dedicated and consistent volunteers . I decided it would be a good career for me personally when I was working in wealth management and deciding what kind of post-recession career pivot made the most sense .

Q : What do you enjoy most about being a CPA ? A : This profession offers so many opportunities — CPAs advise business leaders ,

travel to far-flung destinations and reinvent their careers as the world changes .

Q : What attracted you to CalCPA and then CalCPA leadership ? A : As a non-traditional CPA candidate , I knew that networking would be key to starting off in the profession . CalCPA offered the opportunity to meet local leaders and other aspiring CPAs . Once I started attending CalCPA events , I found mentors who helped me with my career journey . I became interested in CalCPA leadership because I wanted to give back in a similar way .

I was inspired to become a CPA because I met cool CPAs who were engaged in community service . When I was running a nonprofit , CPAs were some of my most dedicated and consistent volunteers .

Q : What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the profession ? Facing CalCPA ? A : The profession is facing multiple challenges — the need to attract more people , to embrace new technologies , to develop expertise in emerging practice areas . CalCPA ’ s challenge is to be a leader in the face of these changes . With the challenges comes the opportunity to innovate , to push the envelope of what is possible and to partner with other organizations .

Q : What advice do you have for younger professionals or those thinking of entering the CPA profession ? A : Don ’ t hesitate to give it a try . I wish I had known earlier about what a fun and interesting career this is . Having the CPA license gives you both credibility and a collegial community of other professionals who want to help you succeed .

Q : What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on your path to

becoming a CPA and how did you overcome them ? A : I worked full time while taking the accounting classes necessary to sit for the

CPA Exam . It took me two years of night classes at Foothill College to obtain the extra units in the correct areas . Once I had the required units and started studying for the CPA Exam , I was still cramming in study hours around my work and my part-time master ’ s degree program . It took six years to complete my degree and licensure , and I just kept chipping away at the process , little by little .

Q : What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment or proudest

moment as a CPA ? A : My proudest moment was when I found out that I had passed all parts of my CPA Exam . Little did I know that would be just the start of a whole variety of adventures that the profession would offer .

Q : What do you find most rewarding about the CPA profession ? A : The CPA profession gives you the opportunity to make a difference in people ’ s

lives . CPAs are business communicators — we make numbers meaningful and guide decision-making . I appreciate how being a CPA can feel both global in scope and very personal on a day-to-day basis .

www . calcpa . org

By Meredith Johnson , CPA

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I step into the role of 2023-24 CalCPA Chair . As we embark on this upcoming journey together , I am humbled by the opportunity to serve you — the members who make up the backbone of our profession here in California .

CalCPA has given me so much — professional role models , a fulfilling career and lifelong friends . I look forward to giving back and connecting with you .

I would like to share my vision for the upcoming year under the theme “ Stronger Together .” Together , we will raise awareness , redefine our image and transform the career experience for accounting and finance professionals .

Taking inspiration from 2022-23 Chair Tayiika Dennis ’ emphasis on showcasing CPAs as the Coolest Profession Around , I look forward to carrying on the work of redefining our image . I hope that we can all serve as advocates for the amazing opportunities provided by this profession .

As technology continues to reshape the business landscape , we must welcome the opportunities it presents

Please join me in spreading the word when your work as a CPA enables you to experience something unique or stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone . I look forward to speaking with students of all ages and new entrants into the profession about how being a CPA can take you almost anywhere you want to go . My vision is that CalCPA can serve the CPAs of today and tomorrow — and elevate the profession to a career of choice for those considering the fields of business and technology .

Fostering diversity , equity and inclusion is paramount to our success . We recognize that diversity leads to better outcomes , innovation and sustainability . As chair I will actively work to inspire and promote DEI efforts throughout the profession , creating an inclusive environment that allows all individuals to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives .

AUGUST 2023 CALIFORNIA CPA 13