This week’s Up-and-Comer is Jillian Nelson, a tax professional and the fourth generation of Nelsons to work at Nelson & Nelson CPAs.

Name: Jillian Nelson

Age: 27

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was born and raised in Sioux Falls. It has always been home for me and always will be.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls is a great community that keeps growing and expanding. My family and friends are here, and it’s only a short distance to our lake cabin and our farm where we hunt. It’s hard for me to think of moving somewhere else.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job are the people I work with. We’re a big family that likes to have fun, laugh and pull pranks on each other. We’re not your typical accounting firm.

What made you decide to become part of your family business?

I grew up going into the office with my dad and sisters on the weekends. We would play at the empty desks while he worked, and I’ve always loved numbers and finances. Going into college, I was between chiropractic medicine and accounting, but after one semester in biology, I knew accounting was the path for me.

Describe Nelson & Nelson in three words.

Passionate, helpful, family.

What do you think people might be surprised to learn about your business?

Nelson & Nelson is the oldest homegrown accounting firm in South Dakota. My great-grandpa started the business in 1923.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

I’d like to see Brit’s Pub from Minneapolis open a location in Sioux Falls. They have great food with a rooftop patio/lawn for fires and lawn bowling.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I plan on continuing my education in the accounting field to make sure I’m up-to-date with changes to rules and regulations, and start a long-term succession plan to take responsibilities off Chuck’s plate to become a better accountant and to better understand what it takes to run the business.