When Parker chose to come to Hellam Varon at the end of 2021, he was looking for a new experience and a workplace that would help him create a balanced life. Parker entered the public accounting world in 2006 after working for a software company that produced accounting programs. While he does not profess to be a “math guy”, he is drawn to the way numbers fit together like puzzle pieces and likes the never-ending challenges that accounting presents. What Parker does profess to be is a people person. He is all about building solid, long-standing relationships with his clients and colleagues. He is passionate about getting to know every aspect of his clients and finds this the most rewarding part of accounting. “I have clients whose children I’ve watched grow up and gotten to know. And now those children have children of their own. I love that connection,” he comments.
Connection is Parker’s watchword. When he enters a room of people, he immediately looks to connect with and learn about the individuals there. While not shy, he is decidedly humble about his success in the accounting profession. His nod to the intelligence of the upcoming generation of accountants makes him a natural mentor for junior staff, a role he relishes.
When asked why he chose Hellam Varon as his work home, his answer is thoughtful. “From the first meeting with the shareholders, I could tell they cared about their people and their clients. Since I’ve been on board, all of their actions support what they told me. It’s a good place to be.”
Outside of work, Parker is a runner and a musician. In fact, his first visit to the office was on a Sunday when he ran from his home in North Seattle to Bellevue. Did we mention he has a lot of energy? Parker has played the guitar and studied music since he was 10 years old. He is the guitarist and sings vocals in a band dubbed “Pardon the Boys” and gets to apply his education in music theory to new arrangements of Tom Petty’s and The Eagles’ music. With the same kind of passion he shows for work, Parker comments, “Running and playing music are as important to me as breathing.”
Parker and his wife, Tami, also took up hiking a couple of years ago and have literally covered a lot of territory since then. It was on their hike up Angels Landing in Zion National Park that he discovered his profound fear of heights. “I made it a third of the way up and knew this was not for me and let Tami go on the rest of the way while I waited below.”
Well, Parker, we are glad you made it to our firm. Who knows what heights you’ll reach at Hellam Varon!
Education
City University -- BS in Accounting
Golden Gate University -- Masters in Taxation
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Professional Associations
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants
Practice Emphasis
Family business and partnership tax planning and compliance
Trust planning and compliance
Individual tax planning and compliance
" From the first meeting with the shareholders, all their actions support what they told me.
It's a good place to be."
