As the host of CPA Career Paths, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah Flischel, the Director of Audit Transformation and Training at AAF CPAs, in Episodes #42 and #42 of our podcast. Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that challenges can ignite growth, and connections can shape careers. From her first taste of bookkeeping at a small firm to becoming a leader in audit transformation, Sarah shared lessons, insights, and advice that will inspire aspiring and experienced CPAs alike.
Finding Passion in the Challenge
Sarah’s journey into accounting began during her business studies in college. “Accounting was hard,” she admitted, “but I liked the challenge. The debits and credits just clicked in my brain.” Her drive to tackle difficult concepts led her to declare accounting as her major and pursue opportunities that aligned with her newfound passion.
Takeaway: Don’t shy away from challenges. They might be the stepping stone to discovering your true calling.
Early Opportunities and the Power of Mentorship
Sarah’s first accounting job came through babysitting connections. A family she worked for introduced her to a small accounting firm, where she honed her skills in bookkeeping. “It helped make me a good auditor because I understood the client side of things early on,” she explained.
Later, she landed an internship with PwC, one of the Big Four, during the 2009 economic downturn. While the firm wasn’t hiring interns afterward, Sarah valued the experience, saying, “I got to work with larger organizations and see what auditing was like.”
Takeaway: Seek mentorship and embrace every opportunity. Even unexpected connections can lead to meaningful growth.
Navigating Career Transitions
One of the pivotal moments in Sarah’s career was her move to Denver and joining a small nonprofit-focused firm. “I started as a staff auditor and stayed for 13 years, working my way up to partner,” she shared. The small firm environment allowed her to wear many hats, from quality control to annual training facilitation. “It gave me the freedom to explore areas I was passionate about.”
However, Sarah realized her path needed to evolve. “I climbed to the top of the building and realized I was on the wrong one,” she confessed. Through networking and honest conversations, she found her current role at AAF CPAs, where she splits her time between audits and process improvement.
Takeaway: Listen to your instincts. If something feels misaligned, don’t be afraid to pivot and pursue a role that aligns with your passions.
Leveraging Networking for Career Growth
Networking played a significant role in Sarah’s career transitions. From tapping into her sorority alumni network to connecting through the AICPA Leadership Academy, Sarah emphasized the importance of building relationships. “Networking is the gift that keeps on giving,” she said. “It’s not just about taking; it’s about giving back.”
How to Build Your Network:
- Join professional organizations like your state’s CPA society.
- Engage in community groups or activities aligned with your interests.
- Offer mentorship or guidance to those earlier in their career.
Driving Change Through Audit Transformation
One of Sarah’s passions is driving meaningful change in the accounting profession. At AAF CPAs, she’s leading an audit transformation project, evaluating new software to adopt a truly risk-based audit approach. “We need to stop auditing areas just because they’re easy and focus on what really matters,” she stated.
Sarah also discussed the importance of training. “We piloted a mock audit for new hires, giving them hands-on experience with real client data in a safe environment. It’s about preparing them for success,” she explained.
Takeaway: Embrace technology and innovation to make your work more efficient and impactful. Prioritize continuous learning and development.
Balancing Work and Life
As a mother of two young children, Sarah understands the importance of balance. “Life is chaotic, but I find joy in teaching my kids life skills,” she shared. She also finds time for crafting and incorporates tools like her Cricut machine and AI to create personalized gifts.
At work, Sarah practices mindfulness to maintain focus. She introduced an “Attention and Focus” session at her firm, a concept that mimics the accountability of working in an office. “We state our task, work silently for an hour, and celebrate our accomplishments. It’s been very effective,” she noted.
Takeaway: Balance is about finding what fulfills you both professionally and personally. Set boundaries and prioritize activities that recharge you.
Tips for Aspiring CPAs
Before concluding our conversation, Sarah shared advice for those entering the accounting profession:
- Dream Big: “Listen to your heart and pursue what excites you.”
- Leverage Your Network: “Your connections can guide you to opportunities you didn’t know existed.”
- Embrace Change: “Whether it’s switching firms or adopting new technology, change is how you grow.”
- Join the Conversation: Sarah co-founded an audit transformation community to connect professionals working on process improvement. “It’s a space to share experiences and learn from each other,” she said.
Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, connection, and passion. Whether you’re just starting or looking to pivot, her journey reminds us that every step, challenge, and connection matters.
Listen to the full episodes #43 and #43 of CPA Career Paths to hear more from Sarah and gain actionable advice for your career.
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