At DZA, we’re proud to have a team of professionals who not only bring technical expertise to their work, but also a genuine passion for helping others. One of those people is Bailey Flagg, a Senior Accountant whose career path has been shaped by curiosity, connection, and a commitment to continuous learning.
From HR Aspirations to Accounting Expertise
Bailey didn’t always plan on a career in accounting. In fact, when she began college, her sights were set on human resources. But a required Accounting 101 course changed everything. The material clicked, and a supportive professor encouraged her to pursue it further. “It just made sense to me,” Bailey recalls. “The structure, the problem-solving, and the way it all came together, it felt like the right fit.”
She went on to double-major in Human Resources and Accounting, later earning her Master’s in Professional Accounting from Eastern Washington University in 2023. Now, she’s on the path to her CPA licensure while making her mark at DZA.
A Career Built on People and Purpose
In her role as Senior Accountant, Bailey guides audit and reimbursement engagements from beginning to end, making sure each step runs smoothly, and clients consistently receive attentive, high-quality service.
But for her, the most fulfilling part of the job isn’t just technical excellence, it’s connection.
“I love interacting with people,” Bailey says. “Each engagement brings a new challenge, but also a chance to learn from others and build relationships. That’s what makes the work so rewarding.”
She especially enjoys mentoring newer staff, a responsibility she takes seriously and speaks about with pride. “Helping others grow and succeed is one of my favorite parts of the job. It’s great to be part of someone’s development journey.”
Leadership, Collaboration, and Trust
Two projects in particular stand out in Bailey’s career so far. The first is her work on feasibility studies which are highly collaborative efforts that involve everyone from hospital leadership to physicians to financial advisors. “You really get to see how deeply these organizations care about their communities,” she explains. “It’s motivating to contribute to something with such a lasting impact.”
The second was leading her first audit as the in-charge auditor, an unexpected opportunity that arose when a colleague had to step away mid-engagement. “It was definitely intimidating at first, but I learned so much about leadership and time management. And the support I got from the DZA team was incredible. That experience showed me what we mean when we talk about collaboration and trust.”
Embracing Adventure In and Out of the Office
In 2024, Bailey made a big move from Washington to Arizona, trading evergreen forests for desert hikes. She’s embraced the change with enthusiasm, spending her free time exploring the outdoors with her dog, Martini, and staying connected with her tight-knit family, which includes her four siblings. Whether it’s a weekend at the lake or an impromptu adventure, Bailey’s love of learning and connection shows up in every part of her life.
Looking Ahead: New Roles and New Opportunities
This year, Bailey will speak at the annual DZA CAH Seminar for the first time—a milestone she’s excited about. As an attendee in past years, she valued the chance to hear directly from clients and learn from her peers. “It’s inspiring to watch people share their expertise,” she says. “And it’s such a great environment to build relationships.”
That desire to connect, support others, and keep growing is what makes Bailey a standout at DZA. Whether she’s reviewing a cost report or mentoring a new team member, her approach is the same: thoughtful, adaptable, and people-first. To contact Bailey, email bflagg@dza.cpa.
