Bob Mims CPA, Accounting and Humor
Welcome to the website of Bob Mims, CPA.
Bob Mims, CPA is a nationally respected educator who has published several works for The Journal of Accountancy, The Land Trust Alliance “Saving Land,” and The NonProfit Times.
He has been featured in several publications and interviewed for his work as CFO of Wetlands America Trust and Controller/Director of Investments for Ducks Unlimited.
Here are some excerpts from his interviews that are especially relevant today:
What are the three most important skills for today’s nonprofit CFO?
Bob Mims, CPA: First, the ability to understand and facilitate strategic planning and business modeling. Second, the ability to communicate effectively the complexities of nonprofit accounting to make economic sense to a mostly “for-profit” board audience. Third, a heart for the nonprofit mission, and more importantly, for the people and volunteers committed to it.
When asked what it takes to be a CFO for a nonprofit, Bob Mims, CPA had this to say:
“CFOs today benefit from in-depth experience with a diversity of industries, and this experience can provide a more enhanced view for the CFO’s organization. You can get that broad-perspective experience and exposure at a Big Four or even a mid-sized CPA firm. Soft skills are important because you’re not just helping to direct the finance and operations of the company; you’re also helping to fulfill a mission, and that mission is both to effectively accomplish program goals and to ensure the nonprofit’s sustainability in the future to achieve longer term mission. Donors are becoming more sophisticated in their philanthropic expectations, so CFOs need to have a very good understanding of the human side of the organization and of donor intent.”
Bob Mims, CPA has built a successful career as CFO and CPA, but he still enjoys a good joke about his profession. Here are some of the best he’s heard over the years:
“Welcome to the accounting department, where everybody counts!”
“Where do homeless accountants live? In a tax shelter.”
“How does Santa’s accountant value his sleigh? Net Present Value.”
“How can you tell when the chief accountant is getting soft? When he actually listens to marketing before saying no.”
And his favorite:
“What do you call a financial controller who always works through lunch, takes two days holiday every two years, is in the office every weekend, and leaves every night after 10 P.M.? Lazy.”
While sarcastic, the last one rings true for Bob Mims, CPA, who worked his way up through the ranks. CPAs are some of the most overworked employees, with long hours; but Bob Mims, CPA is no stranger to hard work.
Browse this site to learn more about Bob Mims, CPA.