WOM23SS03. Leading Change: Women in Tech, presented by Wolters Kluwer

Opportunities for women in accounting have only expanded over the last few years. While historically, leadership positions have been rather homogeneous – much like other tech-heavy industries – these organizations are starting to rethink how they’re structured, hiring, and leveraging technology to drive growth. They’re even starting to be led by a more diverse group of people. Now and in the future, non-traditional career paths will only increase, and organizations as individuals place other priorities first. Firms, in particular, need to recognize, plan for, and support non-traditional career paths, particularly those in data, analytics, and other new and emerging technologies. So how does an industry that has notoriously struggled with a lack of diversity and tends to resist change support alternative career paths and take advantage of the benefits that come with a diverse leadership team? How can individuals be successful while championing continued progress in the industry? What opportunities are there for accountants and CPAs who are interested in less traditional career paths? Join Cathy Rowe, Vice President and Segment Leader of the Professional Market, Colleen Knuff, Vice President of Product Management for Audit, and Erin Leckie, Director of Technology for Tax, as they discuss the choices that led them to careers in the accounting technology industry, and how their experience in accounting and as CPAs contributed to where they are today. Gain insights from this powerful group of women as they share their unique journeys to success, explore how they balance achievement and success, and offer practical advice for anyone aspiring to thrive in tech-heavy fields such as accounting, finance, and accounting technology.

So how does an industry that has notoriously struggled with a lack of diversity and tends to resist change support alternative career paths and take advantage of the benefits that come with a diverse leadership team? How can individuals be successful while championing continued progress in the industry? What opportunities are there for accountants and CPAs who are interested in less traditional career paths?

Join Cathy Rowe, Vice President and Segment Leader of the Professional Market, Colleen Knuff, Vice President of Product Management for Audit, and Erin Leckie, Director of Technology for Tax, as they discuss the choices that led them to careers in the accounting technology industry, and how their experience in accounting and as CPAs contributed to where they are today.

Gain insights from this powerful group of women as they share their unique journeys to success, explore how they balance achievement and success, and offer practical advice for anyone aspiring to thrive in tech-heavy fields such as accounting, finance, and accounting technology.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify non-traditional career paths that are open to CPAs and non-CPAs alike. The career ladder is a misnomer; each person’s path to success should be individualized to support their needs.
• Recognize strategies for balancing authenticity and success. It is possible to be authentic to who you are and be successful in your chosen field.
• Indicate effective mentoring and support strategies. To continue to affect change, when we succeed, it’s important to reach back and pull others up with us.