2018 Spring - Spectrum Magazine

SPRING 2018THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK ACCOUNTANTS, INC.6 iVOLUT!ON: Career Dreams Can Come True When You Empower the Change WithinBridging the gap to ensure unlimited opportunities and growthfor blacks in the accounting and related business professions.11 JOURNEY TO PASSING 18 BEING A SUCCESSFUL 26 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: THE CPA EXAM INVESTOR FULFILLING AN UNMET NEED



CONTENTS3 NABA National Board of Directors5 Message from the Chairman6 iVOLUT!ON: Use the Power Within to Mold Your Career8 Diversity & Inclusion - the Fabric of EY’s Success11 Journey to Passing the CPA Exam12 Nontraditional Path to Accounting16 Four Ways to Get More Rest and Relaxation in Your Life18 Three Overlooked Keys to Being a Successful Investor20 Holistic Mentorship 24 Employ the BRAVE Model for Great Leadership26 Entrepreneurship: Fulfilling an Unmet Need29 Vernon Evans: NABA Member for Life30 Lifetime Members

PUBLISHER MAGAZINE .Shaun LaneEDITOR-IN-CHIEF WRITERS HOW TO REACH USDarell Scott, MBA Maeghan DuckettMANAGING EDITOR Maya Francis EDITORIAL:Elaine W. Smith Jeffrey Foley [email protected] Kim HallNABA STAFF Elaine W. Smith ADVERTISING:Lauren Yost, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Miriam W. Tarver [email protected] Operating Officer Ruth Thaler-Carter MEMBERSHIP/Kim R. Wilson Jaylon Williams CUSTOMER SERVICE:Chief Programs Officer [email protected] McGhee Brandi WilliamsController Manager, Chapter Relations PUBLISHED ARTICLESLauren Burke-Silva Octavia Bizzell AND REPRINT PERMISSIONS:Director, Business Development Member Services Coordinator For permission to reprintLynette Perry Shaun Lane articles please contactManager, Membership Operations Director, Communications [email protected] Darell Scott, MBA or Darell Scott at [email protected]. Manager, Communications Crystal Briscoe ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: Executive Services Administrator For more information about submitting articles for publication in Spectrum please visit www.nabainc.org/articlesubmission.STAY CONNECTED!Join NABA’s Social Networks: 7474 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 1120 • Greenbelt, MD 20770 Phone: 301.474.NABA • Fax: 301.474.3114 • www.nabainc.org

MISSIONThe mission of NABA, Inc. is to address the professional needs of its members and to build leaders that shapethe future of the accounting and finance profession with an unfaltering commitment to inspire the same in theirsuccessors. The Association shall unite through membership accountants, finance and business-related professionalsand students who have similar interests and ideals, are committed to professional and academic excellence, possessa sense of professional and civic responsibility, and are concerned with enhancing opportunities for minorities in theaccounting, finance and business-related professions. BOARD OF DIRECTORSSteven L. Harris, CPA , CGMA Earl Fagan, CPA Daniel E. Worrell, Ryan Galloway, MPA, CFE, CRMA CPA, CGMA Chairman of the Board Vice Chairman of the Board Treasurer Secretary REGIONAL PRESIDENTSRosalind Danner, CPA Eugene S. Hampton, II, CPA, CGFM Angel M. Johnson Nora O’GarroEastern Region President Southern Region President Central Region President Western Region President NATIONAL DIRECTORSHerschel Frierson Sherry-Ann Mohan, CPA Uso Sayers , CISA Anthony Walker, CPA National Director National Director National Director National Director SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 3



MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMANGreetings!The expression, time and tide wait for no man, has existed since the early 1200s. In many ways, it ismore true today than it was as it was more than 800 years ago. From my perspective – as I am surefrom yours – the demands on our time are continually stressed by the variety of changes and multitudeof new things occurring around us.Fortunately, during these times of continuous change and some uncertainties, NABA has been aconsistent, reliable force.As we prepare to celebrate our 49th anniversary in Orlando, I see an association that constantly evolves in changing times,where engaged learning and innovation is redefining the accounting and finance profession. And people have noticed.As we are poised to celebrate our 50th birthday in 2019, I am reminded that our organization was founded on the heels ofthe civil rights movement – a time that marked a significant shift in our country. At that time, the Big 8 accounting firms wereforced to re-examine their policies with respect to equal employment opportunity and were accountable for hiring moreblack accountants.Despite the new awareness and focus, many challenges for black accountants in the workplace remained. As a result, NABAwas founded in 1969 to continue the revolution for change. What started as a revolution led to an evolution, as times changed.Now, for us to reach the pinnacle of our careers and make lasting change, we must evoke the change in each of us and startan “iVOLUT!ON” - our theme for this year’s National Convention & Expo.iVOLUT!ON, the idea of investing in your own professional power to achieve your personal and professional goals, ispersonified with engaging stories in this edition of Spectrum.In the lead article, you’ll learn how Charlene Rhinehart evolved from financial analyst to a business writer and owner of multipleplatforms.“You have to be bold,”she says.“The more you go outside of your comfort zone, the more you’ll discover about yourselfand the happier you’ll be once you really tap into the things that you really love, and you give yourself permission to do it.”Another story discusses the journey of Lindsay Smith, who went from journalism, to data analysis, to audit associate at a majoraccounting firm. In a third story, Jeff Morris explains how becoming a financial advisor required focus and mentorship.Each of these members took a risk and staged an iVOLUT!ON. Throughout their journeys, NABA walked with them, creatingaccess to opportunities that helped advance careers, as well as live our motto, Lifting As We Climb.Sincerely,Steven L. Harris, CPA, CGMAChairman of the Board SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 5

iVOLUT!ON: Using the PowerWithin to Mold Your CareerBy Elaine W. SmithWhen you enter the accounting profession, your career can be an evolution – a traditional career pathwhere you settle for what comes your way, or it can be an iVOLUT!ON. When you choose iVOLUT!ON,you use your knowledge, your network, and your personal brand to take control and achieve the career ofyour dreams. It’s never too late or too soon to begin your iVOLUT!ON. For some, iVOLUT!ON begins witha well thought out plan. For others, a special opportunity may spark an iVOLUT!ON. Many also begin theiriVOLUT!ON when they are accounting students. LESLIE NETTER, first vice products for my clients,” Netter said. The firm he chose president – wealth management at was Smith Barney, where he stayed for nine years UBS Financial Services in Atlanta, before being recruited by Morgan Stanley, which later GA, began his second career in bought Smith Barney. Netter said his move to UBS 1997 after serving 20 years in three years ago is his last career move. public accounting and corporate Netter’s iVOLUT!ON advice: “If you’re an accountant America. A former CPA, he had been and you want to get into a new industry, do as much research as you can, and if there’s an organization looking at the financial services industry that represents that industry, join it, meet as manyfor 10 years while working in Miami. “I had a friend people as you can, and learn as much as you can to beand tax client who was in this industry and I noticed successful in your new industry.”his compensation and how much flexibility he hadin terms of lifestyle. The problem with making that CHARLENE RHINEHART, CPA, hascareer change back in the 1980s was that the financial come a long way since graduating fromservices industry was way behind in terms of attracting DePaul University with a bachelor’sdiverse talent. At that time there was only one African degree in accounting and finance andAmerican who worked for a top brokerage firm in all a minor in community services study.of Miami,” Netter explained. She was introduced to accounting inBy the late 1990s, Netter was ready to implement an high school in a program where she wasiVOLUT!ON. “I wanted to work in a profession whereI had more control over my career, the people I work allowed to shadow PwC professionals. Shewith, my compensation, my working hours – my had four college internships at PwC and an internshipentire working environment. Moving into the financial at JP Morgan Chase & Co. in its Financial Analystservices industry allowed me to do that.” Leadership Development Program. Rhinehart beganTo determine how he could be successful in financial her professional career at JP Morgan Chase, but alwaysservices, Netter did his research. “I looked at four wanted something more. “Ever since I stepped foot onfirms. I wanted a firm that had a nationwide footprint, corporate soil, I harbored a pipe dream of impacting thea training program, and no limit on using external lives of others beyond my cubicle. I didn’t just want income; I wanted to make an impact,” she said.6 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018

While at JP Morgan Chase, Rhinehart earned her CPA, CFE and and auditing internships. She will begin her career as an auditcertifications in project management and public speaking. associate at Allmond & Company, in Landover, MD, and hasShe initially was going to pursue an MBA, but she said, “Life a goal of passing all four parts of the CPA exam on the firsttook me in a different direction.” Rhinehart said she used her attempt.speaking skills and professional background to compete in the But Abbott’s goals extend beyond a career in accounting.Ms. Corporate America pageant, and in 2015, she became the As a student at VCU and as a volunteer with an organizationfirst CPA to win the title. “A week later, I decided to quit my job called Partnership for the Future, she said that she is awareand I traveled around the country to speak about diversity and of the lack of resources for under-served blacks and theinclusion.” need to expose young black students to a variety of careers.Rhinehart said that Ms. Corporate America gave her the “At my school, all the black people work in the cafeteriaurge to travel worldwide, so she joined Up With People – an or as janitors. There are not a lot of black professors ateducational organization whose mission is to inspire young our school. So there needs to be change. I hope to start apeople to make a difference in the world. “I thought it was a nonprofit organization that will provide tools necessary togreat way to connect with people around the world because as help blacks progress in careers and in life,” she said.an accounting professional, you need to be able to have cross- Abbot has also thought a lot about how she will accomplishcultural competencies.” this. “I have discussions with close family and friends and theyAfter traveling to Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Mexico and encourage me. I like to plan things. I will research everything IBermuda, she wanted to do something that would allow her need to know before starting my nonprofit. Even now, I writethe flexibility to continue to travel. She began to write for notes and paste them around the room to remind me of mythe Huffington Post, Black Enterprise and other publications. goals,” she said. ”My biggest focus is serving the community...She also established multiple business platforms to help I don’t expect to change the world, but I do want to help ourothers: “CEO Unlimited”(Creating Endless Opportunities), people progress, somehow, someway.”the “Career Goddess Academy,” and most recently, “Wealthy Joshua Akins began his iVOLUT!ON when he becameWomen Daily,” to teach people how to invest in the stock involved with NABA. He is a graduate of Middle Georgia Statemarket. Rhinehart really reached for the stars when she University in Macon, will receive a master of accountancyserved as a stand-in on the set of “Empire,” a highly rated from Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville inshow on FOX Broadcasting. May 2018, and is currently studying to sit for the CPA examRhinehart says mentors and sponsors have been a big part and also plans to obtain the CISA.of her success. “One woman at Chase used her political Akins’s work experience includes serving as an accountingand social capital to speak positively about me when I was intern, accounting analyst and tax intern. After he receivednot in the room...and that’s what helped me to get three his undergraduate degree and had an internship in tax hepromotions at Chase in five years. This woman constantly said “there was nothing really exciting about it.” However,spoke to executives about my performance. If it was not for when he entered Georgia College as the only Africanher I think my experience at the company would have been American male in his master of accounting program, one ofcompletely different.” his professors suggested that he look into NABA. “When IRhinehart’s advice for others who want to have a career went to my first NABA conference … I met some awesomeiVOLUT!ON: “You have to be bold. I think that’s the biggest accounting big brothers and big sisters. No one in my familything holding people back. A lot of people may be afraid of is an accountant or business professional, so I now haverejection or failure or not having their life balancing out like six to 10 professionals who I reach out to consistently forthe books that we try to balance every month.”“The more you go outside of your comfort zone, the more advice. I know that I would not be in such hotyou’ll discover about yourself and the happier you’ll be once pursuit to be a CPA if it was not for me beingyou really tap into the things that you really love and lifted by NABA members,” he said. “I knowgive yourself permission to do it... When we think that I wouldn’t be where I am if people hadbeyond our day-to-day tasks, we really are able not just taken the time to answer phoneto craft a life that reflects our core values and calls, texts and LinkedIn messages.”who we really are inside.” With respect to his iVOLUT!ON and “empowering the change within, Akins said, “AsKADEJA ABBOTT ANDJOSHUA AKINS, who will be receiving much as I have going on, it’s not an option for me not to make time to volunteer. I mentor younger students whotheir undergraduate and graduate degrees, don’t come from the best backgrounds; they have the smarts,respectively, in May 2018, exemplify how it is never but they need support. I know that on a daily basis I have totoo soon to begin a career iVOLUT!ON. look for opportunities to help other people reach their goals.Abbott is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University Being a CPA is very important to me, but being able to add(VCU) and is president of the NABA student chapter. Abbott’s value to other people is even more important. I want to use mycareer accomplishments as a student include both accounting education, experience and passion to help people.” ▲ SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 7

GLOBAL SERVICES COMPANYWeaves Diversity & Inclusion intoFirm’s Fabric By Ruth E. Thaler-CarterDiversity and inclusion are no small matters for through diversity and inclusionErnst and Young (www.ey.com) — the global training,” he said. It is partprofessional services firm has more than 250,000 of a celebration for all newlyemployees around the world, encompassing a wide promoted professionals,range of ethnicities, genders, cultures and more, among other tactics.with the accompanying need for sensitivity and Another invaluable strategyunderstanding among those many perspectives. at EY is to highlight peopleThat reality underlies the firm’s commitment to throughout the company anddiversity and inclusion. “It is critically important to have them tell their stories and journeys throughus, literally from the CEO to permeating throughout its website and a weekly newsletter, Journeys thatour culture, especially as a global company with Inspire. “Understanding and knowing about people’speople all around the world,” said Kenneth Bouyer, differences, cultures, and backgrounds is key,”Americas director of inclusion and recruiting. “We Bouyer said.believe it helps with innovation as we work to solve EY tracks data on its diversity and inclusion processclient problems.” and successes. One statistic is campus recruiting and building a pipeline to the profession and the In short, according to Bouyer, company. Most recently, “39 percent of campus diversity and inclusion is hires are considered minorities as part of a deliberate focus and effort,” he said. “We’re really “fundamental to our clients’ proud of this — in 1993–94, only 10 percent of our business and our success.” campus hires were minorities.” Because “we know that within the accountingThe company includes diversity and inclusion in profession, we need to consider the future, weits statement of corporate value at its website (on fund a lot of high school programs” to enhance thepage 9), making its commitment clear and strong. pipeline, including working with several NABA ACAPThat commitment has been in place for more than programs. “We plant trees to raise awareness of20 years, “so it’s woven into the fabric of the firm,” opportunities. We’re all going to be better off as aBouyer said. “Our commitment has never wavered, result,” he said.even in the economic downtime. We recognize that EY is “very deliberate” in giving early opportunitiesdiversity and inclusion is part of every area of the at the university level for internships through itsfirm, so we have the broadest definition — that’s Discover EY program, which involves bringing 180critical to success.” students to New York City for three to four daysAmong the company’s strategies, “we bring in of leadership development. The company also hasexperts to work on topics such as unconscious invested close to $30,000 in scholarships specificallybias,” Bouyer noted. The company makes significant for NABA students. “We’re very holistic, frominvestments in training. “All of our leaders go planting the roots of opportunity to breathing the oxygen,” said Bouyer.8 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018

CONTINUING EFFORTS EY AND DIVERSITYEssential to continued success is providing ongoing The EY website makes the company’straining. “We do training in diversity and inclusion commitment to diversity and inclusion crystal-every single year,” Bouyer said. “We’re very focused clear, as shown in these excerpts from its statedon caring for our people. We know there has been corporate philosophy and approach.a lot of divisiveness externally in society as a whole,and we aim to counteract that negativity by holding “… Our focus on diversity and inclusiveness‘Are You OK?’ sessions. It’s a little risky, but the is integral to how we serve our clients, developfeedback has been great, and it ensures that we are our people and play a leadership role in ourlooking at our environment and our people feel safe.” communities.”EY’s Leadership Matters program is another waythat the company focuses on increasing inclusive “Diversity is about differences. Each of usleadership skills. “It isn’t enough just to hire diverse is different, and at EY we value and respectemployees,” Bouyer explained. “You have to have individual differences. At EY, we think broadlyinclusive leaders to create an environment where about differences; they include background,you can actually be inclusive. This effort speaks to education, gender, ethnicity, nationality,recognizing people who are different, because we generation, age, working and thinking styles,must ensure that everyone can be heard.” religious background, sexual orientation, abilityEY was active in the American Institute of CPAs and technical skills … [and] service line, sector(AICPA) inaugural Chairman’s Commission and and function.remains involved in its work, seeing the commissionas “instrumental in drawing the accounting “Inclusiveness is about leveraging theseprofession together on diversity and inclusion, and differences to achieve better business results.pulling resources together across the profession. It’s It is about creating an environment where all ofbeen awesome!” our people feel, and are, valued ...”EY is “very invested in AICPA initiatives,” Bouyeradded. “We use AICPA tools for recruitment and “Research shows that companies with diverseretention and help fund resources. We’ve leveraged teams that are led inclusively perform bettera lot of communications and have done a lot to than those with more homogenous teams.extend outreach. We team with the commission on Diverse teams are more likely to improve marketa lot of programs.” share and have success in new markets; they demonstrate stronger collaboration and betterLOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE retention.While EY and AICPA are clearly staying strong in the “Making sure that all our people’s voices areareas of increased diversity and inclusion, Bouyer heard and valued not only helps attract andsees more to be done. “Our profession’s broad and retain the best people, but it also helps uscontinuing focus on diversity and inclusion will be deliver better approaches for our clients and forcritical to our and our clients’ success,” he said. “We our own organization … because creating anmust continue this focus and investment. We all will inclusive workforce, where all differences matter,benefit from diversity and inclusion.” ▲ allows us to identify the risks and opportunities we might not otherwise see ...”Ruth E. Thaler-Carter (www.writerruth.com) is an award-winning freelance writer/editor and frequent contributor to SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 9Spectrum Magazine.

Where do you © 2018 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. | 1801-2539571 NABA | ED Nonestart if youwant to changethe world?You start right here. At EY, we believe our role,our legacy to the world, is to help it work better.Learn more by joining our talent community:tinyurl.com/naba2018 or contact TonikaHammonds at [email protected] orTina Thompkins at [email protected].

The Long Journey toPassing the CPA ExamBy Elaine W. SmithFelicia Farrar, MBA, CPA, CFE, is excited Nevertheless, Farrar received encouragement from a lotabout her new role as an item writer at of people, including a co-founder of NABA. “Whenever Ithe AICPA. She will be drawing on more would run in to [Frank], immediately after hello, he wouldthan 25 years of experience in accounting, say, ‘Have you passed?’”teaching, tax, and audit to write questions Farrar said that when she finally got to the point wherefor the uniform CPA examination. she really wanted to pass the exam, she traveled to Dallas to take the Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)Farrar is uniquely qualified to assist the AICPA in this role. class, which was being taught by Lillian Hickman-Riggs,Although she only recently obtained the CPA designation, a lead instructor of the Becker Review course. “SheFarrar for years has been touting the importance of passing re-taught me accounting. In order to pass, you have tothe CPA examination for black professionals and students re-teach yourself accounting. She really helped me withand has been helping others to pass it. that and wouldn’t let me give up,” Farrar said. Before Farrar passed the CPA exam, she said she encouragedFarrar began her career at the IRS as an internal revenue and helped her students to pass the exam. “I knew theagent before moving to RE Bassie LLP as a senior material and the techniques to use to take it because I hadaccountant/auditor and later to KPMG, LLP as in-charge taken it so many times. I knew how to get them throughauditor/senior associate. She later returned to the IRS everything they needed to get the exam done.”as an internal revenue agent for small business and In 2003, she hosted a test run of the computerized CPAself-employed, and return preparer coordinator for Gulf exam at the NABA National Convention and she initiatedStates. She currently serves the IRS as internal revenue the CPA review that is currently held at the convention.agent for the Large Business and International Business Most recently, Farrar organized a NABA CPA Boot Camp Pilotunit. In addition to her work in corporate America and Program, a partnership of the Howard University School ofthe federal government, in 2013 Farrar also became an Business School Center for Accounting Education, the NABAadjunct professor of accounting at several universities Western Region, the AICPA, and Houston area minority-and colleges. Farrar will begin an executive PhD in serving institutions. The purpose of the boot camp is toaccounting program this fall. prepare minority candidates to sit for and pass all four parts of the CPA exam.At the beginning of her accounting career, Farrar did The intensive eight-week camp took place at the Universitynot pursue the CPA designation. “At first I didn’t think it of Houston in the summer of 2016. She is also responsiblewas that important to get the CPA because I was already for the NABA National CPA Boot Camp that will commencein the field. But I found that there were meetings and this year.committees that I wanted to be a part of. So in order “Even though I launched the boot camp, I had not passedto be in the room and at the table, I needed to have a the CPA exam,” Farrar said, “So I was helping someCPA. For the things outside of my job, in order for it to students and others pass. “I’m not of the mindset that if Iappear that I was knowledgeable on the topic, I needed don’t have it, you shouldn’t have it.”my CPA.” Farrar did, however, obtain her Certified Fraud Farrar added, “NABA was formed because of limitedExaminer (CFE) designation, but later decided she needed opportunities for African American CPAs. As we continueto pursue the CPA. to address this issue, we should also be about creating more black CPAs; as not having a CPA can limit one’sWhen asked about her strategy for passing the exam, opportunities,” she said. ▲Farrar said, “I didn’t have a strategy. I originally took it toget grandfathered in before changes were made. Then I SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 11took it again and didn’t pass it. I passed all four parts atleast twice, but I lost them.”

Nontraditional Pathto the AccountingProfessionThe traditional path to a career at a Big 4 accounting By Maya Francis and Elaine W. Smithfirm is well known – enroll in an accreditedundergraduate or graduate accounting program, degree. “Having had a career in another professionseek and secure internships to gain some experience can bring a unique perspective to a career inwhile in school, maintain a high GPA, attend school- accounting,” said Raymond. “A combination ofsponsored career events or others such as NABA’s diverse skills, perspectives and experiences driveRegional Student Conferences, apply and interview innovation and our success. People who have hadfor an entry-level position, and get hired. careers in other fields bring a wealth of knowledgeSome, however, choose to enter the field after with them, which is a great benefit to our firm.”working in a different field or serving in the When recruiting experienced professionals,military. This article provides insights from a KPMG Raymond said KPMG seeks those who haveexecutive director on what the company refers to graduated from accredited colleges and have theas “experienced hires” and the accounting program skills needed to meet today’s business challenges.chair of the University of Maryland University “Our qualified candidates also possess a variety ofCollege on preparing working adults for a career in work and professional experiences. All these uniqueaccounting, and the story of a woman’s journey from backgrounds make KPMG more competitive whicha career in journalism to a career at a Big 4 firm. translates into great service for our clients,” she said. Raymond noted that technical and soft skills are EXPERIENCED HIRE now a “must-have” in today’s business environment. RECRUITING “A career in accounting and professional services is much more than checking books and reporting Eileen Raymond, executive financial figures,” she said. “Today’s enterprises are director, Experienced Hire more complex, technology is changing faster than Recruiting at KPMG, believes ever before, and businesses are trying to stay at the employees who have had forefront of that change,” Raymond explained. “We careers in other fields can be a expect our experienced professionals to have these“great benefit” to the firm, but if they want to work skills in order to navigate today’s business landscapein an auditing role they must have an accounting and solve our clients’ complex business issues.”12 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018

THE ROLE OF is responsible for managing a minority scholarship CAREER COLLEGES offered jointly by the professional society and the AICPA. “Currently, only five professional CPA Dr. Sharon A. Levin, MBA, CPA, societies participate in AICPA’s minority scholarship CFE, professor and program initiative. If every state society contributed to chair of graduate accounting AICPA’s minority scholarship, we may begin to see at the University of Maryland a much needed shift toward greater diversity in University College (UMUC), accounting professions,” she said. Levin added thatsaid that her school’s graduate students are typically she is, however, proud that the minority enrollmentmature adults with substantial work experience of UMUC’s graduate accounting programs haswho understand that earning a degree is just one averaged 73% for the past five years, of which Africancomponent of career success. “UMUC students have American students account for approximately 40%.a deep appreciation for and desire to enhance their With respect to the success of UMUC graduates inknowledge and develop the competencies to be entering accounting firms upon graduation, Levinsuccessful in their careers,” she said. Levin explained said that UMUC career fairs attract employersthat UMUC has three graduate accounting programs from government, consulting agencies, and– masters of science in accounting and information accounting firms of all sizes. “Our accountingsystems, accounting and financial management, and graduates are fortunate in that they may choosemanagement with a specialization in accounting. from many employers who specifically seek UMUC accounting graduates. In addition, many accounting“Our goal is to graduate students graduates start their own accounting firms, work aswho will be the best possible consultants, and move up to C-suite positions uponemployment candidates immediately graduation,” she said.upon graduation,” she said. FROM JOURNALISM TO A BIG 4 FIRMLevin said that throughout the graduate accountingcurriculum, students become proficient in using The path to one’s passion isn’t always a straightspreadsheets; recording financial transactions line. In the case of Lindsay N. Smith, newly mintedusing an industry standard general ledger package; into the accounting field, the road led her right backpreparing and analyzing financial statements and to where she started. First exposed to accountingreports for various business entities; conducting an in 2003 after graduating from high school, Smithaudit; preparing individual and corporate tax returns interned at a small accounting firm, Regis &and other tasks typically performed by accountants. Associates, PC, in her native Washington, DC, where“Thus, our students are not just learning the theory she helped with payroll processing.of accounting but they are also learning by doing Smith then embarked on a professional career aswhat accountants do. They graduate with a skill set a print journalist, graduating as a Washington Postthat is highly valued by employers,” she said. scholar from the University of Maryland, CollegeLevin believes that UMUC and other career colleges Park’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism.can play a unique role in filling the accountingrecruiting pipeline with qualified minorities. “It is SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 13extremely important for universities to proactivelyseek minority students to enhance diversity in theaccounting profession,” said Levin, citing recentAICPA statistics. “Diversity in accounting positionsremains a dismal 30% for entry level positions andan unjustifiable 5% at the partner level,” she said.Levin also pointed out that she is the only academicboard member of a professional society of CPAs and

Immediately following graduation, Smith worked as if I was going to go back to graduate school forthe research director at the Washington Business something, it should be for something stable.”Journal, where she was responsible for editorial With her experience as research director undercontent for the weekly’s “Book of Lists,” a special her belt, Smith felt she had foundational exposurepublication that explores DC-area businesses by for what was ahead. She decided that she wouldindustry, surveying companies and ranking them continue to work while getting her master’s degree,by parameters including revenue and number of which prompted her to select online learningemployees. Smith also reviewed and analyzed courses in order to complete the program whilecompany financial statements. “I was in charge accommodating her work schedule. But she admitsof the surveying and the layout of the lists that online learning had its challenges.themselves,” Smith recalls. “I was an integral part “It’s easier to have classroom participation, raisingof the publication process. At end-of-year, I was your hand when you have a question. It’s harderresponsible for making sure the information we to get motivated to write an essay in response topublished throughout the year was accurate for things week after week online. It worked for me, butwhen the Book of Lists came out.” you just have to be disciplined.”While working at the Washington Business Journal, Smith graduated in May 2016, but did not startSmith attended the NABA National Convention working in the accounting field until February 2017,in 2009. Following her attendance, she decided first for Allmond & Company in Landover, MD, asshe wanted to return to the classroom to study a staff auditor and next in the advisory practice ataccounting. “While I was at the Business Journal I Grant Thornton.began taking classes at my local community college “My previous work experience helped [in thoseto get the necessary credits to transfer into the positions] because it set me up for knowing howUniversity of Maryland University College’s Master organizations operate. If you’re new to a workplaceof Accounting and Financial Management program,” you’ll have that learning curve in addition to theSmith says. “Around that time, I was applying for actual tasks. It was easy for me to just say ‘Hey, Ijobs at the University of Maryland and ended don’t quite understand this, can you explain?’ I’mup landing one around March 2011. Because my not afraid to ask questions. I think younger people[Washington Business Journal] job was largely in think that their employers expect them to knowresearch, I found a job as a prospect researcher at everything, but really the employers want you toUMD where I was tasked with donor research, both ask questions. If asking questions helps you get itproactive and reactive, as part of the University right the first time, then I think the employer is allRelations fundraising division. I learned a lot about too eager to have those conversations.”data analysis and data mining. And toward the end Next up for Smith, just one year out from her firstof my six years at UMD, my job was primarily data accounting gig? A new role as a federal audit associateanalytics. I was mining databases to find donors for for Big 4 firm KMPG, where she began April 9.the University to cold call.” “It’s important that I did actually work in anotherHer return to her alma mater affirmed her decision field or two before I got into this one because Ito pursue accounting. “I remembered through that know now that this is what I want to do,” she sayswork that I like numbers and I’m good with numbers. confidently. “It’s kind of weird that we as a societyAccounting was the most practical use of that.” expect young people to know what they want toAnd Smith’s original field of study, journalism, was do for a living at 18 and 22; we’ve got our diplomasalso changing—and quickly. “The industry was and we’re eager to go, and we’re supposed to stickshrinking. People were getting laid off. My pay with that for 40 years. Journalism was something Iwas cut by 5%, and we were in the middle of the wanted to do [for a long time] so I’m glad I was ablerecession that began around 2008, so I figured to do it, but I’m glad I had exposure to something else. I’m glad I wasn’t afraid to switch careers. I14 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018 started that process pretty young–I was 24–but it was a pretty long process to get the degree and get into the field. And a lot of people, understandably, aren’t willing to start from the beginning. But I was. And I don’t regret that.” ▲

Inclusion.Becausesolutions comefrom the insightsof many.At KPMG, we are committed to building adiverse workforce. We believe in our culturethat strives for equity and values the uniqueexperiences and qualities essential to leadership,innovation and success. We achieve this goalby providing valuable career opportunities foreveryone.Join your future to ours.kpmgcampus.comus-jobs.kpmg.comYour Career. Inspired.© 2018 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firmsaffiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. The KPMG nameand logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International. NDPPS 762789

FOUR WAYS TO GET MORERest and Relaxation in Your LifeFrom the Balanced Living Blog of the Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (HAP)After seven years of frustrating, difficult work, Knowing you need more rest is an idea we can allAlbert Einstein took a break from a series of intense get behind. But getting more rest? That may seemmathematical calculations. As the days passed and as out there as Einstein’s E=MC2. Here are fourhe let his mind wander, Einstein was struck by the ideas to incorporate relaxation to give your brainkernel of the idea that he would eventually turn into and body time to reboot.the theory of relativity.Of course, not all of us have the same lightning-bolt 1 SCHEDULE IT. It may soundintellect as Einstein, who went on to win the NobelPrize in physics. But all of us require the ordinary contradictory, but schedulingingredient that led to Einstein’s insights: a break downtime is a simple way to helpfrom daily obligations for rest and relaxation. create a new habit. Start with aIf we’re always doing, moving and releasing active once-a-week appointment, sayhormones, such as cortisol, we can’t sleep even at 10 minutes, that you put on yourbedtime, experts say. “This is made worse by the digital or paper calendar. When that timefact that people stay on their phones or computers rolls around, put away your devices and find aright up until bedtime, stimulating the brain and quiet place to sit, with no agenda or goals.making it nearly impossible to fall asleep and stayasleep,” says Dr. Heidi Hanna, executive director of 2 JOURNAL. Get creative bythe American Institute of Stress.Does the lack of downtime matter, even if we're giving yourself space and timenot going to make world-changing discoveries, like to jot down ideas, inspirationsEinstein? Quite simply: Yes. and observations. Schedule yourWhile resting, your brain makes connections that journaling time, if necessary.it’s unable to make when you’re active. Scientistshave found that while concentrating, your mind 3 USE TECHNOLOGY. A variety of“turns off” a set of brain regions. However, whenyour thoughts wander, those disconnected regions apps, many of them free, can helpestablish complex connections that have become you carve out vital rest time. Lynneknown as the default mode network. They control Goldberg, a meditation coach andvision, hearing, movement, attention and memory. cofounder of the Breethe app, creditsSo, when you give your brain a break, it’s doing meditating with helping her recoverwork that it’s otherwise unable to do, including from life events. “When you meditate,evaluating what’s happened to you and coming up you’re giving your body cues that you are OK,with new ideas. that nothing bad is happening, and you’re changing your physiological reaction,” she says. Apps like hers make it simple and easy to routinely get a few minutes to pursue mindfulness. 4 BREATHE. Resting doesn’t have to equal a long nap or an entire afternoon with no to-dos. If you feel hurried or anxious, practice simple breathing techniques. “Deep breathing helps slow the heart rate and clears the mind,” Goldberg says. ▲16 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018

DISCOVER A CAREERTHAT ALIGNS TOYOUR PASSIONS© Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. 2017. Johnson & Johnson companies are equal opportunity employers. Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. is a member of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies.NEW ONLINELEARNING OPPORTUNITIESNABA/BLI E-Learning PartnershipThe Business Learning Institute (BLI) is our strategic learning partner, offering CATEGORIES INCLUDEmembers webcasts, webinars and on-demand courses at a discounted price. • Auditing & FinanceStrategic learning to fit your schedule. Our partnership with the Business Learning • Big Data/AI/BlockchainInstitute (BLI) brings premier learning and CPE content right to your fingertips. • Communication • Business StrategyIn addition to webcasts, members have access to the full library of BLI • Ethicson-demand programs across a number of learning categories, many from BLI • Future-Ready SkillsThought Leaders who are speaking at the 2018 Convention. • Harassment • LeadershipLearn more and register at blionline.org/naba-leSaPRrINnG i2n018g| SPECTRUM 17

THREE OVERLOOKED KEYS TO BEING A SUCCESSFUL INVESTOR By Ed Fulbright Does investing The truth is that the market is neither a one-way strike “fear” in you? ticket to instant riches nor a dangerous game We once heard for insiders only. There is risk involved in any somebody say the kind of investment, but if you understand how word “fear” stands the market operates in the long run, then thefor “False Evidence Appearing Real.” That seems rewards can be significant.to apply to investing. Here’s why: By understanding the following three importantThe stock market makes some people nervous. facts about the market, you might be able toThis can be especially true for young people who turn “fear” into “False Evidence Appearing Real”grew up during the Great Recession. Not only did and not get scared out of letting your moneythese folks see market volatility at its worst, but work hard for you in the market.they also came away with negative impressionsabout the financial markets in general.18 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018

1. The market tends to move in long cycles. The amount of info we have at our fingertips makes it tempting to check in on our investments weekly, daily, or even hourly. As financial professionals, though, we take a much wider view of the markets. And while past performance is no guarantee of future returns, the history of the market continues to trend upwards. Consider the S&P 500 Index. If we go back and look at all the bull (upwards) and bear (downwards) markets from 1926 to 2017, the average bear lasted 1.4 years and resulted in a 41% loss on average. However, the average bull lasted 9 years, and gave investors a 480% gain on average, according to First Trust. When volatility strikes, patience is usually a good course of action. Your financial plan is designed to provide for the rest of your life, not for one bull or bear cycle. Instead of panicking when the market dips, try to think of volatility as a tax that investors pay on the wealth that the market can create. If you do find yourself checking in on your investments as regularly as you check your email, maybe think about uninstalling that app.2. Make consistent contributions to your portfolio. Besides struggling to accept volatility, many people are skittish about the markets because they feel powerless. Money goes in, and decades later, who knows what’s going to come out. They feel that politicians, corporations, and geopolitical tumult will have the final say in how big their retirement nest egg grows. However, often times the biggest factor that determines the success of your investments is simply contributing new money on a consistent basis. As discussed above, the market will most likely trend upwards in the long run. The more of your money that’s along for the ride, the bigger those eventual gains will be. For example, suppose that you decide to invest $10,000 every year for 10 years into your portfolio. In a flat market returning 0%, that $10,000 would account for 100% of your portfolio’s gains. In a modest market returning 6% per annum, that $10,000 would account for 73% of your portfolio’s gains. And even in a bull market, charging ahead at a rate of 12%, your $10,000 would STILL account for more than half of your portfolio’s gains, according to Invesco.3. Focus on what you can control. Part of investing involves accepting things you can’t control. A hurricane on the other side of the world might rattle the markets for a couple days. A large company might become embroiled in an accounting scandal. The Federal Reserve might make an unexpected interest rate move. Market corrections might follow. But if you understand volatility and continue to focus on the big picture, you’ll start paying more attention to the things you can control, like a monthly budget that allows for automatic contributions to your investment and retirement accounts. Better yet, think about setting a goal to ramp up the size of those contributions. Many people try to save or invest 10% of their income. Can you shoot for 15%? 20%? The bigger the contributions, the bigger the payoff when you retire. If retirement isn’t on your radar, that big investment cushion will go a long way toward you having a feeling of freedom. ▲Edward D. Fulbright, CPA, CGMA, PFS, chairman & CEO of Fulbright Financial Consulting, PA (www.moneyful.com).Sources: First Trust, https://www.ftportfolios.com/Common/ContentFileLoader.aspx?ContentGUID=4ecfa978-d0bb-4924-92c8-628ff9bfe12dInvesco, https://www.invesco.com/static/us/investors/contentdetail?contentId=47cb32b525051410VgnVCM100000c2f1bf0aRCRD SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 19

Lifting As We ClimbA CALL FOR HOLISTIC MENTORSHIP By Jaylon WilliamsMerriam-Webster defines holistic as: “Relating to to the meeting. While there, the upperclassmen and the faculty advisor welcomed us and somehowor concerned with wholes or with complete systems talked me into coming to the next meeting. Beforerather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or I knew it, I was at every meeting, listening to thedissection into parts….” engaging presentations, and increasing my awareness of the“Holistic mentorship” is As a student, I had countless profession. During this time, Iconcerned with the “whole” or mentors, but those who became acutely aware of thewith the “complete system” that made an indelible impact various career tracks withindrives a successful professional. the profession and the type ofThis sort of mentorship is honest lifestyle it could afford me.and transparent about all of thethings that need to come togetherin order for one to “make it.” Fast forwarding to today: IBefore we delve into holistic mentored me holistically. am now a two-time graduatementorship and why it is crucial of UAB with bachelor’s (’17)to young professionals, I want to and master’s (’18) degrees inexplain how it impacted my own development. accounting; I have passed all four parts of the CPA exam; and I begin my career this fall as an auditIn the fall of 2013, I entered the University of associate with the Birmingham office of KPMG. I amAlabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a declared often asked how I navigated through college and howmajor in accounting. The decision to major in I chose to pursue the specific paths that I did. Myaccounting was predicated solely on the childhood response is generally the same: I attribute much ofwish of “being a businessman” without much where I have ended up to “holistic mentorship.”deliberate thought. I vividly remember walking tothe school cafeteria to grab lunch with a friend and As a student, I had countless mentors, but those whopassing a sign advertising the upcoming meeting of made an indelible impact mentored me holistically.the UAB NABA Student Chapter. We had discussions around everything from sharpening your skill set, managing your finances,My friend saw the sign and was immediately set and self-care. I think the moments that truly definedon attending the meeting; however, I didn’t want where I wanted to take my career and academicto go to the meeting because I was a freshman pursuits were birthed out of transparent and honestwith stereotypical freshman thought patterns. My conversations with a host of different mentors.friend was unmoved by my dissuading, so we went continued on next page20 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018

I think that it is now What if the mentor and mentee are years apart commonly accepted in age and on the surface may have totally that an individual’s dissimilar backgrounds? I personally have found professional life isn’t that regardless of the surface differences there are designed to be a some commonalities to navigating the profession complete separation as a minority that are timeless. I have also found from his or her personal that there are some personal and professional life because the two pitfalls that existed 50 years ago and may have often mix. The mix evolved with time but they still exist. These are is evident when the conversations that need to be had in the mentor/ company Christmas mentee relationship. For example, cars will continueparty occurs and spouses are invited, or when baby to evolve but the basic need to pay attention toshowers occur, or when you are out having drinks the road won’t; and I would argue that similar logicafter work with co-workers. The common term for can be applied to the profession whether you arethis mix is “work-life integration.” entering or exiting.In light of work-life integration, mentorship that is the But I digress. What I want those who are in amost relevant addresses all the aspects that impact a position to be a mentor or are already mentoring tostudent/young professional. I know we may feel that consider is ways to take your mentorship to the next“I don’t want to get personal” or “I don’t want to get level. Mentorship that is transparent and honestin your business.” However, many may be surprised about what is required in the office. Just how hardto learn that students, and particularly Millennials will the mentee have to work? How many timesand Generation Z, are relatively transparent and does the mentee take things on the chin and whenopen. Think about it, documenting our lives across do they become more assertive? Exactly what aresocial media platforms. I personally have watched the do’s and don’ts when attending office events?people who I don’t know well get married, have Does business casual Friday mean it is time to dustchildren, and move into homes. The implication of off those black suede Timberlands (or Timbs asthis truth is that we don’t generally hide what we are we lovingly call them)? When you have a personaldoing with our lives. pitfall, how do you recover from that and go into theTo further illustrate this idea, I asked a few of my office with drive and focus?colleagues with whom I had formed relationships I would urge all who are reading this article tovia NABA, to tell me what they really seek in a consider the NABA motto, Lifting As We Climb, andmentoring relationship. Most of them, in some form think about how exactly we can step into the roleor another, said they want honesty. This honesty of a mentor. Once in that role, how do you providerelates to a range of things, from “Does this look students with holistic mentorship —mentorship thatappropriate for the Christmas party?” to “Did I really is transparent, relevant and real? It makes a worlddo well on this work paper?” of difference; I know it did for me. ▲The question becomes, “What things should beaddressed in this type of relationship?” SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 21

WORKING DAD WORKING OUTENERGYSECTORFOOTBALL FA N AT I CTA L E N T Sammy SCOUT PwC Partner There’s what you do. Then there’s why you do it. For Sammy, team is everything. It’s why he loves cheering for college football with family and friends. Why he motivates his engagement teams to deliver their best. And why he works so hard to encourage students, particularly minority students, to pursue accounting at PwC. Sammy’s distinct perspective enriches our culture and the service we provide our clients. Look at his resume and you can see what he’s done. Look at his life, and you can see why. pwc.com/diversity © 2018 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. We are proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ph.D.Three little letters. Endless opportunities to excel and inspire others. NABA Faculty Advisor and PhD Project faculty member Dr. Kecia Williams Smith, Assistant Professor of Accounting at Virginia Tech.Earning a Ph.D. is a life-changing professional achievement — and one you can attain The PhD Project Funding provided by:with the right resources and guidance. The PhD Project supports people just like you,in a continual quest for knowledge, with a desire to share all you’ve learned with the KPMG Foundationnext generation. Graduate Management Admission CouncilOur expansive network helps African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans andNative Americans become the business professors who will mentor and motivate AACSB Internationaltomorrow’s leaders. 300+ Participating Universities AICPA FoundationIf you are interested in becoming a professor, apply to attend our annual conference to DiversityIncmeet professors, University program directors, and doctoral students who can show Dixon Hughes Goodman LLPyou the real value of achieving an advanced degree. Visit: phdproject.org. American Marketing Association Rockwell CollinsIf you are a company, foundation or university interested in supporting this important John Deere Foundationinitiative, please join the KPMG Foundation, AICPA Foundation, Dixon Hughes CIGNAGoodman LLP, NASBA and the American Accounting Association, along with all of California State University Systemour generous sponsors who seek a solution to minority underrepresentation. Contact Lincoln Financial GroupBernard J. Milano at 201.307.7662, or email [email protected]. Academy of Management American Accounting AssociationStay connected to see all we’re achieving: City University of New York System Follow us on facebook at: Facebook.com/thephdproject Aerotek and on Twitter: Twitter.com/thephdproject NASBA Subscribe to us on YouTube: Youtube.com/thephdprojectvideos Thrivent Financial Join our LinkedIn Company Page: American Express Foundation Linkedin.com/company/the-phd-project/ Fidelity Investments *FoundersTo apply for The PhD Project Annual Conference, or to attend one of ourregional Information Sessions, visit our website at www.phdproject.org

GROW AS A BUSINESS LEADERUSING THE BRAVE MODEL William never felt fear By Jeffrey W. Foley before. He had just been promoted to president BE A LEADER OF CHARACTER of the company that had grown dramatically Character is at the heart of being an effective leader. over the past three years It represents who you are and what you stand for. and was not ready for this No amount of leadership or technical competency rapid expansion. While he can overcome a lack of character. It begins with felt confident that he was the a comprehensive understanding of yourself—abest qualified for this position, he lost sleep thinking necessary condition before you can effectively leadof all the leadership challenges his people were others. Character is ultimately defined by thoseexpecting him to fix. He saw himself in the image of values or deep beliefs that guide behavior. Forthe Greek Titan Atlas holding up the globe. He was leaders to be followed, they must secure the trustgoing to need help. and confidence of their followers. The best leaders ofThe good news is William was not afraid to ask for character define and communicate those values, thenhelp, and had a mentor he could turn to for that bring them to life through living them, and rewardassistance. His mentor happened to be a career others who live them.Army officer who had developed a simple, powerful,proven model for developing leaders in the business REINFORCE LEADER COMPETENCIESworld. He titled it BRAVE—fitting for an Army guy. Clearly documented leadership competencies–andWHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT? their associated behaviors—make it abundantlyWHAT IS CAUSING YOU TO FEEL PAIN? apparent what is most important to an organization. Core competencies highlight the fundamentalsSome of the most significant leadership pains of solid leadership for everyone throughout thebusiness leaders suffer from include: the shortfall in organization. There are additional competenciesachieving desired results; the inability to attract and commensurate with a leader’s level of responsibility.retain quality talent; the lack of leadership skills in As one progresses up in the organization,managers; lack of a values-based culture that enables responsibilities and authorities change. At thebad business decisions and unethical behaviors; the executive level, the environment is characterized bylack of an engaged workforce; and the lack of an increased complexity, higher risk, greater uncertainty,inspired high-performing executive team. and less direct control over subordinate echelons.The BRAVE model helped William tackle his There is risk to any organization if expectations ofchallenges, as his company is on track for a record competencies are left to chance. Identificationsetting year. The model can also assuage your fears as of them and gaining proficiency in them requiresa leader, and put you on the path to running a more training, tireless practice, and feedback.stable, profitable organization.24 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018

ATTACK WITH A LEADER DEVELOP- EMBRACE TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPSMENT PROGRAM Trusted relationships between leaders and their people trump everything when it comes to effectiveOver the past 243 years, the Army recognized the leadership. A leader’s influence over others willvalue in investing heavily in the development of not occur if mutual trust is absent. For leaders toleaders at all ranks. Good development programs be trusted, they need to be leaders of character,help the current and future leaders to be prepared competent in technical and leadership skills,to lead teams and set the conditions for the genuinely care for their people, and exercise humility.organization’s future success. Once developed, The best leaders have these qualities. Trustedrigorous execution of the program is paramount. relationships remain in place for life. Soldiers willThe best leaders recognize the importance of follow their leaders into the most dangerous places,sustained investment in the development of under the most extraordinary conditions–if they trusttheir people. Success stems from a culture where their leaders. Earning that trust is a critical task andleaders are equipped with the mindset and passion must be mastered to be a leader in the Army.for developing others. Leaders own the task ofdeveloping their people and cannot ignore it. WHY BRAVE?VALUE COACHING EXCELLENCE Francis Scott Key is the author of the famous words “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”One-on-one coaching is arguably the most He wrote those words in 1814, and since 1931, theyimportant skill a leader must possess to be effective have been sung as the national anthem of the Unitedin developing others. The best leaders are great States. The words have a powerful meaning. Being acommunicators who set the example for what right great leader is tough business. It takes courage. It takeslooks like. Great coaching skills do not come naturally bravery. There are powerful lessons to be learned fromto many leaders; they must be learned and practiced. the US Army. This model helped William achieve theWhen leaders ignore or short-change this critical task, success he was seeking, and can help you. ▲their people fail to grow and reach their full potential.The consequences continue to expose themselves Jeff Foley, a West Point graduate and retired brigadier generalas their people will also fail to learn how to coach of the U.S. Army, is a recognized speaker, executive leadershiptheir own subordinates. The entire organization coach, and author of Rules and Tools for Leaders. Visit www.suffers. The keys to coaching success include creating loralmountain.com.a positive and open communication environment,agreeing on clear goals, and engaging in consistentdialog focused on assessment of performance andinspiring actions for the future. SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 25

“If we don’t take an THE JOURNEY active role in ourfinancial well-being, to Entrepreneurship we will always be behind the curve TO FULFILL of our counterparts an Unmet Need which will impactgenerations to come.” By Maeghan Duckett and Kim Hall Jeff Morris, founder and principal of CPA Allies and series 6, 63 and 65 securities license holder, is an active member of the NABA Atlanta Chapter.  Morris is a native of Brooklyn, New York, and a graduate of Johnson and Wales University, where he studied restaurant and hospitality management. Upon completing college, Morris was offered a manager’s position within his career field at the Ritz Carlton.  “When I was working at the Ritz, it was ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.”  It was at the Ritz where his acumen for service began.  Taking the skills that he learned and developed at the Ritz, Morris transitioned into becoming the General Manager for three Taco Bell locations and the franchise owner of a Wing Zone restaurant. Morris’s takeaway from these two positions were the skill sets required to run a business.26 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018

FINDING A MENTOR that she had an investment account that she couldn’t effectively manage. Eventually, she became his firstMorris struggled to find a mentor who truly understood, client and subsequently, Morris began acquiring clientshis passions and his vision. It wasn’t until later in his through referrals.  As a result, Morris decided to start hiscareer that he found just what he had been looking own financial services firm dedicated to the accountingfor.   While working for Mutual of Omaha, Morris met a community. After collaborating with various like-mindedman named of Roger Fishel, whom the company decided individuals, Morris had chosen the perfect name for histo bring from Baltimore, to assist with creating a financial new venture, CPA Allies. Most of all, he had Fishel to thank,advisory practice. “When I met Fishel, we immediately and who are still friends and regularly stay in touch.  clicked,” Morris said. “He turned on the fire inside ofme.    He showed me that full service financial planning THE JOURNEY TOwas the way to go because people really need proper ENTREPRENEURSHIPfinancial help.”When Fishel left Mutual of Omaha, he brought his vision In February 2017, Morris launched CPA Allies, a Registeredto light and started his own firm, WealthSpan Financial Investment Advisory (RIA) firm dedicated to serving as anGroup. Not long after, Morris joined the firm as a registered ally to CPAs and accounting professionals while providingrepresentative. Morris was taken under Fishel’s wing as full service insurance, investment and financial planningFishel began to coach and mentor Morris.    “I wouldn’t services. When Morris started building his business,be where I am now if it wasn’t for him.”    Fishel’s firm he experienced the loneliness entrepreneurship oftenclosed when he had to return to Baltimore to tend to his brings.    For five months, Morris was on the phones,family.  Upon closing the firm, Fishel granted Morris with networking and betting on himself to make CPA Allieskeeping his biggest client. During Morris’time working for become the firm he envisioned it would be.  He kept hisWealthSpan, he became an active member of The Georgia eyes on the prize and deviated from distractions.    HisSociety of CPAs, speaking at several of their events, and he first year was reaching out to CPAs, accountants andtook it upon himself to get further engulfed in the CPA accounting firms to see if he could help them or provideand accounting community by joining NABA.   assistance as it relates to financial planning.   “If we don’t take an active role in our financial well-being,NABA IMMERSION we will always be behind the curve of our counterparts which will impact generations to come,” Morris believes. In 2014, Morris decided to join NABA for personal He said that minorities, specifically African Americans,growth.    Within a few months, Morris became the co- need to take an active role in educating themselvesdirector of membership and within a year was elected about money.   “I have clients who are in their 40s andto be the Atlanta chapter president. During his two-year 50s still paying off their student loans from college whentenure as chapter president, Morris called every Atlanta they should be building their retirement. The magic isNABA chapter member to introduce himself and to have making good decisions early and consistently to ignitea dialogue with them to see how he could better serve the miracle of becoming financially abundant. Withthem.  He also aided the Atlanta chapter to grow to nearly enough practice and repetition, any behavior, good or400 members, which ultimately helped to obtain new bad, becomes automatic over time,” he said.corporate sponsors.  As he got more involved with NABA Morris added, “It’s time to take the reins of your financialand observed the inner workings of the organization, matters, so do your due diligence and seek a financialhe discovered that the accounting professionals, CPAs, professional who is going to hold you accountable andbusiness owners and people who own accounting firms not just tell you what you want to hear and get started!”needed help with their finances.  “Although they make a It all began with a relationship leading to a referral,good living by knowing numbers, some don’t necessarily leading to a client which led to more clients.    “Theunderstand the benefits of financial planning and journey to entrepreneurship is not easy.  At times it caninvestments,” Morris explained.  As Morris became active, be very challenging, but I believe I found a way to make atraveling to diverse cities and building relationships with difference and leave my own legacy,” Morris said. ▲different people, it became clear to him that there is aneed that was not being met.  He realized that there is Jeff Morris is currently serving as the membership director ofa group of people (CPAs, accountants and accounting the NABA Southern Region.firms) that no one is servicing and guiding on how toprotect and grow their money, as well as leave a legacy. SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 27One night after a NABA event, Morris had a conversationwith a NABA member, a CPA, who candidly admitted

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PROFILEVERNON D. EVANSNABA Member for Life ByMiriamW.TarverVernon D. Evens, CPA, has charted an into the AICPA’S Business and Industry Hall of Fame, andimpressive executive career in the has served on a number of community and professionalaccounting field. Equally impressive is the advisory boards.executive presence he has brought to the The decades-long professional path was not withoutNABA table over the years. turbulence. “Initially, I faced prejudice from both staff and clients,” Evans said. “Of course, I had to be twice as goodMost recently, he was vice president/finance, chief as my counterparts to advance,” he said. With his strongfinancial officer and treasurer for the San Diego County work ethic and commitment to succeed, he added, “IRegional Airport Authority, managing the financial won their respect and acceptance as a knowledgeableoperations and related matters with airlines, airport ten- professional.”ants, government agencies and community representa- NABA had a hand in the success of Evans, who, in additiontives. He succeeded in securing financing for a $2 billion to being a CPA, is also a certified internal auditor, certifiedcapital development program. management accountant, certified fraud examiner, certified government financial manager, chartered globalEvans’s interest in accounting began in high school when management accountant, and forensic certified publiche aced a bookkeeping course. “My teacher recommended accountant. The organization “presented professionalthat I major in accounting when I enrolled in college,” he development courses to keep me current on the latestrecalled. He did, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees changes in the profession,” he said. It also was helpfulin accounting from the University of North Texas (formerly being exposed “to other black accountants who helpedNorth Texas State University). me to progress up the corporate ladder.” Evans was a founder, in 1974, of the Dallas/Fort Worth chapterHe made history in 1972 when he became the first African of NABA. “There was a need for an organization that couldAmerican hired by the Fort Worth office of Ernst & Ernst. help to increase our numbers as well as provide support asHe also was the first African American CPA in the Dallas/ we integrated the accounting profession,” he said.Fort Worth area, which he lists among his proudest During his tenure as national president, the lifetime membercareer accomplishments. program began. “It was established to provide perpetual financing for the organization so that it could continue toLater, as chief internal auditor for the Fort Worth be viable in helping black accountants to excel,” he said.Independent School District, he organized the accounting Helping others is important to Evans, who, thoughand finance departments. His next stop, in 1986, was the retired, lives by the NABA motto, Lifting As We Climb. “IDallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where he directed continue to mentor individuals and participate in variousinternal auditing and held a number of positions with the community projects that NABA sponsors,” he said, “andairport board, including deputy executive director, vice provide my financial assistance to NABA to help keep thepresident of finance and chief financial officer. While there, organization viable.”in 1989, he founded the Association of Airport Internal His advice to blacks and other minorities pursuing careerAuditors and served as its president for two years. The advancement or longevity in accounting reflects keys togroup now includes 64 airports. In 2003, he assumed the his own success: Commit to working hard and stayingSan Diego Airport Authority position. current as the profession and related industries change. “We still must work twice as hard to prove ourselvesEvans has garnered numerous honors over the years, worthy of advancement.” ▲including NABA’s Achievement and Legend Awards.The San Diego Business Journal selected him as OutstandingCFO of San Diego. He was appointed to the Texas StateBoard of Public Accountants for six years, was inducted SPRING 2018 | SPECTRUM 29

We are Pleased to Recognize NABA’sLifetime MembersDwayna Adams Maurice Danner She-lia Henry Faye Mitchell Moore Gwendolyn SkillernClifton Addison Rosalind Danner Yvonne Herron Daniel Moore Patricia smallsEnitan Adesanya Sandra Davis Jeffery Hill Gairy Moore Graylin SmithAmani Ahmed Charles Davis Daniel Hobson Lebone Moses William SmithWilliam Aiken Tamieka Davis Pamela Hogans Dana Moss Mark SmithAbdool Akhran Frederick Davis Bavan Holloway Rosheila Motley Margo SmithRonnie Alexander Shaun Davis V. Reginald Hopkins Fred Moultrie Isaac SmithRenee Allain-Stockton Tanya Davis Paul Horace Grace Mullings Walter SmithMarvin Allmond Chantel Day Harvey Hoskins Avery Munnings Graylin SmithAntoinette Amoureux Sekou Samantha DeCambre Lisa Howze Angela Murphy Catherine Smith-SpearsLloyd Anderson Shariah Dixon-Turner Willie Mae Hughey Yves Mutombo Janice SparksAnthony Anderson Reve Doss Albert Hunt Adam Myers Thad StandleyAdrian Anderson Marvin Dozier Angel Ingram Edwin Neal Veda StanleyLee Anderson Kenneth Drummond Dee-Ah Iris-Outerbridge Leslie Netter Avril StephensRoger Arrieux Robert Dunlap Arlene Isaacs-Lowe Benjamin Newhouse Cecil SterrodIris Atkinson-Kirkland Angela Dunlap Vincent James Adaeze Nwachuku Lionel StevensAngela Avant Jonell Dunston Clarence James Nora O’Garro Shamella StewartLarry Bailey Betty DuVerger Curtis James Chris Okafor Dmitri StocktonAlfred Ball Kathy-Ann Edwards Johnny Jefferson Joe Okeke C. Daniel Stubbs, Jr.Deidra Barksdale Cordelia Ekwueme Edwin Jenkins Avril Okeke Ebony StubbsR. Everett Bassie Candice Elliott Norman Jenkins Florence Onochie Lemar SwinneyDarrell Baxter Gregory Ellison J. Frank Johnson Eugene Padgett Floran SylerRalph Bazilio Kimberly Ellison-Taylor Gregory Johnson Dorothy Page-Proctor James TalleyRonald Benjamin Patrick English Patricia Johnson Frank Parker Rolanda TateEarl Biggett Andrante Etheridge Michael Johnson Michael Parkins Jeff TateMelvin Blake Charmain Eubanks-Thomas Gwen Johnson Keeca Parks Micheal TaylorPatrica Bolt Vernon Evans Robert Johnson Harold Parnell Ronald TaylorMonique Booker Beverly Everson-Jones James Johnson Greg Parris Sheila Taylor-ClarkAllen Boston Earl G. Fagan, Jr. Mark Keener Kimberly Parris Francis ThomasWilliam Boswell Felicia Farrar Anthony Kendall Leslie Patterson Allen ThomasKen Bouyer Nicole Felix Bridget Kinard Ramona Pearson Ralph ThomasGloria Bracy Cecil Flamer Anthony King L. Matthew Perry Valerie ThomasAdrian Bracy Erby Foster James Kirkland Phillip Pierce Curtis TomlinMonica Brame Carlyle Fraser LaToya Lacey Tillman Pink Manuel TorresLatarsha Brazle Genevia Fulbright Marjorie LaRue Pamela Pinkett Emmanuel TuffuorOdell Brown Tony Fuller Wayne Lee Mario Poole Lucy TurnageJames Brown Douglas Gaines Brittani Lee Jenice Prather-Kinsey Raymond VicksTyrone Browne Vernice Gamble Shelley Lee Hing Starr Purdue Adrian VieiraLinda Bryant Fred Gamble James Lewis Okorie Ramsey Lamont WaddellMaxine Buckles Yosief Ghirmai W. Delores Lewis Moire Rasmussen Andre WadeCharles Burch Bertram Gibson Wendy Lewis LaNita Ray Ronald WalkerWilliam Byrd Hubert Glover Eddie Lightsey Jesse Rhodes Emma WalkerWillie Carrington Robin Gordon Leona Locke-Dotson Harry Richards George WallaceDeborah Carter Norman Graves Clarence Lockett Avis Riley Lydia WashingtonCharles Carter John Green Joe Lowry J. Edward Robinson Chester WatsonRuby Cato Verna Greer Betty Maple Troy Robinson Timothy WatsonRichard Caturano Derric Gregory Phillip Mark Frank Ross Anne WhiteMillicent Chancellor Kim Griffin-Hunter Lawrence Mathews Michael Ross Donald WhiteMarvin Chiddick Austin Groom Roderick Mayo Janine Rouson Gwendolyn Wiggins-WalcottPaula Cholmondeley Linda Guyden Yolanda McBride Michelle Royster Maria WileySheila Clark Bennie Hadnott Milford McGuirt April Royster Humphrey WilliamsWilliam Coleman Brenda Hammond James McIntyre Greta Russell Roger WilliamsBrenda Coleman Ann-Marie Hammond Tina McIntyre Deatrice Russell-Tyner Chrisalle WilliamsRonald Coleman Thomas Hampton Barbara McKinzie Ray Sanders L. Anne WilliamsMalcomb Coley Donna Hankins Jimmy McMillian Uso Sayers James WilliamsGregory Collins B. Harrell Richard McNamee Patricia Scipio George WillieCharlotte Comer Calvin Harris Thomas McRae Carolyn Scott Veronda WillisAnita Conner Steven Harris Hassan Miah Victoria Seay John WilsonKenneth Cooke David Harrison George Miles Johnny Session Carol WilsonDonna Cooper Tiffany Harrison Kevin Miller Dave Sewell Michael WinstonRaymond Cooper David Harrison Mark Miller Tadeo Silva Daniel WorrellDeborah Cowan Angela Haskell Judson Mitchell Brainard Simpson Ida YarbroughCharles Daniel Roland Hendricks Bert Mitchell Carl Simpson30 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2018

LIFE / BETTER CONNECTED™Empowered CareersBank of America is proud to be a corporate sponsor of theNABA we look forward to meeting you at the 2018 National ConferenceOpportunities in:Accounting, Audit, Balance Sheet Management, Corporate Treasury, FinancialPlanning and Analysis, Global Banking and Markets Finance, Regulatory Reporting,Corporate Investment and Tax.Visit bankofamerica.com/careersBank of America and its affiliates consider for employment and hire qualified candidates without regard to race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, geneticinformation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and as suchaffirms in policy and practice to support and promote the concept of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, provincialand municipal laws. The company also prohibits discrimination on other bases such as medical condition, marital status or any other factor that is irrelevant to the performance ofour teammates. Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States, as it is not the practice of Bank of America to sponsor individuals for work visas.© 2018 Bank of America Corporation. | ARG4R5CB | DI-032618

JOiN NABA EMPOWER THE CHANGE WiTHiNNABA Members GetExclusive Access To:• Discounts on CPE and Online Learning• Business Management and Executive L eadership Development• Professional Recruitment and Referral Network• Online Career Center• More than 175 Professional and S tudent Chapters• Regional Student Conferences• Hundreds of NABA Scholarships• Annual National Convention Featuring CPE Sessions, CPA Exam Review, Leadership Training, Networking and Career Expo• Exclusive Online Communitywww.NABAinc.org/membership

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