40 Under 40: Mariah Williams

Mariah Williams credits growing up in Sandpoint and her time at the University of Montana for who she is today and what she has accomplished.

“My time at the University of Montana was foundational, both academically and personally,” Williams said.

After completing her bachelor’s degree in accounting, Williams decided to pursue an MBA rather than a master’s in accounting because she wanted to build a broader skill set.

“That decision gave me a strong understanding of accounting, but also strategy, communication and organizational leadership — skills I use daily with clients and colleagues,” she added.

It was during her time at the University of Montana that Williams became involved with the Associated Students of the University of Montana, the student government representing the university’s 15,000 students. She first served as a senator before being elected the body’s vice president, where she was tasked with leading the 28-member senate, managing policy discussions and advocating for student interests across campus operations and administration.

Building on that experience, Williams was appointed student regent for the Montana University System. The position is the sole student voice on the governing board overseeing all public universities and colleges in the state of Montana.

“That position allowed me to take part in decisions impacting higher education statewide, working directly with university presidents, legislators, and state and community leaders,” she said.

These leadership experiences taught her the importance of collaboration, listening and lifting others up, Williams said.

“These are values that continue to shape how I approach my work and serve my clients and community today,” she added.

A manager at Williams & Schiller CPAs and Consultants, Williams holds MBA, CPA and CMA credentials. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from the University of Montana. Her first professional experience was at a large private foundation in Missoula, where she worked inside a family office and managed accounting, financial reporting, tax compliance, grants and special projects. After several years in the private sector and foundation work, she moved back to Sandpoint and into public accounting at Williams & Schiller.

Most of her work focuses on providing tax and financial guidance for individuals, families, nonprofits and a range of business clients — from small local companies to more complex enterprises. In addition, she leads the firm’s nonprofit and family office divisions.

Williams also credits growing up in Sandpoint — and being active in everything from youth sports to student government — as foundational to her approach to teamwork, leadership and service.

“Early in my career, working with nonprofit organizations gave me a deep appreciation for mission-driven work, but most of my daily experience now comes from helping everyday people and local businesses and organizations,” she said. “Whether it’s tax planning for business owners, resolving complex issues for individual clients or supporting community organizations, I’m committed to using my expertise to help others succeed.”

She is deeply involved with Sandpoint Rotary, where she chairs the club’s finance committee and serves as vice chair and ride director for CHAFE 150. The nationally renowned cycling event attracts more than 400 riders, over 100 volunteers and more than 50 sponsors, with seven routes spreading across two counties — all with the goal of raising more than $150,000 annually for North Idaho youth education.

Williams hopes to become a partner at Williams & Schiller and plans to continue investing in her clients while advancing the firm’s family office and nonprofit practices. She also plans to keep enjoying the region’s natural beauty — skiing, biking and spending time on the boat with her husband, Tucker, and the rest of her family.

“And of course, snuggling our cats and bird,” she added.

If she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be that you can do hard things — and it’s OK to change direction.

“I took a bit of an unusual path,” she said. “I started in private-sector accounting and moved into public practice. This was daunting, but not only did it bring me home, it has brought me significant personal and professional fulfillment.”