Jenni Huotari, CPA
2018 Most Powerful Women in Accounting
Director of Business Outsourcing and Safety – Eide Bailly
What advice would you give to female college students about the opportunities for women in the accounting profession?
The opportunities in accounting are so much broader than you could ever anticipate. A degree in accounting can open the door to an unlimited amount of opportunities in business- outside of roles in accounting firms or in specific accounting/finance positions.
What would you suggest to accounting firms that are interested in retaining and advancing more qualified female staff?
The philosophy that if we hire more women the advancement of women will correct itself has proven to be incorrect. Men and women have been joining the profession at equal numbers for a couple of decades, and the women in leadership %’s are not following suit. You need to have a plan, a documented plan. And the support and engagement of your firm’s leadership is critical.
Why did you choose to work in – and stay in – the accounting field?
I entered it, and have stayed in it for similar reasons- the variety of challenging work and new opportunities. When I was newer to the profession I loved being able to visit so many different businesses and learn more about them. As my career has progressed, I still enjoy that part, but have also found a strong interest in the business of public accounting and being part of the evolution of the industry.
What are you currently reading?
Smart Collaboration by Heidi K. Gardner
What changes do you foresee in the accounting profession of the near future (3-5 years)?
Technology continues to impact our profession. Automation and artificial intelligence are eliminating the need for certain human functions, and at the same time expanding what we can do for clients and the value we provide. I see our roles with our clients changing, and the depth of our impact continuing to grow.
How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession?
In the last couple of years, I’ve left the audit practice area to lead our firm’s client accounting & advisory services practice (which we call Business Outsourcing & Strategy). I feel the work we do in this area is invaluable for small and mid-sized business. I think as accountants we have so much skill and knowledge to offer others, and we’ll shift more and more to that being even more advisory than compliance based.
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’ve benefited from many great mentors and advocates over the course of my career, but related to my current role, I was closely supported by an Outsourced CFO within the Firm. He was a continual supporter of mine, shared valuable knowledge and helped me make several invaluable industry connections related to my current role.
Please share a personal rule or principle that you follow.
Every time you say yes to something, you say no to something else (whether you think you do or not).
See the full list: 2018 AICPA / CPA Practice Advisor Most Powerful Women in Accounting.
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Tags: Artificial Intelligence
