Women in Accounting: Brown Plus Associates
March is Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, Brown Plus will be featuring insights from our female accounting team members at all levels, highlighting their many different paths through the accounting profession.
For this Women’s History Month interview series, we’ve asked our Associates what initiatives within the Firm have been helpful in supporting their career development, what is their perception of gender diversity in the accounting profession and what advice would they give to a college senior who is pursuing an accounting career.
Are there initiatives or programs within the Firm or the accounting profession that have been effective in supporting your career development?
“The Brown Plus Emerging Professionals (BEP) Group has been effective in supporting my career development within the Firm. The BEP Group is a professional development group for team members with less than eight years of experience to network and explore topics related to career development.”
Gabriella Licata, Audit Senior Associate
What is your perception of gender diversity in the accounting profession?
“Seeing more women as Principals and Senior Managers is empowering for younger women in the industry or those aspiring to join the accounting profession.”
Gabriella Licata, Audit Senior Associate
“Our Firm exhibits impressive gender diversity throughout our team. We have some amazing women to look up to, in all positions at our Firm. It’s a real inspiration to know that there are no limits on your career when you start at Brown Plus.“
Aspen Longhurst, CPA, MAcc, Tax Senior Associate
“In the past, accounting was a more male-dominated field; however, more and more women seem to be pursuing a career in accounting. Day by day, the accounting field is increasingly embracing diversity and equality, and the contributions of not only women, but also people of color within the field continue to enrich and strengthen the profession for those of us in it now and for generations to come. While challenges still exist, progress has been made and women continue to break barriers and shape the profession. At Brown Plus, I think we do a great job of advocating for workplace inclusivity. The Firm makes it a priority to create an inclusive company culture that benefits all staff across the board. As a woman in the accounting industry, I feel I have been given the proper tools to achieve extraordinary outcomes and prosper in my career.”
Trinity Benedict, Tax Senior Associate
“I feel as though gender diversity is growing in the accounting profession. At Brown Plus, this is emphasized. We have many successful women in various roles across the Firm. They serve as great mentors to all young women joining the profession. Through these successful women, I have learned that the possibilities are limitless with hard work and dedication!”
Madisyn Deller, Tax Associate
What advice would you give to a college senior who is pursuing an accounting career?
“Take advantage of the career/job fairs your school offers. They are a great opportunity to learn more about the accounting industry as well as find job opportunities.”
Gabriella Licata, Audit Senior Associate
“Accounting is a fun, unique career that is very different in practice than its stereotype. While we do work hard during tax season and extension season, there is so much more to accounting than those months of the year. I have built some life-long friendships in my co-workers, and I truly enjoy coming to work every day. We know how to celebrate being done with tax season, and the Firm really allows you to create a work-life balance. Don’t let the stereotypes scare you away from what could be an incredible career. If your end goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), keep studying when you are done with school. That’s the best time to begin studying for the exams, because you are still in the learning mindset. It will help your career drastically to get your CPA finished in the first few years. “
Aspen Longhurst, CPA, MAcc, Tax Senior Associate
“If I could provide any type of advice to a college student pursuing accounting, it would be to diversify your work experience. I think it is so beneficial to gain experience in tax, auditing and general bookkeeping. It not only helps you find your niche, but it also makes you more marketable. I would say that it is important to seek new learning opportunities and new ways to become more knowledgeable. Although it might be easy to follow the way things have been done in the past, there are always new ways to complete work more efficiently.”
Trinity Benedict, Tax Senior Associate
“I would tell a college senior who is pursuing an accounting career to go into the workplace with an open mindset. There are many different niches in an accounting career, and you never know where you may find your passion. Be open to working on new things – learning never stops in accounting!”
Madisyn Deller, Tax Associate
If you are interested in learning more about Brown Plus, check our open employment opportunities to join our team!