Kathy Tillman

It was no surprise when Tillman tackled a job that required not only multitasking but problem-solving skills with a caring spirit for clients. She wanted to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

"I loved problem-solving, and that is what the profession of accounting is," she said. "An issue, problem or situation is presented and clients look to you to solve it."

After she graduated in 1982 from UNG, Tillman pursued her passion.

"I sat for my CPA exam right away and the rest is history," she said.

That history included making history. After working in the industry for two decades and becoming a mother of two, Tillman established an all-female accounting firm in 2002 in Gainesville, Georgia.

"It was a good economy at the time, and I had a skill that clients appreciated," she said.

Tillman started Tillman, Bailey & Associates, with her business partner, Sue Bailey, with the intent of being a female-centric firm. They remained that way for a long time.

"It was a big deal that many years ago because it was a business that usually was considered a man's world," Tillman said. "Now, the industry has more female accountants than before."

Starting the business took a lot of dedication. From 1985 to 2002, Tillman built her clientele and her reputation.

"I specialized in international inbounds where shareholders had a home in a foreign country but established bases in Gainesville and north Georgia," she said.

Tillman parlayed her success with clients into her own business and has maintained a focus on her clients' needs and the relationships.

"We built the firm on having quality of services that we provide and the personal relationship with our clients," Tillman said. "There is always a partner involved with the clients. Some firms don't operate that way, but we do."

Supporting clients is a characteristic she learned from former UNG dean and accounting professor, Dr. Larry Dennis.

"He was my mentor, and I admired him so much," Tillman said. "He was a supportive professor and dean of the school. He was a fabulous professor."

Dennis, now retired from UNG, advised Tillman to pursue a double degree.

"Because I transferred from two universities, I had a lot of extra credits," she said. "Dr. Dennis realized that and said I should go ahead and get a double major."

She did and has Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in accounting and finance.

Her ability to manage her time in college and later as a CPA has served her well in her current role. As managing partner of Tillman, Bailey, Samples and Associates, she prioritizes her duties for the day. Those responsibilities range from conferences with clients to troubleshooting a problem with staff members.

"Every day is a different challenge," Tillman said, indicating one thing always remains the same. "I like interacting with the clients. Because of the good rapport I have established, they will call to ask a business question and tell me about their families and the great news happening for them. Connecting with people is what I like, and I experience that every day."

Tillman also maintains her connections with UNG. A point of pride is the company's ability to provide UNG students with internships throughout the year, which can lead to a full-time job. Lauren Samples, a UNG alumna, joined the firm in 2006 and years later worked up into the ranks of partner.

"We've had a lot of support from UNG," Tillman said. "It's such a great program."