Meet Sara DeRoo
Swinging for big impact in Greater Minnesota
| April/May 2026 Footnote
Editor's note: Updated March 26, 2026
In a world that often feels built for big businesses in big cities, the needs of smaller businesses outside the metro can easily be overlooked. But small often means mighty. With a career that includes experience with firms large and small, Sara DeRoo, CPA has focused on the needs of communities in Greater Minnesota, pouring her time and expertise into a region she loves. The partner at Christianson PLLP took time to speak with us about her career, what inspires her and where she sees the future of the profession going.
What is your background as a CPA?
I started my career at CliftonLarsonAllen (just LarsonAllen at the time) in the nonprofit audit sector. After almost five years, I moved to internal audit at a financial institution. While that was a new challenge and opportunity, I realized my passion was in public accounting, where I could work with clients in providing solutions, and community members in networking and business development. I started with Christianson CPAs and Consultants in 2008 as a supervisor and became a partner in 2015. My focus today is leading our Attest and Quality Control departments at the firm and I recently took on the role as chief talent officer where I oversee our HR, recruiting and talent management at the firm.
What interested you about working at a smaller firm?
I appreciate the opportunity to get to know my team on a personal level; you know them by name and about their family, friends and their hobbies. I grew up in a small community — where I still reside — and the relationships you build through those community networks are strong bonds that will last a lifetime. It’s especially awesome to see these communities rally and come together when needed. We can always count on each other for support!
What led you to becoming the MNCPA board chair?
I love to volunteer, so when the opportunity to join the MNCPA board came, I was excited to be able to give back to the profession. I knew it would also be a chance to grow in my own career and bring back fresh ideas to our firm. My last four years on the board have brought challenges, opportunities and many rewards, and I look forward to continuing to grow from those experiences as board chair. The guidance that past chairs, board members and the MNCPA leadership team brings has set a solid foundation for me in taking on this role.
What excites you most about the role of chair?
The fact that our profession is changing so rapidly! I am excited to be on the forefront of these changes with the MNCPA, continually adapting to what our current and future members need to be successful. I also look forward to continuing the efforts to promote and build a talent pipeline for the profession in the years ahead. We have made great strides, but we are not done yet.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the accounting profession today?
The rapid pace of technological change is a significant challenge; it forces employers, universities and even high schools to adapt quickly. Although the AI evolution is here, we have yet to truly see the impact on how this changes our training and learning styles, workplace environments, people interactions — the list goes on! I feel this evolution will create a new blueprint for technology use in our profession.
Where do you see the profession in five years?
We will have a lot of retirees in our profession in the next five years, so we will see new generations leading businesses and firms in the next five years. The strategies that those leaders bring might differ from what we see today. I think the evolution of technology will be more stabilized in five years as well and just a part of the way we do business. I also think we will see the pipeline efforts that we have worked so hard for will pay off in the next five years. All of that takes time to work through the system, but at that point, I hope to see an influx of CPA candidates entering their careers.
What sparks the most joy in your life?
My family brings me the most joy. My husband and I have three boys and it has been a blessing watching them grow through the years, learning from experiences and making many memories while participating in athletics and activities they enjoy. One is a sophomore at Minnesota State College, Moorhead, one is a freshman at Gustavus Adophus University and our youngest is a freshman at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School. Both our college boys are currently pursuing accounting degrees — and there was no pressure from mom!
What do you like to do outside of work and why?
I love being a sports mom and attending my kids’ events. I’m fortunate that the flexibility of our profession allows me to attend almost all of the boys’ activities through the years. We also enjoy camping as a family and I look forward to spending time on a Minnesota lake property we recently purchased. Otherwise, I enjoy golfing in the summer months; mostly it’s just a fun hobby, but I do have a bit (or a lot) of a competitive spirit, so I am always willing to participate in a fundraising golf tournament!
