Lindsey Curley, CPA, CGMA – 2021 40 Under 40 Honoree

• Started my accounting life working for sole proprietors and small accounting firms throughout high school, college, and the first three years after graduating which expanded my skillset by providing experience in a wide variety of roles and work
• Currently working in my tenth year with the Association’s Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) where I lead various resource development initiatives and communications for PCPS members and am responsible for key membership bodies such as the top 100 US accounting firms
• 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 “40 under 40” award recipient from CPA Practice Advisor

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

I am actively involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) after suicide tragically affected our family in 2018. My husband and I are now committed to mental health awareness and to date have raised over $40,000 for AFSP to hopefully save lives and bring hope to others affected by suicide. In line with this passion, I’m currently leading the creation of mental health tools and resources for Association members to implement within their own firms. The pandemic has been a struggle for many, but I’m grateful that it has also brought a new focus to the importance of mental wellness.

Favorite books/websites/podcasts/speakers/bloggers:

Podcasts and AirPods are my new addiction these days. Glennon Doyle’s We Can Do Hard Things is my current favorite podcast. Glennon fights for equality, purpose, freedom, joy, and peace through her work. Her transparent conversations encourage me to not only think in a different and more inclusive way, but they also remind me to stay true to myself in a world full of crazy expectations and comparison traps. Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead podcast series are a close second.

What do you like best about the accounting profession?

Currently – the flexibility. With two kids under four, the flexibility available at the Association (and at accounting firms across the nation) is key to managing work and life responsibilities. The accounting profession sometimes has the reputation of stressful deadlines and long hours at a desk behind a computer screen, but if appropriate boundaries are set and both encouraged and demonstrated by leadership, those norms can be adjusted. While hard work is required, I hope that young professionals realize that they can simultaneously have both family and career fulfillment through being a CPA.

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