Who is Jim Gravitt?
My professional career in finance and accounting began in banking, continued in private industry, and evolved into practice as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Along the way I’ve been a financial analyst and controller for large and small corporations, a tax preparer and a credentialed business appraiser. I hold two college degrees, an undergraduate degree in business from the University of Cincinnati and a masters degree in business from the University of Louisville. I’m a licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant, license #5361). In late 2022 I left my position as a Principal with MCM CPAs and Advisors, obtained additional training to become a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and started Grace Financial Care.
Some of my experience working with individuals’ financial needs includes serving as a Veterans Administration Fiduciary, volunteering with Elderserve, Inc., assisting a nursing home resident with banking and personal needs, and reviewing individuals’ benevolence requests for my church.
Among my non professional passions and pursuits are volunteering with local charitable organizations such as Metro United Way, AMPED, Cabbage Patch and the H.U.G. Reading Program. As a participant in Leadership Louisville’s Encore program, I engage with a variety of non profit organizations to address the challenges they face. I enjoy traveling, reading and exercising (well, I at least exercise but don’t always enjoy it).
Why do I do this?
I was inspired to help people in this way after watching my brother, Jeff, provide financial care and other services to my late mother, Evelyn. She lived in another state and I was unable to be there to provide the needed assistance and oversight during her last few years. It gave me so much peace of mind to have my brother there to fill this role because I knew he was looking out for her. The support definitely improved her quality of life, and also mine because my brother was there watching out for her as a caring advocate.
In my own experience as a volunteer since then, I’ve found it personally rewarding to come alongside those who can’t fully care for themselves and need a friend and advocate in areas where I have skills or can gain the skills needed to help. There is just something about being needed and doing something useful for someone that adds meaning, purpose, and joy to life.