In episodes #46 and #47 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I hosted Okorie Ramsey, Vice President of Sarbanes-Oxley at Kaiser Permanente and immediate past chair of the AICPA. Okorie’s career journey, spanning over three decades, is a testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership in the accounting profession. This blog distills key takeaways from their conversation, featuring his impactful quotes and actionable advice, including Okorie’s six principles of leadership.
Discovering the Accounting Spark: A Journey from High School
“I learned about the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flows in a simulation course, and I never looked back,” Okorie shared, reminiscing about his high school years. This early exposure to accounting gave him the foundational knowledge and passion to major in the field in college.
His career began with internships at Coopers & Lybrand and Arthur Andersen, which he described as “priceless opportunities to learn and grow.” These experiences honed his technical skills and laid the groundwork for a successful career.
Takeaway: Early exposure to accounting principles can ignite a passion and provide a competitive edge for aspiring professionals.
Navigating Career Pivots: Public and Private Sector Experience
Okorie’s journey is marked by strategic moves between public accounting firms and private sector roles. After beginning at Coopers & Lybrand (predecessor to PWC), he transitioned to Arthur Andersen, then to Robert Half, and later back to public accounting with EY.
Reflecting on these transitions, Okorie stated, “Careers are rarely linear. It’s about recognizing when it’s time to move on and being intentional about the next step.” His ability to adapt and leverage relationships enabled him to excel in diverse environments.
Takeaway: Strategic pivots and strong networks are essential for long-term career success.
Aligning Values with Work: The Move to Kaiser Permanente
Joining Kaiser Permanente was a pivotal moment for Okorie. “It’s a mission-driven organization that aligns with my personal values,” he explained. At Kaiser, he combined his expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley compliance with a focus on delivering value to both the organization and its stakeholders.
Takeaway: Seek opportunities that align with your values and allow you to make a broader impact.
Top Trends Shaping the Accounting Profession
Okorie highlighted key trends influencing the accounting field:
- Work-Life Integration: “I’m not a work-life balance person; I believe in work-life integration. It’s about being where you need to be, when you need to be there.”
- Purpose-Driven Work: “Younger professionals want a sense of purpose. They’re not just looking for a paycheck but a meaningful contribution.”
- Technology and AI: “We must embrace technology, not shy away from it. AI and automation can transform the way we analyze data and make decisions.”
- Pipeline Challenges: “We need to address the cost of education, diverse career paths, and evolving expectations to attract and retain talent.”
Takeaway: Professionals must stay adaptable, embrace lifelong learning, and align their goals with evolving industry trends.
The Six Principles of Leadership
Okorie’s leadership philosophy centers on six principles that resonate across professions:
- You Are More Than Your Career: “To whom much is given, much is required,” Okorie emphasized. “You are a spouse, parent, community leader—not just your job title.”
- Develop Technical Skills Early: “What got you here won’t keep you here. Always be learning and adding value.”
- Build Relationships: “Cultivate broad networks and be genuine in your connections. Relationships can open doors you never anticipated.”
- Know When It’s Time to Move On: “Don’t get stuck. Recognize when a role no longer aligns with your growth and pivot.”
- Develop Your Personal Brand: “What are you known for? Align your actions with the reputation you want to build.”
- Think Beyond Yourself: “The greatest rewards come from helping others. Focus on contributing to the success of others.”
Takeaway: These principles provide a roadmap for navigating challenges and thriving as a leader.
Building Relationships: A Key to Success
“Relationships are everything,” Okorie stated. He credited much of his career growth to the connections he nurtured over time. One pivotal moment was securing his role at EY through a professional relationship developed while serving on a board.
“It’s not about what someone can do for you. Contribute first, and the returns will come naturally,” he advised.
Takeaway: Focus on building meaningful relationships through genuine contributions and shared goals.
Embracing Technology and AI
Okorie’s insights on AI and automation are particularly relevant in today’s accounting landscape. “AI can enhance efficiency and help us analyze data at scale. But it’s up to us to interpret and validate the results,” he explained. He emphasized combining technological expertise with critical thinking to stay competitive.
Takeaway: Leverage AI to enhance your work but retain the human element of analysis and decision-making.
A Personal Note: The Importance of Fun and Family
“You have to make time for what matters,” Okorie said. Whether it’s family time, reading, or participating in an investment club, he stressed the importance of balance. “Put yourself in uncomfortable positions to grow, but know when to pause and focus on your priorities.”
Takeaway: Growth and success come from balancing professional ambitions with personal fulfillment.
Recommended Reading and Final Advice
Okorie recommended books such as The Speed of Trust and The Goal to enhance both professional and personal growth. “Be a lifelong learner. Read, listen to podcasts, and invest in yourself,” he advised.
In closing, he reiterated his six principles and encouraged new CPAs: “You are more than your career. Develop your skills, build relationships, and focus on making a difference. Success will follow.”
Takeaway: Continuous learning and a commitment to growth are the keys to thriving in any profession.
Okorie’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership, adaptability, and purpose are the cornerstones of a successful career. What principle resonates most with you?
And don’t forget to tune into the CPA Career Paths podcast for more inspiring stories and actionable tips!