Her Story
About Reyna
Reyna Shackleford serves as an accountant at CBiz in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She entered the field in 2018 after earning a Bachelor of Science from San Francisco State University, drawn to accounting for its opportunities in problem solving and financial stability. Her expertise centers on cash management, cash reporting, budget accounting, and lifestyles and entertainment accounting, primarily for clients in music production. Reyna values building strong client relationships, which has led to expanded engagements, and finds fulfillment in helping clients who need it most. She emphasizes being forthcoming and genuine when issues arise to build trust. Outside of work, she volunteers with Carl's Canine Crew, a local dog foster rescue, and enjoys time with her Anatolian Shepherd.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Reyna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I guess my motivation would probably be just helping people. I've always been a sucker for helping people, I don't want to say the underdog, but maybe the people that really need it. That's more fulfilling than just crunching numbers all day. So if I can help you or the clients that really need it, that's what I'm there for. Yeah, just helping people.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Best career advice is that people like people, people are looking to do business with people. Anyone can do accounting, but they are looking for a good relationship. Technical skills like accounting can be taught, but when it comes to people skills, those are not taught, so people want to do business with people.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find who you are, and it's okay to make mistakes or not get the job or feel like... don't get discouraged. Not every opportunity is for you. Just find who you are. The right door and your right space will open up in a given time. It's important to find who you are and what your values are, and once you discover that, you'll find out where you fit best.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The accounting industry as a whole is changing the way it does, it strategizes, so you'll see a lot of new acquisitions, mergers. Being able to adapt to change and just being more flexible and adapting to change is something that you kind of have to do. AI is here, it's not going anywhere, but if you can learn how to use it as a tool rather than fear it, I think it's okay. Having AI in the accounting industry does take away from a lot of the manual, repetitive work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think doing the right thing, and being true to my work and to my word. When things go wrong or when I make mistakes, it's very important that you're very forthcoming with the client right away. Just being forthcoming and genuine. People appreciate that a lot more, and it builds a stronger bond and trust.
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