Firm Management
Katie Gilden, CPA/ABV/CFF, CFE, CVA, MBA, MST – 2015 40 Under 40 Honoree
This year’s 40 Under 40 honorees are among the best and brightest talent in the accounting profession. They are all active in the professional community, as well as in their local communities, where many are small business owners and employers.
Sep. 15, 2015
What is the name of one book that has been a great influence to you?
The Lorax (Dr. Seuss) has been a favorite since I was a kid, and still is. The concept of limiting short sightedness and keeping in mind the long-term ramifications of our actions (not just from an environmental perspective).
In what ways have you contributed to your firm/company to make it better?
Development of tracking system to record recently filed litigation cases to support marketing of litigation support services. Also implemented annual “Jeans Day” to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.
In what ways do you participate in the professional community to change/improve the accounting profession?
I have spoken at various regional and national conferences, as well as authored several articles, including the following:
- Speaking:
- FICPA Valuation, Forensic Accounting and Litigation Services Conference, “Normalization Adjustments and Reasonable Compensation”, January 8, 2015.
- AICPA National Forensic and Valuation Services Conference, “Valuation for Complex Family Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies”, November 9, 2014.
- Broward County Bar Association Bench and Bar Conference, “One Case, Two Values: Understanding Disparities in the Experts’ Report”, October 18, 2013.
- AICPA National Forensic and Valuation Services Conference, “S is for Simplify: An A to Z Guide to Effective Report Writing”, November 13, 2012.
- Published Articles:
- Daily Business Review, “Understanding Disparities in Opposing Experts’ Valuations”, June 18, 2015
- The Miami Herald, “Internal Theft Saps Life From companies: Don’t Let it Kill Yours”, February 23, 2015.
- South Florida Business Journal, “How an Expert Adjusts for Risk”, February 10, 2014.
- Daily Business Review, “Managing E-discovery Can Be Key to Credibility”, February 13, 2013.
- Daily Business Review, “Board of Contributors: Understand the Risks of Estimating Business Valuation During Litigation”, August 15, 2012.
- South Florida Business Journal, Entrepreneur Resource Guide, “Valuing a Business Properly is Key to Purchasing a Viable One”, April 6, 2012.
In what ways do you participate in your local community to help others?
I have three young children (ages 5, 7, and 9) so much of my “free time” is dedicated to volunteering at their public elementary school. I serve more than 20 hours each year assisting with various school events such as book fairs and helping with PTO fundraisers. I am also a registered volunteer with “Hands on Broward” and through this organization have had the opportunity to participate in a Thanksgiving “Serve-A-Thon” and feeding the hungry at a local soup kitchen.
What changes do you foresee in the accounting profession of the near future (3-5 years)?
Progression to increased work-life balance and telecommuting. Most firms are “paperless”, enabling employees to work remotely and gain flexibility in their professional lives.
How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession?
I have taught a few accounting courses as an adjunct professor in the past and would love to be able to teach again in the future. Positively contributing to the education of future accountants is extremely rewarding.
What is your career philosophy?
Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes. Mistakes happen – it’s how we deal with them that is a true indicator of professionalism.
Describe one person who has been an important mentor to you and how that person helped change your life.
My mom. She taught me to be strong and independent. She stressed the importance of education and always being self-reliant.
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