Jennifer R. Cavender, CPA – 2015 40 Under 40 Honoree

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

Taming Your Gremlin by Rick Carson

In what ways have you contributed to your firm/company to make it better?

I believe the biggest impact I can have on my firm is to mentor young professionals in the industry.  As a seasoned professional I have so many opportunities to guide the careers of those entering the profession, while strengthening their confidence. I really enjoy seeing them grow and find a balance in their career that fits their unique situation and goals.

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

Through AFWA, I work to promote the success of women in the profession, provide education to women in finance and accounting and teach financial literacy to underprivileged women and children.   I cultivate a flexible work environment in our firm and lead by example on how to balance career and personal life. By personally achieving a career that is rewarding and fun and allows for a rewarding personal life as well, will help others design their career to achieve their objectives.

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

Through my volunteer role as Treasurer of Abundant Life Church, my goal is to keep the church financially organized and facilitate fundraisers for youth camps and conferences. As a Volunteer youth director at Abundant Life Church of God I minster to troubled youth and teach them alternative ways of dealing with difficult situation.

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

I foresee continued flexibility in the workplace in the form of more people working remotely and on flexible schedules. Also I see the profession moving more towards consultative work and less compliance based.

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

I am creative in helping professionals design a career path that works for them and meets their needs as a professional, a spouse, a parent and any other role they pursue.  I see this as the key to the professions future as the next generation does not want the career path of the baby boomers.  Providing a challenging work environment that is also fun, flexible and where professionals can connect in a variety of ways and where they can see how their contributions are a part of a bigger picture is key to shaping the future of the profession.

What is your career philosophy?

Never give up. Don’t be concerned with the amount of time it takes or how many times you have to try to reach your goals. Life is about the journey not the destination.

Describe one person who has been an important mentor to you and how that person helped change your life.

I have a friend that I met in college that was one year ahead of me.  We connected as friends rights away and I immediately knew that I could follow her lead.  As a first generation college student, I had little knowledge about college or what the profession was like.  Through observation of her and others like her, I learned to navigate not only collage, but the recruiting process which landed me offers with several exceptional CPA firms.  She helped me realized the areas that I needed to improve and taught me to dream big and that nothing is impossible. 

 

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See all of the “40 Under 40” honorees for 2015.