Elizabeth Pittelkow Kittner, CPA, CITP, CGMA, DTM – 2020 40 Under 40 Honoree

• Passing the CPA Exam
• Working in public, corporate, and nonprofit accounting
• Attending AICPA’s Leadership Academy
• Earning my CITP and CGMA designations
• Achieving DTM status in Toastmasters
• Serving as a volunteer leader for the AICPA and Illinois CPA Society
• Speaking at AICPA’s Conferences
• Speaking at Illinois CPA Society’s Conferences
• Writing for Illinois CPA Society’s INSIGHT Magazine
• Editing for The Journal of Accountancy
• Participating in Leadership Academy 2.0
• Participating in the Young Leaders Accounting Think Tank
• Contributing to philanthropic and nonprofit organizations
• Mentoring others
• AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award honoring Maximo Mukelabai
• CPA Practice Advisor’s Most Powerful Women in Accounting
• CPA Practice Advisor’s 40 Under 40

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

I teach, write, and advise about topics important to the accounting profession like applying for government aid, promoting ethics, and developing strategic skills like effective communication. I serve on committees where I can contribute to the strategy of the accounting profession to maintain its success. I look for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals, which can be something as simple as listening or can be as formal as mentoring or coaching. I support nonprofit organizations that are improving communities and individual lives.

Favorite books/websites/podcasts/speakers:

Books: “Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You” by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss, “Honest to Greatness: How Today’s Greatest Leaders Use Brutal Honesty to Achieve Massive Success” by Peter Kozodoy

Websites: https://www.ted.com, https://www.forbes.com/forbeswomen

Speakers: Simon Sinek (Leadership), Amy Cuddy (Body Language and Communication), John O’Leary (Live Inspired)

See all of the 2020 “40 Under 40” honorees.