Accounting firm celebrates 30 years in business
Anna Mae Moser, CPA, has been providing area residents and businesses with accounting services for 30 years. (Photo submitted)
By Caroline Rosacker
Business owner Anna Moser, CPA, has been providing area residents and businesses with top-notch accounting services in Guttenberg since Oct. 1, 1990.
Moser was born and raised in Guttenberg. She attended St. Mary's School and graduated from Guttenberg High School. Following graduation Moser attended American Institute of Business (AIB) in Des Moines for two years, earning a degree in accounting and computer programming. She added to her credentials and attended Loras College, Dubuque, and earned a bachelors degree in accounting. Moser recently reflected on her 30-year accounting career.
She began, "After college I moved to California and stayed with relatives so I could take the Becker's CPA Review Exam Course in Fresno, Calif. For five months I drove back and forth from where I was living in Visalia to attend the class. The rest of my time I spent studying and working."
Moser diligently studied to take the United States Universal Exam. She sat for the two-and-a-half-day test and passed it on her first effort. Only 20 percent of students are successful on their first try. "I had to get my accounting license for California, and get a reciprocal license for Iowa," she explained. "The exam was quite a challenge. We were not able to use any computers or calculators. I completed the test in November and didn't get the results until the following February," she added.
Moser moved back to Iowa after she completed the test. She recalled, "I was unemployed until April. Since I took the test out in California, I had to go by their rules. I had to work a certain amount of hours in auditing and a certain amount in practice. I got a job with the Super Oil Company in Keokuk in their accounting department, although I still didn't have my license. Once I received my CPA certification I began working in accounting for Sitrick and Associates in Betttendorf.
Moser returned to her hometown and extended family, and set up shop in an upstairs space above Jim Kann's law office on Oct. 1, 1990. In 1994 she moved her business to the former Powell Chiropractic location, and remained there until she tore down the building and rebuilt a more spacious office with rental potential. "I tore down the old building the weekend after Thanksgiving, and we were back in our new office space on Jan. 5th," she proudly shared.
The late Elmer D. "Blackie" Moser, Anna's father, inspired her to become a CPA. "I was always going to be a high school math teacher, but when I started high school and saw how cruel the kids could be toward the teachers I changed my mind. I talked to my dad about my disappointment and he suggested I study to become a CPA. I didn't even know what a CPA was at the time," she laughed.
Moser's accounting firm employees 12 people – most are seasonal and part-time. She said, "I enjoy working with my clients and employees. I like complicated returns – they are like putting together a puzzle. I am always learning and teaching my co-workers; things are always changing."
The ambitious businesswoman has seen many changes throughout the years. "Tax laws are always changing and technological advancements have certainly kept us busy. In the last few years, security has become a big issue with all the fraud that is taking place. We are always trying to keep things secure," she assured.
"The pressure of tax season each year is always an unwelcome stressor. Clients don't always understand that there are just so many hours in a day. I am currently experiencing heart issues since recovering from Covid-19 so I am trying to keep my stress level down," she said.
Moser enjoys boating, swimming and cruising around in the summer, and shopping year-round. "I have enough shoes and purses to outfit every woman in town!" she heartily laughed.
"I would like to thank all my current and past clients for utilizing my services and I hope to continue to serve them. I love living and working in Guttenberg. It's my hometown and my family is all here. I don't think I would want to live anywhere else," she concluded with gratitude.
