Critical Business Lessons for Women in Accounting

Mentoring future leaders

Mentoring the next generation of female accounting-firm leaders is imperative in my role at The Bonadio Group. Growing the talents of our workforce not only impacts the success of our firm, but also improves the viability of the accounting industry. Since my start more than 15 years ago, I have made it my personal mission to share the critical business lessons I’ve learned along the way with the women I’ve had the pleasure to lead. 

The five key mantras I have found most helpful in my career include the following:

Know when to say “yes”
Opportunities will arise for you when you least expect them, which makes it even more challenging to make the right decision. These situations often come up at the worst possible time (busy season, vacation time, etc.). Just because an opportunity is there for the taking, it doesn’t always mean that it’s right for you or your career. Take the necessary time to make a well-informed decision about the prospect at hand and discuss it with someone you trust. An unbiased mentor can help you drill down to the important issues you face so you can make an informed decision. This kind of thoughtful approach can provide peace of mind — no matter the outcome.

Know when to say “no”
The word “no” is often the hardest word to say. I’ve found this to be especially true when it comes to career development. Being the go-to girl or being asked to complete a special project or task by a manager or supervisor always seems like a great opportunity. As many of you can relate, early in your career, you would likely jump at the chance to help your leadership team, knowing that it could directly impact your career trajectory. Although it might feel like you should always take advantage of these opportunities for engagement, saying “no” sometimes is important. Think carefully about the additional tasks you may take on and align yourself with leaders that value your time and talent. 

Redefine success continually
As you evolve at work and in your personal life, your definition of success continues to develop. Once I became a partner, I had to redefine what my next career achievement would be. With my days as a fledgling accountant in the rear view mirror, I can now place more emphasis on my achievements outside of the office. Thankfully, as you advance in your career, you’re afforded more opportunities to make your personal life a priority. You’ve earned greater autonomy. Remember: work hard, play hard, and enjoy your life outside of the office. 

Be bold
Okay, there’s a trick here — be bold, but not too bold. Being bold gets you noticed, but being too bold can negatively affect your career. Take chances and ask for what you want, but also be reasonable.

Be yourself
This is the best advice I can give anyone. It is clearly evident when you are trying to be someone you’re not. Each person’s career is unique based on his or her personality and skillset. My career path to partner was different than those of my colleagues. Use your personality traits to differentiate yourself from the pack and seek out opportunities that are best suited to your strengths. 

I am outgoing by nature, and throughout my career, I have gravitated toward opportunities that involve a lot of interaction with people. This includes getting involved in marketing initiatives and training that allows me to use my natural skills to serve as an ambassador for the firm and boost my career at the same time. 

You might have heard your parents say that they want to do more for you than the previous generation did for them; I take the same approach with individuals that I mentor. I know they will face myriad unique challenges as they rise through the ranks, but I will always impart the words of wisdom I wish someone had shared with me.         

Jamie Keiser, CPA, is a partner at The Bonadio Group. Contact her at jkeiser@bonadio.com.