Celebrating Women's History Month/Industry Month

This Women’s History Month and Industry Appreciation Month, we’re proud to celebrate the impact and leadership of accounting professionals across the CPA profession.

Women's History Month

How do you mentor or support other women in the profession?

I’ve supported young professionals by offering guidance during challenging periods, providing formal training and being available for career transition conversations. I make it a priority to understand their personal goals and ask how I can best support their path. I also advocate for them and invest in one-on-one mentorship to ensure they feel empowered, supported and visible in their work.

How do you stay ahead of industry changes?

While working for a multinational company, I stay informed by keeping a pulse on developments within my organization and across our competitors. For public companies, investor communications and earnings reports provide valuable insight into market trends. I also stay engaged with professional organizations like MassCPAs to connect with peers and exchange perspectives on emerging issues.

Who is a woman (in or outside the profession) who has influenced your leadership style?

In my first forensic accounting role, I worked closely with partners Carol Palmer Winig and Lynda Schwartz. They not only hired me but supported me as I navigated a new company and specialty. They helped me understand the scope of forensic work, blend accounting with investigative skills and collaborate effectively with clients and stakeholders. I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors since then, and I’m grateful for the guidance each has provided throughout my career.

Why is it important for women to get involved in professional organizations like MassCPAs?

Getting involved in organizations like MassCPAs creates valuable opportunities to build meaningful connections with other professionals in the industry. Being part of a supportive community is empowering and encourages women to step outside their comfort zones, continue growing and learn alongside like-minded peers.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you, personally or professionally?

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of women while recognizing the challenges and barriers we have overcome. It’s an opportunity to share our stories, inspire one another and continue building momentum as women break barriers in the professional world.

What’s one piece of career advice you live by?

One piece of advice I live by is setting and maintaining boundaries. Creating clear boundaries allows me to fully disconnect outside of work, be present in the moment and return refreshed and focused.

What advice would you give to young women entering the accounting profession today?

Say yes to opportunities and keep an open mind. Early in your career, every new project, challenge or role is a chance to learn something valuable about the profession—and about yourself. You may discover interests or strengths you didn’t expect. Be proactive about seeking out conversations, and when you’re in the room, don’t underestimate the power of simply listening and learning from those around you. Staying curious and willing to try new things can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

What’s one professional habit that has made a big difference in your success?

Learning to understand my audience has made a huge difference. I always ask myself, “Does this make sense to the person reading or listening?” Whether communicating with leadership, colleagues or non-finance partners, tailoring the message to what they care about helps build clarity, trust and stronger, more collaborative working relationships.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about?

Outside of work, I enjoy activities that help me recharge and stay balanced. I love getting lost in a great book, challenging myself physically and mentally in barre class and trying new recipes in the kitchen to share with friends and family. Those hobbies keep me energized and help bring creativity and focus back into my professional life.

Industry Appreciation Month

How does being part of the MassCPAs community support you in your current role in financial services?

Being part of MassCPAs keeps me connected to specialists across the profession. Comprehensive financial planning touches tax, estate, business and investment considerations, so access to deep expertise is invaluable. Communities and roundtables help me stay current on tax developments and planning strategies our clients rely on. I even participated in the blockchain and crypto group, and that knowledge proved useful in a client conversation shortly after. Helping develop the financial planning group has also created space for collaboration across advisory roles, ultimately leading to stronger outcomes for clients.

If you could change one misconception about CPAs in industry, what would it be?

A common misconception is that the CPA path is linear. While some move from public accounting into corporate finance or CFO roles, the CPA license opens far more doors. It provides a strong foundation that applies to entrepreneurship, consulting, financial services and beyond. Many CPAs build careers that do not follow a traditional mold. That flexibility is one of the profession’s greatest strengths.

What’s one question you wish more people asked about their financial future?

I wish more people asked, “Is my financial plan supporting the life I want to live?” Life planning should come before the numbers. Defining the life you want is often harder than building the strategy to fund it. Without that clarity, people make reactive decisions instead of proactively designing their future.

Why do you think it’s important for CPAs in industry roles to stay connected to a professional community like MassCPAs?

As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve come to appreciate the increasing complexity involved in being a successful advisor and executive for growing businesses and business owners. Being part of a community like MassCPAs allows me to continue learning from my colleagues and peers. Even more importantly, it creates opportunities to collaborate with professionals who bring unique skills and experiences that complement my own expertise and ultimately provide greater value to the businesses we serve.

What excites you most about the future of CPAs working in industry roles?

The knowledge and experience CPAs gain throughout their careers provide an incredible foundation for offering valuable insights to business owners. As the profession continues to evolve and expand the breadth of services we can provide, CPAs working in industry have the opportunity to bring even greater strategic value to executive teams.

As a lifelong learner, I also believe the profession’s emphasis on continuous improvement and ongoing education helps CPAs evolve as leaders and stay on top of emerging trends, insights, and business challenges.

What’s one misconception about CFOs or financial leaders that you’d like to change?

A CFO is not just an accountant. The CGMA framework for CFOs does a great job of illustrating the broad range of competencies financial leaders bring to an organization.

CFOs combine several key skill areas:

• Technical Skills: Expertise in accounting principles, financial reporting, and data analysis
• Business Skills: Understanding operations, strategy development and performance management
• People Skills: Communicating effectively, influencing decisions and collaborating with stakeholders
• Leadership Skills: Leading teams, managing change and driving organizational performance
• Digital Skills: Adapting to technological advancements, including data analytics and digital finance

Together, these capabilities enable CFOs to play a critical strategic role within an organization.

2025

In what ways do you believe women are shaping the future of business and leadership?

Women are redefining leadership with their adaptability, strategic thinking and ability to navigate complexity with confidence. They excel at balancing multiple priorities, making thoughtful decisions under pressure and leading with both strength and empathy. These qualities make them natural problem-solvers and visionaries, driving businesses forward with clarity and purpose.
 

In what ways do you believe women are shaping the future of business and leadership?

Women are shaping the future of business and leadership in significant ways.  The positive female leaders that I admire lead with curiosity and empathy.  They communicate clearly and foster trust within their teams.  This brings diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to the forefront, driving growth and business excellence.
 

What role do you think women play in shaping the future of the accounting profession, especially in business and industry?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a CPA in business and industry is the opportunity to play a strategic role in an organization’s success. I contribute directly to business decision-making, financial planning and operational efficiency. Women bring unique perspectives that enhance creativity, problem-solving and innovation, ultimately driving stronger business performance.
 

How has the role of women in accounting evolved during your career, and what do you see as the next big shift?

Over my career, the role of women in accounting has evolved significantly as firms and businesses have recognized the importance of flexible work policies—not just for women, but for everyone. Initiatives like career coaching and advocacy training have helped women advance in the profession. The shift to remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further supported this progress. Looking ahead, I see more women not only remaining in the profession but advancing into top leadership roles. As the CFO role continues to evolve, women are well-positioned to meet its demands, and I anticipate greater representation of women as CFOs, partners and managing partners—particularly in larger public companies and major CPA firms.