Clayton Batts, a Manager at DZA, serves on the firm’s tax team, where he specializes in IRS Form 990 reporting for not-for-profit organizations. In his role, Clayton works closely with clients to ensure their returns are accurate, thoughtful, and reflective of the important work they do in their communities.
“The work that each of these organizations do is making their communities a better place, and I am happy to be a small piece that supports them to keep serving their communities,” he says.
Finding His Path in Accounting
Clayton’s interest in accounting started early. He always enjoyed math, especially long and detailed problems that required careful thought and multiple steps. To him, accounting, tax accounting in particular, is essentially one large equation with many moving parts, which made it a natural fit.
During college, Clayton found that tax courses immediately clicked with him. While he explored working with individuals and businesses across a variety of industries, he ultimately found the most fulfillment in IRS Form 990 work. Preparing these returns allows him to combine complex tax work with a greater purpose, knowing his efforts support not-for-profit organizations.
Clayton especially enjoys meeting clients face-to-face and discovering their unique missions. By building these connections, he gains insight into how each group supports its community. “I love sitting down with clients to discuss the impact of their work. Once I’ve built that connection, I can better understand their community contributions and accurately report this on their Form 990, which helps inform the public about what the organization does.”
Areas of Expertise
Clayton’s expertise is in tax services. With that, Clayton stays current by reviewing IRS updates and form changes each year, making sure those updates are applied consistently across client returns.
He recently passed all four CPA exams on his first attempt and holds an Enrolled Agent certification with the IRS, the highest credential for tax practitioners that the IRS awards. Both credentials have strengthened his technical skills and confidence when working through complex client matters.
Life at DZA
What Clayton values most about working at DZA is the ability to specialize in the area he is most passionate about, along with the firm’s strong commitment to work-life balance. DZA has allowed him to grow significantly as a tax professional while still prioritizing time with his family.
The flexibility and balance at DZA enable Clayton to be actively involved as a father to his daughter, which is something he deeply appreciates. He also values the support and accessibility of leadership and believes the combination of specialization, balance, and support truly sets DZA apart from other accounting firms.
“Being a member of DZA’s tax team and working directly with Rikki Patch has been a wonderful experience. DZA has valued me as a team member since the day I joined.”
Outside the Office
Clayton lives just outside of Orlando, Florida with his wife, Cassidy, and their daughter, Daisy. On the weekends, his family loves spending time at Disney World.
He attended Point Loma Nazarene University and was drawn by its strong accounting program. The fact that the campus is located on the beach in San Diego made the experience even better.
Outside of work, Clayton is an avid basketball player. He won the intramural basketball championship all four years of college and still plays regularly in the evenings.
Fun Facts
One thing most people do not know about Clayton is that he won a gold medal at the Central Florida Math Olympics in fifth grade.
His favorite quote, and one that continues to inspire him, comes from LeBron James. “You can’t be afraid to fail. It is the only way you succeed,”
To get in-contact with Clayton, please email cbatts@dza.cpa.
