Work, family, associations account for Inman's time

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Work, volunteering and family all have to balance in the ledger of certified public accountant Emily Dake Inman's life.

Inman was born in Rome, Ga., where she spent her early childhood, before the family moved to New Bloomfield, Mo., when she was in junior high school. She later finished her formal education at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar and earned a degree in accounting from the school in 1987.

Inman worked during her first six months out of school for the American Diabetes Association, then joined the firm of DeHaven & DeHaven PC in Springfield. She gained invaluable experience in the 10 years she worked for the firm, doing a little bit of everything.

"It was a good place to learn," she said.

The desire to be her own boss prompted Inman to open an office on East Phelps in January 1998. She shared the equipment and space with another small accounting firm until her October move into her present office at 3003 E. Chestnut Expwy.

Inman said the lion's share of the business at DeHaven was in tax accounting and this area continues to be her specialty in her own practice. This makes the first four months of the year the busiest months on the calendar. Inman's part-time secretary moves to full-time hours during that time to help with the paperwork.

Along with the busy days at her office, Inman is active in several professional women's organizations.

She was president of the local chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants in 1995 and 1996 and is now secretary of the Alliance of Professional Organizations, which is a group that brings various business women's groups together.

Information on issues of interest to women, resources in specific fields and legislative updates are covered in meetings held by the alliance. At least twice a year members gather for a mixer for a program and the opportunity to socialize with other professionals in related fields.

It was through the alliance that Inman became involved in the Ozarks Literacy Council. She is now president of its board, and she is active in fund raising for the agency.

Besides her volunteer work, Inman teaches an accounting class at Ozarks Technical Community College. Some of her students are enrolled to brush up on tax accounting, but the majority are seeking a career in the field, she said.

Inman and her husband of nine years recently purchased a 110-year-old farmhouse on a 10-acre tract near Fellows Lake. Her family, which includes a 3-year-old daughter, is one reason she prefers to have an office away from home