In Episodes #29 and #30 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Lindsay Stevenson, CPA, CGMA, and Chief Transformation Officer at BPM. Lindsay’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and transformation. From being a young mom with dreams of Broadway to becoming a leader in the accounting profession, Lindsay’s journey is a testament to the boundless opportunities in accounting. In this blog, I’ll unpack her inspiring story and share the invaluable advice she offered to young professionals considering a CPA career.
Starting Out: Finding Purpose Through Challenges
Lindsay’s journey into accounting wasn’t linear. As an 18-year-old aspiring Broadway star, life threw her a curveball: she became a mom. She pivoted, taking night classes at a community college while working full-time. It was during an Accounting 101 class that her professor saw her potential and suggested a career in accounting.
“I thought numbers were boring,” Lindsay admitted, “but the flexibility and growth opportunities made me reconsider.”
After earning her associate degree, Lindsay transferred to Gonzaga University, where professors nurtured her curiosity and transformed her perspective on accounting.
Takeaway for Young Professionals: Don’t be afraid to pivot. Sometimes, challenges lead you to unexpected and rewarding paths.
Balancing Life as a Student, Mom, and Professional
Lindsay’s college years were nothing short of heroic. She juggled raising two young boys, working full-time, and attending school full-time. With the support of her mom, professors, and peers, Lindsay managed to graduate on time despite the obstacles.
“I had a finance professor who would hold my baby during lectures. That sense of community was everything,” she shared.
Tips for Balancing Work and Studies:
- Set Priorities: Focus on what’s most important each day.
- Leverage Your Support System: Family, friends, and mentors can make a significant difference.
- Stay Resilient: Push forward even when life feels overwhelming.
The CPA Exam: Persistence Pays Off
Lindsay’s CPA exam journey was a marathon. Starting in 2008, she faced multiple failures but refused to give up. It wasn’t until 2012, while eight months pregnant, that she passed her final section—a testament to her determination.
“The CPA gods were smiling on me that day,” Lindsay joked, recalling the experience of vomiting into a trash can during the exam.
Motivational Takeaway: Success isn’t about how fast you achieve it but about staying committed to your goals despite setbacks.
Career Adventures: A Twisty Path to Success
From small CPA firms to banking and back to public accounting, Lindsay’s career path was anything but conventional. She described her journey as a “twisty creek,” each turn teaching her something valuable.
- Tax: Her first role after college, offering stability and deep technical expertise.
- Audit: A pivot driven by her desire to learn and grow.
- Banking: A shift to industry work, where she played a pivotal role during the PPP rollout in the pandemic.
Her current role as Chief Transformation Officer at BPM combines her passion for innovation with her accounting expertise.
“It took me seven years to get from compliance to transformation, but I finally got there,” Lindsay reflected.
Career Advice:
- Be open to new opportunities.
- Embrace the flexibility that accounting offers.
- Remember, no two career paths are the same—define your own.
Making Waves in the Profession
Lindsay’s passion for the accounting profession goes beyond her roles. She’s a fierce advocate for innovation, culture transformation, and inclusion within firms. Her belief that accounting is a “choose-your-own-adventure” profession fuels her volunteer work with the AICPA, state societies, and various task forces.
“Accounting can meet people where they are and offer endless opportunities. It’s like a superpower,” she explained.
Key Traits for Success in Accounting:
- Flexibility: Adapt to changes and carve your own path.
- Growth Mindset: Be open to learning and evolving.
- Purpose-Driven Goals: Define success on your own terms.
The Role of AI in Accounting
Lindsay is an advocate for leveraging AI to enhance the profession. She sees tools like AI not as job replacers but as enablers that free accountants to focus on higher-value tasks.
“AI is like the Excel of our generation. It allows us to work smarter and make a bigger impact,” she noted.
Actionable Insight: Embrace technology to elevate your role and add more value to your clients.
Final Thoughts: Why Accounting Matters
For Lindsay, accounting isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making a difference. Whether helping clients navigate complexities or driving firm-wide transformation, she sees her work as impactful and rewarding.
“The coolest thing about being a CPA is the opportunity to change lives through your expertise,” she said.
Lindsay’s journey reminds us that the CPA profession is diverse, flexible, and full of potential. No matter where you start, the possibilities are endless.
If Lindsay’s story inspires you, join our monthly newsletter to stay updated with tips, advice, and resources to master your CPA journey. Let’s build a brighter future in accounting together!