The Importance of Diversity in Accounting

The accounting profession will never waver in its commitment to always doing better. Pursuing greater diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do – it advances equity and opportunity, while recognizing each individual’s identity. It is also the smart thing to do – it helps the accounting profession better perform its public mission and, ultimately, improve audit quality.

We spoke with two audit partners about their journey to becoming partner and what diversity and inclusion within the public company audit profession has meant to them.

Jackie Gordon, Partner, KPMG

On how she got into auditing

I grew up in in Hong Kong, which is where I started with KPMG, right after college. I came to the U.S. as a Senior accountant on a two-year rotation. Little did I know at the time that I would be establishing my accounting career and becoming a partner in the U.S. firm. I chose accounting as a major in college because I wanted to study something that I knew would well position me for getting my first job and that’s how I started with KPMG Hong Kong.

On her path to becoming a partner

I’m a working mom with three girls and it certainly comes with its challenges. I made a deliberate career choice early on when I knew I needed to focus and spend more time with my own family. But I didn’t have to give up on my career – I just took a slower pace. I continued to embrace new challenges and take on new opportunities, develop my skill sets and continued to contribute. I always remind myself that I can have it all, a great career and family – just not all at once at the same time. I’m grateful for the mentors and leaders who continued to recognize my skillset and contributions and supported me for partner promotion.

On the advice she would give to early career professionals considering audit

Take advantage of the many opportunities a career in public accounting can offer. The developmental opportunities are just about endless and not limited to accounting and technical skills, but also business acumen, organizational training, collaboration, interpersonal and communication skills. Try a rotation, it’s always a supercharger. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges, remind yourself to shake off the imposter syndrome that tells you to shy away from opportunities. It’s important to find a mentor early on who will help guide you and navigate you through different challenges.

Danica Dillagard, Partner, Ernst & Young LLP

On how she got into auditing

I’m a native from Panama, my parents migrated to the U.S. when we were very young. They worked in various industries but nothing in a professional service environment. So, I was fortunate that while in high school I was exposed through a field trip to EY. I looked up to the manager providing background on the firm and said to him “I’m going to work for you.” That was in the ninth grade of high school.

On her path to becoming a partner

The road to the partnership was certainly challenging. I enjoyed my experiences and client relationships but was torn with being at home with my kids and being a successful career woman. I left the firm for a short stint of time. When I rejoined the firm, I became a senior manager and was fortunate that the partners took a genuine interest in making sure that not only was I happy outside of the firm but wanted to come back. They made sure I knew that I would always have the opportunity.

On the advice she would give to early career professionals considering audit

Treasure and nurture your relationships. People feel like only more senior individuals need to establish relationships but that is far from the truth. Every relationship can become meaningful in the future. Genuinely take the time to get to know people and invest in relationships. The other advice I would give is don’t beat yourself up or be afraid to ask questions. You’re in the prime of your career where you’ll be soaking in quite a bit of knowledge. Don’t think of anything as a silly question – any question is a good question.