40 Under 40 Honoree: Geraldine “Gerri” Lazarre, CPA, MST – 29

Education – MST, Univ. Miami; BBA — Accounting,
Howard Univ.
Family – Daughter Yvonne
Hobbies & Interests – Cycling, running, reading.
Professional Affiliations: AICPA; FICPA; Nat’l Assn.
of Black Accountants; Haitian Women of Miami/FANM Board Member; Adj. Professor
Fla. Memorial University.

What peers, clients and friends say about Gerri:
Gerri is an exceptional and phenomenal woman. She is driven, goal oriented,
focused and a consummate professional. Her thorough understanding of her field
and the confidence she conveys to clients brings them peace of mind in a topic
that can be very disconcerting. It is clear that she has her clients’
best interests at heart and works nonstop for them. Gerri is also a wonderful
single mother. Her ambition and drive have allowed her to develop her business
from the ground up, as well as balance her family life.

What technology or business process does Gerri see affecting the tax
and accounting profession in the next five years?
“As technology, business and the world of commerce continue to change,
so must the way accountants think. Advances in technology and many events over
the last three decades have only heightened the need for accountants to rethink
and reengineer the way we account, report and audit with innovative idea. Over
the next five years, we will operate in a paperless environment, we need to
restructure our approach and be more accepting of change and technology utilization.
This may require a complete overhaul of existing systems, internal policies,
procedures and application processes to remain competitive.”