How her agricultural roots help her serve farmers and ranchers in a whole new way

Tatum Kimzey’s journey has been anything but traditional, yet it’s exactly what makes her a perfect fit at Adams Brown. Growing up on a cattle ranch just southeast of Hays, Kansas, Tatum’s early years were filled with the sounds of cattle and the wide-open spaces of rural Kansas. After high school, Tatum attended Kansas State University, where she earned a degree in Animal Science/Pre-vet, but as life often does, her path took a different turn.

“I went into college thinking I was going to vet school, but as I got closer to graduation, I realized that wasn’t the direction I wanted to go. Instead, I ended up working in genetic research at K-State for over five years.”

Tatum’s life took another significant turn when she and her husband decided to return to the Hays area after the birth of their first daughter. For the next decade, she focused on raising her two daughters, Keeli and Karci, and even started her own T-shirt quilt-making business from home. It wasn’t until her younger daughter started school that Tatum found the spark to pursue a new career – accounting.

“I had always been interested in accounting, so I decided to go back to school at Fort Hays and earned my Bachelor of Business Administration in Public Accounting. Then I passed the CPA exam, which felt like climbing a mountain. But much like my life experiences, it was a challenge I was ready for.”

Merging Agriculture and Accounting at Adams Brown

At Adams Brown, Tatum has found the perfect way to merge her love for agriculture with her expertise in accounting. As a key member of the ag team, she helps farmers and ranchers manage their finances, structure tax strategies and navigate the business side of agriculture.

“I love working with ag clients because I truly understand their world. Whether it’s managing cash flow during tough seasons, planning for succession or staying on top of tax laws, I know the challenges they face because I’ve lived them myself.”

Her connection to agriculture isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Tatum and her family continue to ranch near Hays, spending their springs roping and branding calves. Her daughters are active in 4-H, raising goats and showing horses.

“We love working cattle together, and my daughters have really gotten into raising meat goats for the fair. Goats and kids are just so cute!”

Flexibility and Growth: Why Adams Brown is the Right Fit

Adams Brown’s flexibility has been a huge help for Tatum.

“While I mostly work standard hours in the office, I can flex my time around my kids’ events, and I have the option to work remotely when needed. That balance has made all the difference.”

The firm has also supported her growth in unexpected ways. When she started, she was still working through the CPA exam, and her managers were incredibly supportive. Now, she gets to use her teaching skills to help with the firm’s intern program. She says it is rewarding to mentor the next generation and see them grow in their careers, similar to her.

The culture at Adams Brown was what sealed the deal for her.

“I interned here before being offered a full-time position, and I knew right away this was where I wanted to be. The people are welcoming, supportive and genuinely care about each other.”

Tatum’s journey is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight path. Sometimes, it’s about taking a leap into something new, challenging yourself and finding your true calling.

“Accounting is my second career, and while I didn’t start out in this field, my life experiences have shaped the way I approach my work.”

Learn more about the culture and flexibility at Adams Brown and check out current openings on the team.