“It’s important to build trust with my clients so they feel comfortable calling me for advice, whether it’s tax related or not. I want to be that go-to resource for them.”
Emily Smikal, CPA
Director, Tax
What I do for Clients
I appreciate my clients by working alongside them to understand and help them reach their goals.
When I’m not at work, you can find me leading my church’s children’s ministry and volunteer teams, spoiling my malti-poo Jax, or working toward scratching off all the states on my travel map.
“It’s important to build trust with my clients so they feel comfortable calling me for advice, whether it’s tax related or not. I want to be that go-to resource for them.”
Emily Smikal, CPA
Director, Tax
What I do for Clients
I appreciate my clients by working alongside them to understand and help them reach their goals.
When I’m not at work, you can find me leading my church’s children’s ministry and volunteer teams, spoiling my malti-poo Jax, or working toward scratching off all the states on my travel map.
16 years with PKF Texas
Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C. | Houston, TX
Director, 2021 - Present
Senior Manager, 2018 – 2020
Manager, 2014 – 2017
Senior Associate, 2011 – 2014
Associate, 2009 – 2011
Intern, 2008
Texas A&M University
| College Station, TX
Master of Science, Accounting (Tax Emphasis)
Texas A&M University
| College Station, TX
Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting
Designations
CPA, Certified Public Accountant
Associations
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants
Publications
“The Guide to Philanthropy” - East End Chamber of Commerce - Fall 2021
"Cubester® Chat: Chatting with the Big Dogs"
- Leading Edge - Fall 2011
Speaking Engagements
2022 Accounting and Tax Changes and Updates for Not-for-Profits - Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C. - October 2022
Young Professionals Special Interest Group - Leading Edge Alliance Conference - June 2022
“2021 Accounting and Tax Updates and Changes for Not-for-Profits”
- Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C. - August 2021
“The State of Giving & Nonprofits” - Houston Business Journal - June 2021
“Governance Gone Bad: Lessons Learned to Help Your Not-for-Profit”
- Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C. - May 2021
Video Podcast Series Guest Contributor - PKF Texas - The Entrepreneur’s Playbook® -
Aggie 100
- Texas A&M University Mays Business School’s McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship - 2008 - Present
How do you help your clients make “Smart Business Decisions”?
I help clients make smart business decisions by understanding the end goal and working backwards from that – understanding the big picture. In my world, I primarily work with family offices, so I’m working on their business, as well as on their family and personal returns. It’s important to keep the full picture in mind and come up with the best solution.
What does “art” mean to you? And how do you use art in business?
Art is the part of the job that can’t really be taught. It’s the innate part of what we do. You’re kind of born with it; you can nurture it, sure, but it can’t fully be taught. I use art in business by thinking outside the box. Also, the art of dealing with people – clients, team members, etc.
What does “science” mean to you? And how do you use science in business?
Science is proven facts and structure. It’s knowing and understanding tax laws and how to apply them. Are they relevant to our client’s business? Being able to comply with the standards and deadlines we need to work within.