Michelle Lloyd Thompson, CPA
2024 Most Powerful Women in Accounting
CEO, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC
www.cbh.com
What is your favorite part of being a member of the accounting profession?
I have a natural, deep-set curiosity about how things work. I’ve always been energized by digging into a process and figuring out how I can improve it, and I’ve found that to be a differentiating strength in my professional life. It’s gratifying to bring a sense of creativity to a field that isn’t typically associated with outside-the-box thinking.
How have you personally seen the roles of women evolve in the accounting profession?
Women have long been unsung heroes in many facets of life, so to me it’s not the roles of women that have changed so much as it is the opportunities for recognition and advancement. D&I programs and resources have made an undeniable difference, and I’m energized by the way women and underrepresented individuals are continuing to prove that diverse teams are stronger teams. I admire and thank those who have opened doors for all.
What do you anticipate will be the biggest change in the accounting profession in the next 10 years?
As technology has brought on the biggest changes in our profession over the last 10 years, I anticipate it will continue to do so over the next 10 years, specifically through the emergence of AI. AI is not only beginning to transform the work we do, but also have an impact on the skills we develop in our people.
What is your favorite professional mobile app, and why?
I get the most use out of Microsoft OneNote, which allows me to access and search all of my notes from anywhere. I have shared notebooks with many professionals in the firm that we use to collaborate in a way that cuts back on emails.
What are your favorite podcasts?
I love podcasts and documentaries as a way to unplug, and my favorites are all true crime. My favorite true crime podcast is Crime Junkie. My favorite true crime documentary is I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.
What books have you read recently that you would like to recommend?
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear. Not a new read, but I recently revisited this favorite and will continue to recommend it enthusiastically
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