Spotlight on CPAs: Shristi Upreti Sharma

Shristi Upreti Sharma’s Inspiring Career Journey and Guiding the Next Generation

In this article, Shristi Upreti Sharma, CPA-Fort Worth, shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the insights she has gained along the way and the lessons she hopes to pass on to aspiring CPAs. Whether it’s navigating challenges, celebrating successes, or giving back through mentorship and volunteering, each step has reinforced her belief in the value and impact of the accounting profession.

Tell us about your career journey and what led you to become a CPA.

I have been passionate about accounting ever since I was first introduced to it during middle school. Something about the logical structure and problem-solving aspect of accounting really resonated with me at a young age. However, when it came time to choose a major in college, I initially leaned towards finance. I enjoyed studying finance during my undergraduate years, but as I progressed, I realized my heart was still in accounting.

Accounting appealed to me because it offers both stability and a clear path into the job market, and I knew it would be a solid foundation for a long-term career. This realization led me to pursue a Master’s degree in accounting from Texas State University, where I could fully dedicate myself to this field.

During my first semester in the master’s program, I was fortunate to secure an internship with Grant Thornton. That internship was a game-changer for me. It gave me hands-on experience in public accounting and I absolutely loved it. The variety of clients, the dynamic nature of the work and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals all solidified my decision to pursue a career in public accounting. It wasn’t just about stability anymore – it became about the excitement of solving real-world problems and contributing to businesses in meaningful ways.

After graduating, I have been working in public accounting since 2015 and I truly enjoy what I do. I love the challenges, the opportunities to grow, and the satisfaction of helping clients navigate complex financial and regulatory landscapes. As I joined public accounting, I recognized that to truly advance and unlock leadership opportunities in the field, earning my CPA license was essential. This realization motivated me to put in the hard work to achieve that milestone and it has been incredibly rewarding.

You are a Senior Audit Manager at Weaver in Fort Worth. What are your primary responsibilities at your firm?

As a Senior Audit Manager, my primary responsibilities involve managing and overseeing audit engagements to ensure they meet professional and firm standards. I work closely with clients to understand their business needs and provide tailored solutions while maintaining strong relationships to foster trust and collaboration.

I also play a key role in mentoring and guiding my team, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to excel in their roles. This includes planning engagements, reviewing workpapers, providing feedback, and ensuring deadlines are met efficiently.

Additionally, I have been actively involved in training initiatives, helping team members enhance their technical and professional skills. Another area of focus for me has been building a strong pipeline within the Commercial practice group, ensuring we have the talent and resources necessary to sustain and grow our practice. This includes identifying growth opportunities, cultivating talent and aligning our strategies with the firm's long-term goals.

I am also actively involved in business development. This aspect of my role includes attending networking events, identifying and meeting with prospective clients, and cultivating relationships to drive growth opportunities for the firm. These combined efforts allow me to contribute to the firm's overall success and align our services with client and market demands.

You’ve served as the Vice Chair of TXCPA Fort Worth's Accounting Career Education Committee for a number of years. What makes volunteering or committee service so meaningful to you?

Serving as the Vice Chair of TXCPA Fort Worth's Accounting Career Education Committee has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Volunteering in this capacity allowed me to give back to the profession that has given me so much and to play a role in shaping the next generation of accounting professionals.

What makes this service so meaningful is the opportunity to connect with students and young professionals who are exploring careers in accounting. Guiding them, sharing insights, and helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities in the profession is both fulfilling and energizing. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and curiosity and to know that our efforts can positively impact their career paths.

Additionally, volunteering on this committee has helped me build connections with other professionals who are equally passionate about advancing the accounting profession. Collaborating with like-minded individuals has enriched my perspective and reinforced the importance of community and mentorship in fostering a vibrant and resilient profession.

Ultimately, committee service is about creating a legacy. It is about contributing to something larger than yourself – ensuring the profession remains strong, inclusive and prepared to meet future challenges. It is this sense of purpose and giving back that makes volunteering so meaningful to me.

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to my husband for 14 years. He works in the administrative department of a hospital. Together, we have a three-year-old son, Leon, who is a happy and jolly little boy. He truly keeps me grounded and brings so much joy to our lives. I love spending time with him, taking him to various activities, and cherishing every moment as I watch him grow and learn.

My parents have played a significant role in my life. My father, who had a remarkable career in the banking industry as a C-suite leader, retired in 2014. My mother, a homemaker, has been the bedrock of our family, shaping who I am today. They continue to help me raise Leon, and I’m incredibly grateful for their love and support.

I’m also deeply thankful for my in-laws, who have been equally supportive and played an important role in helping us navigate parenthood. Their involvement has been invaluable, and it’s a blessing to have such a strong and loving family network. Family is everything to me and I deeply value the bond we all share.

How do you like to spend your weekends and time outside of work?

Outside of work, I love spending time with my son Leon. He is at such an exciting age and I enjoy taking him to his various activities. Saturday mornings are dedicated to his soccer classes and throughout the week, we also do activities like swimming, trampoline parks, Kids Strong, and visits to the play park.

Beyond family time, I am actively involved in community events and enjoy participating in volunteering activities on weekends. For me, weekends are about balancing quality time with family, catching up with friends and giving back to the community. It is a fulfilling way to recharge and stay connected with what matters most.

Thanks to the Sponsors of Today's CPA Magazine