Michelle L. Long, CPA – 2017 Most Powerful Women in Accounting Honoree
Professional Credentials: CPA
Employer: Long for Success, LLC
Title: Owner
Website URL: http://LongforSuccess.com
Twitter: MichelleLongCPA
Education (Degree/school): BS Acctcy – Univ of Missouri, MBA-Entrepreneurship — Univ of Missouri – Kansas City
What opportunities do you feel women in accounting have now that they didn’t have when you started in the profession?
When I started in the profession, there were primarily 2 choices when you graduated — public or governmental accounting. Now, there are so many CPAs in companies from a variety of industries, there are a lot more choices for those entering the profession.
Plus, there are more opportunities to specialize in an area of interest for you. Whether it is forensic accounting, technology or something else, there are additional certifications and specialization available now.
Finally, the opportunity for flexible work schedules and locations is available now. Technology today allows people to work from anywhere and connect and collaborate with others.
I think there are more opportunities to specialize and in flexible work arrangements. The opportunity to specialize provides people the opportunity to choose an area of interest to them.
How important is work/life balance and what suggestions do you have for those who are struggling to attain this?
Work/life balance is a continuous challenge for many (most?) of us. I think it helps to realize that you do not need to maintain a even (50/50) balance all the time. For example, during “busy season,” work will require more time and energy. Whereas, other times during the year you will have more time for your personal life and family.
Additionally, I realized that there are some times in life when work and your career may be a priority and other times when your personal and family life will be the priority. The “balance” changes throughout your life. For example, when I first started working, my work career received more time and attention. Then, when I had children and they were young, my personal/family life was the priority for awhile and I tried to reduce my work requirements. Then, as my kids were older, my career and work again received more attention.
What is the most difficult part about being a women in the accounting profession?
I think it is better today that it was when I first entered the profession. However, sometimes there are still challenges to having my ideas, recommendations or opinions heard and recognized. Additionally and unfortunately, sometimes we still have to deal with inappropriate comments or worse.
What is the best part about being a women in the accounting profession?
I love that technology allows us to have a more flexible work schedule and location. This helps with managing the work/life balance more than ever. Additionally, I love to see women supporting and mentoring other women.
How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession?
Through my speaking and social media connections, I’m in contact with thousands of accounting professionals throughout the year. I love getting emails from others asking my opinion — about starting their own practice, becoming a CPA, Certified Bookkeeper, Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, etc. I hope to continue helping others improve their knowledge and expertise. Plus, I plant to continue helping others start or grow their own practice.
Looking back at your career, what would you do differently given the knowledge you have today and how can women who are entering the benefit from that knowledge?
I’m really glad I started my own practice. However, I wish I would have focused on what I liked to do sooner (speaking/training and writing). Instead I started offering the traditional services — monthly bookkeeping/write-up, payroll and taxes. I think the key to success is to focus on doing what you love and enjoy!
Please share any other comments or insights you would like to share with our readers about what has driven you to be a person who is recognized as a leader in this profession.
Learn more about the 2017 Most Powerful Women in Accounting.
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