Dawn W Brolin, CPA, MSA – 2016 Most Powerful Women in Accounting

Q&A:

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

The doors are wide open for women in the accounting profession. I would encourage them to get their education completed and certifications out of the way while they are younger honestly. I obtained my professional license later in life, I don’t regret one moment of it but certainly doing it before marriage and kids would have been easier!

What advice would you give accounting firms on ways in which they can better retain and advance more qualified female staff?

I believe that flexibility is critical in today’s world. There is no reason why there can’t be a combination of work from home and go to an office to allow some flexibility for workers.

What is the name of one book that has been a great influence to you?  

The Pumpkin Plan

In what ways do you participate in the professional community to change/improve the accounting profession?

I work hard during speaking opportunities to encourage accounting professionals to think outside the box, get out from behind that desk and get involved in our mobile society.      

In what ways do you participate in your local community to help others?

Most of our work locally comes through helping non-profit organizations with their accounting and compliance.

What changes do you foresee in the accounting profession of the near future (3-5 years)?

Flexibility with a work environment, technology solutions and implementation will be an absolute, and firms are going to have to embrace the change. The accounting professional does NOT need to become the expert, but the firm must hire and manage technology experts to implement third party technology solutions in order to keep up with growing firms.

How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession?

Powerful Accounting will continue to hire professionals including those who have degrees, those who have technology experience, and ensure that we are staying in the forefront of the applications that our clients will be utilizing. We will NOT get left behind.

Describe one person who has been an important mentor to you and how that person helped shape the direction or focus of your professional life.

Matt Rissell, CEO of TSheets.com, has grown a company based on support, encouragement, positive attitude, and a culture of care for their customers. I am modeling my accounting company to create a culture within our firm to love our clients, love our team, and take pride in the work we do for others. He has been instrumental in my growth as a leader of our team, not a boss. His message is clear that there is a difference and I continually look to him for guidance and encouragement as I continue to grow my company.
 

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See the other recipients of the 2016 Most Powerful Women in Accounting award.