Navigating the Space Between

BY ANGELA ROBERTS, CPA, CHAIR

Do you remember being asked as a child, “What are you going to be when you grow up?” The question still applies: CPAs, what are we going to be when we grow up? What do we want to become as we build a career in this profession?

happy at their organization, and 2.9 times more likely to report that they expect to remain with their organization over the next two years. In fact, employees view opportunities to learn and grow as the No. 1 driver of a great work culture, a jump from 2019 when it ranked ninth.

This phase of growth for our profession is usually difficult. During this time we’re developing our knowledge and skills to become that trusted advisor. This space includes rapid-fire learning, and it’s a challenge. When I speak to those who are in this space today, they want to continue to learn because they really like what they’re doing. They’re just doing way too much of it, and with technology and added regulations, this space can feel overwhelming.

Bridging The Space Between

The good news is that we are smart people who know how to find better ways to do things. We need to take care of those around us who are in “the space” and help them get through it and into the bright future. We must adjust our thinking to support the continued growth of our profession and our professionals. We can redesign the way we work and the stories that we tell about the work. We can provide communication, direction, flexibility, and clarity on the what, when, who, and why

To help young professionals in the space, consider:

• Reevaluating priorities

• Reallocating time

• Offering proactive paid time off before busy season

• Scheduling no-meeting days

• Providing scheduled wellness time

Our society, the profession, corporate cultures, and the world in general are all working through this post-COVID world, and everyone is adjusting and adapting. It’s important that we move forward together, with support and understanding, to help those who are struggling with what their future looks like as they navigate “the space.” For the future of the profession, I’m hopeful that they choose to join us on the journey.

It has been an honor to serve as your COCPA chair this past year. I sincerely appreciate the trust that my peers have placed in me during a time of unprecedented change and at such a critical juncture. The COCPA membership is full of amazing, talented people, and I am blessed to be involved at this level. Thank you dearly!

The average person has 12 jobs in his or her lifetime, with an average tenure of three years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Shorter job cycles, longer careers as a result of longer lifespans, and rapidly changing technology mean that the traditional idea of “success” – climbing the ladder at a single organization over the course of many years – is no longer realistic. People want to learn, relearn, change, and develop.

Helping Young Professionals

Over the past 30 years of my career, and during the 2022 Chair Tour, I’ve had the opportunity to meet thousands of professionals who love their work. Overall, CPAs are very proud of and grateful for their careers, opportunities, and the work they produce. They truly love what they do.

Ultimately, there is that pivotal moment where we become a “trusted advisor” to our clients. It’s truly a turning point when we can help people and businesses become better.

But between your decision to launch your accounting career and that awe some moment where you earn “trusted advisor” status, there is a space where young professionals must decide on their future in the profession.

This space is challenging, but it’s a necessary part of the journey. It is a place where people are learning, grow ing, building, and becoming – both professionally and personally.

Linkedin’s Workplace Learning Report says that employees who are provided with opportunities to learn and grow are 3.6 times more likely to report being