Former Walmart exec opens virtual CPA firm

Brent Seay, a certified public accountant (CPA), recently established the accounting company The Seay Firm CPAs PLLC after relocating to Northwest Arkansas from Canada.

The firm initially will operate virtually to serve clients because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to limit face-to-face contact, according to a news release.

“With today’s technology and tools such as remote access and web conferencing tools such as whiteboards, webcams and chat, I am confident The Seay Firm can provide excellent client service while working remotely in these challenging times,” Seay said.

Seay returned to the area after serving as vice president of financial accounting and business processes for SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust, one of the largest real estate investment trusts in Canada, the release shows. The Paragould native worked in the position for more than two years before moving to the area from a Toronto suburb.

Seay has spent most of the past 30 years in Northwest Arkansas. He began a career in public accounting, including two years at the former Barclay, Yarborough & Scott in Rogers, before starting a 25-year career at Walmart. With the Bentonville-based retailer, he worked in multiple management and executive roles in internal audit, accounting, corporate finance and international real estate.

The Seay Firm will focus on tax planning and preparation for individuals and small businesses, accounting and bookkeeping services and virtual/part-time chief financial officer services. The firm has an agreement with Stone Financial & Tax Center to help manage its Eureka Springs office, including responsibility for providing chief financial officer services to the Eureka Springs Hospital.

Seay plans to split his time between working from home and the Eureka Springs office of Stone Financial through April.

He also expects to provide in-depth services to real estate and construction companies in Northwest Arkansas.

“Taxes for real estate owners and developers are very complex, and I believe I can bring a unique perspective as someone who has spent a considerable portion of my career working through these types of challenging issues,” he said.

The Seay Firm has two employees. Seay, his wife, Bella, and their son, Finlay, live in Pea Ridge.