Meet the Chapter President: James Miller, CPA, CEPA
For TSCPA Memphis Chapter President James Miller, CPA, CEPA, the path to a career as a CPA opened up at a fork in the road in his life. “My journey has been unconventional but incredibly rewarding,” he reflects. After making the decision to change professions and go back to college mid-career, Miller set his sights on becoming a CPA and hasn’t looked back. He advises, “It’s never too late to redefine your trajectory and create a future that aligns with your passions and purpose.”
Tell us a little about yourself, your family and where you grew up.
My journey began in Savannah, Georgia, but my childhood was shaped by my father’s military service, which took us across eight different states and a couple spots overseas. As a child, I loved the adventure, and that lifestyle instilled in me a sense of adaptability and resilience. In 2001, I moved to Memphis with my ex-wife and our two children, now adults, to live closer to family. Over the past 24 years, this city has become more than just home; it’s a part of who I am.
What do you do now, and why did you choose to become a CPA?
Currently I work in mergers and acquisitions with a focus on technology, where I conduct comprehensive due diligence for acquisitions and develop sophisticated data models. My path to becoming a CPA was driven by a desire for both financial stability and entrepreneurial freedom. I recognized that having those letters after my name would always give me the flexibility to chart my own course – whether that meant joining a firm or hanging my own shingle. It’s a credential that opens doors and creates endless possibilities.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome, or what’s been your most significant success?
Starting a family at a young age without the benefit of formal education taught me resilience and the power of determination. I achieved significant success in sales, but the demanding hours took a toll on my family life. After a divorce and gaining full custody of my two older children, I faced the challenge of rebuilding both my personal and professional life. This turning point became an opportunity for growth – I started a driving school to support foreign nationals and made the decision to go back to college. Graduating with top marks was a proud moment, but entering the job market as an older graduate presented new challenges. What once felt like setbacks were actually stepping stones that allowed me to develop a diverse skill set and a fresh perspective. These experiences not only shaped my career but also deepened my appreciation for perseverance and adaptability.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I ever received came from my father, who told me, “Son, misery loves company.” Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom in those words. They remind me of the profound impact that the people we surround ourselves with can have on our lives. Being intentional about building relationships with positive, supportive individuals who challenge and inspire you to grow is essential. Equally important is reciprocating that energy – offering encouragement, optimism and kindness to those around you. This advice has been a guiding principle in my life, shaping how I approach both personal and professional relationships.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one message I’d like to leave with readers, it’s that success is rarely a straight line – it’s a winding path filled with unexpected challenges and opportunities. I hope my story inspires others to embrace their unique paths, face challenges with determination and never shy away from reinventing themselves. Staying curious, being resilient, and committing to lifelong learning have been the keys to my personal and professional growth.
This article was originally published in the January/February 2025 Tennessee CPA Journal.