with technology and AI. We need to adopt new tools to stay competitive, but that requires time, money and resources. At the same time, clients now have immediate access to information through Google and AI tools, which means we constantly have to prove our value and stay ahead of what people can find online.

It is more important than ever for clients to rely on trusted professionals who can provide accurate guidance and context.

Overall, staffing, technology and the impact of AI are some of the biggest challenges I believe the Profession is facing today.

What drove you to get involved with VSCPA and become the chair?

I first became involved with the VSCPA many years ago after VSCPA President & CEO Stephanie Peters visited my firm and met with our managing partner. From that conversation came the suggestion that our firm needed someone involved with the VSCPA, and they felt I would be the right person.

When I switched firms and my time commitments changed, I stepped off the board for a period, but when I returned, it was with the intention of eventually (hopefully) becoming chair. My husband once told me that I do not settle, and he was right. I have always had a mindset of asking myself, “Can I do this?” Whether it is making partner or taking on a leadership role, I like to challenge myself and push beyond my comfort zone. I wanted to see if I could step into the chair role and make an impact.

That curiosity and drive to outdo my own expectations is what keeps pushing me forward.

My time with the VSCPA has been incredibly valuable. I have built relationships with many talented CPAs who have given me guidance, advice and support. Being involved has helped me grow personally and professionally

What are your priorities as chair?

My focus this year has been on supporting the VSCPA team in whatever they need. I wanted to understand the priorities already in place and help move that work forward.

Membership continues to be a key focus, particularly evaluating our offerings and ensuring we are providing strong value to CPAs. Supporting  the Society’s efforts to have a stronger financial year than the last is a goal as well.

Overall, my intention has been to be an advocate for whatever the Society needs during my term.

When you are not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?

When I am not working and I have the chance to get away, I love to cruise. My husband and I are very avid cruisers, and we try to take a few trips each year. I find a lot of peace in the middle of the ocean away from the hustle of daily life.

. Also, anything that involves spending time with my family is meaningful to me because I feel like I do not always get as much of that time as I would like.

Whether it is taking a cruise, traveling to Kentucky for bourbon tastings, or simply having quiet downtime with my family, getting away and unplugging is what I enjoy most.

What was the last book you read? 

The last book I read was Atomic Habits by James Clear. I’m always interested in anything that helps me become more organized, efficient and productive. Habit-building and task-management are big areas I focus on.

Have a question for Krystal? Email her at krystal.mccants@yhbcpa.com.