Rising Star
Mia McDonald, MSA
Mia McDonald, MSA, is a senior associate at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. Read on to learn her top advice for aspiring accountants, insights on balancing work and passions and how her background as a student-athlete has shaped her professional journey.
What advice would you give to students considering a career in accounting?
Find an internship! With all my accounting courses online due to the pandemic, my internship provided practical experience that confirmed my interest in the profession. It also helped me build soft skills and connect with valuable mentors. I'd also recommend keeping up with you passions and interests outside of work. Balancing family, hobbies and sports boosts mental health and productivity. Prioritizing these activities made me happier and more effective in the office.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the fast-pace and having the opportunity to work in a variety of niches. I also love that I learn something new every day. It’s great having things “click” as I get more experience, and feel myself becoming more confident and empowered in my skills and abilities.
What skills did you develop as a student-athlete that have been most beneficial in your professional life?
Track and cross country uniquely combine individual and team elements, allowing personal goals to contribute to team success. This has helped me find internal motivation to lead and empower others.
Similarly, in my professional environment, we focus on our own clients while supporting each other to deliver high-quality work. College sports also taught me the value of goal setting and fostered a competitive spirit for continuous improvement.
What have been some of the most rewarding experiences as a MassCPAs Firm Ambassador?
Recently I traveled to the firm ambassador meeting in Boston. It was exciting to hear new ideas and learn more about the opportunities available through the Society. I look forward to being able to advocate for our practice here in Western Massachusetts!
Can you share a bit about your experience running the Boston Marathon?
It was a dream come true! After graduating from collegiate running, I needed a new goal, and qualified for the Boston Marathon in September 2023. April 15 was a celebration of all the dark, cold miles during busy season. My teammates and family cheered me on with posters, and I ran the whole race with a huge smile. Boston brought me two steps closer to my goals of running a sub-threehour marathon and completing the six World Marathon Majors. Next up, I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon in October!
K now someone up-and-coming in the profession? Nominate them by emailing Hannah Naranjo at hnaranjo@masscpas.org or by visiting masscpas.org/risingstar.
The Pulse: Pathway to Leadership
By Zach Donah, CAE
Christopher Nash, CPA Managing Partner Nash CPAs LLC
Kristie DeLuca, CPA Partner
Gaines DeLuca CPA
Sarah Irons, CPA, MPAC, MST Managing Partner Newburg CPA
Chris Previte, CPA, MBA, MST Co-Managing Partner E.J. Callahan & Associates, LLC
innovation, their paths to leadership and more.
Was there a pivotal moment or decision that contributed to you becoming a managing partner?
DELUCA: My business partner, Allison Gaines, CPA, and I started working together in 2019 and bonded both personally and professionally through the pandemic and the births of our children. We found ourselves at a similar pivotal moment, and with the support of our families, collaborated and took a leap of faith to form Gaines DeLuca CPA in 2023.
IRONS: I remember becoming a supervisor about three years into my career, and having a discussion with our managing partner about what I thought my future might be at the firm. It was then that I realized I could forge my own path and style. I started to map out the future and how I could not only become a partner but eventually take over as managing partner. This transition has taken many years of careful planning and hard work, and I look forward to leading our team into the future.
NASH: A pivotal moment in my career was the decision to rebuild the firm from the inside out. By adopting modern technology, shifting to hybrid/remote work and engaging larger clients, the firm quickly achieved significant growth. I integrated my experiences from the Big 4 to create an appealing workplace, recognizing the rapid evolution in the accounting industry due to technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. I also took a hands-on approach, organizing extensive training programs for staff to familiarize them with new tools and technologies.
PREVITE: At the onset of my career, I worked closely with and learned from some extraordinary mentors who taught me that discipline, consistency and hard work were pivotal to success. One of those mentors, Ed Callahan, CPA, has played a key role in leading by example, showing me that having a passion for helping our clients will lead to a career where you wake up every day, loving what you do. The decision to join him at his new firm was the moment that contributed the most to my rise to managing partner. It provided me the opportunity to help grow a team of individuals focused on the same core values we learned throughout our early career together.
How do you envision your firm's growth over the next few years, and what key strategies are you implementing to adapt and thrive?
IRONS: I envision our firm expanding the consulting services provided to our clients to continue to be a top service provider and trusted advisor. Our best asset is our people, and we will be able to thrive because of their dedication and vision. We continuously look for and implement suggestions from our team to ensure we are improving internally and providing a healthy work environment that leads to the premium service we provide to our clients.
NASH: Staff development is crucial for promoting the continuous growth and education of our team members by offering regular training programs, professional development workshops and opportunities for advanced certifications. Investing in technology to stay current with the latest industry-standard software and security, is also essential, as is building and maintaining strong relationships with clients through proactive communication and personalized service. We also continuously seek ways to add value to clients’ businesses through innovative and strategic solutions.
PREVITE: We put an emphasis on strengthening our specialty and knowledge in the construction industry, which allows staff to provide our clients with the best and most up to date information about their business and the industry. We will continue to grow other key sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, retail, professional service and nonprofits, and we will continue to train staff to be experts in each field. Our partners also put an emphasis on relationships and finding ways to help our clients succeed, which fuels the fire we need to continue to grow and progress as a firm.
DELUCA: Our firm is focusing on slow, controlled growth, implementing streamlined technology and utilizing AI. Our number one priority is client service, and we believe these strategies will allow the firm to maintain strong client relationships as we grow in an ever-changing industry.
How do you identify and develop the next generation of leaders within your organization?
NASH: As a leader, I need to set the tone within the firm to motivate, mentor and empower our future leaders. As an organization, we implemented performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to identify high performers, using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as initiative, problem-solving skills and the ability to motivate others. Emotional intelligence is also a key factor, which helps identify individuals with high selfawareness, empathy and effective communication skills. We also use a 360-degree feedback process to gain insights from peers, juniors and supervisors about potential leaders.
PREVITE: We firmly believe in hiring and retaining the best and the brightest professionals that will fit into our firm’s core beliefs of passion, team and focus. We provide opportunities for our younger staff to grow in their own careers, and we are committed to adding to our client base, while adhering to the highest level of customer service and quality for our clients. We plan to continue internal training for staff and put a strong focus on our mentor program, where staff will meet one-on-one throughout the year to give and receive feedback about their time in the profession.
DELUCA: As someone with a passion for recruiting and training, this is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Our firm is still in its infancy, but we have already begun discussing strategies for hiring the next generation, and we believe the best approach to leadership development is rooted in one-on-one mentoring.
IRONS: Our partner and management teams believe the development of our staff is our highest priority. We work together to find ways to sharpen the technical and soft skills of our staff, while mentoring them on how to get what they want out of their careers. We do this by engaging in meaningful conversations and implementing plans to grow and develop our staff.
What trends or innovations in the accounting industry excite you the most? How is your firm preparing to leverage these opportunities?
PREVITE: Technology is ever changing, and our clients are always looking for ways to streamline their processes, integrate their software programs and create efficiencies within their own operations. It’s been exciting to help clients create a more synchronized environment and find the best solutions for their businesses. We will continue to send staff to trainings, webinars and conferences to learn about these issues and bring back best practices and solutions that we can provide to our clients.
DELUCA: As a firm of two, we have heavily leveraged technology and AI. We happily embrace the latest trends and are always looking for new efficiencies. Technology and AI gives us the time and space to critically analyze and think innovatively, which we find very exciting!
IRONS: It’s exciting to think about advancing technologies as we look to the future. If we can use technology to do the routine parts of our job, we can spend more time focused on helping our clients succeed. We have different teams looking into ways we can implement new technology, and we encourage staff to present new ideas when they come across them.
NASH: The trends and innovations that captivate my interest the most are growth opportunities and the integration of advanced AI tools. With a significant portion of small CPA firm owners nearing retirement age, the potential for growth appears limitless. Positioning our firm to capitalize on these growth opportunities presents both excitement and challenges. AI and machine learning have the potential to automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, reconciliations and audit processes, thereby enhancing efficiency and minimizing errors.
Zach Donah, CAE , is president and CEO of MassCPAs. Contact him at zdonah@masscpas.org .
REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES (RIC) COMMITTEE
Meet the New Co-Chair:
Daniel Ferry, CPA
Our Regulated Investment Companies (RIC) Committee meets quarterly and provides a forum for members to discuss current industry, accounting, tax and regulatory issues relevant to investment management companies. It also offers opportunities for industry networking and timely training on topical issues. We spoke with new co-chair Daniel Ferry, CPA, senior manager at KPMG LLP, about why he wanted to get involved and his goals and vision for the committee. To learn more, visit masscpas.org/riccommittee.
Daniel Ferry, CPA Senior Manager KPMG LLP
What initially interested you in the RIC Committee?
I've always found RIC meetings insightful, thanks to the diverse perspectives and expert knowledge shared. The discussions have been a huge help in my professional growth and joining the committee is an opportunity to contribute to this valuable forum. I look forward to fostering collaboration and staying current on regulatory changes and industry trends.
What makes this a good time in your career to take on this role?
As a senior manager, I’ve begun to take on leadership roles in my engagements, overseeing complex projects and guiding teams. Helping to lead the committee gives me a chance to help others learn from peers, gain insights into best practices and stay updated on industry trends. This experience will equip me with valuable knowledge to better serve my clients and lead my team more effectively.
What are your goals for the committee?
I’d like to see increased involvement from others and expanded in-person opportunities for discussions – similar to what we’re doing this fall. More members sharing ideas will bring fresh viewpoints and lead to better discussions. This will help us build stronger connections and make our industry even stronger.
What are you most excited about over the next year?
I’m excited to learn more about MassCPAs and meet peers who will help build valuable relationships, enhance my professional network and provide opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
CPA Pathways
Stephanie Marchand, CPA, CFE
Our CPA Pathways series highlights the different careers and career paths in accounting. For this issue, we spoke with Stephanie Marchand, CPA, CFE, forensic accountant and fraud investigator at Boston Scientific. Read on to learn about how her background, the key skills needed to excel in forensic accounting and the unexpected benefits she found in transitioning from public accounting to industry.
How has your background influenced your work at Boston Scientific?
My auditing background provided a solid foundation in technical accounting and business operations. I also spent a decade in forensic accounting at public firms, gaining experience with various investigations. At Boston Scientific, I investigate compliance violations and inappropriate activities for the Global Compliance team, leveraging my diverse investigative experience and background with different companies to analyze cases and collaborate with stakeholders.
What are the key skills needed to excel in forensic accounting and fraud investigation?
First and foremost, strong analytical skills are key to success. Over the years, I’ve also learned that while a detail-oriented approach is key to solving the investigative puzzle, it’s essential to step back and understand how an investigation and its findings fit into the big picture. Finally, this isn’t often considered, but people skills, and specifically interview skills, are a must. It is essential to obtain information from people to supplement analytics and document evidence in an investigation.
What led you to make the transition from a public accounting firm?
When I initially obtained my CPA, I didn’t really consider a career in industry. However, over the last few years, many of my peers and colleagues who I respect had positive experiences working in a different type of environment while leveraging their experience in public accounting. It opened my eyes to other opportunities in this career field to utilize my analytical skills and financial accounting experience for the benefit of a single company.
Can you share a standout experience or with MassCPAs?
MassCPAs’ advocacy work in local schools is great, and I had the opportunity to speak to a high school class about accounting careers when I was very early in my career. Years later, one of those students got a job at the public accounting firm where I worked. It was an exciting full-circle moment, getting to work with someone I met many years prior through MassCPAs.
Tell us three things most people don’t know about you…
1 I whitewater rafted in a paddle boat 226 miles down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
2 I’ve touched an echidna (intentionally) and a sea urchin (unintentionally).
3 I once went all the way to Zimbabwe/Botswana for a short two and a half day safari trip.
Know a MassCPAs member we should feature? Contact Hannah Naranjo at hnaranjo@masscpas.org .
Olga Yasinnik, CPA, MBA
Olga Yasinnik, CPA, MBA, was promoted to partner at AAFCPAs in July. Read on to learn more about her background, career growth and how a MassCPAs career fair led her to this path.
Can you share what this milestone means to you and your career?
Becoming partner is a huge milestone for me, not just in terms of career advancement, but also because it’s a reflection of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put in over the years. I now have the flexibility to really focus on what I’m passionate about – helping nonprofits. As a partner, I can guide our consulting division to further enhance the support we provide to these organizations. Our vision is to create a one-stop solution where nonprofits can seek answers and expert assistance for all their questions and challenges. This new role gives me the opportunity to make a real difference and support the causes I care about, which is incredibly fulfilling.
You found your job at AAFCPAs through a MassCPAs career fair. Can you tell us about that experience?
Finding my job through the MassCPAs career fair was a turning point for me. Prior to that, I had a job that didn’t quite fit, and the career fair gave me the opportunity to speak with different firms and get a feel for what was out there. My conversation with AAFCPAs was particularly exciting, as the staff was so enthusiastic about the firm and the clients they serve. After a few interviews, I landed my current role. The career fair helped me find a position that was more aligned with my interests and set me on a path that has been immensely rewarding.
What impact does your background have on your work at AAFCPAs?
My background is a big part of my professional life. Moving from Ukraine to the U.S. when I was 18 was a massive adjustment. A nonprofit organization helped my family with critical social services, workforce development, English as a Second Language (ESL) training and basic living needs. This
support ignited my passion for assisting nonprofits and deepened my empathy for the challenges they face. I understand firsthand the difficulties of adapting to a new culture and environment, which helps me relate to our diverse clients and colleagues, many of whom work with immigrant communities. Within the firm, my background contributes to a more inclusive atmosphere. It’s valuable to engage with colleagues from different backgrounds and learn from their experiences, which enriches our workplace and helps us all work better together.
How has your involvement with MassCPAs impacted your career and personal growth?
Being involved with MassCPAs has been extremely beneficial for me, both professionally and personally. The networking events are great. I enjoy meeting with and talking to other professionals, which keeps me updated on industry trends and challenges. These events have also helped me build a network of peers and gain new perspectives, which is crucial for my career.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
When I’m not working, I enjoy a mix of activities that keep me happy and relaxed. I recently started Zumba, and I absolutely love it! It’s a fun way to exercise, combining dancing with a good cardio workout, which is perfect for someone like me who doesn’t enjoy traditional workouts.
Spending time with my family is also a big part of my life. I cherish date nights with my husband, and as my children grow older – my boys are currently five and 10 – I’m looking forward to traveling more and finding time to read again.
K now a member we should spotlight?
Contact Hannah Naranjo at hnaranjo@masscpas.org or nominate them at masscpas.org/memberspotlight .
