Tamera Loerzel – 2022 Most Powerful Women in Accounting

TRAITS OF AWARD WINNERS

1. She has been the driving force to create a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusion. If she is a vendor, she has helped to develop the technologies and solutions that will empower organizations to be more productive and profitable.
2. She is one of the top leaders in the accounting profession and her leadership has had a demonstrable effect upon the accomplishments of the organization with which she is associated.
3. She is a mentor, sponsor, and a role model, someone who stands out in her ability to encourage and help those around her thrive and flourish.
4. The work she does is influential and is having a positive impact on the accounting profession as a whole.

PERSPECTIVES

What do you feel is the most important issue facing the accounting profession today?

The most important issue facing the accounting profession today is capacity – a shortage of talent and resources to deliver the highly sought after services and knowledge that accountants deliver. The shortage can be addressed by rethinking and reinventing how services and solutions are delivered, redesigning our organizational structure with non-traditional hires and new roles that haven’t been defined yet, and reevaluating the business model, especially in public accounting. The accounting field is so diverse and provides so many career opportunities, and we have to figure out how to make it appealing for women and all our next generation of leaders.

What one thing would you recommend accountants do to prepare for the future?

Be anticipatory. And not just about the tax law changes or new legislation coming. Anticipate what your organization will need in one year and three years and take steps to address it, whether it’s new technology solutions, new services clients need, or new roles or specific skills and experiences in your team. Then, do the same for your clients – everything the accounting profession is facing can be translated to other organizations, too. The future is bright for accountants who anticipate the change that is coming and then courageously take steps address it!

What one skill or experience would you recommend that young women getting started in the accounting profession master?

Develop the confidence and ability to ask good questions. The person who asks the questions controls the conversation, and it’s in listening to the answers that you can gain insight and clues for how to best help the individual or team you are speaking with. Master the art of query – be curious and interested first, then ask a combination of open-ended questions that include understanding the facts, exploring what if scenarios, challenge the status quo, and text next steps. You will become invaluable when you’re willing to wade into the unknown and then piece the information you learn together to make a difference for you clients, team members, and more.

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