Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Kretzschmar.
Hi Katy , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a native Floridian from Fort Lauderdale, where I grew up. After graduating high school, I attended the University of Florida – Go Gators! I like to say I experienced UF during its golden era, 2004 to 2010, when we won several national championships. I earned my undergraduate degree in Accounting. I knew Accounting would be a great career path, so I stayed for graduate degrees in both Accounting and International Business. During my studies, I was able to live in The Netherlands for a semester and travel throughout Europe.
After graduation, I joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in Miami, working in Private Financial Services with high-net-worth individuals and privately held companies. It was an incredible training ground – I learned from some of the sharpest tax minds in South Florida and even had the opportunity to work internationally, spending time in London. I earned my CPA license in 2012 during this period.
In 2017, an unexpected opportunity brought me to North-Central Florida when The Villages recruited me to join their family office. It was a big leap – moving from Big Four public accounting to the family office space – but I’m so glad I took it. The experience was invaluable, and here’s a fun fact: I ended up meeting my husband at a retirement party there! We married in 2023.
After years of learning and growing in the industry, I felt ready to chart my own path. In 2024, I launched Katy K CPA, bringing together everything I’d learned from my Big Four training, international experience, and family office work to serve my own clients. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to be building something of my own.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d say it’s been a rewarding road, but definitely not without its challenges. One of the biggest adjustments was leaving the structure and resources of a Big Four firm like PwC. When you’re at a place like that, you have entire teams of specialists at your fingertips – someone for every technical question, robust systems, and established processes. Moving to a family office meant wearing multiple hats and building solutions from the ground up. It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me to be incredibly resourceful and adaptable.
Another challenge was the decision to relocate to North-Central Florida in 2017. I was leaving behind the network and connections I’d built in South Florida, moving to an area I didn’t know well, all for a role that was quite different from what I’d been doing. There were definitely moments of uncertainty, wondering if I’d made the right call. But looking back, that leap of faith opened doors I never would have imagined – both professionally and personally.
The biggest challenge, though, has been launching my own practice. Going from employee to entrepreneur means you’re suddenly responsible for everything – client development, operations, compliance, marketing, finances – all while still delivering excellent technical work. There were moments of doubt, especially in those early months, but having that foundation gave me the confidence to push through.
What I’ve learned is that the struggles are what make you sharper and more capable. Each challenge has taught me something invaluable that I now bring to my clients.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Katy K CPA, I help individuals and business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their financial future. Whether you’re looking to minimize your tax burden, navigate complex international tax requirements, or simply understand your financial situation better, I offer personalized support tailored to your specific goals.
What sets my practice apart is the depth of experience I bring from both Big Four public accounting and family office work. I’ve worked with clients across all walks of life and industries – from high-net-worth individuals and foreign nationals to healthcare practices, real estate firms, hospitality businesses, and nonprofit organizations. That diverse background means I can see around corners and anticipate challenges before they become problems.
I specialize in areas that often require a sophisticated touch: foreign tax compliance, tax abatement strategies, and helping business owners navigate everything from growth planning to exit strategies. But regardless of the technical complexity, my approach stays the same – I believe in building lasting relationships rooted in trust and integrity. You’re not just getting a CPA; you’re getting a trusted advisor who’s invested in your success.
What I’m most proud of is creating a practice where clients feel truly supported. Tax and accounting can be overwhelming, but my goal is to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is in your corner, looking out for your best interests. I go beyond the books to help you build strategies that work not just for today, but for your future – whether that’s growing a legacy business, planning retirement, or achieving financial wellness.
At the end of the day, I want clients to feel empowered – financially, professionally, and personally. That’s what drives everything I do.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Without question, it’s integrity. In this business, people trust you with their most sensitive financial information and rely on you to guide major decisions that impact their future. That trust is sacred, and I never take it lightly.
For me, integrity means doing everything within the guidelines of the law – no shortcuts, no gray areas, no “creative” interpretations that put clients at risk. I’ve seen too many situations where people got bad advice that came back to haunt them. My reputation and my clients’ peace of mind are built on knowing that every strategy I recommend is solid, defensible, and right.
It also means being honest even when it’s not what a client wants to hear. Sometimes the best tax advice is telling someone they can’t do something, or that there’s a better long-term approach even if it costs more upfront. That kind of honesty builds the lasting relationships I’m most proud of.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies based on complexity and time needed to reach your objectives. We urge you to book a free discovery call to ensure we can help you and we are the right fit. It is an important part of the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katykcpa.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-kretzschmar-2a1bb760/
