Amanda Gessner, CPA

Hometown:  Bemidji

Alma Mater / Degree:  University of Minnesota-Crookston

Current Job / Company / Location:  Assurance Manager / Schmitz-Holmstrom / McClusky, ND

Employment History / Background:  8.5 years public accounting, 1.5 years private accounting

Professional/ Community Activities:  ND NextGen and YP Committees member.  AICPA Young Member Leadership Committee and Insurance Committee member.  I also serve on a city subcommittee for Job Development in McClusky.

What was your first job?  Hostess at Valentinos in Fargo.  I discovered an employee who was embezzling and at 14 was terrified I’d be arrested for being the one to notify the owners.

What inspired you to become a CPA?  The firm I interned and worked for encouraged it.  It felt like the natural progression in my career.

What I like about the Society:  The ability to connect with fellow CPAs in our state and take part in furthering our profession and advocating for our best interests.  I love getting together in committees to determine our focus and achieve our goals and I appreciate how hard the staff work to put together a great Convention each year – not every state has that.

What would surprise people about me:  I own a bar!  After over 20 years of working in the industry while going through school and my career, my husband and I decided to open a bar and grill in his hometown.  He handles the day-to-day operations while I manage the servers.

Tell us about your family:  My husband and I have six fur kids (2 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 ferrets).  I have two sisters and two adorable nephews that I don’t get to see often enough.

What do you like to do in your free time?  I love to read.  I also enjoy kayaking, playing music, puzzles, and video games.