In Episodes #21 and #22 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Denise, President and CEO of CalCPA, about her fascinating journey in the accounting world. We delved into her career milestones, the evolving role of accountants, and her invaluable advice for young professionals navigating the field. If you’re curious about building a thriving career as a CPA, this episode’s insights are for you.
Why Accounting? Denise’s Serendipitous Start
Denise began her career not out of deliberate choice but through a twist of fate. She shared: “I was initially heading down the health career path, but the program I wanted was closed. My mom said, ‘You’re good at math; try accounting.’ So I did, and I fell in love with the analytical side.”
Her journey emphasizes that it’s okay to stumble into a career—what matters is finding purpose and passion along the way. For Denise, the beauty of accounting lies in its problem-solving nature: “Accounting is like solving a puzzle; it’s about connecting the pieces to understand the bigger picture.“
Dispelling Myths: It’s Not Just About Numbers
Many assume accounting is all about math, but Denise pointed out that modern accounting goes beyond numbers.
- Key Skills:
- Communication and relationship-building
- Analytical thinking
- Storytelling through financial data
She explained, “Anyone can analyze numbers, but only a CPA can tell the story behind them.” With tools like Excel and AI automating calculations, accountants now focus on crafting narratives that drive business decisions.
Building Trust and Integrity as a CPA
When asked why she pursued the CPA designation, Denise’s response was compelling: “It’s about credibility and integrity. CPAs are trusted advisors, similar to doctors or lawyers. We uphold ethical standards and help businesses make dreams come true.”
Denise highlighted how the CPA designation positions professionals as ethical leaders. She emphasized the importance of “fact and appearance”—if it doesn’t look ethical, it’s not.
Tips for Young Professionals: The Path to Success
Denise shared her top advice for those starting their accounting careers:
- Be Curious:
- “Always ask why. Curiosity drives deeper understanding and helps uncover the story behind the numbers.”
- Communicate Effectively:
- She recommended the book Smart Brevity to improve concise communication skills.
- Find Mentors and Sponsors:
- “Mentors guide you; sponsors advocate for you. Both are essential for career growth.”
- Denise’s sponsor once helped her find a new role when growth opportunities were limited at her current job.
- Embrace Technology:
- AI and automation are reshaping the profession. Denise urged young professionals to lean into technology and stay ahead of the curve: “The internet didn’t go away, and neither will AI.”
- Develop Resilience:
- “Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.”
Navigating Challenges: Leadership and Balance
Denise’s career progression from senior accountant to CEO wasn’t without challenges. She attributed her success to:
- Listening and Connecting:
- “Good leaders connect the dots for their teams and clients.”
- Prioritizing Family and Self-Care:
- “Family comes first. And remember to put your oxygen mask on first—you can’t help others if you’re not in a good place.”
- Setting Boundaries:
- “Focus on the big rocks. You can’t do everything, so prioritize what truly matters.”
The Role of Community in Career Growth
Denise emphasized the power of community in advancing your career:
- Building Connections:
- “Go to events, ask questions, and engage. People want to help you succeed.”
- Leveraging Associations:
- Organizations like CalCPA provide invaluable networking and professional development opportunities.
Denise’s advice for introverts? Start small. “Say hi at your first event, introduce yourself at the next. It’s all about progress.”
Embracing Change: The Future of Accounting
Technology is revolutionizing the accounting profession, but Denise sees it as an opportunity.
- Strategic Focus:
- “With automation handling routine tasks, accountants can focus on strategy and analysis.”
- AI Assurance:
- “CPAs will play a critical role in ensuring the credibility of AI-driven data.”
Her advice? “Don’t get left behind. Stay curious and embrace new tools.”
Final Words of Wisdom
Denise’s closing advice was simple yet powerful: “Keep moving. Whether it’s forward, sideways, or even backward, every step teaches you something. The key is to stay open and never stop growing.”
She also stressed the importance of finding the right fit: “If your current role doesn’t suit you, don’t leave the profession. Find a place that aligns with your goals.”
If Denise’s insights resonated with you, subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more expert tips and advice to master your CPA journey. Together, we’ll navigate the ever-evolving world of accounting and find success in every step.