Claire Northam

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age: 26 | Senior Accountant | Holliday, Lemons & Cox, P.C.

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Senior accountant Claire Northam does tax and audit work for Holliday, Lemons & Cox, P.C. What she really enjoys about her job is that regardless of the engagement, each client presents a different challenge. “Accounting is a profession, like many others, that is constantly changing,” she explained. “Every year, new laws are passed and new best practices are issued. It keeps it interesting, keeps me on my toes, and I love that I get to keep learning.”

Claire currently serves as president of the Texarkana Chapter of the Texas Exes, The University of Texas at Austin’s alumni organization. This group hosts events for local alumni and Texarkana area students attending the university. Last year in Junior League, she served on the Mistletoe Fair Committee as Merchants Co-Chair, and this year she is Tickets Co-Chair. “It’s a whirlwind, but it’s rewarding to see the fair be financially successful since that means we get to help the Texarkana community that much more,” Claire acknowledged. 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“YOUR PARENTS ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE IN LIFE WHO KNOW YOU’RE SPECIAL. FOR EVERYONE ELSE, YOU’LL HAVE TO PROVE IT.” – QUOTED BY DR. WANDA NORTHAM, CLAIRE’S MOTHER

“In 10 years, I’d like to be on the partner track at our firm, and Chris, my fiancé, and I plan to have started a family,” she explained. “By that point, I’ll have long since passed the CPA exam, which will free up my time outside of work to be even more involved in the community and my church, as well.”

Buying a house was a great personal accomplishment for Claire. Knowing that she earned the cash to pay for it and maintaining it herself is very empowering to her.

Claire’s greatest professional accomplishment is fighting hard to get what she deserves. “I wouldn’t be where I am if I hadn’t had the courage to walk away from some things. Sometimes not getting what you’re asking for can be a great learning opportunity, I’ve found. I’m in a really good place right now, literally and figuratively, where I know my worth and know I’m appreciated,” she added. “I’ve had some great mentors along the way, both at work and at home, who helped me see what a woman can accomplish when she works hard.” 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“When I was 17, a year after having heart surgery, I played in the USA Junior Olympic Volleyball Nationals.”