My career journey: Accounting, public service and building trust

Throughout my career, and especially over the past few years, I’ve spent significant time reflecting on and speaking about the important role accountants play in our society—to help grow and operate businesses, to provide assurance over financial and nonfinancial information, and to help build trust in our capital markets. These principles have remained true throughout my whole career—from starting with PwC as an intern to serving some of the firm's largest multinational clients, to my role as Chief Accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These principles are timeless and will continue to be so—transcending specific roles, eras, market conditions and territories.

Throughout the 25+ years I’ve spent within our profession, I’ve had unique opportunities to help shape the future of our profession—and deeply understand the significance of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) role—irrespective of a job title or the era we are in. The accounting profession is noble, and I’m incredibly proud of the impact accountants have around the world in private and public sectors, government and academia. Here’s why the work we do as CPAs is critical and will remain so.

Accountants underpin business

We underpin businesses—across industries and geographies—by having a crucial role in enhancing confidence in the information that drives our capital markets. The work we do enables stakeholders like investors, creditors and executives to understand a company’s financial performance and position, helping to inform decisions and business strategies. CPAs are important to our economy and protecting the public interest, a truth that holds regardless of changing market conditions or trends.?

Today’s accounting profession is not solely about crunching numbers—we can also serve as trusted advisors to business and leaders. Accountants can solve complex problems by analyzing data, leveraging innovative technology, such as generative AI, responsibly, and using all of these insights and tools to tell a thorough and concise story or guide an important decision.

CPAs build trust in society and solve important problems

Looking at my career, trust is a key theme. Trust is not linear—it’s multi-dimensional, and today’s business leaders are expected to build trust with stakeholders to deliver better sustained outcomes.?

I believe that trust is enhanced by the expertise and independence of a vibrant auditing profession. Whether in private practice, public service or industry organizations across the globe, we—as accountants and CPAs—are constantly striving to increase confidence in information and build trust with stakeholders and in the markets. This is our responsibility to the public—to help provide quality, reliable information that market participants can use to make decisions.?

Assurance delivered by auditors, who are independent and objective, is a cornerstone for the health of our financial and capital markets and our economy. This responsibility is critical—and I’m proud of the role my peers and I continue to play in our profession.?

Our profession is growing in relevance

Our profession has never been more relevant. Disclosures beyond the financial statements are increasingly significant for companies and relevant. And as technology evolves, so does our role as CPAs. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, accountants and auditors can play a pivotal role in assessing the safety, reliability and integrity of AI systems.?

Our profession is on the cutting edge of technological innovation. As more of our clients leverage these tools in their business, CPAs need a high-level of understanding to evaluate internal controls, data accuracy and more. And it creates more opportunities for CPAs as well—leaning into a people-led and tech-powered approach helps accountants and tax preparers focus on more judgmental areas, think more critically, and ultimately enhance quality. This adaptability and forward-thinking approach will continue to be crucial as technology continues to advance at a fast pace.

Our enduring role

The pride I feel for being an accountant, and the lessons I’ve learned throughout my career, will stick with me as I embark on my next exciting chapter as I begin my new role as PwC’s Global Assurance Leader. From my early days as a PwC intern to now, I have seen firsthand how the core values of our profession are timeless and enduring. I am confident that these principles will continue to elevate our profession, demonstrating the indispensable role we play in shaping a better future for businesses and society alike. Simply, accounting makes society better, and I’m excited to continue this work across the globe.