An Experienced Leader’s Perspective: Women Supporting Women

I was honored to be recognized recently as a recipient of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs’ (MSCPA) 10th Annual Women to Watch Awards. This award, in the Experienced Leader category, prompted me to reflect on my career and take stock in what I’ve accomplished.
I’ve been a career-long advocate and regular speaker on the topic of retaining and re-entering women in the accounting profession. Twenty-four years ago, while attending a women CPAs networking event, someone remarked to me about the issue of “women deserting the profession” if they chose to stay home with children or work part time. This remark affected me in a significant and surprising way. I felt strongly that just because people have transitions and families, doesn’t mean they’re deserting! It means we need to be accommodating to attract and retain women. At the time, I was balancing my new family commitments with my career, and had recently transitioned from Deloitte to a part-time role at a Venture Capital firm. This remark was a pivotal driver in my career, and the impetus of my efforts as a leader of workplace initiatives to provide opportunities and exposure for professionals in transition.
As an Experienced Leader, it is my hope that my perspectives (some below) may help provide inspiration or even confirmation to women who aspire to find that magic balance between work and life—especially those in a transition.
Continue reading about the remark that was a pivotal driver in Janice O’Reilly’s, CPA, CGMA, Partner career and her advice to women professionals. >>>