Meet Shane Smith | CPA, Founder of Foothills Accountants

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shane Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shane, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Outsiders are probably unaware that the CPA profession is facing a shortage due to a wave of retirements, fewer new entrants, and the difficulty of the CPA exam as many young professionals are discouraged by the high education costs, long work hours, and limited work-life balance. The industry is starting to make some headway on facing these challenges, but it’ll take some time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I bring over 15 years of experience in accounting and tax, most recently serving as an auditor at the IRS. In that role, I worked as a Financial Products revenue agent, specializing in complex audits of large oil and gas companies – a unique fit given my rare combination of CPA, CFA Charter, and a Master’s in Taxation. While my time at the IRS was cut short due to changes under the new presidential administration, the experience was both challenging and rewarding.

Throughout my career, I’ve consistently found myself drawn back to public accounting. So when my role at the IRS ended, I faced a pivotal decision: return to another firm or take the leap and start my own. I chose the latter, but I often get asked why I chose the name Foothills Accountants. Well, believe it or not, names like “Shane Smith, CPA” and “Smith CPAs” were already taken, so I decided to look back to my roots as a proud Coloradan. And what could be more iconic and local to the Denver area than the Foothills?

What sets Foothills Accountants apart is rooted in two core principles: I’m committed to being accessible to my clients, and I believe in transparency when it comes to billing. While some surprises can be pleasant, receiving an unexpected bill isn’t one of them – and I ensure that never happens with us.

Starting a CPA firm isn’t as simple as putting out a sign and opening your doors. There are countless behind-the-scenes steps that need to be handled first – so naturally, I made a checklist (what else would an accountant do?) and tackled each item one by one. The biggest challenge was securing the Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) from the IRS, which is essential for submitting tax returns. Between the government transition and unexpected delays, the process brought its share of stress and sleepless nights. But after months of persistence, networking, and hard work, things are finally coming together. It hasn’t been easy – but anything truly worthwhile rarely is.

As Foothills Accountants grows and I bring on new team members, I’m excited to offer a full range of services, including tax preparation, bookkeeping, accounting, and Fractional CFO support. We also provide valuable guidance as a trusted sounding board for client investment decisions. While the journey has had its challenges, it’s been incredibly rewarding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
While downtown Denver boasts the lively 16th Street Mall, the real adventure begins just west in the foothills. Morrison & Golden is always a go-to, so the first stop: grab some Chipotle and make our way to Red Rocks, and if the trail isn’t too hot, a morning hike up Mount Morrison is a great way to start the day. From there, we’d swing by the Coors Brewery for a tour, wander through the scenic Colorado School of Mines campus, and, if the weather’s on our side, float down Clear Creek for a relaxing ride.

From there, I’d probably drag my best buddy on a bunch of hikes – everything from Garden of the Gods to Rabbit Ears – getting them familiar with the trails while checking out quirky sights like “The Face on the Ballroom Floor” and experiencing the joy of I-25 traffic.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Starting my own CPA firm has been a huge milestone, and I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of my amazing wife, Danielle. You’ve stood by me through the long hours, tough choices, and all the ups and downs – always believing in me, even when I had doubts. Your strength, encouragement, and patience have meant more than words can express. I’m so grateful to have you in my corner, and this new chapter wouldn’t be possible without you.

Website: https://foothillsaccountants.com/