Natasha Schamberger, CPA
2018 Most Powerful Women in Accounting
CEO & President, Kansas Society of CPAs
What advice would you give to female college students about the opportunities for women in the accounting profession?
There is a world of possibilities in the accounting profession so make it your own. Choose a career journey that matches your life priorities. Visualize it- one that you are excited about and one where you can put your talents to work. If you want something, go after it, do not wait for opportunities to fall in your lap. Accounting is not just a job, it is a CAREER with infinite possibilities so make it yours and make it your mission to help not only yourself but others along their way!
What would you suggest to accounting firms that are interested in retaining and advancing more qualified female staff?
I think there is a lot of opportunity for accounting firms to create customized career paths for their female leaders. Continuous conversations with rising stars to understand their interests, life priorities, and unique talents; how those puzzle pieces fit into the firm’s overall strategy can be deliberately impactful. Often, it simply comes down to time. Shifting from a focus on hours worked to more emphasis on results, outcomes, and efficiencies, as well as offering a flexible work schedule can be the secret sauce!
Why did you choose to work in – and stay in – the accounting field?
It first started with a passion for the work. I enjoyed accounting, and I looked forward to the camaraderie of tax season. I soon found auditing to be fascinating and experienced joy in working directly with clients. Over time, this passion became much broader. I started looking at the accounting profession through a wide lens. In interacting with CPAs and accounting professionals across the US, I became part of a community of hardworking people interested in improving the daily lives of CPAS. I have surrounded myself with amazing people dedicated to making a difference. Passion is contagious so these incredible individuals continue to spark my passion for the accounting field.
What are you currently reading?
The Art of Possibility; You are a Badass; The Woman in Cabin 10
What changes do you foresee in the accounting profession of the near future (3-5 years)?
Advances in technology continue to broaden the profession to include a wide variety of accounting related roles that fuel the moving parts of the profession. Further, our everyday roles and needed skills will continue to expand. Over the next few years, we will see the combustion of old and new beliefs, the expansion of client expectations, another generation in the workplace and on-going complexity – all of which plug directly into our accounting profession’s future. With all these components in play, it is an opportunistic time to ignite the interest of new accounting talent to join us in our exciting future!
How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession?
I will aim to inspire action. I would like to encourage innovative ideas and practices to think-forward but start acting now.
Describe one person who has been an important mentor to you and how that person helped shape the direction or focus of your professional life.
I have been lucky to have two distinct mentors. It is a powerful thing to have people believe in you and both Mark Koziel (AICPA Executive Vice President) and Jim Metzler (Metzler Advisory Group, LLC) have done just that. Mark has encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone, has challenged me to think creatively, and has taught me how to approach situations and make decisions without overthinking. Jim asks thought-provoking questions that continuously ensures I take varying perspectives into consideration. These remarkable individuals each demonstrate top-notch leadership traits to emulate and both have shown an interest in my personal life which, under their mentorship, has helped me align my personal goals with my career goals.
Please share a personal rule or principle that you follow.
Always arrive with a smile, have fun, and be authentic.
See the full list: 2018 AICPA / CPA Practice Advisor Most Powerful Women in Accounting.
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