Women’s History Month: Saluting NJCPA Member Journeys

To celebrate Women’s History Month and acknowledge the numerous accomplishments of female members of the New Jersey Society of CPAs in their careers, communities and leadership, we asked a few of them the following questions: Who or what influenced you first to enter the field of accounting and to become a CPA? What motivates you now to continue to thrive in your accounting career? How important is mentoring and encouraging the next generation of female CPAs? Here are their responses. 

Early Influences

"There were two very specific events in my early life that shaped my decision to become a CPA. The first is my grandfather, who was a pressman for a newspaper for his 'real' job, but also did income tax returns for people in his spare time. I remember being a very young girl sitting with him at his kitchen table when neighbors and friends would drop by and sit with him while he did tax returns. It was such a friendly, cheerful and loving setting — my grandpop chatting with his friends, exchanging stories about their families, while he completed the returns.

The second event that truly solidified my desire to become a CPA occurred while I was in college studying business. I was working as an administrative assistant at a hospital. The director of fiscal affairs at the hospital (who was a CPA) asked me if I might consider accounting for my major in college. He offered me a summer internship in the hospital’s Department of Fiscal Affairs. That experience opened my eyes to the world of accounting, and that fall I switched my major to accounting and set my sights on becoming a CPA."

— Kathleen P. Bloch, CPA, MBA, retired public company CFO, currently working as a financial consultant 

“In high school, I took an accounting class called T-Accounts, which was extremely boring but, overall, I really enjoyed the class so I signed up to take Accounting 2. That same year I attended a career fair and spoke with a partner of a regional firm for the entire duration I was there! From that moment on, I knew accounting was going to be my career. It all made sense! My parents immediately said, “well, if you’re going to be an accountant then you’ll need your CPA.” My parents have never steered me wrong and to this day, I couldn’t agree more with their advice. Full circle, the regional accounting firm I spoke with at the career fair was where I actually had my first internship and my first job!

— Nicole DeRosa, CPA, MAcc, tax director at SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC   

“Accounting is the foundation of how the world transacts. I wanted to understand it so I could be an integral part of business. I knew that I could do anything I wanted in business with an accounting degree and becoming a CPA, and I wanted limitless options in my career choices. I have also always had a deep appreciation for the stories that numbers tell, and I wanted to work in a field where I could help others comprehend those stories.”

— Andrea Diaz, CPA, MST, partner at SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC

“My parents, neither of whom are accountants, encouraged me to pursue a degree in accounting. I had been accepted to the business school at The College of New Jersey but was still unsure of what direction I wanted to take, but I remember a specific conversation with my dad where he said, ‘Everyone needs an accountant.’ This was around 2008, when the economy had crashed, so that was really all it took for me to make that decision. After I graduated, pursuing the CPA license seemed like the logical next step to me — I approached it with the ‘I didn’t come this far to only come this far’ mentality, and I’m glad that I did."

— Megan Kelly, CPA, CFE, CVA, director at FAZ Forensics 

“I’ve always been fascinated by how numbers can tell a story, revealing a company’s journey and performance. Initially, I saw accountants as mere record keepers. My grandmother, who was an accountant, often shared stories of spending hours with an abacus, meticulously balancing entries. This didn't captivate me, so I pursued finance instead. However, during college, I discovered the true empowerment of CPAs — they are not just record keepers but decision-makers, implementers and leaders. This realization resonated deeply with me, leading me to switch my major to accounting.”

— Sviatlana LiPuma, CPA, managing director at CBIZ and shareholder at CBIZ CPAs P.C. 

“I always loved numbers growing up and found the stock market and economy remarkably interesting (even as a teenager). I also happened to do well in my math classes. Majoring in a business field seemed like a natural fit. My high school economics teacher said she thought I would do well majoring in accounting (back in high school I did not really understand what accounting was!). My parents are social workers, and I always admired their drive for helping people. I wanted to help people but in my own way. Accounting was an opportunity to do that. The CPA designation sets you apart, as CPAs are known for being knowledgeable and trustworthy. Additionally, being a CPA requires continuing professional education (CPE), which reinforces the knowledge and trust by clients who work with CPAs vs. noncertified accountants. Finally, as an audit professional, like me, it is required!”

— Jessica D. Offer, CPA, partner in technology and emerging growth at Withum

"I fell in love with accounting in college after my first accounting class. It may seem strange to say that, but accounting came easy to me, and it was interesting. I would also say that my grandfather, William Fitzpatrick, who was a businessman and a CPA, had some influence as well. He passed away before I was born, but he was truly an entrepreneur and had a hand in running several businesses throughout his lifetime. I have always been interested in how businesses operate and what makes them successful."

— Kathleen F. Powers, CPA, CGMA, chief financial officer at Chelsea Senior Living and 2023/24 NJCPA president

“My journey into accounting began in high school when I took an accounting class that revealed a world of opportunities. I was attracted to the profession because it promised economic independence and offered diverse career paths — whether in public practice, business or industry. A particularly powerful influence was a disabled CPA who prepared my parents’ taxes out of her converted basement. Her example demonstrated the unlimited potential and flexibility inherent in the field, inspiring me to pursue the CPA designation.”

— June M. Toth, CPA, CGMA, principal at WilkinGuttenplan and 2024/25 NJCPA president

“Throughout my college career at Ramapo College, I was fortunate to learn from strong female professors like Kathryn Yeaton and Constance Crawford. These women shaped my career path and encouraged me to pursue my CPA license. They nurtured every student, encouraged questions about the profession, and supported involvement in organizations like Enactus and the NJCPA. By bringing real-world experience into the classroom, they never made us feel like we had to read directly from the book and memorize standards.”

— Kerry Duda Wilson, CPA, manager at WilkinGuttenplan 

“My initial inspiration to pursue a career in accounting came from my mom, who first studied accounting before transitioning into teaching. Growing up, I wasn’t entirely sure what career path I wanted to follow, but I knew I wanted to be in the business world. My mom always told me, ‘Accounting is the language of business,’ and she emphasized that a strong foundation in accounting would open doors to endless opportunities. Through her, I learned that accounting isn’t just about numbers — it’s about creating opportunities, understanding the bigger picture and making a meaningful impact.”

— Lexi B. Wilson, CPA, RMA, PSA, senior manager at Bowman & Company LLP

Motivation to Thrive

“What motivates me? My daughter, without a doubt. The accounting profession has always been a more male-dominated profession. I want her to know that you can succeed no matter what the profession may look like. This has become even more important recently, as she is currently hoping to work in the sports industry when she finishes schooling. I want her to see success is possible when you set a goal, work hard and earn the respect of your peers and clients.”

— Amy Y. Both, CPA, manager at Withum

“When I first embarked on my public accounting journey, the goal was to one day make partner. Attaining that goal was amazing. However, I did a lot of reflecting and soul searching afterwards. When it came down to it, that was not what truly filled my cup and something was missing. Giving back to the profession, inspiring and having an impact on others, all while still enjoying the ‘taxing’ compliance world was really where I found my most happy moments while ‘on the job.’ My motivation stems from challenging myself daily and blazing a trail that can show others that you can make your career your own and be happy in the process by doing what you love. Following your passion can lead to great things.” 

— Nicole DeRosa, CPA, MAcc, tax director at SKC & Co. CPAs

“My motivation comes from being able to help others when they can’t help themselves. The tax world is complex and intimidating to someone outside the profession. Knowing that we, as CPAs, can remove that burden from someone is very rewarding and motivates me to continue learning.”

— JoAnne Geylin, CPA, CAP, principal at Geylin & Associates, P.C.

“What motivates me to continue thriving in my accounting career is the wealth of new opportunities emerging within our profession. There are countless ways to pivot, refine our approach and enhance how we engage with and serve our clients. The rapid advancement of technology is particularly exciting, opening up endless possibilities. We can innovate the services we deliver to clients, transform the way we operate in public accounting firms and leverage resources that were previously unavailable. I’m driven by the constant pursuit of improvement — within our firm, in our services, for our team, for our clients and for the profession at large. On a personal level, I’m motivated by the opportunity to become more involved in the broader profession. There are many avenues for volunteering, whether through the NJCPA or the AICPA. These organizations offer roles that align with a wide range of strengths, and the intangible value they provide in terms of personal growth, building relationships and expanding knowledge, far outweighs the time investment. Each day, I am inspired by the chance to improve and show up as the best version of myself. This is essential in order to serve my team, my firm and my clients to the highest standard. I maintain a mindset of abundant growth, embracing every opportunity to stretch, challenge and motivate myself.”

— Sarah Krom, CPA, MST, managing partner at SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC and a past president of the NJCPA

“Advising current clients and those to come excites me, as it allows me to make a meaningful impact on their financial success. Additionally, being a mentor to staff and future professionals is incredibly rewarding. It is fulfilling to see them grow and succeed, knowing that I have played a part in their development. The dynamic nature of the accounting field keeps me motivated, as there are always new challenges and opportunities to gain experience and innovate. My passion for helping others and my dedication to the profession drive me to continue thriving in my accounting career.”

— Jessica D. Offer, CPA, partner in technology and emerging growth at Withum 

"A growth mind-set motivates me to thrive in my career. I always want to learn and understand new things. It feels as if technology is moving at the speed of light these days. While it is certainly a challenge to keep up, one has to have a willingness to learn and engage from others even from unique or unlikely sources."

— Kathleen F. Powers, CPA, CGMA, chief financial officer at Chelsea Senior Living and 2023/24 NJCPA president

“What motivates me to continue to thrive in my career is the sense of impact I can have — whether helping clients make informed decisions, ensuring financial integrity or contributing to a team’s success. I find fulfillment in solving complex problems and embracing the constant learning that comes with the ever-evolving nature of accounting. My passion for the profession drives me to grow both professionally and personally, and I am committed to using my skills to make a meaningful difference.”

— Lexi B. Wilson, CPA, RMA, PSA, senior manager at Bowman & Company LLP

Mentoring Next Gen Females

“I benefited from a great mentor at a critical stage in my early business career, and I believe it is critical that we continually mentor and encourage the next generation of female CPAs. We need to continue to produce accounting professionals who can help us manage the financial affairs of government, industries, and non-profits. Sharing our knowledge with and enabling the professional development and confidence of young CPAs is critical to continuing the CPA pipeline. Mentoring is also one of the most personally rewarding aspects of working in the accounting field.” 

— Kathleen P. Bloch, CPA, MBA, retired public company CFO, currently working as a financial consultant 

“How important is mentoring? Extremely. If it were not for the strong women that I have met along the way, I do not believe I would be where I am today. It is not always easy; it is tiring and sometimes even frustrating. Yet, we need to empower the next generation to show that effort is worth it. We need to help them celebrate their successes but more importantly, support them and pick them up when they are down. We can only become stronger if we are stronger together.”

 — Amy Y. Both, CPA, manager at Withum

“Mentoring the next generation of female CPAs is crucial to our profession’s growth. It can be challenging to start a career as a CPA. Having a support system helps to build confidence and grow, not only within the profession, but as a person. Having someone to go to with questions and without judgement helps to keep you motivated. I was fortunate to have mentors over the years who believed in me, guided me and truly wanted to see my success. Without their support and encouragement, I would not have succeeded. One difficult, but important task of a mentor is to provide constructive feedback. This feedback helps us to grow. This profession gave me so much, mentoring is my way to give back.”

— JoAnne Geylin, CPA, CAP, principal at Geylin & Associates, P.C. 

“I wouldn’t be where I am in my life without mentorship, and many of those mentors have been women — from teachers to family members, friends, colleagues and even my mom’s closest friends, these women have gone out of their way to help me learn and grow through many important stages in my life. I participate in the mentoring program through the NJCPA because I want to make sure the next generation of CPAs have the same or better opportunities than I did.”

— Megan Kelly, CPA, CFE, CVA, director at FAZ Forensics

“Throughout my career, I've observed a positive shift, with more women entering and remaining in public accounting. Mentoring is crucial for CPAs of any gender and at any career stage, but female CPAs often benefit significantly during pivotal moments, such as transitioning to leadership roles or balancing new family commitments. I hope to convey that succeeding in a CPA career is absolutely achievable, and female CPAs should believe in themselves and lean on their support systems.”

— Sviatlana LiPuma, CPA, managing director at CBIZ and shareholder at CBIZ CPAs P.C. 

“Mentoring and supporting the next generation of female CPAs is extremely important to me. I believe that mentoring is essential for empowering women to achieve their career goals while maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life. By sharing our experiences and providing guidance, we can create a supportive network that enables female CPAs to thrive. It is crucial that we foster an environment where women are encouraged to pursue their ambitions, celebrate their accomplishments and overcome obstacles together.”

— June M. Toth, CPA, CGMA, principal at WilkinGuttenplan

“Mentoring plays a critical role in encouraging the next generation of female CPAs, helping to break down existing barriers and create opportunities for young women in the accounting profession. As women continue to be underrepresented in the male-dominated CPA field, mentorship provides guidance, support and a pathway for professional growth. Women who are mentors serve as role models, offering insights on navigating challenges unique to women in the workplace, including gender biases or work-life balance issues. This guidance not only helps to boost confidence but helps other women build essential skills, expand their networks and access career advancement opportunities through designated programs, like those that the NJCPA offers.

Encouraging the next generation of female CPAs will bring different perspectives and innovative ideas to enhance problem-solving and decision-making within our firms and companies. This will lead to a more balanced workforce, creating an environment that better reflects the communities that our firms and companies already serve.”  

— Kaitlin N. Vinch, CPA, senior tax analyst in U.S. Tax CTC Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson 

“Mentorship and encouragement of the next generation of CPAs are crucial to ensuring a strong pipeline. At WilkinGuttenplan, I have strong, independent female managers and partners that I learn from every day. I volunteer with the NJCPA’s Mentorship program and have had the fortune to mentor at least five young women at various stages in their accounting programs. Sometimes, we need to be cheerleaders for other women, encouraging them and believing in their abilities so they feel empowered to complete their undergraduate or master’s program and continue studying for the CPA exam.”

— Kerry Duda Wilson, CPA, manager at WilkinGuttenplan 

“To me, mentoring is more than just passing on technical knowledge. It’s about offering guidance, support and encouragement to women who might not always see themselves represented in this field. I want to be a mentor who helps young women navigate the challenges of this profession — whether overcoming self-doubt or finding the right balance between career and life. By mentoring, we can empower more women to step into leadership roles and ensure they are confident in their abilities. It’s crucial for building a more inclusive, diverse and successful future for the accounting profession.”

— Lexi B. Wilson, CPA, RMA, PSA, senior manager at Bowman & Company LLP