Kara E. Peterson, CPA – 2019 20 Under 40 Honoree

Career Highlights:

I started my career at a Big Four public accounting firm, specializing in audits of insurance companies. At Thomson Reuters, I write and edit content on complex accounting subjects such as revenue recognition, financial instruments, consolidation, compensation, and credit losses.  I also develop practice aids, tools, and checklists to assist practitioners in applying GAAP.  A career highlight for me was helping to launch two major online accounting products available through Thomson Reuters Checkpoint: GAAP Reporter and Catalyst: US GAAP.  I’m also proud of our products for winning several American Business Awards.

What websites/magazines do you use to keep up on news of the accounting profession?

I spend a lot of my time on the FASB’s website; in particular, I find their “Implementing New Standards” and “In the News” pages quite helpful.  Our Accounting and Compliance Alert team also does a terrific job of keeping me informed of recent developments.

Favorite books/websites/speakers that you find influential

I would like to call out two speakers that I have learned a lot about accounting from in my career: Dusty Stallings (Partner at PwC) and Scott Muir (Partner at KPMG).  I have often tuned in online to meetings, presentations, or webcasts that they were a part of.  They always spoke about accounting concepts in a way that brought them to life for me.  These are two people that I have never met, but admire.  They remind me that you can inspire others and advance the accounting profession by sharing your knowledge and being a good teacher, even from a distance.  I keep this in mind for my own work as a writer and presenter.

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See all of the “20 Under 40” honorees for 2019.