VSCPA Women's History Month Spotlight: Dawn Jessee, CPA

March is Women's History Month, and the VSCPA is spending the entire month spotlighting the contributions of the most accomplished women in our membership. Our latest spotlight member is Dawn Jessee, CPA, ​a sole proprietor from Henrico and a member of the Richmond chapter of the Accounting and Financial Women's Alliance. Watch the video below for more information on Dawn's career.

Susan Ferguson, CPA
Lecturer
James Madison University, Harrisonburg

VSCPA: What led you to the accounting profession?
SF: It was meant to be! Although I say that with tongue in cheek, many years after the fact, it seems to be truth. As a middle-school student, my father (a sole proprietor physician) suggested it as a career choice. After a monthly visit from his CPA he remarked, “That is what you should plan to do … that guy walks in and out of here once a month and charges me $100!” Once in school, I explored accounting and it resonated with me, so it was easy to pursue.

VSCPA: What's your favorite thing about your job?
SF: The thing that I most appreciate about being a CPA is the myriad opportunities and experiences the role has provided for me. My favorite thing about my current job is working with young, bright minds! For me, it is a great privilege and joy to be a part of their “Ah-ha!” moments.

VSCPA: What role models have helped you in your career?
SF: I came of age in an era when the professional environment was largely manned by men (pun intended). Although that lack of female role models made finding one’s footing more challenging, I believe that good leaders (regardless of gender) embody certain characteristics. Although no single individual so inspired me to wholly emulate him, I could identify successful leaders in my work environment. From those colleagues, I learned the value of sincerity, humility, respectfulness and confidence — attributes of any good leader. 

VSCPA: How did your experience making your way through the profession as a woman differ from women entering the profession today?
SF: While I am optimistic that work environments have evolved, the facts on differential pay and other conditions suggest that an insidious bias continues. And, I fear that we, as women, have unwittingly become victims of “second-generation gender bias” (researchers’ term to describe a gendered-biased environment, which appears neutral on its face), and fallen into lethargy. The danger is that we will stop advocating on behalf of our younger peers. The unique perspectives and contributions that women offer will be lost if women do not continue to assume leadership roles where they have a “legitimate” voice.

VSCPA: What leadership challenges are women facing in the accounting industry that need to be addressed?
SF: I personally think that the biggest challenge that professional women face is the growing opportunities. More opportunities means more choices. Women must ask themselves what they want in life. Contrary to the popular cultural voice, I do not support the catchphrase “You can have it all!”  Men have never had it all. Historically, men chose not to focus on the family, as they allowed that was the “woman’s job.” Their success is due, at least in part, to their deliberate focus. Just as studies are now confirming that people are not actually able to effectively multi-task (think driving and texting), women cannot realistically expect success if they are spread too thin. Women that are convinced that “you can have it all” are setting themselves up for unavoidable disappointment.  As Michelle Obama said, “it’s a ridiculous aspiration.”

VSCPA: Is the profession getting better at moving women into leadership roles?
SF: Slowly, the numbers of women in leadership roles are increasing and women’s credibility as leaders continues to improve. Nevertheless, we should continue to advocate on behalf of young women and encourage them to soul search. We must all ask ourselves the question, “What do I want as my life’s legacy?”

Monica Dalwadi, CPA
Partner
Baker Tilly, Vienna 

VSCPA: What led you to the accounting profession?
MD: I somewhat stumbled upon the accounting profession. My undergraduate studies were marketing-focused, but when I soon realized marketing jobs were in short supply, I decided to try a leadership development role in a financial institution. From there I was given an opportunity to work in internal audit and was then offered a position in accounting and consulting from a professional services firm. I didn’t really have an understanding of my new role in each career jump, but I embraced the changes and each move proved a great stepping stone for my continued growth in the accounting profession.

VSCPA: What's your favorite thing about your job?
MD: I really enjoy the variety in my work, exposure to complex business problems and the ability to develop solutions. There is always nuance to a client or team challenge which keeps me constantly thinking.

VSCPA: What role models have helped you in your career?
MD: I’ve worked for very innovative partners who have provided me with hands-on learning related to business development and serving as a trusted advisor. Even when mistakes were made, they provided the necessary feedback and opportunities to help me continue to learn and grow in my career.

VSCPA: How did your experience making your way through the profession as a woman differ from how you picture a woman entering the profession in the past?
MD: I’m amazed at the flexibility that our firm, Baker Tilly, offers to its men and women. It allows me to participate in important activities for my children and also serve my clients in a way that may not have been possible in the past. For example, as a mother of two children, I have the flexibility to attend Halloween parades and host children’s Valentine’s Day parades in between client and team work.  

VSCPA: What leadership challenges are women facing in the accounting industry that need to be addressed?
MD: Women need cheerleaders and supporters to help them realize that there may not be this perfect balance pinnacle to achieve in work and life. I’ve benefited tremendously from a coach who helps me to see issues and solutions with a different lens.

VSCPA: Is the profession getting better at moving women into leadership roles?
MD: The profession is ahead of many others in getting women into leadership roles. I see Baker Tilly focused on getting diversity of thought and perspective in our initiatives, which includes adding women into leadership roles. There is a new chairwoman of the AICPA, Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor, who’s adding great perspective and a focus on all aspects of diversity and the importance it brings to our team and our clients.

Tara Adams, CPA
Partner
Adams & Delp, Wytheville 

VSCPA: What led you to the accounting profession?
TA: I was interested in a profession that complimented my detailed personality as well as my interest in public accounting. 

VSCPA: What's your favorite thing about your job?
TA: My favorite thing about my job is being able to offer helpful advice that makes a difference in day-to-day decisions people make.

VSCPA: What role models have helped you in your career?
TA: I believe the role models who have helped me the most are the ones that have carried a strong work ethic and dedication to the profession. Public accounting has many obstacles, from studying and passing the CPA Exam to working long hours during tax season. It takes a dedicated professional to work in this profession, and watching people carry that out has been helpful to me. 

VSCPA: How did your experience making your way through the profession as a woman differ from the conditions experienced by women today?
TA: I entered the accounting profession 21 years ago, and have spent the past 18 years in public accounting. At the time, more and more young women were starting to enter the profession, and with the help of technology and networking, women have slowly gained more recognition in the profession. 

VSCPA: What leadership challenges are women facing in the accounting industry that need to be addressed?
TA: The accounting industry has made many improvements over the years in placing women in leadership roles and developing women as leaders through education and training. However, it’s important to remember that in a profession that is still perceived as male-dominated, there is work to do in continuing to see that women have just as many leadership roles in accounting positions as men do, and we are a ways away from that. 

VSCPA: Is the profession getting better at moving women into leadership roles?
TA: The profession is getting better, but we need to continue to improve and encourage women to enter industry. Accounting can provide prosperous and flexible careers to many types of people, and it’s our job to promote that. 

Stephanie Saunders, CPA
Shareholder
Saunders & Saunders, Virginia Beach

VSCPA: What led you to the accounting profession?
SS: I was a math major in my first year in college and decided the only job I would qualify for would be to teach, which I did not want to do at that time. Someone said “Try accounting," and I did — one of the best decisions I ever made.

VSCPA: What's your favorite thing about your job?
SS: Interacting with our clients. Helping them understand aspects of tax and accounting transactions. Helping them plan for minimizing taxes, planning for college and retirement as well as their estate and trust plans. Each one is like a puzzle that has very different pieces — not “one size fits all,” but listening to their goals and working with them to accomplish them.

VSCPA: What role models have helped you in your career?
SS: Robert Glisson, CPA, was my mentor when I first started in accounting. He hired me from college and eventually brought me into his tax department. He was also there for me when I started our practice. Also, Braxton Hill III, who was a CPA and attorney who helped me in understanding estate and trusts. There are many more colleagues I have worked with over the years, and I try to learn from all of them.

VSCPA: How did your experience making your way through the profession as a woman differ from the conditions experienced by women today?
SS: I definitely started during the “groundbreaking” days in the 1970s when in college there were only about three females in the accounting classes. Then I had a similar experience when I started at Waller & Woodhouse — there was one other female CPA at the time at a firm of 50. While there were a few instances of discrimination, I never felt like I could not do the work or handle the long hours, so I believe my male colleagues came to respect my work ethic and knowledge. It was certainly a lot easier starting our practice than making partner at a Big Eight firm at that time, especially since I also wanted to help raise our family.

VSCPA: What leadership challenges are women facing in the accounting industry that need to be addressed?
SS: Diversity is a major goal for the profession for leadership in firms, organizations and businesses. Balancing work and life will always be an issue due to the nurturing trait in women. I do believe with most fathers being actively involved in their children's lives has been a positive outcome for women in all professions, as well as our children.

VSCPA: Is the profession getting better at moving women into leadership roles?
SS: Absolutely. When I served on AICPA Council years ago, there was a majority of men among the board and leadership. Now serving on the NASBA board, there are more women involved as leaders — still not a majority, but there is progress.

Lauren Soles, CPA
Financial Recruiting Manager
Vaco Richmond 

VSCPA: What led you to the accounting profession?
LS: I was actually led to the accounting profession because of my grandfather. He was an accountant for the local oil company for many years. He was so highly respected and trusted in our community, and I felt like that must be reflective of the CPA profession in general. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

VSCPA: What's your favorite thing about your job?
LS: I spent six years in public accounting, and my favorite part about that experience was the client relationships. I really enjoyed getting to know my clients and being a true business partner to them. Since public accounting, I’ve moved into more of a business development and recruiting role.  In my current position, I’ve gotten to capitalize on my love for relationship building by being a lot more client facing.  I still continue to be a business partner to my clients, because I help them find their most valued assets — their people.  

VSCPA: What role models have helped you in your career?
LS: I have been incredibly blessed with many mentors throughout my career.  The mentors that were there for me when I first entered into public accounting are still there for me today.  My mentors include the folks I worked with at Keiter, clients, and several people in my Randolph-Macon College network. The managers and partners at Keiter were always right by my side as I developed and progressed through my public accounting career.  They were so encouraging and really were the best listeners when I wanted to talk about my short and long term career goals.

VSCPA: How did your experience making your way through the profession as a woman differ from how you picture a woman entering the profession in the past? 
LS: Although I can’t speak to what it was like for women in the accounting profession years ago, I do feel like I was afforded just as many opportunities as the next person. If you work hard and stay driven, dedicated, and positive, that shines above and beyond anything else. Partners and bosses notice that, and they want to encourage and reward that behavior.

VSCPA: What leadership challenges are women facing in the accounting industry that need to be addressed? 
LS: Because we live in an era where many families require two incomes, it becomes a challenge when people make the decision to start families.  From what I have seen, one of the challenges women face in this profession is how to juggle the family and the career. Since I am in more of a recruiting role right now, that is a frequent reason women have for wanting my assistance in helping them move on from public accounting. Balancing a successful career with a happy/healthy family is a dynamic exacerbated by the long hours traditionally expected in the industry. 

As a result, I have seen many public accounting firms change up their models to allow more women to have a reduced hour schedule. Especially when the spouse also has a full-time job, having the part-time option really helps to alleviate some of that pressure. The biggest challenge with this is how much opportunity will the reduced hour folks have to move up the ladder. Will the part-time schedule hold them back because they are perceived as having “different priorities”?

VSCPA: Is the profession getting better at moving women into leadership roles?
LS: I absolutely believe the profession is getting better about moving women into leadership roles. Before a few years ago, I think many women in public accounting didn’t even feel like they had the option to go part-time. When many accounting firms started to see those women leave to go to private/industry, I think they started to realize that their top talent was disappearing. As a result, many firms seem to be more open minded about a part-time schedule, because they understand that it’s better to have this high performing employee part of the time as opposed to not at all.