40 Under 40: Jessica Sayles, Managing Principal, Houldsworth, Russo & Company

Jessica Sayles, managing principal at Houldsworth, Russo & Company, is a 2020 Vegas Inc 40 Under 40 honoree.

Jessica Sayles is a CPA and managing principal at Houldsworth, Russo & Company (HRC), with accounting and tax experience working with nonprofits, individuals, partnerships and corporations.

“I knew choosing accounting may not be the sexiest career choice, but [it’s] one that would allow me the flexibility to work in any industry and with a wide variety of clientele,” Sayles said. With a particular passion for helping nonprofits and small businesses achieve their goals, Sayles provides specialized expertise and a commitment to maintaining the highest quality of service.

In a typically male-dominated industry, Sayles strives to create a different culture at HRC. “I’m most proud of the nontraditional firm I have a chance to grow each day. Our female representation is unheard of for a firm our size, and we understand how to blend our work and lives in a way that’s unique to our profession,” Sayles said.

Sayles has also spent the past several years sitting on the board of directors of the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Southern Nevada. “TIP provides support for victims of traumatic events and first responders, and acts as a liaison between the two when necessary,” Sayles said. “After I tragically lost my first husband, TIP volunteers gave me resources, support, and hope-—three things I did not have for myself initially.”

To further honor her late husband, Sayles and his family created a private foundation that provides scholarships to college students facing emotional, physical or financial hardships. As of January 2020, it has donated more than $100,000 to college students in Arizona and Nevada. “I’m proud that we’ve been able to turn our shared loss into life-changing opportunities,” Sayles said.

In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors with her husband, two kids and dog.

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