Kari Hipsak, CPA, CGMA

Senior Manager of Quality Management, Audit

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Biography

Kari Hipsak, CPA, CGMA, is a Senior Manager at GRF CPAs & Advisors, where she focuses on audit quality and firm compliance. Prior to joining GRF, Kari worked with the AICPA’s Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), where she led the development of content on emerging issues in accounting and auditing, including resources related to COVID-19 recovery programs.

Kari began her public accounting career in South Dakota and later worked for a firm in New York City, serving a wide range of audit and assurance clients across various industries. A long-time advocate for the CPA profession, she has been actively involved since her student days at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. She previously served on the South Dakota CPA Society Young Professional Advisory Council, the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA) Young CPA Cabinet and as a liaison to the NCACPA Foundation Board.

Kari has been recognized as a member of CPA Practice Advisor’s “40 Under 40” program from 2020-2023. Passionate about well-being, she is a vocal advocate for mental health and emotional intelligence. She is also committed to supporting individuals impacted by chronic illness or autism—causes that hold deep personal significance. In her free time, Kari volunteers with a local dog rescue, combining her love of animals with community service.

Education and Certifications

  • B.A. in Professional Accountancy, Business Administration, Spanish, Augustana University (SD)
  • MAcc, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Professional Affiliations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA)