AICPA and CPA Practice Advisor Announce 2023 Most Powerful Women in Accounting Awards

LAS VEGAS (June 6, 2023) — AICPA & CIMA and CPA Practice Advisor today recognized 25 leaders in the accounting profession with the 2023 Most Powerful Women in Accounting Award. The award, now in its eleventh year, was created by CPA Practice Advisor and is jointly administered by the AICPA & CIMA and CPA Practice Advisor to promote and support the success of women leaders as part of its broader mission of sustaining the profession.

“Once again, CPA Practice Advisor is delighted to partner with the AICPA & CIMA to recognize the most powerful women in the accounting profession,” said Gail Perry, CPA, editor-in-chief of CPA Practice Advisor. “The most exciting part for me is that there is never a shortage of candidates. Each year brings new names — new, extraordinary women helping all of us to build a better profession.”

Nominated by their peers and selected by a group of independent judges, these women personify leadership, inclusivity, and going above and beyond for our profession. For a full list of award criteria, visit the Most Powerful Women in Accounting webpage.

“I feel a tremendous responsibility to use this recognition to lift and inspire the next generation of women leaders. It's my hope that my achievement will serve as a beacon of hope, igniting a fire within them to dream bigger, reach higher, and shatter the glass ceiling in their own unique way,” says Avani Desai, 2023 Most Powerful Women in Accounting recipient.

“We are thrilled to be part of the celebration and to honor this diverse group of exceptional women,” said AICPA Diversity and Inclusion Director, Crystal Cooke. “Part of the mission of the AICPA is to amplify the voices of women in the profession and together with CPA Practice Advisor and our women’s initiative team lead Mandy Gallagher, we do that through these awards. Seeing is believing. It’s important to see others walking the path before you, because if you can see it, you can be it!”

The 2023 Most Powerful Women in Accounting are:

• Lara Abrash

• Tommye Barie

• Julie Boland

• Jeannine K. Brown

• Arianna Campbell

• Avani Desai

• Kimi Ellen

• Kimberly Ellison-Taylor

• Angie Grissom

• Orumé Agbeyegbe Hays

• Guylaine Saint Juste

• Lexy Kessler

• Elizabeth Pittelkow Kittner

• Kelly Mann

• Carla McCall

• Jessica McClain

• Kelly Richmond Pope

• Lindsay Stevenson

• Diana Stoltzfus

• Amy Vetter

• Tracey Walker

• Sandra Wiley

• Erica Williams

• Jennifer Lee Wilson

• Janet Yellen

Award recipients were announced at a ceremony during AICPA ENGAGE, one of the largest events devoted to accounting and finance in North America. The women will be featured on cpapracticeadvisor.com where you can read more about the individual honorees.

To learn more about how the AICPA supports women in the profession, visit the AICPA Diversity and Inclusion webpage.

About AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), advance the global accounting and finance profession through our work on behalf of 698,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates and engaged professionals in 188 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license, the CGMA designation and specialized credentials, professional education and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members and engaged professionals with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future.

CPA Practice Advisor is a news, technology, and practice management resource for accounting and tax professionals. At www.cpapracticeadvisor.com you will find articles, tools, apps, podcasts, and webcasts that offer relevant insights, advice, and guidance to help professionals build more proactive, client-focused, and profitable firms.