Prosperity Life’s Post

Today is #SocialMobilityAwarenessDay and the theme this year is #ShareMoments so it felt appropriate that I should share some of my own story (those within BDO UK LLP have already seen the full version including baby pic earlier this week) . But before I do this I wanted to reflect on an event I have just attended in Leeds earlier today to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Ahead Partnership. Ahead Partnership was established in 2004 to tackle social disadvantage and connect young people to opportunity. They work with employers to help young people overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. We heard from the inspirational Stephanie Burras CBE on founding Ahead Partnership and its tremendous journey over the past 20 years. Our team at BDO in Leeds has been working with Ahead since 2021 linking our business with schools and pupils in disadvantaged areas of the city. We have held Dragon’s Den events, mock interviewing, career evenings and workplace visits. If some of this can help to make the accountancy sector more accessible to these pupils then we will have made a small step in the right direction.  I reflect on my own story. I grew up in Yorkshire in a working-class family and I was the first in my family to attend university. I found it hard to access the accountancy profession after university and looking back I would say that my lack of detailed awareness of what the job involved and role models that could enlighten me were key in my initial lack of success. I worked in an administrative role for a year after university and found a three partner firm that offered me a training contract to become a Chartered Accountant. I never looked back from that point (now almost 30 years ago) and have enjoyed a really enriching career. I will never forget the challenges I faced. They are not unique, but I believe are illustrative of others from similar backgrounds. I am privileged to be in a position where I can influence locally within BDO to forge the relationship with Ahead Partnership and nationally on other programmes focused on social mobility. It is exciting that BDO UK LLP continues to invest in the 'Explore BDO Insight Programme' aimed at pupils in Year 12 & 13 and designed to improve access into accountancy. For me, this kind of insight and pathway recognises and seeks to address the reality that we don't all have the same starting position in life, and proactive action is required by employers to achieve equity rather than equality. This combined with our newly formed Social Mobility network BRIDGE starts to create some important building blocks for the future. I believe that every person should have the opportunity to achieve their potential, irrespective of background, and this is an ethos I have applied throughout my career. #SocialMobilityAwarenessDay #SMAD #LifeatBDO #AheadPartnership

Alum Highlight: Jackie Reckmann, MBA Meet Jackie, a purpose-driven alumna who earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an MBA at St. Catherine University. Today, she works at Abdo as a manager of the nonprofit advisory team. Her professional journey speaks to the rewards of a career in accounting. In Jackie's own words: "Growing up, did you ever dream of becoming an accountant? Well, I can't say I did either. My childhood aspiration was to become Wonder Woman - to save the world, make a difference, and help people. Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to announce that as an accountant, I'm doing just that.   "I discovered that there are countless ways to make a difference, and I chose to do it through accounting. My journey to this career was unconventional. In my late twenties, I returned to school, fueled by a desire to contribute and support my husband's entrepreneurial journey, by gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of business accounting. "I quickly realized that I could help other entrepreneurs who had the passion but lacked the knowledge to manage their accounting. I could assist them in navigating the maze of business rules and regulations, allowing them to concentrate on their passion - their business. In doing so, I could focus on my passion - helping others. "For years, I worked for non-profit organizations, drawn by the need to contribute to a significant mission. Recently, I transitioned into public accounting - a move I never thought I'd make. But guess what? I found that in public accounting, I could still connect with people and their missions. Now, I'm part of many great missions, not just one.   "While I may not wield the Lasso of Truth or wear the iconic gold tiara, I'm living my dream of being Wonder Woman in my unique way.   "So, here's to all the accountants out there making a difference - we are the unsung heroes in the world of business!" #Accounting #Superpower #WonderWoman #PublicAccounting #Accountant #KatieProud #UnsungHeroes #WomenInBusiness

They wanna know⬇️ Who’s that girl? Hi 👋🏻 I’m Lauren Baptiste 🙋🏻♀️ Former auditor, tax consultant and CPA turned life coach for the profession. A little about me: Type A woman who’s driven by success, and has been from the get-go. Summa cum laude. Varsity cross country team. Got my first (and dream) job at an accounting firm before graduating college. Worked the crazy hours to get ahead. Hit my goals AND sacrificed my free time. Burned out HARD and ended up in an ER. I am not much different than you. The story may be slightly different, but the energy of it likely feels similar. You’re here because stress, overwhelm, and feeling stuck keep showing up in your life. After doing this for 7 years, I’ve learned how to break this cycle. And it’s what I teach my clients. I help my the hardest working women in accounting, law and consulting get off the hamster wheel for good in my 1:1 coaching program Freedom. You deserve a life where things feel easier. - Where work doesn’t dominate 24/7. - Where you can enjoy a vacation completely off. - Where you still be all-in for your clients without sacrificing your well being. It’s real. The women I work with are just like you and getting results like this every day. Book a consultation and learn the exact path to get you exactly where you want to go. Click the 🔗 under my name to get started. #accountinglife #womeninaccounting #coolestprofessionever

Erick Fernandez calls it a speed bump in his early career, but for many, it could have just been too much. 🚗 Fresh out of college, Fernandez wanted to start his career at one of the Big Five firms. If that number seems one more than you’re used to hearing as of late, that’s only the half of it. His second day working at the accounting firm, Arthur Andersen, was September 11, 2001. Along with the list of horrors accompanying those terrorist attacks, it also acted as a morbid exclamation point for the downfall of the dot-com era. Mere months later, Arthur Andersen, seen by most as “too big to fail” before that term had been coined, went down in the Enron scandal. The Big Five was suddenly the Big Four. Fernandez had just gotten out of college. But it didn’t deter the young graduate. He’s now the current chief accounting officer at CareMax, Inc. and is as unshakeable as someone of his C-suite level should be. “Those moments in my early career just felt like speed bumps,” Fernandez says casually. “I understood what was happening, took it all in, but I just knew that I had so much I wanted to accomplish in my career. I just wanted to soak up more experiences, and I just went to work.” Learn more about his success story: https://hubs.la/Q020nGpX0 There’s a critical conversation happening within the business community about what it takes to be a successful Latino leader. Don’t be left out of it. Sign up for our newsletter: https://hubs.la/Q020nCBg0 #HispanicExecMag #Finance #LatinoLeaders

Julie Koschik was recently interviewed by the Ohio Society of CPAs for its CPA Takeaways spotlight. Over the course of Julie Koschik’s 25+ year accounting career, she said the pace of business change has never been faster and that the biggest changes she’s seen to her role have been brought on by the globalization of the economy. She credits quick thinking and embracing technology as key factors in her career success. https://lnkd.in/gA3amR6d #DYUSA #embracetechnology #internationaltax

Majoring in accounting is the first step in laying the groundwork for increased marketability and potentially higher earnings throughout your career. Learn more in this post by Rich Singer of Robert Half. #Chalkboardtalk

My path to the #cpa life has been circuitous but a good ride. I love what I do and have a great team with whom I work. Let me know if I can help you (other than taxes, for which I recommend Sean Queener, CPA ) The University of Georgia Rhodes College Belmont University - Jack C. Massey College of Business #audit #assurance #accounting #consulting #duediligence

5/ Roger G Arrieux Jr, NACD.DC -East Region Market Leader & New York Managing Partner at Deloitte . Significant Accomplishment:Becoming a Deloitte LLP USA Board Council member, and previously being a member of both the Finance and Audit, and the Global Committees.He oversees Deloitte US financial and accounting processes and global issues that impact US Deloitte operations. Education Career: -BS in accounting from Baruch College -MBA, Finance from Columbia Business School What He Does: As a Market Leader& Managing Partner, He drives client and business growth and builds relationships with community organizations of business and civic leaders& facilitates a multi-disciplinary approach towards serving clients, leading corporate citizenship strategy, and creating a model for a diverse, equitable,& inclusive culture. Features In Major Publications : Leaders Magazine, Crain's New York Business, Savoy Next To His Agenda: Shaping a better future for others to thrive & support culture & systems to empower everyone to thrive and reach their full potential. Roles: -Chair of the Black Achievers in Industry Steering Committee -Chair of the Braven New York Board - National Board of Directors of the A Better Chance, Braven and the Greater YMCA of New York -Baruch College Dean Weber's Advisory Council -New York Jobs CEO Council NYS Business Council -Partnership for New York City -Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants -New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants -National Association of Black Accountants Business Interests & Hobbies: A dedicated philanthropist who aspires for social and economic justice who spends spends most of his time counseling people, helping companies and organisations to drive equitable access. His business interests and hobbies include DEI framework, financial education,and community planning. Awards and Recognitions: -Being listed on the 2023 Responsible 100 by City & State of New York -A-list of selfless New Yorkers serving the common good. How He Will Be Remembered: Roger is known for his social impact and influence on creating positive outcomes in the philanthropic sector. He is a DEI champion &a board member of various nonprofit organizations that focus on academic acceleration and excellence. Case In Point Roger is a civic leader, philanthropist,& an advocate for professional development. He is also a transformational leader for his strategic impact, business affair, & passionate commitment to empower people.As a financial expert and business leader with over 35 years of experience, he leverages his regulatory and financial knowledge to advise senior management &board members of public and private companies. He is truly a jewel in human excellence & leadership. A Birthday 🎉 special feature for him … Read, Comment, & Share ! #haitiexecutiveboard, #humanexcellence, #executivespotlight,#haitibrand, #haiti

There are so many benefits to embracing technology to help a small but growing firm. Julie's comments are spot on. Check them out here 👇 #DYUSA #internationaltax #embracetechnology

On the DEI front, following are some thoughts from a respected colleague and accounting specialist. I like what Ron had to say about diversity in noting that it seems there's more success in recruiting, than in retention. With so little representation within so many professions, it can be easier to attract a candidate when you're the only company they interview with that has someone that looks like them. The challenge becomes in creating the environment that induces them to stay and thrive. #dei #diversity #esg #mentorship #accounting