Joe Wallis, CPA, MBA

Joe Wallis views accounting as a tool for empowering nonprofit leaders to make informed decisions that benefit their communities. His passion for helping organizations achieve financial clarity has shaped his career. Before joining Abdo in 2021, Joe gained experience in community housing, vocational services, and legislative advocacy, focusing on securing funding for vulnerable adults and addressing resource gaps. Motivated by a desire for positive change, he earned his accounting degree at night, became a CPA, and completed his MBA.

At Abdo, Joe co-leads the nonprofit audit team, guiding organizations through challenges and toward stronger futures. In addition to this role, he’s committed to nurturing the next generation of nonprofit accounting leaders. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Metropolitan State University Foundation.

As a kid, I dreamed of being a professional baseball player, until I realized I was better at crunching numbers than hitting curveballs. Since then, a few folks have suggested I’d make a good lawyer or politician (I do love a good debate), but truthfully, I think I’d be working directly for a nonprofit. That’s where my heart is. Whether it’s advocating for vulnerable adults, designing better systems, or leading teams with purpose, I’ve always been drawn to finding a better way and sharing it. If I weren’t an accountant, I’d still be in the nonprofit world, just wearing a different hat.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love experiencing the energy of live music and sporting events, exploring new places, and spending quality time with my wife, whether we’re reading together, visiting an art museum, or taking our rescue pup to the park. I’m also on a relentless quest to win Uncle of the Year, which usually involves scavenger hunts, surprise trips, and a lot of laughter. At the heart of it all, I’m drawn to connection, creativity, and finding joy in the little things—just like in my work with nonprofits.

What was your first job growing up?

My first job was at a veterinary clinic when I was 15. I’d show up before sunrise to walk the dogs who were staying overnight, whether for observation, boarding, or recovery. That meant picking up poop piles, cleaning out pens, and sometimes bathing the dogs depending on how rough their night had been. I even assisted during surgeries, helping the vet hold animals steady during procedures. It was messy, hands-on, and surprisingly meaningful work. I earned $5 an hour, which felt like a fortune, until I saw my first paycheck and asked my dad who these guys “FICA” and “Social Security” were and why they were taking my money.

Looking back, that job taught me a lot about responsibility, care, and the value of showing up for others, lessons that still shape how I work with nonprofits today.

Favorite quote

My favorite quote is from John Lewis: “Make good trouble.”

It resonates deeply with me because it captures the spirit of advocacy, courage, and purpose that first drew me to the nonprofit sector. Early in my career, I was “barking at lawmakers,” fighting for better funding and support for vulnerable adults. That experience taught me that meaningful change often requires challenging the status quo and doing so with integrity and heart.

“Good trouble” is exactly what I strive to make every day: whether it’s rethinking how we support nonprofits financially, mentoring future leaders, or helping organizations find a better way forward. It’s about being bold, being principled, and never losing sight of the mission.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

It’s hard to narrow it down to just one person, as my life has been shaped by a series of twists, turns, and the people I met along the way. As a kid, I idolized athletes like Michael Jordan, Ken Griffey Jr., and Emmitt Smith. But looking back, my real after-school role models were Uncle Phil from Fresh Prince, Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, and Carl Winslow from Family Matters, TV dads who modeled humor, heart, and responsibility.

In high school, while I was captivated by the flash of fame and gold chains, my baseball coaches quietly instilled the values of teamwork and discipline. As a young adult, I leaned into stubbornness more than wisdom, but I was lucky to have professors and employers who saw something in me, who challenged me to think differently, listen to my heart, and ultimately led me to work with people with disabilities.

That work changed everything. It helped me discover my why: that success happens when we find a better way and share it. It led me to accounting school, advocacy, and eventually to a career where I get to support nonprofits and mentor future leaders.

So while I can’t name just one influence, I can say this: I’ve been shaped by a community of people who believed in me, pushed me, and helped me write the real story, especially after I met my wife and built a life rooted in purpose, service, and good trouble.

What’s your favorite part about being an accountant?

I love being able to take something complex, whether it’s a financial statement, a compliance requirement, or even a scary letter from the government and explain it in a way that people can understand, feel confident about, and actually use to strengthen their organizations. For me, accounting isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowering nonprofit leaders to make informed decisions that ultimately benefit the communities they serve. Helping others find clarity and confidence in the financial side of their mission is incredibly rewarding.