Derek was born and raised in Priceville, Alabama. After high school he worked various jobs before deciding to pursue a career that involved business and landed on accounting. Derek graduated with his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Athens State University in 2013. He went on to receive his master’s degree in accounting, as well as his CPA certification, in 2015.

Derek’s first accounting job was as a cost accountant in the manufacturing industry in Birmingham, Alabama. After working there for three years, he switched to tax accounting and began his first tax season in 2016. As a tax accountant Derek enjoys the opportunity to help clients with their business decisions and navigate fulfilling their tax filing requirements. Derek not only enjoys the tax side of the public accounting world, but he also likes to focus on financial statements as it provides variety and helps keep his accounting skills sharp.  

Derek and his wife live in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham, with their three girls. Derek’s wife and father-in-law are also CPAs and tax accountants, so I guess you could say it is starting to run in his family!  Outside of tax season, Derek and his family enjoy trips to Disney World, the beach, and Charlotte, North Carolina to visit extended family. When they are not traveling, they are usually swimming in their pool or at a soccer or softball field.