Employee Spotlight – Laura Bell

Laura joined Lewis & Knopf in 2016, shortly after graduating from the University of Michigan-Flint. In her role as staff accountant, she provides tax, audit and QuickBooks services for the firm’s clients. She also prepares not-for-profit tax returns. Laura believes that building strong relationships, continually gaining knowledge and maintaining ethics are essential for a firm to be successful.

What year did you join Lewis & Knopf?
I joined in the summer of 2016.

Tell us a little about where you attended college and the degree(s) you earned? Any special accomplishments.
I graduated with honors from the University of Michigan-Flint with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a minor in Spanish. I recently had the opportunity to speak at the Honors Night for the School of Management, it was a humbling experience to be back with the current graduates.

What is your favorite thing about living in Michigan?
I love the change of season. It is refreshing to have four different seasons to enjoy.

Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to my husband, Josh, for almost four years. We were high school sweethearts. We have a nineteen-month-old daughter, Joslyn. She gives us so much joy and keeps us on our toes! I come from a big family and have a twin sister.

What kind of music do you like? What’s on the playlist in your car?
I am normally listening to contemporary Christian or gospel. Two of my favorite artists are Tauren Wells and Tori Kelly.

Do you donate your time to any charitable organizations?
I am very involved in the youth and music departments at Christian Apostolic Church. My husband is the youth pastor and I help with the music. 

Other than accounting, of course, what was your favorite course in college?
Physical Fitness

Do you like to travel? What’s your go-to vacation spot?
I absolutely love to travel. I have family all over, which gives me an excuse to explore and travel regularly. My favorite vacations have all been out west: California, Colorado, and Yellowstone.

What was the last book that you read?
I enjoy reading for leisure and for personal growth. Before passing the CPA exam, I did not have time for anything other than the Becker books. After passing, I started a great book on marriage but that was just before tax season. Now that tax season has ended and I have time to breathe, I can finish it.

Chinese, Italian, or Mexican?
Mexican, for sure

If you could travel in time, when & where would you go?
I would go back to the 60s to learn more about my grandparents and their life raising my parents.

Facebook or Twitter? Or neither?
Instagram

What was your first job?
When I was a in high school, I had two jobs: Aeropostale and a co-op position at Clio High School in the Career Resource Center.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Chaos magic, like Scarlet Witch. It would be cool to warp reality occasionally.