In Episodes #14 and #15 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing the dynamic Jaclyn Badeau, CPA, CGMA, founder of Badeau Consulting. With a passion for leadership and a knack for simplifying human interaction in professional settings, Jaclyn shared invaluable insights about her CPA journey and advice for young accounting professionals looking to maximize their opportunities. From her high school days in Maysville, Kentucky, to leading organizations through employee engagement strategies, Jaclyn’s story is both inspiring and actionable.
Discovering the Path to Accounting
Jaclyn’s introduction to accounting came through a part-time high school job at a manufacturing company. Working under the CFO, she got curious about the profession and found joy in solving financial puzzles through tasks like bank reconciliations. Her curiosity led her to take an accounting class, cementing her decision to major in accounting in college.
“It felt like solving a big puzzle,” Jaclyn shared. “And that natural curiosity stayed with me throughout my career.”
Takeaway: If you’re exploring careers, tap into your curiosity and test the waters through internships or part-time roles. The early exposure can clarify your direction.
Tackling the CPA Exam with Strategy
Balancing full-time work, an MBA program, and CPA exam preparation sounds daunting, but Jaclyn tackled it with a clear plan:
- Set a timeline: Jaclyn aimed to pass all four sections in six months, starting her studies right after tax season.
- Break it down: She allocated specific weeks to study each section, leveraging evenings and weekends for preparation.
- Stay focused: “The last few days before an exam, I reviewed intensively but avoided new material,” she advised.
Her disciplined approach paid off, earning her the Elijah Watt Sells Award for high exam scores.
Actionable Tip: Create a realistic study plan tailored to your schedule. Choose a prep course that suits your learning style and stick to a structured routine.
Public vs. Private Accounting: Finding Your Fit
Jaclyn’s career transitioned from public accounting, where she focused on audit, to private industry at a publicly traded company. While public accounting offered diverse client interactions and rapid learning opportunities, private industry allowed her to delve deeply into business operations and leadership.
“Accounting is the hub of a business,” she explained. “You see everything, from marketing strategies to sales operations. That exposure was invaluable.”
Key Insight: Your career path doesn’t have to be linear. Consider what drives you—client interaction, deep industry knowledge, or leadership development—and pursue roles that align with your interests.
Leadership and Employee Engagement
As the founder of Badeau Consulting, Jaclyn focuses on leadership coaching, training, and consulting to enhance employee engagement. Her passion lies in helping organizations humanize leadership and develop high-performing teams.
She emphasized the importance of communication and curiosity in career success: “Over-communicate, ask questions, and always seek to understand the why behind things.”
Actionable Tip: Develop your leadership skills early by seeking out mentorship opportunities, volunteering for challenging projects, and embracing feedback.
Addressing the CPA Pipeline Challenges
Jaclyn acknowledged the declining number of CPA candidates and highlighted ways to tackle the pipeline issue:
- Early Awareness: “We need to educate high school students about the profession. Many don’t even know what accounting entails,” she said.
- Adapting to Change: Firms should embrace flexible work arrangements and innovative practices to attract and retain talent.
- Emphasizing Opportunities: “A CPA license opens doors to diverse career paths. It’s about maximizing your opportunities,” she encouraged.
Call to Action for Firms: Invest in student outreach, mentorship programs, and work culture enhancements to inspire the next generation of CPAs.
Work-Life Integration: A Sustainable Approach
Instead of striving for “work-life balance,” Jaclyn advocates for “work-life integration.” By scheduling deliberate time for vacations, setting boundaries, and prioritizing what matters, she finds time to run her business, volunteer extensively, and recharge.
“You’re one human,” she reminded. “Schedule what makes you happy and communicate it effectively.”
Practical Advice: Use your calendar to block personal time. Honor those commitments as much as your professional ones.
Volunteering: Building Community and Professional Growth
Jaclyn’s volunteering efforts, such as her role as Treasurer of the Girl Scouts in Kentucky, align with her passion for leadership development. “Find causes that resonate with you,” she advised. “Volunteering not only gives back but also opens doors to networking and leadership opportunities.”
Quick Tip: Start small by joining a local committee or mentoring students. Align your efforts with your passions for a fulfilling experience.
Maximizing Opportunities: Key Traits for Success
Jaclyn’s mantra for young professionals is simple: Be curious, communicate effectively, and advocate for yourself.
“I’ll be your number two advocate, but you have to be number one,” she said. “Ask questions, seek feedback, and be proactive about your goals.”
Actionable Steps:
- Identify certifications or degrees that align with your goals.
- Volunteer for stretch assignments at work to build new skills.
- Maintain open communication with mentors and supervisors about your aspirations.
Jaclyn Badeau’s career exemplifies the power of curiosity, leadership, and intentionality in the accounting profession. Whether you’re a student, an early-career accountant, or a seasoned professional, her insights offer a roadmap to success.
If you enjoyed these insights, tune in to Episode #14 and #15 of the CPA Career Paths podcast for the full conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more tips and advice to master your CPA journey and thrive in your career!