Dawn W. Brolin, MSA

Principal: Professional Accounting Solutions, LLC
City/State: Windham, CT
Blog/Website URL: www.dawnbrolin.com

Social Media: Facebook: Dawn Walmsley Brolin; Twitter: @qbexpert; LinkedIN: Dawn W. (Walmsley) Brolin, MSA.

Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Business - Accounting: Eastern Connecticut State University; Masters of Science in Accounting (MSA) from Eastern Connecticut State University.

Professional Associations/Memberships: National Advisor Network, Intuit ProAdvisor Program.

Hobbies: Spending time with my family (Husband Kevin, Daughters Emily & Kayla), golfing, softball, watching sports.

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Click here to see the other honorees of
the 2012 "Most Powerful Women
in Accounting" awards.

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Q&A

Studies show that more women than ever are graduating with accounting degrees, but few are pursuing, or staying in, public practice careers. What do you think may be causing them to think public accounting careers are not as attractive as other careers?

The accounting industry seems to be changing on a regular basis. There can be interpretations of women vs. men in these leadership roles that are typically misconstrued. Women coming out of college may be seeing that intimidation as a deterrance. The hours required to build a career and/or reputation in the industry is a large commitment. The demanding work schedule while having a social/family life is not an easy balance to obtain and maintain in this economy.

What advice would you give to these college students about the opportunities for women in the accounting profession?

I would tell college students in accounting to pursue their career in accounting if it is their passion. There are so many opportunities out there, many of them are not necessarily the traditional rout of working for a large public accounting firm. The opportunities that are out there for young accounting professionals are huge. One of the main attractions of young accounting professionals is their ability in technology.

Most young professionals have the technology background that can truly enhance the productivity and growth of a firm. These young professionals have a lot to benefit from.

If you were asked as a consultant to give advice to firms, would you have any recommendations on things they could do to better retain and advance more qualified female staff?

Young professional women want to know that they have a future not only in the workforce, but that they also have a future personally. Providing flexibility with regards to working remotely can be the biggest attraction for young women. With technology today, having a brick and mortar location is history. Yes, tax appointments will likely stay the same for another decade.

But young entrepreneurs want to be moving and on the go. They don’t necessarily want to have to meet in person. So the bigger challenge is how to have a relationship with your clients because that is extremely important. Take them to a ball game.

Do you think that there is still a glass ceiling in accounting firm senior management and partner levels, or that the profession has moved to a mostly gender neutral state?

I am of the opinion that careers in accounting do not need to be the traditional large CPA firm experience. Yes, in order to become a CPA you need (2) years of experience in order to obtain an initial certificate. But, I find that being an independent firm or even an individual accountant can provide a similar successful experience. It is fair to say that large CPA firms tend to “own” young college graduates and put them on a salary with long hours.

What that commitment from a young graduate will do is give them a faster track to move into the senior management positions and partner levels. Nothing is for free, there is always a price to pay no matter which direction you take (private or public practice). I believe that the ceiling may be there, but only in the eyes of a passive, quite individual. If you are a go-getter and have a passion to climb to the top, you make your future, you make those decisions that make you rise to the top. It is up to you, not stereotype.