Kathy Ferguson

Partner, Armanino Advisory LLC
Partner, Armanino LLP

Set your destination and drive in that direction.

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Bio

Meet Kathy*

Kathy is a licensed CPA that brings dynamic insight and perspective to her clients within the nonprofit community. With a background in the education industry, Kathy has valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of both public and private schools.  Kathy’s education, prior expertise and dedication enable her to build relationships with nonprofit leaders, helping them address their most pressing challenges. Kathy helps lead the firm’s national private school practice, allowing her to share her knowledge and expertise.

With a service and growth mindset, Kathy’s greatest personal joy comes from developing the people around her. She leads a phenomenal team of experts focused on being trusted advisors for nonprofit clients as they seek excellence in financial reporting and maintaining a sound internal control environment. She also dedicates her time and attention to leaning into nonprofit and private school business officers through various speaking roles at local, regional and national conferences on topics that include current and upcoming accounting guidance as well as best practices and innovative solutions.

*Kathy holds her interest in the firm through KJF ADVISORS, PLLC

Contact Kathy Ferguson

Experience

Professional History

Associations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • MBOA

Experience

  • Weaver LLP
  • The Hockaday School
  • Garland Independent School District

Honors/Awards

  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
  • Alpha Chi Honor Society

Community

  • The Bridge

Education

  • Texas A&M Commerce

Q&A

Q. What do you predict the future will look like for clients in the industries you serve?
I work with many nonprofits in the education space. These types of institutions want to be at the forefront of the latest technology trends, while at the same time being mindful not to outpace the skills of their business offices. Digital transformations are not a one-size-fits-all-approach. I work with my clients as they develop the roadmap that works best for them. We outline key strategies and develop milestones to pave their paths into the future.
Q. Without naming names, tell us about your favorite client and why you enjoyed working with them.
My best clients like to focus on strategy. We look at the rest of the market and set benchmarks that go beyond financial statement reporting. With these strategy-focused clients, I get to have deeper conversations that benefit their organizations, allowing them to make a bigger impact on our community.
Q. Describe your work style.
My work style is focused energy. I believe in having fun and I believe in knowing my people so well that, when we sit down to work, we can have honest conversations that help us accomplish more together.
Q. What’s your proudest moment?
I’m very proud of the work that I’ve done with The Bridge. This is Armanino’s gender equity initiative, where we strive for female inclusion and retention in the public accounting industry. I sit on the board of this group, and we don’t shy away from glass ceilings. Together, we’re making an effort to impact younger generations as they’re starting their careers and their personal lives.
Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
Know yourself. Look inside and figure out what you want your path to look like. Don’t be afraid to reevaluate and change your mind. Bring people along and seek inspirational advocates, but always remember you are in the driver’s seat and your own very best advocate.
Q. What do you love most about your work?
I love the impact we make every day. There is not a day where I don’t feel like I’ve had an impact on someone, whether it’s in the form of an encouraging word to a coworker or a strategic initiative vetted out with a client. We all have the opportunity to shed our light on so many people, but the real impact is made with the people close enough for you to wrap your arms around. The trick is to open our eyes and our hears to see those around us. Once you truly see them, you can’t help but want to bring them in close.
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Industries Served