What new opportunities does the Society have to advocate for its members and the profession as
a whole? 

We certainly have challenges to the profession—attracting new individuals to the profession and finding talent, responding to changing legislation, threats to licensure at the state level and balancing remote work, among others. But this is also an exciting time for INCPAS. Indiana’s recent change to allow candidates to sit for the CPA Exam at 120 hours, a new Exam coming in January 2024, advancements in technology, new potential services for CPAs to offer such as client advisory services and ESG, and new INCPAS member sections to offer resources and relationships for specific focus areas.

What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing accounting professionals?

One of the biggest challenges the profession faces that impacts so many other areas is our image. There are certain stereotypes many people have of CPAs, and to be honest most people don’t understand what CPAs really do. This is unfortunately hurting the profession by deterring people and decreasing the pipeline. They don’t understand all the opportunities and different careers a CPA can have—nearly every type of organization employs accounting professionals. 

With constant changes to rules and regulations, technology and the way business is done, companies and organizations rely on their CPA to help them succeed. The services we provide can extend beyond traditional audit and tax.

What do you hope to accomplish during your year as INCPAS Chair?

Be an advocate for the CPA profession and share stories of what CPAs really do to change the common misconceptions. 

How did you become involved with INCPAS and what made you decide to become Chair?

Since becoming a CPA, I’ve always taken some CPE through INCPAS. I work specifically with nonprofit organizations, so early on I served on the Not-for-Profit Conference project team. Since then, I have participated in Leadership Cabinet and the Integrated Report Assurance Committee. I am also involved with the Genesis networking group, a group of eight CPA firms similar in size and services. 

Staying involved in various INCPAS activities allowed me to interact with other CPAs and see firsthand what the Society does for the profession. Serving on the Board has been a great experience that has allowed me to help make a difference. It was an honor to be asked to serve as Chair to continue my involvement through additional meetings with other state leaders at AICPA meetings. 

What skill do you wish you developed earlier in your career? 

By taking classes in college and entering the profession as a new staff member, there is normally a focus on technical skills, which is a part of what we do but not all that we do. Advice and consulting with non-accountants is a huge part of what we do, so learning how to communicate effectively is key to being successful. As you grow in your career and gain more experience, you become better at determining the best way to communicate with different people, but it would have been helpful to have more coaching in this area early on. 

What is the best advice you ever received?

Do the right thing, even when no one is watching. 

What is your favorite memory of being an Indiana CPA Society member?

Through my involvement with the Society, I’ve been able to meet a lot of great people. This past May I participated in visits to Capitol Hill to talk to our legislators about issues facing the CPA profession, which was a wonderful experience. 

Also, in 2018, I received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Society. My husband John, also a CPA, was the emcee for CPA Celebration that year so he was able to announce my name. That was neat!