Celebrating Our 2025 Pathfinders: Paul Hartog, CPA

Meet Paul Hartog, CPA

Paul Hartog, CPA, has had a remarkable journey in public accounting which is a testament to his enduring passion for numbers, his commitment to service, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. From an early fascination with math and investments to a pivotal decision during his college years at the University of South Dakota, Paul found his calling in public accounting. Over decades in the profession, he has navigated diverse industries and challenges, from auditing in Alaska to serving on boards of nonprofit organizations, all while building lifelong friendships with clients. 

With a steadfast faith anchoring his career, Paul views accounting not merely as a profession but as a powerful platform for serving others and advocating for integrity. His dedication to continued learning, coupled with his hope to preserve the accounting profession's high standards, showcases his inspiring commitment to making a meaningful impact.

What He Has to Say

OSCPA: Why did you decide to become a CPA?

Hartog: I have always had an interest in math, numbers, and investments. I had my own bank accounts before I was ten years old and, combined with those interests, was my desire to make a career in a service field. I took a few accounting courses in high school, but it wasn’t until my college days when I learned about public accounting and decided to pursue it as a career. I enrolled in the University of South Dakota School of Business after learning most of the large accounting firms recruited graduates of the school. Arthur Volk was one of those professors, and he reinforced my desire to pursue public accounting.

OSCPA: What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your career?

Hartog: When I started my career in public accounting, we were not nearly as specialized as CPAs are today. We were expected to prepare tax returns as well as perform audits, and we worked with a wide variety of industries, so the level of knowledge needed was challenging and, at the same time, very rewarding. I was able to experience things like auditing pipeline construction in Alaska, going underground into a salt mine and a coal mine, taking a helicopter  to a drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico, among many other opportunities. The most rewarding experience has been working with so many clients and making life-long friends. Along the way, I performed audits for a number of nonprofit entities and in turn created opportunities to serve as a board member and/or officer for a number of community organizations.

OSCPA: What advice would you give to students pursuing accounting degrees and/or new CPA’s?

Hartog: Be open to change, be determined, be a life-long learner, and have an anchor (for me, that anchor is my faith.)

 I have always felt public accounting is a great way to begin a career. The exposure to various industries and companies is a great way to gain experience and build a resume.

I view the accounting profession as an opportunity to serve and, in my opinion, that is the greatest reward of all. To serve clients, employers, our communities, and others with our financial expertise is a unique opportunity of our profession.

OSCPA: What are your hopes for and/or expectations of the future of the accounting profession?

Hartog: The accounting profession is one of the most respected professions because CPAs have high standards of independence, integrity, and honesty.

I hope we never sacrifice integrity, honesty, or our service mentality. We need to embrace change and never do so in a way that diminishes our core values.

Accomplishments