Cynthia Borders-Byrd, CPA, MBA

Managing Member
C. Borders-Byrd, CPA LLC
www.cborderscpa.com

Education: BS in Accounting, Florida State University; MBA, Florida Atlantic University
Professional Associations: Member of the AICPA and the FICPA; Member, AICPA State Board Committee of the Uniform CPA Examination; Previous board member and member of the Executive Committee of Florida Institute of CPAs; Member of Florida State Board of Accountancy; Chair, Clay Ford Scholarship, Board Chair and Chair of the Probable Cause Panel for 2012; Previously served as Vice-Chair of the Board and Chair of the Rules Committee; Member and Past Nominating Committee Chair, National Association of Black Accountants (NABA); 2012 National Award for Achievement in Public Accounting; Member National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA); Member American Women’s Society of Certified Public Accountants, Member and Former Treasurer of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Former Chair Finance Committee and Former Chair of Pastoral Search Committee New Mt. Olive Baptist Church; Former Treasurer of Jack & Jill of America, Fort Lauderdale Chapter; Treasurer of The Links, Incorporated, Fort Lauderdale Chapter and Chair of the Services to Youth Committee; Past Chair of Junior Achievement of South Florida.
Hobbies: Reading, playing piano and traveling.

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Click here to see the other honorees
of the 2013 “Most Powerful Women
in Accounting” awards.
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Q&A:

What advice would you give to female college students about the opportunities for women in the accounting profession?

I would share with female college students that the opportunities are endless. I recently spoke with a recruiter friend and he indicated that unemployment in S. Florida is approximately 1% for finance and accounting professionals. This statistic confirms that one can be a CPA Mom, wife, CFO, Controller, auditor or business owner. The accounting profession background prepares you for many opportunities.

I would encourage female college students to choose and organization after college with a track-record filled with successful men and equally women.

What advice would you give accounting firms on things they could do to better retain and advance more qualified female staff?

I would advise accounting firms to continue their efforts to recruit talented women. I would also advise them to develop a culture in the firm that fosters a balanced life from day one (for both male and female employees) and I would ensure that the organization from the top to the bottom demonstrated that culture.

Do you think that there is still a glass ceiling in accounting firm senior management and partner levels, or that the profession has moved to a mostly gender neutral state?

I believe that great advancements have been made, that some of the firms are getting it and the glass ceiling is a thing of the past. I observed that in my local market that the role of women in the profession is changing. One of my clients is a Big-4 firm and the Office Managing Partner is an accomplished woman and she is also a wife and mother.

My experience is that when those around the table making the decisions are a diverse group with respect to gender, it is mostly a gender neutral state.

How have you managed to balance your professional and personal life obligations, whether that includes family, etc?

I enjoy working in the accounting profession. I utilize most of the common techniques available which include working from home and maximizing the use of technology and most importantly managing my staff and client expectations. I also have found that taking time off is essential.

How mobile are you regarding your work? How have mobile devices and apps impacted your productivity and work-life balance?

Very mobile! We are utilizing technology in my accounting practice today which reduces the amount of time required to be in the office and allows for more face time with clients. I estimate that our efficiency has increased significantly in recent years.

What single piece of technology could you absolutely not live without, and why?

My IPhone/IPad; It has become a tool that is convenient, fits in my purse and through it I have access to almost every tool I need on a daily basis.

What is your favorite professional mobile app, and why?

My calendar is my favorite mobile app. I rely upon this app to assist me in managing my day.

What do you like to do when you actually have free time without any obligations to work or family?

I enjoy reading when I have free time without any obligations to work or family commitments. Finding time to read is a strong indicator that I am relaxed!

Technology