As an accountant, James R. Messier has had to learn to balance his clients’ books. But just as importantly, he has learned to balance his work and personal lives, in ways that have rewarded him immensely.
The father of 8-year-old quadruplets, Messier and his wife, Sue, have been the beneficiaries of medical advancements funded by the March of Dimes, advancements that allowed the 10-week premature quads to come home successfully and thrive. As his way of giving back, Messier served as treasurer of the Rhode Island chapter for the organization, and with his help, the group earned one of only five blue ribbons for reaching its financial and mission goals.
Of course, while community involvement is an important part of his life, Messier has made a mark in his professional life as well.
After graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance, and working at a number of accounting firms in the Ocean State, he joined Restivo Monacelli in 2006. Now a principal at the firm, he has had a concrete impact on its success.
Since joining the firm, total revenue has increased 40 percent, in large measure due to a number of initiatives he has been involved in, among them: an upgrade of Restivo’s audit committee; a tactical approach to recruiting and hiring that has allowed the firm to take on larger and more complex assignments; the creation of a mentoring program to facilitate professional development at all levels; and active engagement in the firm’s on-campus recruitment efforts. In addition, along with colleague Kevin Hundley, Messier is responsible for signing all accounting and auditing reports issued by the firm.
And as if all this were not enough to balance, Messier is also active in the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants in multiple committees. •
