Stacie Kwaiser Recognized as a 2024 Most Powerful Woman in Accounting

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and CPA Practice Advisor today recognized 25 leaders in the accounting profession, including Rehmann CEO Stacie Kwaiser, with the 2024 Most Powerful Women in Accounting Award. The award, now in its twelfth year, was created by CPA Practice Advisor and is jointly administered with the AICPA to promote and support the success of women leaders.

“While I may have received and accepted the award, it’s truly a reflection of the collective effort of our firm and its associates.” said Stacie Kwaiser, Rehmann CEO. “Congratulations to all of the women recognized!”

Honoring women leaders is part of the AICPA’s broader diversity and inclusion mission, which is ably supported by the volunteers who serve on its Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee.

“Each year, we have the opportunity to recognize women who are making the accounting profession a better place for all of us,” said Gail Perry, CPA, editor-in-chief of CPA Practice Advisor. “This year’s nominees continue to carry this torch of excellence. CPA Practice Advisor is proud to partner with the AICPA to present the Most Powerful Women in Accounting awards.”

Nominated by their peers and selected by a group of independent judges, these women personify leadership, inclusivity, and going above and beyond for the accounting profession. Although some global leaders have appeared on the list, it is largely focused on the U.S. market. For a full list of award criteria, visit the Most Powerful Women in Accounting webpage.

“Amplifying the many diverse voices of the profession is critical,” said Crystal Cooke, the AICPA’s diversity and inclusion director. “Not only does this award provide visibility into the amazing things that women are doing in our profession, it also shows what is possible with hard work and determination. In order for women to believe there is space at the top for them, they need to see it!”

The 2024 Most Powerful Women in Accounting are listed alphabetically below, along with their professional affiliations:

• Stacie Kwaiser, CPA, Chief Executive Officer, Rehmann
• Lara Abrash, CPA, Chair, Deloitte U.S.
• Samantha Bowling, CPA, CGMA, CFE, Managing Partner, GW CPA LLP
• Julie Boland, CPA, US Chair & Managing Partner, and Americas Managing Partner, Ernst & Young (EY)
• Jeannine K Brown, CPC, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Everyday Lead
• Danielle Supkis Cheek, CPA, CFE, CVA, Vice President, Head of Analytics & AI, Caseware International
• Avani Desai, CPA , CISSP, CISA, CIA, PMP, CIPP, CCSK; CEO, Schellman & Company LLC
• Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA, CITP, CGMA, CISA, Chief Executive Officer, KET Solutions
• Angie Grissom, MBA, Owner, The Rainmaker Companies
• Orumé Agbeyegbe Hays, CPA, CGMA, MST, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Hays CPA LLC
• Yvonne Hinson, Ph.D., CPA, Chief Executive Officer, American Accounting Association
• Ebonie Zan Jackson, CPA, CGMA, CITP, MBA, Senior Vice President in the Chief Financial Officer Group, Bank of America
• Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, Mid-Atlantic Regional Leader & Partner, Aprio
• Jennifer Leary, CPA, CEO, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)
• Kelly Mann, CPA, MBA, Co-Founder & CEO, AuditMiner
• Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner, AAFCPAs
• Jessica McClain, CPA, CITP, CISA, PMP, CGFM; Chief Financial Officer, Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital
• Anna Mok, CPA, Co-Founder, President, & Chair of the Board, Ascend Leadership; & Advisory Partner, US Chinese Services Group Leader, Deloitte
• Michelle Golden River, CPF, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Fore LLC
• Guylaine Saint Juste, SHRM, CAE, NACD, President & Chief Executive Officer, NABA Inc.
• Lindsay Stevenson, CPA, CGMA, Chief Transformation Officer, BPM LLP
• Michelle Lloyd Thompson, CPA, Chief Executive Officer, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC
• Amy Vetter, CPA, CGMA, CSP, Chief Executive Officer, The B3 Method Institute
• Geni Whitehouse, CPA, CITP, CSPM, Employers/Clients: President of ITAlliance.com, Countess of Communication at: www.BDCOCPA.com, www.TheImpactfulAdvisor.com, www.EvenANerd.com
• Jennifer Lee Wilson, Partner, Co-founder, ConvergenceCoaching LLC

The Most Powerful Women in Accounting were announced at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE in Las Vegas, one of the largest events devoted to accounting and finance in North America. These women will also be spotlighted on cpapracticeadvisor.com where you can learn more about the individual honorees.

To understand the various ways 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 597,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates and registrants 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, candidates and registrants with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.

About CPA Practice Advisor

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.