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CPE EXPO 2026: May 19-20 at UT Tyler

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Member Profile: Meet Jessica Priest, CPA

  • Published on Apr 1, 2026
  • by Kari Owen
Name 
Jessica Priest

Job Title 
VP, Senior Investment Accountant

Employer 
Southside Bank

Work Location 
Tyler, Texas

LinkedIn Profile URL 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-priest-tipton-cpa-135573a8

High School Attended 
The Brook Hill School

University Attended 
Texas A&M University

What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting and obtain your CPA license? 
I went into the business school not knowing what route I should take but knew I talked a lot and enjoyed talking to people. I took my first accounting class and realized accounting was just one big puzzle that could open many doors. I am a firm believer if you go through the effort of taking intermediate accounting, you might as well make it to the finish line and get your CPA because it really is the golden ticket in business.

What excites you most about working in accounting? 
I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of accounting as well as the different careers it has allowed me to have. From auditing the fair value of a soybean in Lubbock, Texas to learning about accounting innovation techniques in New York, it is exciting that no matter where you go, businesses need accountants. 

What aspects of your TXCPA/TXCPA East Texas membership do you find most valuable? 
I have enjoyed getting to know fellow CPAs and aspiring CPAs in the area and the networking abilities it has given me. Having other CPAs as resources is extremely helpful in this line of work to reach out to and bounce questions off of. 

 

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