Women’s History Month - Crystalynn Shelton
The UTA College of Business celebrates Women’s History Month by recognizing the success and accomplishments of our alumni. Crystalynn Shelton earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from UTA. Now, she is an accounting consultant and author. Presented below are her contributions, accolades, professional goals, and achievements.
Crystalynn Headshot
What was your favorite memory of the College of Business?
One of the things I loved about the College of Business was how close it was in proximity to my dorm. At the time, I lived in the Lipscomb Hall and on those extremely cold North Texas winter days, I was grateful that I didn’t have to hike across campus to get to class. As part of their fundraising activities, Beta Alpha Psi usually had a table setup with donuts and hot chocolate which I always looked forward to.
How did the College of Business help prepare you for your career?
When I attended UTA, the accounting program was 5 years. The required number of hours to graduate was a total of 30 hours in accounting. I had excellent accounting instructors and challenging homework and exams. I studied a lot back then and I believe that the discipline of studying so much helped prepare me for what was required to pass the CPA exam. In addition, it also prepared me for the rigorous work schedule once I started my career in the corporate world.
Since graduating, what have been some of your accomplishments?
I have had the opportunity to manage accounting teams at several Fortune 500 companies such as Texaco, Paramount Pictures and Sylvan Learning Center. In 2009, I became a Certified Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor and landed an Adjunct Instructor position at UCLA Extension where I’ve been teaching for more than a decade! In 2010, I left the corporate world and started my own consulting business. Today, I coach small businesses on how to properly manage their books. I provide this service through one-on-one and group coaching sessions. Last but not least, I am the author of four books: Mastering QuickBooks 2020, 2021, 2022 and Mastering QuickBooks 2023 which was published earlier this year. Three of the four books have been Amazon bestsellers. This book teaches small businesses who don’t have an accounting or bookkeeping background how to set up and manage their books using QuickBooks Online. It’s also a great resource for bookkeepers and accountants who need to get up to speed on how to use QuickBooks.
What has been a challenge in your career?
The most challenging thing I have experienced is the difficulty of balancing my personal and professional life. When I first started working, I threw myself into my career and worked as many hours as necessary because I wanted to move up the corporate ladder. While I was able to obtain success in my work life, I encountered some health challenges that partially came about from stress. As a young professional, it’s tough to work normal hours if you want to move up the corporate ladder. Nowadays, I do a much better job of taking care of myself. I exercise regularly, try to stay away from foods that are not good for me, and I take time off.
Do you take part in any new initiatives, community service, or projects that make you proud?
Oftentimes, I have students who have attended my class reach out to me for mentorship. I enjoy offering advice in the areas of career development, education, and anything else they need help with. I’m also the Treasurer of a non-profit organization called ZGen Project. This organization is based in Houston. They partner with schools and faith-based organizations to provide solutions that will help to reduce the number of teen suicides that take place every day in this country.
Crystalynn QuickBooks ProAdvisor
Is there a particular person in your life that inspired you to be who you are? Who are they and how did they inspire you, personally or professionally?
My mom was my hero. She was a single parent and raised 4 kids all on her own. She was an IRS agent for 20 plus years, and I got my work ethic from her. During the tax season, I remember my mom going into the office on the weekends and taking us with her. She always encouraged me to follow my dreams and supported me in everything that I did. We lost her in 2020 but her spirit lives on within me.
What goals are you working towards?
I am currently working on producing several self-paced courses that will teach small businesses how to manage their books properly. The first course, Setting up QuickBooks for your Business is now available for purchase on my website, www.crystalynnshelton.com. I plan to release three additional online courses within the next month that will cover how to record money coming in and going out of your business and how to close the books and prepare to file your taxes.
What advice would you give to female professionals getting started in their careers?
My advice to female professionals just getting started is to make sure that you incorporate some type of self-care as you climb the ladder of success. Try to exercise regularly, meditate if that’s your thing and spend time with friends and family whenever possible. All of these things will help motivate you as you climb the ladder of success. Another piece of advice I will share is to know your worth. Don’t let anyone undervalue your skills, abilities and talent.
Three fun facts about you:
- I love to dance.
- I’m a foodie and love eating at new restaurants with my husband of 29 years.
- My husband, Charles and I love to root for my Dallas Cowboys!