Cherie Williams, CPA – 2021 40 Under 40 Honoree

As a Senior Tax Manager with a specialization in Tax, Accounting and Advisory Services for public charities, private foundations, other tax-exempt organizations, I have helped hundreds of charitable organizations with reporting, tax planning and accounting so that they can remain compliant while carrying out their charitable mission. Recently, I was privileged to educate hundreds of tax and accounting nonprofit leaders as a speaker at the 2021 AICPA National Not-for-Profit Conference. Last year, I was 1 of 29 CPAs selected to attend the 2020 AICPA Leadership Academy where I was able to hone in on leadership skills and build a lifelong network with the leaders in the CPA Profession.  And finally, I was recently honored with the inaugural 40 Under 40 Black CPA Award created  by the AICPA and other prominent CPA organizations in honor of the Black CPA Centennial – 100 years since the first Black CPA was licensed. 

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

I provide Pro Bono accounting services to Zeneith Performing Arts, a local performing arts nonprofit that works with under resourced youth and adults. It is a privilege to play a role, albeit administrative, in the development of these performing artists. I also serve on the Finance Committee and Affordable Housing Committee of my city’s economic nonprofit – helping direct funds to communities that need it most. And finally, I help thriving professionals make wise financial decisions through my blog, thelittlecpa.com . The Little CPA provides qualified financial information that is relevant to young and early middle-aged professionals.

Favorite books/websites/podcasts/speakers/bloggers that you find influential:

Each of these authors, podcasters and bloggers have inspired me to become a better financial steward and improved my technical knowledge as a CPA:

• The Money Wise Podcast – https://www.moneywise.org/podcasts
• The Financial Stewardship Bible – https://compass1.org/product/the-financial-stewardship-bible/
• Wealth and Law Podcast – www.wealthandlaw.com
• Tracy Paglia, Jane Searing and Lauren Haverlock – AICPA and CalCPA Not-for-Profit Conference Speakers

What do you like best about the accounting profession?

If accounting is the language of business, then CPAs speak it best. I love how the skills we learn in this profession allow us to speak the language of entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders and other professionals in a way that helps them strategize goals, organize assets and reach financial goals.

See all of the 2021 “40 Under 40” honorees.