Elizabeth Pittelkow Kittner, CPA.CITP, CGMA, DTM – 2019 40 Under 40 Honoree

Career Highlights:

• Passing the CPA Exam
• Working in public, corporate, and nonprofit accounting
• Attending AICPA’s Leadership Academy
• Earning my CITP and CGMA designations
• Achieving DTM status in Toastmasters
• Serving as a volunteer leader for the AICPA and Illinois CPA Society
• Speaking at AICPA’s Conferences
• Speaking at Illinois CPA Society’s Conferences
• Writing for Illinois CPA Society’s INSIGHT Magazine
• Editing for The Journal of Accountancy
• Participating in Leadership Academy 2.0
• Participating in the Young Leaders Accounting Think Tank
• Contributing to philanthropic and nonprofit organizations
• Mentoring others
• AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award honoring Maximo Mukelabai
• CPA Practice Advisor’s Most Powerful Women in Accounting
• CPA Practice Advisor’s 40 Under 40

What are you doing to make a difference in the profession, your community, the world?

I teach, write, and advise about areas important to the accounting profession like promoting ethical behavior and developing strategic skills like effective communication. I serve on committees where I can help shape the strategy of the accounting profession to maintain its success. I look for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals, which can be something as simple as listening or can be as formal as mentoring or coaching.  I support nonprofit organizations that can amplify my efforts to help others.

Favorite books/websites/speakers that you find influential

• Books: “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown, “Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization” by John Wooden
• Websites: https://www.ted.com, https://www.forbes.com/forbeswomen
• Speakers: Simon Sinek (Leadership), Amy Cuddy (Body Language and Communication), John O’Leary (Live Inspired)

What do you see yourself doing professionally in 10 years?

I see myself in the accounting profession in a role that has developed my technical and strategic skills and gives me the opportunities to help others succeed. I will continue to be an influencer. My passions include promoting the behaviors we need to grow ourselves individually and advance our profession to serve more people.

 

What accounting conferences do you normally attend?

I rotate which conferences I attend and recommend the following: AICPA ENGAGE, AICPA Women’s Global Leadership Summit, Illinois CPA Society’s Summit, Sage Summit, QuickBooks Connect

 

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

The Journal of Accountancy, cpa.com, Illinois CPA Society’s INSIGHT Magazine, CPA Practice Advisor, Accounting Today, CPA Trendlines, AccountingWEB, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times

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