Jim Arcouette, Chief Financial Officer

Passing the CPA exam in one sitting. At the time I took the exam, there were four parts (given over three days): auditing, practice, theory and law. You needed to score at least a 75 on each exam to be given credit for that part. I studied hard, and it paid off.

At my former employer Blum Shapiro, to make partner one of the key factors is contributing to business development. Through past relationships, I was able to bring several significant clients to the firm. Not many CPAs focus on business development. To me, it is vital to the success of any business.

Not only do I understand the numbers, I can interpret what they mean. I also have an incredible drive to succeed. And I’m a good listener. I always try to really listen before I react. 

A good challenge and work deadlines; I feel I perform better under pressure. The fear of failing; not that I’m afraid to fail. You learn many valuable lessons when that happens. The unknown. I come to work, and my day can take on a completely different path from what I may have had planned. 

For the most part, I try to stay calm. I have a short prayer that I say to myself, and I do use it daily. I also remind myself that no one gets hurt physically doing what we do here on a daily basis. 

I grew up in Enfield, Connecticut, the youngest of six children. My parents provided a loving, caring environment, and both possessed morals and values that they passed on to their children. I always admired my father’s passion and work ethic, and I try hard to emulate those traits.

My heroes and role models are my parents. I know this may sound clichéd, but it is true. My parents raised six kids (five boys, one girl) in a small two-bedroom cape. At 45, my father started his own successful auto repair business that supported three families. To accomplish all that they did, with what they had at that time, in my eyes is just remarkable. And to top it off, they celebrated 62 years of marriage together.

At one time I collected sports memorabilia. I am also very involved in remodeling projects on my home. I really enjoy working with my hands.

Besides my wife and boys, my father gave me two rings. The first he had made from his wedding band and my grandmother’s engagement ring. The second is an Irish Claddagh ring. Funny thing is, my father is French and my mother is Irish. I get the pleasure of passing these on to my boys.

When I am dead and gone, I want to be remembered by family, colleagues and friends as a very humble individual, by my wife as her perfect soul mate and by my sons as the greatest dad ever.