Meet the Chapter President: Courtney Bach, CPA
For TSCPA Nashville Chapter President Courtney Bach, CPA, balance has been key to achieving her goals. “My most significant success is allowing my daughter to see that you can be successful at work and at home,” she says. “It’s all about balance, which looks different for everyone.” Currently an audit shareholder at LBMC in Brentwood, Bach says, “I’m lucky to work for a firm that provides so much support for working moms and allows me and other women to see that you can make it work. I want my daughter to see that you don’t have to choose one over the other.”
Tell us a little about yourself, your family and where you grew up.
I grew up in Brentwood, just a few miles from where my office is today. My husband Jamie and I have a 3-year-old daughter named Harper. I attended the University of Tennessee for my undergrad and master’s, and after graduation, I knew I wanted to be back in Nashville.
What do you do now, and why did you choose to become a CPA?
I’m an audit shareholder at LBMC. My father is a CPA, so I grew up seeing and hearing a lot about the profession. During my freshman year at college, I enjoyed my business classes and knew accounting was the best route. I interviewed with public accounting firms during my last year at UT and chose LBMC. I enjoyed the people I met during the interview process as well as the size of the firm. I’ve spent my entire career (over 15 years) with LBMC.
What do you like most about your job?
The people. I get to work with a great group of people at LBMC every day, as well as an amazing group of clients. The relationships I’ve built over the years with those internally and externally is the best part.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy running and paddleboarding.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome, or what’s been your most significant success?
My most significant success is allowing my daughter to see that you can be successful at work and at home. It’s all about balance, which looks different for everyone. We work in an industry that requires longer hours during certain times of the year, so ensuring you maintain that balance can be a challenge.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Attack the day. Every day looks different, but go into each of them with an open mind. Focus on what lies ahead, and see the good in each day. Also, the importance of empathy in leadership.
What has changed the most since you entered the profession, and what do you see changing the most in the next 5-10 years?
The strains on talent and the way we use technology. There used to be so many more people with accounting degrees entering the workforce. Today, there is a shortage, and training and developing future leaders is a priority, as well as the fight for good talent. I see this continuing, but I also see technology changing the way we work. We’ve seen how technology allows us to work from anywhere and makes us more efficient. I think we will continue to see technology transform the profession. Embracing technology and the ability for employees to work from anywhere will continue to be important as it further supports flexibility and broadens the talent pool.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m very goal-oriented and driven. I set personal and professional goals every year. Several years ago, I set a goal to run 1,000 miles in one year. My 1,000-mile journey guided me through challenges and obstacles and taught me there is no substitute for hard work, perseverance and consistency.
This article was originally published in the November/December 2023 Tennessee CPA Journal.