2018 Fall / Winter - Spectrum Magazine

EN FALL/WINTER 2018P THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK ACCOUNTANTS, INC. TREPRE6NEURSHI NABA CPAs: Trusted Advisors in Sports & Entertainment 9 Entrepreneurs Within Big Companies 10 The Making of a Successful Entrepreneur 12 Buying Into Entrepreneurship Bridging the gap to ensure unlimited 14 PWC’S COMMITMENT TO opportunities and growth for blacks in the DIVERSITY & INCLUSION accounting and related business professions. 17 THE ACAP EXPANSION HEALTHY HABITS 20 CONTRIBUTE TO CAREER SUCCESS

How could a © 2018 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. | SCORE no. 02280-181US | 1801-2539571 NABA | ED None question today drive innovation tomorrow? At EY, we do everything we can to empower people to make an impact every day. Think of us as the world of possibilities. Join our talent community: Visit tinyurl.com/naba2018, or contact Tonika Hammonds at [email protected] or Tina Thompkins at [email protected]. Learn more: exceptionalEY.com #BetterQuestions

CONTENTS 3 NABA National Board of Directors 4 Message from the Chairman 5 Message from the CEO 6 NABA CPAs: Trusted Advisors in Sports and Entertainment 9 Entrepreneurs Within Big Companies 10 The Making of a Successful Entrepreneur 12 Buying Into Entrepreneurship 14 At PwC, Taking Account of Diversity & Inclusion 17 NABA Partners with AICPA to Expand ACAP 20 Healthy Habits Contribute to Career Success 22 NABA’S Outstanding Member of the Year: Herschel Frierson 24 2018 NABA Regional Student Conferences 26 One-on-One Coaching: The Most Effective Way to Develop Your People 28 Personal Finance: Start Strong 30 Accomplishments & Struggles of NABA’s Earliest Professional Members 32 Lifetime Members

PUBLISHER MAGAZINE . Walter J. Smith EXECUTIVE EDITOR WRITERS HOW TO REACH US Lauren Yost Dana S. Branham EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maya Francis EDITORIAL: Shaun Lane Jeffrey W. Foley [email protected] MANAGING EDITORS Shaun Lane Elaine W. Smith Courtney Rozen ADVERTISING: Darell Scott Elaine W. Smith [email protected] Miriam W. Tarver MEMBERSHIP/ NABA STAFF CUSTOMER SERVICE: Walter J. Smith, CPA Lynette Perry [email protected] President & Chief Executive Officer Manager, Membership Operations Lauren Yost, SPHR, SHRM-SCP PUBLISHED ARTICLES Chief Operating Officer Brandi Williams AND REPRINT PERMISSIONS: Kim R. Wilson Manager, Chapter Relations For permission to reprint Chief Programs Officer Octavia Bizzell articles please contact Shon McGhee Member Services Coordinator [email protected]. Controller Shaun Lane Lauren Burke-Silva Director, Communications ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: Director, Business Development Darell Scott, MBA For more information about Manager, Communications submitting articles for publication Crystal Briscoe in Spectrum please visit Executive Services Administrator www.nabainc.org/articlesubmission. STAY CONNECTED! Join NABA’s Social Networks: 7474 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 1120 • Greenbelt, MD 20770 Phone: 240.542.5000 • Toll Free: 888.571.2939 • www.nabainc.org

MISSION The mission of NABA, Inc. is to address the professional needs of its members and to build leaders that shape the future of the accounting and finance profession with an unfaltering commitment to inspire the same in their successors. The Association shall unite through membership accountants, finance and business-related professionals and students who have similar interests and ideals, are committed to professional and academic excellence, possess a sense of professional and civic responsibility, and are concerned with enhancing opportunities for minorities in the accounting, finance and business-related professions. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steven L. Harris, CPA , CGMA Earl G. Fagan Jr., CPA Daniel E. Worrell, Ryan Galloway, MPA, CFE, CRMA CPA, CGMA Chairman of the Board Vice Chairman of the Board Treasurer Secretary REGIONAL PRESIDENTS Rautz Marc Eugene S. Hampton, II, CPA, CGFM ZeNai Brooks Nora O’Garro Eastern Region President Southern Region President Central Region President Western Region President NATIONAL DIRECTORS Felicia Farrar, CPA, CFE Herschel Frierson Sherry-Ann Mohan, CPA Tysheba Morgan, CPA, CIA National Director National Director National Director National Director Jesse Rhodes Jr., CISA Uso Sayers , CISA National Director National Director FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Greetings. As partner-in-charge of the Entrepreneurial Services Group at RubinBrown, I am pleased that the theme of this issue of Spectrum is Entrepreneurship. While the majority of NABA’s members are professionals, managers, directors, or partners working in corporations, government, and not-for-profit organizations, many are also budding or thriving entrepreneurs. It’s no secret that accountants, and particularly certified public accountants, are uniquely qualified to be entrepreneurs. Perhaps Erika Murigi conveys this truth best in a blog titled “Five Reasons Accountants Make Successful Entrepreneurs.” She states that many of the practical skills required to be a business owner today are already embedded in accountancy training and practice. “Communication skills, teamwork, time management and being able to work in a logical manner are all examples of accountancy skills that transfer well to running a business,” she states. “Furthermore, accountancy training and professional development adapts to new and emerging business trends such as risk and compliance management, new IT systems or even technology and social media.” In addition, she believes that every business needs an accountant, accountants understand the mechanics of business, accountants know how to maximize resources, and accountants are trusted. In our lead article, you’ll read about three NABA members who are trusted advisors in the sports and entertainment industry. All three stress the importance of knowledge share and cite NABA as providing opportunities to collaborate and connect with business owners. An interview with the principal of CPA Advisors discloses the struggles that one can experience on the road to becoming a successful entrepreneur. A third article makes it clear that when you’re employed by a large company, you must often think like an entrepreneur. The final entrepreneurship article summarizes a session at the 2018 NABA convention in which two business owners began a discussion about tapping into the knowledge and resources of the NABA membership by networking to establish business ownership to increase family wealth. Their goal is “to identify those who are interested, figure out where the niche is, and figure out how to harness the skillsets, the capital that exists and the marketplace, and form some level of ecosystem where entrepreneurship and business ownership can flourish” within NABA. As we approach NABA’s 50th anniversary, I am reminded that it was African American CPA business owners who paved the way for many other African Americans to become Certified Public Accountants. Collaborating with seasoned entrepreneurs and assisting budding entrepreneurs within our membership is yet another way that we can fulfill our motto, “Lifting As We Climb.” Sincerely, Steven L. Harris, CPA, CGMA Chairman of the Board 4 SPECTRUM | FALL/ WINTER 2018

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO NABA Leadership appoints Walter J. Smith as NABA Inc. President and CEO Walter J. Smith began his tenure as President and CEO of NABA Inc. on August 1, 2018. He serves as a corporate officer on the Board of Directors with primary oversight for the NABA National Office and executing the multi-year NABA Strategic Plan. He brings more than 35 years of diverse corporate and public leadership in financial services, energy, financial and regulatory reporting, risk management, cash & liquidity management, strategic planning, and audit. He joins NABA from BNY Mellon where he was Managing Director of Wealth Management Finance with primary oversight for U.S. Markets, C.O.O., Fiduciary Solutions, Family Office, and International businesses. Walter is a Lifetime Member of the NABA New York Chapter and was also a member of the Northern New Jersey and Los Angeles chapters. He previously served in several NABA national, regional, and local leadership roles, and was NABA’s 23rd Chairman of the Board during the 40-Year Anniversary (2008-2010) and authored the “40 Years, One NABA” campaign. “My first 120 days have been a thrill - I hit the ground running with momentum & energy! Collectively, our national office team, national board, members, partners, and diverse slate of stakeholders have welcomed me. I want to thank Steven Harris for his leadership as NABA Chairman of the Board. His counsel and support have been both exemplary and invaluable during our transition. In my brief tenure, NABA has grown its pipeline by implementing one tenet of our mission: To encourage and assist minority students entering the accounting profession. Our four Regional Student Conferences (RSC) attracted 1,678 students, 101 corporate & academic partners, and awarded $135,800 in scholarships to 111 students. We continue to invest in our future!”. In partnership with the AICPA, our Accounting Careers Awareness Program (ACAP) rose to newer heights. Led by our Chairman, we hosted over 40 college and university representatives during two ACAP Webinars to engage in the new national grant process. Approved grants will add value to hosting the week-long ACAP residency programs for minority high school students. As our pipeline grows, we are mindful that our profession continues to evolve. Many of our members have opted to start their own business. One theme of this Spectrum edition is Entrepreneurship. Starting and running a business drives one to take risks, manage uncertainty, remain focused on goals, and be highly resourceful while building resilience. As part of NABA’s mission, we help our members advance their careers and support our entrepreneurs to scale up and grow. We need to showcase the important lessons of entrepreneurship and risk-taking. We need to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit inside our members and provide them with skills and experience to succeed in the marketplace. We are officially on the path to celebrate our 50th Anniversary! It is a fascinating time to be a member of the NABA family. Let’s continue to innovate, work hard, and work smart, together! Walter J. Smith, CPA President and CEO, NABA Inc. 50 Years. One Voice. One NABA. FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 5

NABA CPAS: Trusted Advisors to High-Profile Clients By Maya Francis “I am retired,” he emphasizes with a chuckle. “I didn’t jump out to do this. I retired early Despite his notable success and professional because I had some things I wanted to do.” affiliations with some of the biggest names in sports, Larry Bailey wants to be explicitly clear While professional affiliations with a certain that he is not in the entertainment business. tennis player might have others in his In fact, Bailey doesn’t even really see himself position seeing stars, Bailey has his sights set as an entrepreneur. His firm, LDB Consulting, on Africa. His love of the continent began Inc., was founded in 2002 as part of a second as a graduate student at Wharton School of chapter after 15 years at KMPG Peat Marwick Business at the University of Pennsylvania. and 11 at PricewaterhouseCoopers. A “source of revenue” to add to his pension, he says. 6 SPECTRUM || FALL/WINTER 2018

LARRY BAILEY DAVID LOPEZ CATRINA CRAFT “It was fascinating. I got exposed to the continent “I would advise the CPA license to anyone who and from there I’ve always had an interest in it.” desires to provide accounting services as a business,” While working at PwC, Bailey says the firm started a Craft says. “The credentials provide credibility desk concept with eyes on the growing international and distinguishes you from others who provide markets. bookkeeping and accounting services.” “I was one of the founders of the corporate council Lopez says that the CPA license is also something there. Africa has a tremendous amount of natural prospective clients should be looking for in their resources. There are countries there who are looking accountant as a matter of expertise and accountability. to extract and market around the world.” To date, “You really have to know your stuff. It’s really an exam Bailey has visited Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory that tests your skill and your knowledge. If you work Coast, Guinea and other West African locales. with a CPA (and not a manager or a family member By contrast, David Lopez says he “always knew who’s always wanted to start a business), you have a I wanted to start my own firm.” He started his recourse to come after him or her if something goes eponymous business in 2003 after working at Deloitte wrong. At the end of the day, I’m not going to do and a smaller firm to get hands-on experience in anything to lose my license. Most CPAs have a high running a business. level of integrity and won’t jeopardize that. They want David Lopez and Co. is a full-service traditional CPA to build relationships with clients.” firm with commercial and nonprofit clients as well as Bailey knows that sports and entertainment seem real estate investment companies. Like Bailey, Lopez like attractive glamorous professions, especially to also has clientele that includes professional athletes younger CPAs just getting started. He emphasizes (mostly professional basketball players), including a how previous roles in major firms (including Rookie of the Year. partnerships at KPMG Peat Marwick and PWC) and Catrina Craft also serves an expansive list of his entry position at the IRS have positioned him for clients. Her firm C M Craft PLLC provides certified the work he does now. accounting services to medical and dental practices. “[The industry] shouldn’t be the focus of what CPAs Craft Entertainment CFO focuses on servicing the look at,” he says. “Look at the business side of the entertainment industry businesses such as film sports and entertainment world where there are production companies, live entertainment production more opportunities for accountants to use their skill companies, as well as individuals such as comedians, set. That’s what they should be looking at instead of musicians, and television/radio personalities. looking for clients because it sounds like fun.” Bailey is about business. He leads with that, even in All three CPAs became NABA interviews. He doesn’t want to talk about the glossy members as students, each seeking clientele; he wants to talk about the work – the CPA designation to strengthen their things he’s done in the world of minority venture credentials as accountants. capital or his love of NABA and the friendships it’s given him. These are the business-first values and expertise he brings to the people he works with. A trusted advisor, the mother of one of his NFL QB clients once called Bailey “quarterback” because of his proficiency in estates and investments, and ability to help people with their other advisors to help them choose the right business move. FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 7

NABA CPAS: Trusted Advisors to High-Profile Clients continued Craft is similarly positioned with her clients. knowledge share has meant going back and teaching “Working with entertainers and athletes presents young Black accountants — he once taught classes at an opportunity for accountants to directly impact Howard University for free for 10 years. families by providing financial stewardship and the Lopez recommends those thinking about launching implementation of wealth strategies,” she says. into an entrepreneurial venture perform a self- “Entertainers and athletes are often targets of theft assessment. “You have to look at your technical skills, by their circle of advisors. The clients are presented where you are in your career and if you have enough with many business ideas, investment opportunities, experience. And what’s your personal situation? Are and family needs that it can be overwhelming. Having you single? Are you married? Would your partner a Certified Public Accountant on the team provides have to pick up the slack when you don’t know when a sounding board for the client and an advisor who your next paycheck is coming in?” should maintain the ethics the CPA designation “Be prepared to work,” Craft says. “You will initially requires.” be the CEO, CFO, CIO, CMO, human resource Knowledge share is equally important to all three manager, office manager and janitor. Being in charge entrepreneurs; Craft and Lopez both cite NABA as of your own destiny is rewarding and stressful. Enjoy providing opportunities to collaborate and connect what you do and enjoy who you work with (including with business owners. Lopez says that the Division clients and staff). Go into the practice knowing of Firms, Inc. (which collaborates with NABA) has that sometimes you are on an island alone and it is been great for networking and business development important to collaborate and connect with others on insights. For Bailey, a lifetime NABA member, the same path of business ownership. NABA will be a great resource for connections and knowledge.” ▲ PREPARE WITH A LEADER. PREPARE WITH BECKER. OUR CPA EXAM PREP IS A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM THAT COMBINES POWERFUL PRACTICE TOOLS WITH EXPERT INSTRUCTORS. This real-exam environment promotes focused preparation and can move you beyond memorization to application. © 2018 Becker Professional Education. All rights reserved. the CPA review Becker Professional Education 3005 Highland Parkway, Downers Grove, IL 60515-5799 Learn more at becker.com 8 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2018

Financial Planning: Entrepreneurs Within Big Companies By Miriam Tarver Growing up, Marlon Brandon Hunter Even with the backing of a large to some Jr. came to realize what he did not company such as his, Northwestern people who want to be: An accountant. Mutual, “you’re basically in business are near and Yes, it was what his father did for for yourself,” he said. “So, you have dear to you who years, and it put food on the table. to really think about life as a business you feel would value a But to his young eyes, it seemed quite owner. You have to think, I’m starting conversation.” stressful. “I always would see what he from scratch, I have a product, how do His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Last would go through at the end of the I market the product to people, what’s year he was recognized with a Quality month as an accountant. It wasn’t my target market — different things Award from the National Association something I wanted to do,” said like that.” of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Hunter, 32, a financial adviser based in Making — and keeping — contacts anhonor typically awarded to those with Greensboro, N.C. had a key role in his venture. 10 or more years in the profession. He At North Carolina A&T, that sentiment “I walked in the door and I had roughly was around the five-year mark. held sway. Thus, the student who 200 names and numbers of people to Being a business owner “is a grind,” he entered with a plan to major in call on as potential clients.” He said said. “There’s nobody telling me when computer engineering (“I realized I did he learned quickly that only about a to be in the office [or] when to leave. not have a passion for it”) switched third of the potential clients are true There’s a lot of self-management that his major to finance, did well in connections, but he was undeterred, goes into doing this.” economics classes, then settled on figuring that “if I could make it for six Hunter gives credit for a lot of economics as a major after finding out months, I would be above average.” his success to the leadership of he needed just one year of accounting His performance was stellar by his NABA Greensboro. He said he was for that degree instead of the two company’s standards, and he cleared introduced to NABA to give a CPE talk. needed for a finance degree. “It hurdles that just 15 percent of “From that talk, I not only gathered turned out to be a perfect fit,” he said. advisers usually hit in six months. “It new clients, but I also ended up Hunter graduated in 2010 with a was a big deal,” he said, and “a serious joining NABA in order to have a more degree in business economics, joined confidence boost.” active role in growing and developing the workforce as an assistant manager The work that he does is the organization.” Within three years at a Walgreens, and decided to return comprehensive financial planning, time, he was asked to take on a more to college in 2014 with an eye toward dealing with investments, risk- active roll and join the board and is a career. management and insurance, and currently a chapter vice president. The plan, after connecting with some retirement and distribution. Even with the hard work of obtaining A&T alumni: “Get on with the Federal One of his guiding principles is a and retaining clients — and looking Reserve, work my way up through the saying: “It’s not who you know, it’s ahead to adding advisers and ranks, and make history by becoming not what you know, but it’s how expanding his business — Hunter the first black Federal Reserve chair. much people like you.” Though he takes time to fulfill the association’s You have to dream big.” does not discount the importance motto, “Lifting As We Climb.” His But he veered off that path. He of networking and connections, he financial-planning services extend earned his second degree, in general said doors open quicker and people to other entrepreneurs, some of economics, and aced the steps that are more inclined to help based on whom are the first in their family to led to becoming a financial adviser. likeability. Hunter estimates that 90 own businesses, and he has helped “Whatever company you get on with, percent of his business is word of younger people become interns in they’re going to teach you everything mouth. “I believe in the planning the field. “Being so close to A&T and you need to know,” he said, “then work that I do. I believe that I operate UNCG (University of North Carolina at comes the state licensing and at a high level.” He tells clients: “If Greensboro), I’ve helped recruit other continuing education.” you value the work that we’ve done interns. Some of them are still with together … I’d love to be connected us and they’re off and running. I see them working and it energizes me.” ▲ FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 9

The Making of a Successful Entrepreneur By Shaun Lane SPECTRUM: What are MORRIS: I read a lot.  I talk some of the lessons that to people in the industry.  It’s never easy running the show, you’ve learned so far? I talk to people outside especially when you’re starting a MORRIS: Not to give the industry.  I talk to new business. When Jeff Morris, up when things get successful business a member of NABA Atlanta, difficult.  Really believe owners.  I read the Wall started CPA Allies, he dealt in yourself because it’s Street Journal daily to with his fair share of struggles. so easy to say ‘man, am see what’s going on in Sometimes he was unprepared. I crazy for trying to do this?  Or unsure. Or never saw hurdles This is just not happening.  It’s not the world of business and coming his way until he had clicking.’  But if you have that stick-to- finance.  I’m a restless soul when tripped right over them. itiveness and you believe in yourself, it comes to self-improvement. it’ll happen because it takes time SPECTRUM: What’s the first thing But soon, Jeff learned the and persistence.  A lot of times we you do when you wake up in the truth: It’s okay to mess up. To feel aren’t patient, and we get frustrated morning? overwhelmed and beaten. Every and quit before we reach the point MORRIS: I read two Christian entrepreneur, no matter how of achieving success and having that devotionals called Our Daily Bread, prepared, trips over unexpected breakthrough. and Jesus Calling.  I try to let these hurdles. The successful ones learn SPECTRUM: With all that you know devotionals guide me through the to get back up as soon as possible. now, what do you wish you knew day.  There’s one message that I when you first started? always keep that says the Lord has To learn how Jeff deals with various MORRIS: I wish I would’ve been you, so whatever you’re worried obstacles, he shared some of his exposed to money, finance and about, don’t, because He has you.  I struggles, how he overcomes investments earlier in my life.  I don’t try to use that as my daily guiding them and what he has learned have any regrets because all of my light in addition to my internal along the way. experiences have been extremely voice that tells me what I need to valuable. accomplish that day.  I also listen to SPECTRUM: The Small Business SPECTRUM: What do you think Joel Osteen on my drive to the office Association (SBA) states that 30% of is the biggest hurdle that every because he always has a positive new businesses fail during the first entrepreneur must tackle? message. two years, 50% during the first five MORRIS: People have different SPECTRUM: How do you overcome and 66% during the first 10. Why ones, but I would say not giving self-doubt? does this happen? up too soon and believing in MORRIS: That’s hard to answer yourself.  Some people don’t have because I struggle with that.  I have MORRIS: There are a lot of reasons: that problem. They believe in a close circle of friends and family cash flow, planning, targeting the themselves and will walk through members that I reach out to and I wrong ideal client, and not enough walls to accomplish their goals.  ask them, ‘Am I crazy?  Am I crazy marketing. However, some people need a little for trying to do this and continuing encouragement when they don’t to strive for this?’  And I get nothing SPECTRUM: What do you think have immediate success.  There are but positive feedback because makes a successful entrepreneur? so many pitfalls along the way, but they say when they talk to me, I’m What are the traits in a person? when you have success, you forget always doing something positive, about all the losses because of the and they say my energy and drive MORRIS: Someone who is win in front of you and your efforts encourages them.  It’s important to disciplined; someone who is not afraid that made it happen. have people in your circle that are to ask deep questions about the SPECTRUM: What do you do to not always going to tell you what business; not afraid to take chances; continue to grow and develop your you want to hear, but they’ll tell you not afraid of challenges; not afraid of business, CPA Allies? what you need to hear, and there’s a being told ‘no’ multiple times, and difference between the two. ▲ someone who believes so strongly that they are willing to sacrifice a lot to fulfill that dream. 10 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

Introducing the NABA National CPA Review Program Partnering with Wiley for Professional Success Becoming a CPA is a rigorous and time-consuming process. The NABA CPA Review Course, It’s also a rewarding professional milestone. Make it a positive powered by Wiley CPAexcel, experience by preparing with your peers who are pursuing is now exclusively available the same goal. to NABA members. Prepare with a cohort of other NABA members who are also studying to pass the CPA Exam. Pass all four sections of the CPA Exam in approximately one year. New study groups start quarterly. Featuring 8,000+ exam questions with detailed answers and 300+ Task-Based Simulations—more than any other provider Bite-sized lessons delivered in a simple, focused learning platform allow you to complete a full lesson in 30-45 minutes No expiration date with content always up-to-date — no additional fees Enroll at efficientlearning.com/naba FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 11

BUYING INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP By Miriam W. Tarver There’s a background conversation within NABA that two members would like to amplify, and restaurant, and a Duck Donuts. “We then advance to an action phase. understand the levers to pull on “There’s a lot of interest in and the story behind numbers.” entrepreneurship and in business That should make for a successful ownership as a whole in the business owner, he said, but “it NABA membership,” said Justin doesn’t make you a marketing A. Butler, owner/operator at expert, it doesn’t make you a sales Checkerberry Holdings. “One of the things we know for expert.” sure is there are more than just It’s possible though, to take that financial Justin and I who own businesses,” expertise and apply it to business ownership. said Jeannine K. Brown, CEO and owner It helps, Butler said, to “have an affinity for a of Everyday Lead, an Atlanta-based executive particular product or industry.” coaching and consulting firm that specializes in And having access to those other businesses also diversity and inclusion. means access to a broader network of people with In addition, there are members who would like to varying fields of expertise. test the entrepreneurial waters for themselves or their clients but are unsure how to get started. Entrepreneurship, said Brown, Brown and Butler say members shouldn’t have who has also owned real estate and to look any further than their own professional a larger consultancy, involves both association. At the 2018 NABA National Convention, ownership and investment. The goal is the two outlined their proposal for tapping into to have equity in businesses that can the knowledge and resources of the membership. drive wealth-building, she said, “even if They presented slides highlighting the benefits we don’t have direct ownership and run of networking to establish business ownership to the business ourselves.” increase family wealth. The goal, said Butler, is to “identify those who are She said she knows a lot of people who have interested, figure out where the niche is, and figure generated significant wealth by making a financial out how to harness the skillsets, the capital that investment in other companies. exists and the marketplace, and form some level of The question for many is how to do that. ecosystem where entrepreneurship and business “What we want to do,” Brown said, “is help people ownership can flourish” within NABA. explore from the ideation phase (and) sitting around And they are not talking just about owning thinking about jumping into this business venture accounting or other financial services firms. (and) to being able to scale their businesses, and “Our skill set as financial professionals gives us then at some point maybe sell it.” a lot of visibility in different industries,” said She laid out the problem she and Butler are working Butler, who has an ownership stake in residential to address: “How do we start educating, having and commercial real estate, a Rita’s Italian Ice, a 12 SPECTRUM | WINTER/FALL 2018

more intentional conversations around business “There’s a service part to this, and there’s definitely ownership within the association as a whole? All an income component to it as well. And I think of this is around building wealth. So how can we for NABA, there’s a huge opportunity to expand help our members build wealth through business the brand,” Brown said. “Our members are going ownership, both from an education standpoint somewhere else to get this information, and we (and) being able to work with NABA to create need to make sure that we can provide it for them.” an educational platform for people who are The people who could be connected through this interested in entrepreneurship, who are currently initiative are already within the association, Butler entrepreneurs or business owners (and) and added, as are the businesses that could provide or getting them the resources that they need through request help. He said accounting-based businesses micro-lending and capital equipment, to coaches, get a spotlight already and he would like to give consulting, all the different areas that we’d like to similar visibility to others. One company, for provide services?” example, does inventory for airlines, and there are Butler expounded on the need to be savvy in “folks that are building mobile apps on a regular acquiring resources for a business. “Business basis, and own restaurants and bakeries, all these success is driven off of capitalization,” he said. “I sorts of things. understand where you can go to get capital and There are people who are doing this on a day-in where you can’t. You may bank with a large financial and day-out basis. I think it’s important that the institution, and all of your assets might be there, but organization knows this, where there may be an that’s probably not the best source of debt capital interest in financially supporting these businesses for you.” through equity investments or debt instruments, Using the knowledge of people who have had that we match these business owners with capital successes in securing capital through other avenues, that exists inside the organization.” such as local lenders and community reinvestment Such partnerships within NABA have been formed funds, would be an advantage, he said. “That kind already, Butler said, to get businesses off the ground of capital comes with a connection and experiences or to the next phase. as well.” “We’re all interested in these opportunities,” Butler That’s just some of the knowledge he and Brown said, “but we have to know that these opportunities would like to share with fellow NABA members. exist and there has to be a network to bring them all “We really want to make sure that we can provide together.” information, and that people go into business and The conversation now, he and Brown agreed, is they understand the whole life cycle of being able to around what role NABA would play in that next sustain their ideas and their dreams and the vision step of showcasing businesses and making the for the company,” Brown said. connections. ▲ FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 13

At PwC, Taking Account of DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION By Miriam W. Tarver When it comes to “The focus is not on metrics, but creating a forum diversifying the that will help many companies benefit from sharing workforce, few large their experiences – successes and failures.” The CEO accounting companies alliance now includes more than 450 CEOs. are as aggressive as PricewaterhouseCoopers “Today’s businesses must make (PwC). The survey firm, diversity and inclusion a top priority Vault, which scores in order to attract and retain talent companies based on that think nimbly and creatively and Elena Richards employee surveys, ranked forecast and solve for tomorrow’s U.S. Minority Initiatives & PwC first in commitment issues,”said Richards, who joined Talent Management Leader to diversity for 2019, up PwC in 1999 and has held a variety PwC Office of Diversity from third place for 2018. of positions with the company. Recognizing the value of The diversity initiative doesn’t apply just to current a diverse workforce came first. Working to achieve employees. It plays a big role in hiring. “Being one then became part of the corporate culture at known as a firm that puts diversity and inclusion at PwC, which has offices in 158 countries. the core is a huge factor in our recruiting success,” Richards said. PwC has several programs geared to The effort starts at the top, said Elena Richards, the ensuring career development of employees of color, U.S. minority initiatives and talent management she said. leader for the Office of Diversity at PwC. “Our She named a few: “Our START internship program U.S. chairman, Tim Ryan, is a founding member recruits diverse interns to expose them to the of ceoaction.com for Diversity and Inclusion,” she firm and put them on the track to an offer if they said. That group, proposed by Ryan in 2016, was are successful; our Vanguard program is a career launched in 2017 with 175 CEOs – including CEOs pathing and mentorship program for our black from competitors like Deloitte and EY, as well as many from Fortune 500 companies. The CEOs’ commitment to diversity covers three areas, Richards said: “Creating a safe work environment for dialogue, addressing and mitigating unconscious bias, and sharing best practices.” Those best practices are on the group’s site, CEO Action, she said. 14 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

professionals, and the Diamond program gives high- people can talk candidly, no performing members of our multicultural workforce matter the topic because exposure to our senior leaders for executive we care about one another.” coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship.” The company also is aware Some of those programs address the need for of that there are some inclusion once employees are part of the PwC things it does not know, she family. “We are always looking for opportunities to said, referring to the blind spots that people have support our people in innovative ways,” Richards in their thinking. The company has worked with Dr. said. She said key to that is realizing that what Mahzarin Banaji at Harvard University on a project happens outside of work affects what happens on called Outsmarting Human Minds, which developed the job. unconscious-bias training. Richards quotes Banaji’s “For the past two years, our leaders have been in saying that “we do not harm people who are encouraging and hosting more open and honest different from us; rather, we help those who are like firm-wide conversations about topics that us.” Richards said this is a good thing to remember have typically been uncomfortable or taboo to “be more mindful of who we aren’t helping and in the workplace,” she said. The first of these who we might be leaving behind.” conversations, Richards said, were held in the PwC’s efforts have made a difference. The most summer of 2016 when police shootings of unarmed recent assessment shows that 33 percent of the US black men were followed by the killing of police leadership team are minorities and 33 percent are officers in Dallas. “The #MeToo movement women. Of the partners and principals, 45 percent prompted us to host conversations around the are women and minorities. The percentage of country … with a focus on sexual harassment.” minority and female new hires who are not partners Richards also noted a tragedy that struck the PwC or interns has also increased, Richards said. family when a black assurance associate in Dallas “We know we are not perfect, and we still have was shot and killed in his own home by a police work to do to improve diversity,” Richards said. “We officer who entered his apartment. “There was are going to continue to listen to our people and an immediate outpouring of grief and concern in adjust our programs so we are meeting their needs response to the news, and we, once again, gathered and making it possible for them to do their best our people in offices, in teams and virtually around work and reach their highest potential.” ▲ the country to share our pain, stories, and fears. We are trying to create an environment in which all our FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 15

We’re proud to support NABA Our perspective is shaped by the experiences, talents and ideas of employees around the world. We’re stronger together. statestreet.com

NABA Partners With AICPA TO EXPAND ACAP By Elaine W. Smith Since 1980, hundreds of minority high school students from across the country have been introduced to career opportunities in business in general and accounting in particular through NABA’s Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP). In December 2017, NABA launched the ACAP National Grant for University-Based Programs, which expands ACAP, with funding from the AICPA Foundation, by offering grants to colleges and universities with accredited accounting and finance programs. ACAP exposes high schools students from underrepresented ethnic groups to a career in the accounting and finance profession while participating in one-week residency on a college or university campus.  The objectives for participants are to: • Obtain a basic understanding of career paths in accounting and finance • Understand the importance of a high grade point average • Gain insight on how to improve SAT/Act scores • Obtain an understanding of the college admissions process • Understand and embrace effective study skills • Create a thoughtful, actionable college and career plan Continued on next page FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 17

“ACAP is important to NABA and The success of the new programs is reflected in important to the profession,” said Steven student feedback: L. Harris, chairman of the board of NABA. “The only way that we are going Before this program, I had no interest in to fill the accounting pipeline and ensure business and the things that had to do with that the pipeline is strong is to get these business, but now that I’ve learned a little about kids exposed to the profession.” the field, I plan to look more into it and what it has to offer. In launching the program, NABA’s priority was to select new programs in order to expand the The schedule was jam-packed with amazing number of ACAPs across the country. Of the eight opportunities for me to learn and grow as a grant proposals that NABA received, two programs student and as a person. — Jackson State University and the University of Connecticut — were executed in the summer of The highlight of this [program] was getting to 2018 and two are ready to roll out in the summer know everyone. It is nice to be surrounded by of 2019. like-minded, high-scholar African American All of the 23 high schools students who attended students who all desire to be accountants. the Jackson State University program were African American: 9 males, 14 female, 15 seniors and 8 I learned so much about accounting that I feel juniors. Of the 25 students attending the University confident enough to take some classes my of Connecticut program, there were 11 males and senior year. The value of this is that it gave me 14 females, 12 African American, 7 Latino, 2 Asian, the push to want to learn. My mind isn’t closed and 4 “other.” to anything.” 18 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

Going into this program, I was very interested in accounting. However, I was surprised at how much I was also intrigued by finance and insurance. The ACAP program opened doors to new topics and allowed me to find another interest in business. In this program I experienced multiple challenges that I have learned greatly from. It has also convinced me to take interest in studies of business, finance, economics and accounting. I will now consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields. Robert Day, associate dean, Undergraduate Programs, University of Connecticut, attended the final banquet and presentations and was impressed. “The engagement of the students in learning, the apparent comradery that developed among them, and the extremely high quality of the student presentations were all incredibly positive….I would be shocked if this program didn’t help recruit some very high-achieving students.” Donald McWilliams, CPA, instructor of accounting, Jackson State University, and longtime NABA member, said that the program fulfilled its goal. “The ACAP program is outstanding and much needed. The careers students typically are exposed to are doctor, lawyer and teacher. Some students said that because of this program they feel better equipped to make a decision to pursue accounting.” ▲ FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 19

Healthy Habits Contribute to Career Success By Maya Francis wasn’t going to get people promoted. It was going to be quality of work, quality of performance and I Physical fitness may not seem like a necessary knew that part of the lack of performance was that component of a successful accounting and finance they were out of shape. They would eat big lunches career, but at least three NABA members believe [and] you would see the effect of the lunch for three a healthy lifestyle pays dividends: Dean Bell, the hours in terms of productivity slow down. I didn’t national practice lead for KPMG’s Accounting do that. I studied my body and I knew that a healthy Advisory Services and accounting change leader lifestyle that included a daily physical fitness routine for the firm’s Global Advisory Services; Tommie would be important.” Thompson, president and CEO, Bazilio Cobb Moses’s key to maintaining energy is working out Associates; and Lebone Moses, president and CEO/ three days a week and ensuring that greens (which owner, Chisara Ventures, Inc. she includes with fruit in smoothies) and water are intentionally a part of her diet. “Staying physically fit “I feel that maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps me [ to be] ready and able to jump any hurdle is key to keeping my mind clear and also placed in front of me. As an entrepreneur, I always allowing me to handle the rigors of the try to be ready for challenges known and unknown. day,” says Bell, who actively trains for Without physical stamina, I would not have the marathons six days per week. mental and psychological stamina to address the challenges I face and press through them to “I also believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is succeed.” important in a client service business where a client Like Bell, Thompson also participates in races (he wants to understand how I will be able to serve does a 5K each month) and trains regularly. Both them. If I can take care of myself, the idea would be emphasize the importance of diet in their fitness that I can also help take care of them as well.” routines, including the elimination of sugary drinks Thompson believes that efficiency is an instrumental and staying hydrated with water throughout the day. part of job performance and says that physical “You have to know where you are, and see this fitness is a key component of that. “I think fitness as a process of rebuilding yourself from a holistic is my edge especially in this field of accounting. standpoint. People talk about mind, body and [Among] my contemporaries, their claim to fame is spirit, but we can go to any church on a Sunday the number of hours that they put in [but] I noticed and they have more food there that you shouldn’t very early in my career that the seniors weren’t very eat,” Thompson says. “We’re expressing love and efficient with their usage of time. I always felt that appreciation for each other by eating and sharing whenever I got to the point where I was going to meals that are unhealthy and we don’t realize the be a leader, I wasn’t going to waste time and time 20 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

Clockwise from Top Left: Dean Bell, KPMG; Lebone Moses, Chisara Ventures, Inc.; Tommie Thompson, Bazilio Cobb Associates psychological impact and the detriment that it has It has to be part of your lifestyle and maintained had on us. Now we need to turn the page and face throughout life.” the reality that we need to eat better if we want to Thompson agrees. “Becoming physically fit is hard live longer, we have to put things in our bodies that initially so it’s good to pair up with someone who fuel the body not just fill it.” is like-minded. Don’t get upset about setbacks, and For those who may be intimidated to adopt a new don’t set your goals too high.” exercise and fitness routine, Bell advocates focus “When your car needs fixing, you don’t ‘try’ lots of and a preparedness to be in it for the long haul. different things hoping something will work,” Moses “You have to want this lifestyle to live it.  You can’t says. “You go to a mechanic and get it assessed to focus on what you see on Instagram as the reason understand what is wrong and what needs to be to do so.  Instead, take baby steps and do what you done for the car to run as expected.  Why would we can to make progress. This is not just a fad.   treat our bodies with any less respect?” ▲ FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 21

NABA OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Herschel Frierson Crowe LLP Leader Aims to Boost Racial Diversity in Accounting By Courtney Rozen At a National Association of Black Accountants student Crowe hopes to later hire FAMU students for internships and conference last fall, longtime member Herschel Frierson full-time jobs, Frierson said. Frierson also helped launch an spotted a problem. A group of students on their way to African-American employee group at the firm. the event’s job fair weren’t dressed appropriately. The Big Four accounting firms—PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Frierson and other NABA members pulled them aside, Deloitte LLP, KPMG LLP, and Ernst & Young LLP—already visit slipped off their ties, and handed them to the students, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to recruit, said Angel Johnson, a former national director on NABA’s said Scott Lilly of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, an board, signaling the “ultimate” in mentorship. organization that represents these schools. However, he hasn’t seen smaller firms like Crowe compete heavily for talent at In more than two decades as a NABA member and Crowe HBCUs, making their partnership with FAMU “innovative,” he LLP employee, Frierson has led the charge to add racial said. Eight percent of undergraduate accounting graduates in diversity to the accounting ranks. In 2016, only 1 percent 2015-2016 identified as black, according to the AICPA. of CPAs at U.S. firms identified as black, according to an American Institute of Certified Public Accountants survey. “They’re expanding the pond where they’re trying to find fish,” Lilly, who helps pair HBCU graduates with employers, said. “If At Crowe, Frierson has helped increase this number by you keep going to same pond, you’re probably going to get the building a recruiting partnership with a historically black same results.” college in Tallahassee, Fla. As a NABA leader, Frierson has helped organize multiple student conferences, which MENTORING STUDENTS teach African-American students about accounting and finance careers. In NABA, Frierson has held a variety of leadership roles, ranging from chapter president to national director. In all these At its June 2018 convention, NABA presented Frierson positions, Frierson has helped arrange the organization’s student with its top honor, the Frank Ross National Outstanding conferences, which give African-American college students a Member of the Year award, which recognizes someone who taste of accounting and finance careers. He has also volunteered is exceptionally dedicated to NABA’s goal of elevating black for the Accounting Career Awareness Program, NABA’s program accounting and finance professionals. Colleagues and friends for high school students. told Bloomberg Tax that Frierson has personified this mission throughout his career, helping permanently diversify his firm “Accounting is the language of business,” Frierson said. “I just and profession long after he retires. want to open up opportunities that maybe minorities might not be aware of when it comes to accounting and finance.” “Now people see me and say, ‘he received this award.’ They’re going to look at me with an extra eye, with a little bit of a Frierson uses the conference planning process as an bigger ear,” Frierson said. “There’s more of a voice that I can opportunity to cultivate new NABA leadership, said ZeNai have and more of an impact I plan to have on the profession.” Brooks, a NABA member he mentored. For example, Frierson asked Brooks to manage registration for a student COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP conference, an experience she said pushed her outside her comfort zone. She is now president of the region and At Crowe, Frierson has helped recruit and retain African- oversees the area’s 12 NABA chapters. American employees. For example, he and Crowe colleague Christopher Mitchell spearheaded the firm’s partnership “He’s just really good at identifying talented people and with Florida A&M University (FAMU), a historically black helping shape not only their career, but their personal college, said Crowe Chief People Officer Julie Wood. development and leadership,” Brooks said. ▲ Frierson and Mitchell worked with the school’s accounting Reproduced with permission.  Published July 27, 2018. Copyright department to identify top sophomores and juniors, 2018 by The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (800-372-1033) which the firm invited to a recruiting event, Wood said. http://www.bna.com. 22 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

Our success is driven by diverse ideas, perspectives, and people For Wells Fargo Advisors, diversity is more than a strategic goal and a core value for our firm—it’s the driving force behind our commitment and appreciation for different ideas, perspectives, and people. Wells Fargo Advisors is committed to building a diverse work force that mirrors the communities in which we live and work. To learn more about our firm or career opportunities, visit joinwfadvisors.com. Wells Fargo recognizes and values the diversity of its employees, customers, and business partners.Wells Fargo is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used byWells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC. © 2016–2017Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-1217-02049 IHA-6248105

2018 NABA REGIONAL STUDENT CONFERENCES HIGHLIGHTS The NABA 2018 Regional Student Conferences TOTAL TOTAL held, in September and October in Atlanta STUDENT STATES (Southern), Norfolk (Eastern), St. Louis (Central) ATTENDEES REPRESENTED and Dallas (Western), attracted 1,678 students from 171 colleges and universities in 36 states. 1,678 36 TOTAL TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT SESSIONS RECIPIENTS 125 111 Of the total students attending, there were 699 seniors, TOTAL TOTAL 447 juniors, 208 sophomores, 68 freshmen, and 256 COLLEGES SCHOLARSHIP graduate students. While the majority of the students AND UNIVERSITIES were accounting majors, other majors represented were DOLLARS business administration, economics, finance and 171 information systems. $136,800 The largest and most diverse of all of NABA’s student programs, the Regional Student Conferences provide TOTAL TOTAL essential skills in leadership, interviewing, dressing for VOLUNTEERS CORPORATE success, transitioning from college student to business PARTNERSHIPS professional, communications and more. Students also have 223 the opportunity to network with accounting professionals 101 and interview for internships and full-time positions. A highlight of the conferences are the scholarship awards banquets, where this year scholarships totaling $136,800 were awarded to 111 students. NABA thanks the 101 corporate partnerships whose support contributes to the success of these conferences. 24 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

CLASSIFICATIONS Graduate 15% Senior 42% Junior 27% Sophomore 12% Freshman 4% MAJORS Accounting 62% Business Administration 10% Economics 3% Finance 12% Information Systems 3% Other 10% MAJOR GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) GPA % ≤3.0 15% >3.0 - ≤3.2 22% >3.2 - ≤3.5 28% >3.5 35% FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 25

ONE-ON-ONE COACHING: The Most Effective Way to Develop Your People By Jeffrey W. Foley Effective one-on-one coaching is one of the most important The most impactful leaders are adept listeners, and don’t skills a great leader must possess. Effective coaching allow their egos to become roadblocks. When egos are alive inspires in others an internal drive to act ethically, without and well, listening ceases, effective coaching environments direction, to achieve goals. Effective coaching drives disappear, and organizations suffer. performance, builds competence and confidence, and Here are three recommendations that can help you raise ultimately enhances relationships. The best coaches help the bar on your ability to coach others. people find ways to make things happen as opposed to creating excuses why they can’t. 1 CREATE a positive and open environment Effective coaching also requires you to believe in yourself. You need to believe that you can have an impact in the for communication workplace, and that you can inspire others to achieve their People listen to and follow leaders they trust. They engage goals they might not otherwise achieve. The real question in meaningful dialog with people they trust. They are not is not if you will make a difference, but what difference you afraid to disagree with people they trust. Trust provides will make. the foundation for a positive and open communication Respectful, transparent, and regular face-to-face environment where connections between people can communication between leaders and their people breaks thrive. down barriers and builds trust. What you can see in a When people connect, they learn about each other. They person’s eyes or other body language can be revealing. enable understanding of cultures, individual strengths and While technology can be effective at times, it will never challenges. Knowing your people’s unique capabilities and replace human contact for discovery and inspiration. desires helps focus on how to help them be successful. 26 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

Knowing your people also reduces the probability of SUMMARY promoting someone into a management position who does not want it or is not otherwise qualified. Not all Coaching session agendas will vary based on a variety physicians want to be managers. Not all sales people of conditions. A good place to start is outlined below. want to be sales managers. Not all technicians want to • First, review the individual goals and those of the be a shop foreman. The costs can be exorbitant to an organization that wrongly promotes someone into a organization. Ensure alignment of both to clarify management position. where the individual is contributing to the mission There are four questions that can help establish this open of the organization. line of communication: What is on your mind? What can I • Second, discuss what is going well. Where do both do for you? What do you think? How am I making your life the coach and the individual agree on successes? more difficult? When asked with genuine interest, people Provide positive recognition for achievements respond with more honesty. where important. Meeting with your people regularly helps break down • Third, discuss the challenges or areas for barriers. Not just in your office, outside the working area, improvement. Underwrite honest mistakes in the like in the cafeteria or in the lounge area. The informal pursuit of excellence so people can learn. Determine sessions can be wonderful enablers of opening the line how you as the manager can help. Gain a clear of communication. understanding of the shortfall in the individual’s ability and desire to achieve the goal and what 2 ESTABLISH agreed upon goals and resources or assistance the individual needs to be successful. When unsatisfactory performance strategies to achieve occurs, managers must address it. Leaders who Most people want to know what success looks like. never take action to remove an underperformer are They want to be clear in their goals as an individual doing a great disservice to their institution. and, if appropriate, the leader of a team. Well-defined, All too often, good people serving in leadership measurable, relevant goals on paper help people gain clarity positions fear the task of confrontation. They on success for them. Assigning responsibility with authority hope, magically, that something will happen which helps inspire an individual’s commitment to be successful. will turn the underperformer around and all will be Success also includes how to reach goals. Strategies are well in the end. Hope is not a strategy; the magic developed and agreed upon by the manager and team seldom happens. Your goal as a leader and coach is member so that both understand each other’s roles. to inspire a willingness to succeed. When coaching, The probability of success increases dramatically when it is often easier to criticize and find fault. Think strategies and accountabilities are well defined. before you speak—find ways to praise. • Fourth, as the manager, seek suggestions for how 3 ENFORCE accountability by assessing you can be a more effective leader for them. This question can change the dynamic of the coaching performance session and can provide powerful feedback for the There are many and significant consequences when manager in his or her quest to be the best they can people are not held accountable for achieving goals or be. Doing so will enhance their trust in you and otherwise performing to standard. Integrity disappears. help build confidence in their own capabilities. Discipline erodes. Morale evaporates. Leaders are not Remember, effective one-on-one coaching can be the taken seriously. Problem employees become a cancer in catalyst for attracting and retaining the best people, the organization. The best people leave. Results are not and that will ultimately help your organization to achieved. unprecedented results. ▲ Effective coaching demands assessment of performance. Without this assessment, no system of accountability will Jeff Foley is a recognized speaker, executive leadership coach, and be achieved. If the senior leader does not hold his or her author of Rules and Tools for Leaders. He is a West Point graduate executive team accountable, subordinate leaders are likely and retired as a brigadier general having served 32 years in the to think “Why should I?” Army. Drawing on his unique military experience, Jeff uses his Consistent, regularly scheduled coaching sessions with singular insight to build better leaders. For more information on your people are the key to ensuring effective follow-up Jeff Foley, visit www.loralmountain.com. assessments to celebrate successes and identify areas to improve. FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 27

START STRONG! It’s that time of year…a chill is in the air, and the Are you excited? I am. Here is a excitement of the holidays have come to a close. It checklist of 10 things that I will be is a great time to reflect and set new goals. I don’t working through to help me start know about you, but I always get excited talking to 2019 as strong as ever. Hope it friends about the possibilities of the new year! helps you to do the same. Whether I ask them, or they ask me, we always seem to agree that the year goes by quickly and if we aren’t q Maximize the contributions to my retirement determined and focused, the list of goals, to-dos, and savings account resolutions that we set are never conquered. Of course my conversations are typically regarding q Start a Roth IRA financial matters, and along with my clients, every q Review beneficiaries on insurance policies and year I create an aggressive list of new things I want to do, situations I want to improve, and things I want to retirement accounts and update if necessary stop doing. Most often these lists include start saving q Review my will more, stop spending unnecessarily, keep better tax q Pay off a debt records, and more. Sound familiar? q Get my free credit report and credit score We all know that with any good plan, periodic progress checks against it are necessary. So here (annualcreditreport.com) we are, beginning the first quarter of the year. How q Organize tax documents and receipts well will you do against your plan? You may do well q Negotiate lower rates with all creditors in some areas and not so well in others. But guess q Make a gift to a worthy charity/nonprofit what? The year is just beginning! You have plenty of time to meet all of your goals! Just start and organization finish strong! q Create a budget for 2019 Be Well. Be Blessed. Be Strong! Dana S. Branham, Financial Wellness Coach 28 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

How can the sun lower your energy bill? Simple. By capturing its energy with more cost- A career with us is an invitation to explore, create and effective, easier-to-install solar panel systems. Our make valuable contributions to human progress. We’re proprietary solar shingles provide the dual benefit a global team of problem-solvers, impacting everything of both protecting and powering your home in style. from automobiles, to agriculture. And there’s a science That’s how science and humanity come together to to our success. That’s Dow. solve real-world challenges. Discover how we do it: www.dow.com/careers The science to your success. Finance Careers What We Offer A career in Finance at Dow is your opportunity to contribute We are a company of visionaries who believe there’s a solution to your knowledge, while helping us tackle some of the world’s every challenge. In addition to adventure, daily rewards and the most pressing challenges. Whether you’re in corporate finance opportunity to carve out a unique and vibrant career, we offer: focusing on areas such as strategic planning and governance, • Top-tier, pay-for-performance compensation sharing your financial expertise with our global businesses, or • Rewards and recognition for strong performance overseeing local processes at the regional level, you’ll build an • Competitive and comprehensive benefits packages exciting career knowing that your work is helping to reshape • A creative, dynamic and friendly work environment our world for the better. • Mentoring from leaders who rank among the best in There’s a science to where you can take your career. the industry And it starts at Dow. Explore Finance careers at Dow, and discover the science to our success. And yours. careersatdow.com Opportunities in Finance: careersatdow.com • Auditing • Business Aligned Finance • Controllers • Investor Relations • Mergers & Acquisitions • Strategic Planning & Business Analysis • Tax • Treasury The science to your success.

Celebrating 50 Years: Early Accomplishments and Struggles of NABA’s Long-Time Members By Maya Francis In 1969, nine men set out to establish an association that would change the landscape for black professionals in accounting. At the time, only 136 of the 100,000 certified public accountants were black. Now, 50 years later, we can see the progress and evidence of change from the 5,000+ black CPAs today. Successes are also seen through the increase in the number of black professionals in major firms and the ascension of more black accountants into the executive ranks. Spectrum interviewed three accountants who joined NABA and became Professional Members early in their career about their introduction to the world of accounting, their decision to join NABA, and the changes (and challenges) they’ve observed in accounting and finance in the last 50 years. MEMBERS INTERVIEWED ARE: Barbara Williams, CPA, MBA, William Aiken, CPA, MBA, Carolynn Walton, Vice President Retired Self-employed and Treasurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan SPECTRUM: How did you get introduced SPECTRUM: When and why did you join Regional Vice President and saw the to accounting and why did you decide to NABA and how have you served? rapid growth of chapters throughout the pursue it as a career? WALTON: I joined NABA after graduating country. WALTON: When I was in high school I from University of Michigan, when I AIKEN: In December of 1969, I met the met a CPA who worked for J.L. Hudson, started my employment at Coopers and nine accountants who organized NABA. a major department store in Detroit, Lybrand, now known as PWC. I joined During the summer of 1970, NABA was MI, and he talked about the profession. because I needed to learn how to be incorporated and I was appointed third My girlfriend Donna Wells (also a NABA a professional and to network with vice president. In June of 1971, I ran for member) and I decided that day we other individuals like me. I served as president of NABA, and was elected to would become CPAs. vice president of the Detroit chapter, that position. I was elected again in 1972, WILLIAMS: I was introduced to as well as co-chairperson of a national 1983 and 1984. accounting in high school by taking a convention. I continue to serve as a SPECTRUM: How has NABA helped your bookkeeping class. I asked my teacher speaker for various events. career? what was the highest level to achieve WILLIAMS: I joined NABA as a student WALTON: NABA is a place where I learned in the field. He responded, “Become a member in 1970. I was a working full- and refined a number of skills needed CPA.” Little did I know at the time that time student at Pace College in New in the workplace and to have a network few blacks were in the field. I am grateful York City. I was happy to meet black of peers around you who want you to that the teacher did not discourage me accountants because I was usually the succeed. It is okay to make mistakes in because of that fact. only black or woman in my classes. this friendly setting and have others to AIKEN: I was introduced to the accounting During the early years of NABA I served help guide you. It is also a place to pay it profession while attending high school. on various committees (Awards Dinner, forward with those not as advanced in I found it extremely interesting; therefore First National Convention) and assisted their careers to assist them in developing I pursued it as a career. with the establishment of professional and refining their skills. and student chapters. I was the Eastern 30 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

WILLIAMS: NABA provided a place for me Subsequently, I was appointed to SPECTRUM: What advice do you and others to develop presentation skills, the position of assistant deputy have for NABA members seeking career organizational skills and learn commissioner in New York City, audit advancement and longevity in the value of sharing and giving back. partner at KPMG Peat Marwick, and accounting? Through networking in NABA I received was appointed in 1990 as chief financial an internship with Arthur Young & Co., officer of the Long Island Railroad—the WALTON: Be excellent in your craft, which led to a full-time position upon first African American to be appointed network to understand the work graduation. The mentorship I received to an officer’s position since the Railroad environment and gather supporters of all during the early years encouraged me was formed in 1857. colors to help you succeed. not to quit public accounting until I The real challenges began when I tried to had my CPA. Having the support of Bill get into the public accounting profession, AIKEN: I would urge young NABA Aiken and Ted Wilson among others was and was denied entry several times, members to become very active in the key to overcoming the obstacles black because African Americans were being organization, serving on committees that professionals faced. denied entry into the public accounting work to strengthen its members, and the AIKEN: Being involved in NABA (and) professions. Other challenges occurred community at large. Those who wish to traveling to various cities in 1971 and each time I was appointed to senior reach the “pinnacle” must be willing to thereafter helping to build NABA into management positions in “corporate make sacrifices in order to achieve. They a truly national organization (and) America” and government, because I was must recognize that “life ain’t no crystal helped me extensively during my career. the first to gain entry. A “Jackie Robinson stair,” and that we are on this planet to By fighting to open doors to public experience” many times. help make the lives of others better. accounting for young men and women SPECTRUM: What are the current They must have a team spirit, and of color across the nation who were opportunities for Blacks in accounting? embrace the fact that all of us are interested in joining the public accounting How did those opportunities change smarter than any one of us. profession, senior management doors when you became a NABA professional opened for me. member? SPECTRUM: How are you fulfilling SPECTRUM: What are your proudest WALTON: A number of companies are NABA's motto: Lifting As We Climb? career accomplishments? Have there more accepting of blacks and women in been challenges? the workplace today than when I first WALTON: Mentoring people in their WALTON: The first accomplishment was started. It is still a challenge to make it up careers and speaking at events to share obtaining my CPA license. The second the corporate ladder but it is doable with my journey. is being vice president and treasurer the right coaching and performance. for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan WILLIAMS: In 1971, the Big 8 CPA firms WILLIAMS: Through my involvement for 15 years. with a great track record were aggressively recruiting African with the Accounting Career Awareness of success. The third is developing and Americans. Most likely, if I would have Program, (ACAP), I found myself having the ability to have the company finished undergraduate college in 1968 mentoring a young man and seeing that accept my successor (and) a young man versus 1971 I would not have been hired. person grow from a high school student, of color, Waymond Harris (and) to the [It was a] blessing [given I had to] work to college student, to CPA and now he, position of vice president, Investments as my way through and graduate later. I am Erick Bell, is the executive director of I retire at the end of this year going out not sure how the current opportunities ACAP (SF). Seeing those who are now on my own terms. are now for blacks in accounting due volunteering with NABA and the bright WILLIAMS: There always are challenges. to the current political climate. It took young black professional accountants After leaving public accounting every government involvement for many of us coming up is a testimony to our motto position I held in private and academia to be granted an opportunity. “Lifting as We Climb.” Those of us who I held more credentials or experience AIKEN: Blacks in accounting are now have had successful careers know that than the white male I replaced. I have serving in senior management positions we did not make it by ourselves. NABA had a white student refuse to be taught in Corporate America, and in major gave us the type of support that was not by a black professor. However, NABA accounting firms. When I joined the offered in the firms or college campuses. gave me a support network and lifelong public accounting profession in 1967, friendships. many offices in that profession would AIKEN: I designed the NABA logo in AIKEN: My proudest career not hire African American accountants. 1971 and have served as the national accomplishment occurred when I passed That was particularly the situation in president of NABA. The idea was that the CPA exam in the 1960s. Other exciting most major cities in the southern part of when we are climbing the mountain of moments occurred when the New York the United States. Firms were only able success, and reach a plateau, we must State Board of Regents appointed me as to bring African American recruits into drop a line down and pull up another. If a member of the New York State Board cities such as New York, Philadelphia, we are diligent in doing that, when we for Public Accountancy in 1974. I was the Washington DC, Los Angeles, San reach the pinnacle where the winds are first African American to receive such an Francisco, etc. fierce, there will be others there to drop appointment in the state of New York, us lines and help us secure our position. and was the second to be so honored in Throughout my career I have been the United States. dropping lines, pulling up hundreds. Their achievements have been gratifying to me. ▲ FALL/WINTER 2018 | SPECTRUM 31

We are Pleased to Recognize NABA’s 322 Lifetime Members Dwayna Adams Paula Cropper Roland Hendricks Bert Mitchell Gwendolyn Skillern Clifton Addison Charles Daniel She-lia Henry Faye Mitchell Moore Patricia Smalls Enitan Adesanya Maurice Danner Yvonne Herron Daniel Moore Graylin Smith Amani Ahmed Rosalind Danner Jeffery Hill Gairy Moore Isaac Smith William Aiken Charles Davis Daniel Hobson Lebone Moses Mark Smith Abdool Akhran Frederick Davis Pamela Hogans Dana Moss Margo Smith Ronnie Alexander Sandra Davis Bavan Holloway Rosheila Motley Walter J. Smith Renee Allain-Stockton Shaun Davis V. Reginald Hopkins Fred Moultrie William Smith Marvin Allmond Tamieka Davis Paul Horace Grace Mullings Catherine Smith-Spears Antoinette Amoureux Tanya Davis Harvey Hoskins Avery Munnings Janice Sparks Anthony Anderson Chantel Day Lisa Howze Angela Murphy Thad Standley Adrian Anderson Samantha DeCambre Willie Mae Hughey Yves Mutombo Veda Stanley Lee Anderson Shariah Dixon-Turner Albert Hunt Adam Myers Avril Stephens Sekou Lloyd Anderson Reve Doss Angel Ingram Edwin Neal Cecil Sterrod Roger Arrieux Marvin Dozier Dee-Ah Iris-Outerbridge Leslie Netter Lionel Stevens Iris Atkinson-Kirkland Kenneth Drummond Arlene Isaacs-Lowe Benjamin Newhouse Shamella Stewart Angela Avant Robert Dunlap Vincent James Adaeze Nwachuku Dmitri Stockton Claire Babineaux-Fontenot Angela Dunlap Clarence James Nora O’Garro C. Daniel Stubbs, Jr. Larry Bailey Jonell Dunston Curtis James Chris Okafor Ebony Stubbs Alfred Ball Betty DuVerger Johnny Jefferson Joe Okeke Lemar Swinney Deidra Barksdale Kathy-Ann Edwards Edwin Jenkins Avril Okeke Floran Syler R. Everett Bassie Cordelia Ekwueme Norman Jenkins Florence Onochie James Talley Darrell Baxter Candice Elliott Gregory Johnson Eugene Padgett Rolanda Tate Ralph Bazilio Gregory Ellison Gwen Johnson Dorothy Page-Proctor Jeff Tate Ronald Benjamin Kimberly Ellison-Taylor J. Frank Johnson Frank Parker Micheal Taylor Earl Biggett Patrick English James Johnson Michael Parkins Ronald Taylor Melvin Blake Andrante Etheridge Michael Johnson Keeca Parks Sheila Taylor-Clark Patrica Bolt Charmain Eubanks-Thomas Patricia Johnson Harold Parnell Allen Thomas Monique Booker Vernon Evans Robert Johnson Greg Parris Francis Thomas Allen Boston Beverly Everson-Jones Mark Keener Kimberly Parris Ralph Thomas William Boswell Earl G. Fagan, Jr. Anthony Kendall Stephanie Parrish-Chester Valerie Thomas Ken Bouyer Felicia Farrar Catrise Kilgore Leslie Patterson Curtis Tomlin Adrian Bracy Nicole Felix Bridget Kinard Ramona Pearson Ronald Tompkins Gloria Bracy Cecil Flamer Anthony King L. Matthew Perry Manuel Torres Monica Brame Erby Foster James Kirkland Phillip Pierce Emmanuel Tuffuor Latarsha Brazle Carlyle Fraser LaToya Lacey Tillman Pink Lucy Turnage Odell Brown Genevia Fulbright Marjorie LaRue Pamela Pinkett Raymond Vicks James Brown Tony Fuller Brittani Lee Mario Poole Adrian Vieira Tyrone Browne Douglas Gaines Shelley Lee Jenice Prather-Kinsey Lamont Waddell Linda Bryant Ryan Galloway Wayne Lee Starr Purdue Andre Wade Maxine Buckles Vernice Gamble Hing James Lewis Okorie Ramsey Ronald Walker Charles Burch Fred Gamble W. Delores Lewis Moire Rasmussen Emma Walker William Byrd Yosief Ghirmai Wendy Lewis LaNita Ray George Wallace Willie Carrington Bertram Gibson Eddie Lightsey Jesse Rhodes Lydia Washington Charles Carter Hubert Glover Leona Locke-Dotson Harry Richards Chester Watson Deborah Carter Robin Gordon Clarence Lockett Avis Riley Timothy Watson Patricia Carter Norman Graves Joe Lowry J. Edward Robinson Anne White Ruby Cato John Green Kim Manigault Troy Robinson Donald White Richard Caturano Verna Greer Betty Maple Frank Ross Gwendolyn Wiggins-Walcott Millicent Chancellor Derric Gregory Phillip Mark Michael Ross Maria Wiley Marvin Chiddick Kim Griffin-Hunter Lawrence Mathews Janine Rouson Humphrey Williams Paula Cholmondeley Austin Groom Roderick Mayo Michelle Royster Roger Williams Sheila Clark Linda Guyden Yolanda McBride April Royster Chrisalle Williams Brenda Coleman Bennie Hadnott Milford McGuirt Greta Russell L. Anne Williams Ronald Coleman Brenda Hammond James McIntyre Deatrice Russell-Tyner James Williams William Coleman Ann-Marie Hammond Tina McIntyre Ray Sanders George Willie Malcomb Coley Thomas Hampton Barbara McKinzie Uso Sayers Veronda Willis Paul Colin Donna Hankins Jimmy McMillian Patricia Scipio John Wilson Gregory Collins B. Harrell Richard McNamee Carolyn Scott Carol Wilson Charlotte Comer Calvin Harris Thomas McRae Victoria Seay Michael Winston Anita Conner Steven Harris Hassan Miah Johnny Session Daniel Worrell Kenneth Cooke David Harrison George Miles Dave Sewell Ida Yarbrough Donna Cooper Tiffany Harrison Kevin Miller Tadeo Silva Raymond Cooper David Harrison Mark Miller Brainard Simpson Deborah Cowan Angela Haskell Judson Mitchell Carl Simpson 32 SPECTRUM | FALL/WINTER 2018

JOIN NABA EMPOWER THE CHANGE WITHIN NABA Members Get Exclusive Access To: • Discounts on CPE and Online Learning • Business Management and Executive Leadership Development • Professional Recruitment and Referral Network • Online Career Center • More than 175 Professional and Student Chapters • Regional Student Conferences • Hundreds of NABA Scholarships • Annual National Convention Featuring CPE Sessions, CPA Exam Review, Leadership Training, N etworking and Career Expo • Exclusive Online Community www.NABAinc.org/membership

EMPOWER THE CHANGE WITHIN NABA CAREER CENTER Log into the NABA Career Center at nabacareercenter.nabainc.org/jobseekers and find your next role in three easy steps: • Create your account • Upload your resume • Search the latest job openings LET US HELP YOU! Take advantage of resources on the website such as: • Career Coaching • Resume Writing • Reference Checking • Career Learning Center

ELDEST SON A LT E R N AT I V E INVESTMENTS ADVISING STUDENTS M E D I TAT I O N M A R AT H O N S Sean PwC Manager There’s what you do. Then there’s why you do it. For Sean, curiosity is everything. It’s why he enjoys learning about other people, other cultures and other ways of life. Why he immerses himself in the technical detail of hedge funds. Why he uses meditation to sharpen his focus. And why he’s interested in guiding the careers of college students through the National Association of Black Accountants. Sean’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.