Dawn W. Brolin, MSA - 2012 Most Powerful Women in Accounting

Do you think being a woman in the accounting profession has made career advancement more challenging than it might have been for a male in the same situation?

As a strong woman, I would have to say no. This may be opposite of a normal belief structure but I see it as a challenge. Yes, it is normal to think or feel that men have the upper hand, but I don’t think in the accounting profession that is the case.

What solutions have you found successful in managing work-life integration. the balancing of your career with your personal, family and social life?

Technology maximization would be the key. You MUST embrace technology and use it to your advantage. So many small business owners find themselves working in their business during work hours and on their business in the evening. This doesn’t have to be the norm. Use technology to run your business while you are in your business. You MUST make a clear separation between business and family time. Shut off that cell phone, computer, etc. Don’t sacrifice the important relationships when it can be avoided by the use of technology. Times have changed, don’t get left behind.

How mobile are you regarding your work? How have mobile devices and apps impacted your productivity and work-life balance? (Spending less time in the office?)
I have 100% mobility. No matter where I am, I can solve client problems, log onto client accounts, or answer questions in a moments notice. I call the desktop the REAL ball and chain…it used to be marriage or a partnership. Let the technology keep you mobile. The first to solve client questions and issues is the winner. Not answering client emails or calls timely will put you in the back of the pack. In addition, the need to have meetings in the office are becoming less and less. Working through remote technology solutions and web-based meeting conferences, the need to solely work locally has been eliminated. Be mobile, or be left behind.

What single piece of technology could you absolutely not live without, and why?

I absolutely could not live without my iPhone. With the amazing number of mobile applications, long gone are the days of being tied to a desktop in order to keep the business moving forward, answer questions from clients, and simply manage my daily tasks.

What is your favorite professional mobile app, and why?

GoPayment from Intuit – This application allows me to collect payment anytime and anywhere. As a small business owner, I do not like to carry receivables, with GoPayment, I can get paid from the client upon delivery of service.

What do you like to do when you actually have free time without any obligations to work or family?

I love to play golf and softball. I also love to attend sporting events such as ML Baseball, Football, hockey, and any other athletic event.