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The Center for Audit Quality is working to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and across the entire public company auditing profession.

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Sproul, Becky 2020 (1)

Becky Sproul

Talent and Culture Officer – Audit, KPMG US

I’m Becky Sproul, Audit Talent and Culture Officer at KPMG US and I’m sharing how my background has shaped who I am today, personally and professionally. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanic...

I’m Becky Sproul, Audit Talent and Culture Officer at KPMG US and I’m sharing how my background has shaped who I am today, personally and professionally. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans while reflecting on the profound impact of our diverse backgrounds. As a first-generation Cuban American, I am grateful for my family's support in shaping the leader I am today, instilling me with strong values and fueling my passion for diversity and inclusion.
<h3><strong>Shaping leadership through family support
</strong></h3>
My cultural background has significantly influenced my educational and career journey, grounding me in the values of hard work, perseverance and family support. These values have been instrumental in my accounting career, where attention to detail is crucial for precision and accuracy. Moreover, my family's strong work ethic and the emphasis on integrity have become essential qualities in my professional life.

These factors have driven me to pursue higher education and excel in my accounting career, while also instilling in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back and create opportunities for others.

[custom_quote text="My family's strong work ethic and the emphasis on integrity have become essential qualities in my professional life."]
<h3><strong>Giving back to the Hispanic community
</strong></h3>
<img class=" wp-image-15450 alignright" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024_09_AiA_Becky-Sproul.png" alt="" width="300" height="188" />In my accounting career, I have actively given back to the Hispanic community. I serve as an audit committee member for the United Way of Miami-Dade and as a board member of The PhD Project. I am also a member of the Business Dean’s Council at Florida International University. Through these roles, I am able to leverage my accounting skills to support organizations dedicated to serving and uplifting the Hispanic community.

I have experienced several proud moments in my career that have brought me immense joy. Being featured on ALPFA Inc's Latinas to Watch List has highlighted the impact I have made as a Latina professional. Additionally, my active involvement in the Hispanic/Latino Network (Somos KPMG) and the KPMG Network of Women has allowed me to contribute to the advancement and empowerment of diverse professionals. This reinforces the importance of representation and leadership within the Hispanic community.

[custom_quote text="Being featured on ALPFA Inc's Latinas to Watch List has highlighted the impact I have made as a Latina professional."]
<h3><strong>Overcoming challenges
</strong></h3>
Although I have achieved career success through conventional means, I have encountered challenges in balancing my cultural identity with the expectations and norms of a corporate environment. In addition, I found that at certain stages of my career, there was a lack of representation and role models that shared my background. However, through determination and perseverance, I have overcome biases and demonstrated my capabilities. These experiences have taught me the significance of resilience and self-advocacy in attaining success.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, let's embrace diversity in our communities and workplaces, working together to create a more inclusive and equitable society. Let's uplift and empower one another, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans every day, not just during this month.

[custom_quote text="Let's embrace diversity in our communities and workplaces, working together to create a more inclusive and equitable society."]

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Embracing Diversity, Leadership and Community

Blog Post

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Kecia-Smith-55-EDITCROPPED

Kecia Williams Smith, Ph.D., CPA

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

All around the country, students are graduating from college and embarking on their career journey. Congratulations, Class of 2024! With this new wave of students starting their careers, I wanted to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the...

All around the country, students are graduating from college and embarking on their career journey. Congratulations, Class of 2024! With this new wave of students starting their careers, I wanted to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession and the unique role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play.

Hello, I’m Kecia Williams Smith, an Associate Professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where I lead the Master of Accountancy (MACC) Program and the Center for Accounting Diversity. As a former audit practitioner and regulator, I implement my experiences into innovative academic programming and research related to audit and regulatory communication, auditor judgment and decision-making, audit regulation, and accounting diversity. I strive to spread awareness, elevate the African American presence within the accounting profession, and advocate on behalf of fellow HBCU faculty and students in the workforce.

As we celebrate new graduates, it is crucial to understand the impact Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have had on the profession. I would not be where I am today without the tireless efforts of the pioneers who paved the way and broke down the barriers. It is my pleasure to spotlight historical trailblazers who played a role in adopting accounting programs across HBCUs.
<h3><strong>Jesse Blayton: A Pioneer in Accounting Education</strong></h3>
<img class="wp-image-15114 alignright" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024_06_AiA_Jesse-Blayton.png" alt="" width="350" height="220" />

As Georgia’s first black Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Jesse B. Blayton was a trailblazer. A graduate of Langston University and a veteran of World War I, Blayton passed Georgia’s accounting examination in 1928 and became <a href="https://nsbcpa.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&amp;view=entry&amp;year=2020&amp;month=07&amp;day=06&amp;id=4:jesse-blayton">the fourth African-American to become a CPA</a>.

Blayton also recognized the importance of representation and sought to recruit black students and professionals to enter accounting. In 1944, he authored the book “Essentials of Accounting” and continued to promote the profession. Through his leadership, he became known as the “Dean of Negro Accountants.”

Aside from accounting, Blayton also invested in the community. In 1928, Blayton and two partners reorganized the Citizens Trust Bank, the first Black bank to join the Federal Reserve. Blayton acknowledged that he wanted his banks to be the source of funding for aspiring Black professionals.

In 1949, Blayton <a href="https://www.radiohalloffame.com/jesse-b-blayton-sr">purchased a radio station</a> in Atlanta. The 1,000-watt radio station WERD became the first Black-owned station. WERD’s programming included public service announcements, educational pieces, church services, jazz and gospel music, community news, and more. Blayton used his radio station to elevate the civil rights movement by serving as an information outlet for the campaign and prominent civil rights leaders, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. For his pioneering work, Blayton was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1955.

[custom_quote text="In 1949, Blayton purchased a radio station in Atlanta. The 1,000-watt radio station WERD became the first Black-owned station."]
<h3><strong>Dr. Ruth Coles Harris: A Pioneer for Black CPAs</strong></h3>
<img class="alignright wp-image-15117" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024_06_AiA_RC-Harris.png" alt="" width="350" height="220" />

Dr. Ruth Coles Harris blazed a path of opportunities for many future accounting students. In 1962, she because the first Black woman CPA in Virgina. Fewer than 100 African-Americas held CPA licenses at the time in the United State and only one other was licensed in the state of Virginia.

Obtaining her license was no easy feat and she overcame many barriers to obtain it.  At the time she sat for the CPA, the testing location in Virginia Beach did not have any hotels that allowed African Americans and so she had to stay out of town every day after testing. However, she persevered and succeeded in obtaining her CPA.

Her love for accounting is also what brought her into education. In Virgina, there were no firms hiring African-American accountants at the time. However, Virginia Union University reached out about an opportunity as an Accounting professor. She then went on to serve as the founding Dean of the Sydney Lewis School of Business at Virginia Union University, helping to grow the program.

Her contributions to the accounting profession paved the way for many students who aspire to study and excel in the field of accounting today. I had the pleasure of meeting up with Dr. Ruth Coles Harris recently and at 95 years young, her quick wit and great intellectual capacity were in full display.

[custom_quote text="Dr. Ruth Coles Harris then went on to serve as the founding Dean of the Sydney Lewis School of Business at Virginia Union University, helping to grow the program."]
<h3><strong>Milton Wilson: A Barrier-Breaking Dean</strong></h3>
<img class="alignright wp-image-15115" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024_06_AiA_Milton-Wilson.png" alt="" width="350" height="220" />

Hailing from a family of public school teachers, Dr. Milton Wilson set out to continue a legacy of education. Dr. Wilson earned two doctorate degrees, one in accounting, from Indiana University at Bloomington.

After completing his education, Dr. Wilson became the head of the accounting department at Hampton Institute and subsequently at Dillard University. In 1949, Dr. Wilson established and led the Department of Business at the Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, which would eventually become the School of Business. In 1952, Dr. Milton Wilson received his accounting license and made history as Texas’ first black CPA.

Dr. Wilson continued to teach at TSU until 1970 when he returned to his alma mater. However, in 1971, Dr. Wilson <a href="https://www.aacsb.edu/about-us/advocacy/member-spotlight/influential-leaders/2015/milton-wilson">accepted the invitation from Howard University</a> to establish a new school of business. When it was first established, the school had eight or nine faculty members and approximately 200 students. But under Dr. Wilson’s leadership, Howard University’s new business school grew to roughly 80 full-time faculty members and nearly 1,800 students. Under Dr. Wilson was crucial to Howard becoming the first business school in the Washington, DC area to be <a href="https://www.aacsb.edu/about-us/advocacy/member-spotlight/influential-leaders/2015/milton-wilson">accredited by the AACSB</a>.

His effort laid the groundwork for future generations of students pursuing an accounting career at an HBCU.

[custom_quote text="Under Dr. Wilson’s leadership, Howard University’s new business school grew to roughly 80 full-time faculty members and nearly 1,800 students."]
<h3><strong>Quiester Craig: A Supporter of Students</strong></h3>
<img class="alignright wp-image-15116" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024_06_AiA_Quiester-Craig.png" alt="" width="350" height="220" />

Lastly, I’m honored to spotlight my alma mater and current workplace, the<u>Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics at North Carolina A&amp;T State University</u>. The last pioneer on my list is Dean Emeritus Quiester Craig, who served as Dean of the College of Business and Economics for 42 years. Until his retirement in 2013, Dean Craig’s leadership impacted the lives of thousands of students.

<a href="https://relations.ncat.edu/pubs/alumnitimes/2013/mar14/dean-craig.html">Dean Craig’s journey</a> with NC A&amp;T started in 1972 when he was appointed professor of accounting and dean of the School of Business and Economics. Before his tenure, Dean Craig had already broken barriers as one of the first African Americans to earn CPA licensure. However, the records kept coming under his leadership. During his time, the school’s undergraduate programs were accredited by the AACSB, and NC A&amp;T became the third HBCU to receive international accreditation from AACSB and the first to receive separate accreditation for the accounting program in 1986.

Accreditations aside, Dean Craig also <a href="https://relations.ncat.edu/pubs/alumnitimes/2013/apr25/dr-craig.html">understood the importance</a> of financial support. During his leadership, many students were able to pursue their accounting interests thanks to scholarships from donors and the communities. Dean Craig recognized that many students only needed the opportunity to show their talent, grit, and determination to succeed. To this day, his endowed scholarships continue to provide higher education access for many students.  Dean Craig will be recognized with the American Accounting Association (AAA) Lifetime Achievement Award in August 2024 at the AAA Annual Meeting.

[custom_quote text="I grew up in an era where the opportunities available were a fantasy – they didn’t exist. Now we have transitioned to a time where preparation can be the foundation to get something started." attribution='Dean Emeritus Quiester Craig']

While accounting programs have grown at HBCUs, more must be done to ensure they receive the same financial support as programs at non-HBCUs. In recent years, many leading accounting firms have pledged financial support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts to better reflect the population the accounting profession serves. However, in <a href="https://publications.aaahq.org/accounting-horizons/article-abstract/38/1/49/12205/Accounting-Firm-Investment-in-Diverse-Talent?redirectedFrom=fulltext">research</a> for the American Accounting Association, my colleagues and I noticed a discrepancy between charitable giving from accounting firms to HBCUs and non-HBCUs. While charitable giving to HBCUs has increased in recent years, the total allocation percentage to HBCUs remains relatively stagnant. Even within HBCU funding, smaller HBCUs do not receive the same amount of support as well-known HBCUs. For our profession to truly reflect the population it serves, I encourage leaders at accounting firms to pursue equal access and equitable financial support when making an impact via charitable giving.

While there is still work to be done as our profession continues to cultivate a more diverse workforce, I am proud of these educators who have helped pave the way with their perseverance, dedication, and passion. As we look for ways to increase diversity in the profession, I encourage you to check out the CAQ’s Bold Ambition and for students interested in pursuing a career in accounting, visit <a href="http://www.joinaccountingplus.org">Accounting+</a>.

Accounting Milestones: The Importance of HBCUs

​​​​

Welcome to June, the official first month of summer. For me, this month marks a major (and bittersweet) milestone - my oldest son’s graduation from high school. And while he is planning on majoring in environmental science at the University of Oregon this fall,...

Bold Ambition Quarterly | Summer 2024

Academics

Newsletter

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Updated Headshot

Lauryn Johnson

PwC Digital Assurance & Transparency (DAT) Experienced Associate

The value of diverse voices and backgrounds within the financial reporting profession cannot be overstated. At the CAQ, we advocate for the advancement of people of color, promote diverse opportunities, and encourage a diversity of thought within our organization and...

The value of diverse voices and backgrounds within the financial reporting profession cannot be overstated. At the CAQ, we advocate for the advancement of people of color, promote diverse opportunities, and encourage a diversity of thought within our organization and the profession at large.

June is Pride Month, a month that celebrates and commemorates the LGBTQ+ community while calling for equal justice and opportunities. We strive for greater inclusivity within the accounting profession, and this important month serves as a reminder that increasing DEI is not just an idea–it’s an action.

During June, we also observe Juneteenth. Celebrated on June 19, this important day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. As we strive to increase diversity in our workforce, we are reminded of the <a href="https://www.thecaq.org/aia-black-history-month-a-walk-down-memory-lane">Black trailblazers within the profession</a>, and the important work ahead to further <a href="https://www.thecaq.org/aia-diversifying-the-accounting-talent-pipeline">increase diverse representation in the accounting pipeline</a>.

For this Juneteenth and Pride Month, the CAQ is honored to feature Lauryn Johnson, Digital Assurance &amp; Transparency (DAT) Experienced Associate at PwC US. In an in-depth conversation, Lauryn shares unique perspectives and guidance for accounting students and professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Read on for Lauryn’s story.

<strong><em>What advice do you have for others looking to bring their true selves to work?</em> </strong>

Bringing your true self to work can be powerful, especially as a Black, queer woman in corporate America. Some advice I would give first and foremost is to embrace your identity with pride and confidence. Recognize the unique perspectives and experiences you bring to the table. Your voice and insights are invaluable, and they deserve to be heard and respected. Trust in your abilities and the value you bring to any conversation or meeting.

Secondly, seek out mentors and allies who can provide guidance, support and advocacy. Connect with individuals who have successfully navigated similar paths and can offer advice on how to navigate challenges and seek opportunities for professional and personal growth. Building a network of support is crucial and having mentors who understand your specific experiences can be incredibly valuable.

Additionally, take advantage of any diversity and inclusion initiatives at your organization. I have had some of the best experiences in our Inclusion Networks, particularly within PwC’s Shine Inclusion Network for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies and our Black Inclusion Network. These dynamic communities are open to all of our people based on shared backgrounds, experiences or interests. They help provide a sense of community, opportunities for professional development and a platform to amplify your voice with individuals who you may not regularly interact with. By being authentic, seeking support and embracing opportunities, you can bring your true self to work and help contribute to a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

[custom_quote text="By being authentic, seeking support and embracing opportunities, you can bring your true self to work and help contribute to a more inclusive and equitable workplace."]

<strong><em>In celebration of Pride Month and Juneteenth, can you share a personal story or insight on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the accounting profession, and how it has shaped your experience?</em> </strong>

In my experience, diversity, equity and inclusion in the accounting profession is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows for diverse perspectives and experiences to be considered, which can lead to more holistic and innovative solutions. Second, it fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance for individuals from underrepresented communities, helping them to thrive and contribute. Lastly, an inclusive profession can benefit society by confirming accounting practices and decisions reflect the needs and interests of stakeholders. Being an openly queer woman of color in the accounting profession has motivated me to be a visible face for those who may feel unseen or unheard. I believe that representation matters and that seeing someone who looks like you and shares similar experiences can be incredibly empowering.

<strong><em>Have you been able to support the LGBTQ community using your accounting career? If so, tell us how.</em> </strong>

Through my accounting career, I have been able to support the LGBTQ+ community, particularly through my involvement in the PwC US Shine and Black Inclusion Networks. I’m proud to have recently moderated a national Lesbian Visibility Day panel discussion hosted by the Shine Inclusion Network. I had the opportunity to facilitate a discussion on the experiences and challenges faced by lesbian individuals within the accounting profession to help amplify their voices and create a space for dialogue and support. The discussion provided a platform for lesbian professionals to share their stories, insights and strategies for success.

Furthermore, my involvement in PwC’s Black Inclusion Network has allowed me to advocate for the intersectionality of being both Black and queer and has provided a platform to address the unique challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of race and sexual orientation. Through this advocacy, I have worked to continue fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all individuals, regardless of their identities.

[custom_quote text="I had the opportunity to facilitate a discussion on the experiences and challenges faced by lesbian individuals within the accounting profession to help amplify their voices and create a space for dialogue and support. "]

Commemorating Juneteenth & Pride Month: Lauryn Johnson

Accounting+ is a nationwide campaign expanding the pipeline of diverse accountants. Operating under the belief that you can’t be what you can’t see, Accounting+ is introducing the next generation of students to the limitless possibilities a career in accounting holds,...

Accounting+ Academic Resource Hub

Welcome to the first edition of Bold Ambition in 2024, the quarterly newsletter from the Center for Audit Quality that brings you insights, resources, and tools on the latest DEI updates in the accounting profession.

March is Women’s History Month, and...

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-14024" src="https://thecaqstg.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Header_LB_1200x400_600x200.png" alt="Bold Ambition Quarterly with Liz Barentzen" width="650" height="163" />

Welcome to the first edition of Bold Ambition in 2024, the quarterly newsletter from the Center for Audit Quality that brings you insights, resources, and tools on the latest DEI updates in the accounting profession.

March is Women’s History Month, and women have come so far in so many ways. Of particular relevance, this <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/02/27/for-womens-history-month-a-look-at-gender-gains-and-gaps-in-the-us/">recent Pew Research study</a> shows how women now outnumber men in the US college-educated workforce. However, we cannot lose sight of the remaining inequities that exist, especially for Black women, whose share of college degrees is 10% lower relative to white women.  I applaud <a href="https://www.axios.com/2021/03/10/goldman-investing-inequality-black-women?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioscloser&amp;stream=top">Goldman Sach’s recent commitment of $10 billion</a> to address the disproportionate gender and racial biases Black women have faced for generations. Accounting is a career that can change social mobility.

While Accounting+'s purpose is to widen the accounting talent pipeline and increase diversity across the profession, we believe this initiative has the potential to ultimately help to close the earnings and wealth gaps, that are most acute for Black women.

In this edition, we’ll take a look at the latest talent initiatives from the CAQ, including an annual report on Accounting+, highlight a few upcoming events, and spotlight the latest in the accounting shortage.

<em>Please note that these perspectives are my own. If this email was forwarded to you, <a href="https://go.thecaq.org/l/834983/2020-04-22/fskb">subscribe here</a> so that you never miss an update.</em>

<hr />

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-14025" src="https://thecaqstg.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Header_LB_1200x400_600x200_Aupdate.png" alt="Accounting+ Update" width="650" height="163" />
<h3><strong>Accounting+ Releases Annual Report</strong></h3>
The CAQ recently released the second Annual Report for Accounting+, a national campaign and platform focused on raising awareness of an accounting career at the high school and early college levels.

We have seen extraordinary results since the campaign was launched. We have demonstrably shifted students’ ingrained misconceptions about the necessary skillsets needed for a career in accounting and created greater exposure to and connection with accounting careers.

Key highlights reported in 2023 include:
<ul>
 	<li>We met students where they were – with 12+ million website visits and 65,000+ new subscribers who opted to learn more about accounting.</li>
 	<li>We reached students in the classroom – over 40,000 during the 2022-23 academic year through our partnership with EVERFI.</li>
 	<li>We continue to see progress toward our overarching goal of increasing student awareness of accounting careers and of an accounting profession that mirrors society at large. At the conclusion of 2023, we saw significant growth in student interest, with more than 65k students subscribing to learn more about Accounting+.</li>
</ul>
I’m incredibly proud of what this campaign, with the collective dedication of our 46 partners, has been able to achieve in two years. Looking ahead to 2024, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continued growth and expanding our reach.

<a href="https://www.thecaq.org/accounting-annual-report">Download our full 2024 report</a> for more on what Accounting+ has accomplished and what we plan to achieve in the coming year.
<h3><strong>Accounting+ Hosts Spring Student Events</strong></h3>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-14665" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024_03_BA_Event-Image-3-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" />  <img class="alignnone wp-image-14666" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024_03_BA_Event-Image-2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" />

In furtherance of our efforts to reach students where they are, Accounting+ is hosting several events this Spring:

Key highlights reported in 2023 include:
<ul>
 	<li>The CAQ continues to host “Accounting for your Future” events with partner EVERFI. The events allow Accounting+ partners to volunteer their time to interact directly with students in cities across the country. Our most recent event took place in Dallas- you can check out our impact in action <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bertrand-maimo-cpa-mba-39568971_inspiringleadership-cpalife-publicaccounting-activity-7169404718476189699-V6mp/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">here</a>. Our next event will be in Newark.</li>
 	<li>The CAQ will partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a new “Steelers Showcase” event to expose students from Western Pennsylvania to the possibilities of a career in accounting. Steelers alumni Charlie Batch, whose career as a quarterback spanned 15 seasons and two NFL Super Bowls, will be there to connect with students about his career path and accounting experiences.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>CAQ Podcast Addresses the Talent Pipeline Shortage</strong></h3>
Amid significant investments by the accounting profession in talent and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), there remains a pipeline crunch and lack of progress in moving the diversity needle. In this episode, Julie Bell Lindsay speaks with two leaders, Guylaine Saint Juste, President and CEO of NABA, Inc., and Mark Taylor, 2023-2024 President of the American Accounting Association and Director of the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy at the University of South Florida, about how they approach the pipeline challenge. The two have different angles but share the same goal: a strong, diverse accounting talent pool.

Listen to the episode here: <a href="https://www.thecaq.org/capital-markets-pulse-episode-3">Podcast | Capital Markets Pulse, Episode 3</a>.

&nbsp;

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-14026" src="https://thecaqstg.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Header_LB_1200x400_600x200_DiversityTalent.png" alt="The latest in Diversity &amp; Talent" width="650" height="163" />
<h3><strong>Firm Leaders Discuss DEI Amid Political Headwinds</strong></h3>
As a result of the Supreme Court's Affirmative Action ruling, organizations are taking a fresh look at their DEI programs. But DEI “remains a business imperative,” <a href="https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2024/01/19/kpmg-u-s-chief-paul-knopp-talks-ai-pro-growth-policies-and-dei/100365/">according</a> to Paul Knopp, CEO at KPMG. According to Knopp, for businesses to remain sustainable, they must attract a population that reflects the increasingly diverse demographics in the U.S.  This sentiment was echoed by PwC US’s Chief People Officer Yolanda Seals-Coffield in <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/20d1646d-2039-40de-abe1-f2270830b01f">an interview</a> with the Financial Times, “Our commitment to attract the most diverse and dynamic group of professionals hasn’t changed. Our commitment to cultivating an environment where all our professionals can thrive hasn’t changed. How we get there may face a few hurdles that it didn’t a year ago.”

These stances by our Accounting+ partners are supported by the fact that many prospective employees strongly consider DEI practices when evaluating a prospective employer. <a href="https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/professional-insights/pro-accountants-the-future/global-talent-trends-2024.html#:~:text=Hybrid%20working%20is%20slowly%20gaining,full%20time%20office%20working%20arrangements.">According</a> to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Global Talent Trends Survey, 73% of respondents say strong diversity and inclusivity culture is a key factor in choosing an employer. This is especially true for Gen Z, who <a href="https://www.thecaq.org/boldambition">prioritize</a> working in an environment that is welcoming to people of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Zach Donah, the new CEO of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, so eloquently stated in <a href="https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/masscpas-ceo-aims-to-build-accounting-pipeline">Accounting Today</a>, how in the face of DEI backlash, we must remain focused on a data-driven approach to increase representation across the profession, "Especially when you look at the next generation and the data on Gen Z and millennials — from a consumer behavior standpoint and an employee standpoint — it's not even a question for a lot of these folks anymore who they want to work for, who they want to buy products from. I think that's true for clients too. Clients want to work with organizations that represent the communities that they're serving."
<h3><strong>The Profession Focuses on Female Accountants During Women’s History Month</strong></h3>
As I mentioned above, women now outnumber men in the US college workforce (60% of new enrollees are women). However, a gap persists in the accounting profession. In this article, Tifphani White-King of Mazars <a href="https://news.bloombergtax.com/tax-insights-and-commentary/reshaping-perceptions-will-help-more-female-accountants-thrive">shares how</a> empowering growth and reshaping perceptions of women in the accounting industry will create a more equitable environment. She shares that accountants must tell a “compelling story about what makes their profession vibrant and active” to combat misconceptions that prospective women accountants might hold, such as that accounting is just “number crunching.” She also notes that with women holding just 39% of partnership positions firms must do more to achieve balanced representation.

<img class="wp-image-14667 aligncenter" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Header_LB_1200x400_600x200_Spotlight_V2.png" alt="" width="650" height="163" />

Each quarter, I’ll spotlight an individual (or two) within the accounting profession who is driving diversity within accounting. In recognition of both Women’s History Month this month, and Black History Month last month, I’m spotlighting two individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession.

Hear from them on important topics, including the history of diversity in accounting and how they champion diversity within accounting:

<img class="size-full wp-image-14499 aligncenter" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024_02_Kecia-Williams-Smith_Headshot.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />

Professor Kecia Williams Smith, Ph.D., CPA, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, spotlights interesting facts and milestones about diversity in the accounting profession, including information on the first HBCUs, NABA, and various efforts to improve diversity within accounting in this <a href="https://www.thecaq.org/aia-black-history-month-a-walk-down-memory-lane">blog</a>. In a separate <a href="https://www.thecaq.org/aia-ladies-first-recognizing-accounting-trailblazers-for-womens-history-month">blog</a>, she recognizes accounting trailblazers for Women’s History Month.

<img class="size-full wp-image-14500 aligncenter" src="https://www.thecaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024_02_Yousdad-Celne_Headshot.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />

In this blog, Yousdad Celne, Associate at PwC US, recounts how her parents, Haitian immigrants, taught her the value of education. This led her to ultimately pursue a career in accounting and inspired her to champion diversity within the profession. Read her story <a href="https://www.thecaq.org/aia-black-history-month-feature-yousdad-celne">here</a>.​​​​​

Do you have questions about Bold Ambition or Accounting+? Send them to jgermain@thecaq.org, and we'll answer them in our newsletter next quarter.

Happy Spring, readers. Enjoy the increasingly warm temperatures – I’ll be back with updates on Accounting+ and DEI this summer.

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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><em>Liz Barentzen</em></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Vice President, Operations and Talent Initiatives</em></p>


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<em>Liz Barentzen is the Vice President, Operations and Talent Initiatives at the Center for Audit Quality, where she oversees day-to-day and long-term strategic operations, as well as leads and advances strategic profession-wide initiatives to attract and retain talent.</em>

<em>Barentzen has 20 years of experience in Human Capital and is an Associate Certified Coach through the Georgetown Leadership Coaching program. A member of the New York Bar, she holds a JD from Brooklyn Law School and a BA in psychology from New York University. Liz also serves as a member of the American Accounting Association's (AAA) Board of Trustees, where she helps to guide and facilitate the programming and activities of the AAA.</em>

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