Idea Exchange: Sharing Professional Experiences, Advice.

• Position: CPAcareer

as part Of a special project, CalCPA's Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) and Young, Emerging Professionals (YEP) committees posed a series of questions to each other regarding each's experiences in the profession and offering advice.

MAP Committee representatives included David C. Jorgensen, CPA(DJ), partner in charge, BPM: Johanna Sweaney Salt, CPA CGMA (JSS), managing partner, GSA, lip; and Erin E. Roche, CPA, CGMA (ER), team leader, Elliot CPA Group Inc.

YEP Committee represetatives included John Eichelberger, CPA (JE), senior accountant, O&S CPAs & Business Advisors; and Rosey Nguyen Flaherty, CPA, MSA (RF), tax associate, Rickmeyer & Associates, Inc.

Questions to MAP Committee

What are some steps to help make someone stand out and be considered as a future partner?

DJ: Assist others in your firm and clients and look for potential clients. Be mindful to stay on top of trends and changes in the accounting profession and and your client's industry.

JSS: There are a number of behaviors that I observe in our professional staff that tell me they are likely great partner material: They think like an owner. They make observations on how things could be done differently/better. They have a vested interest in the bottom line. They ask a ton of questions.

ER: Starting early to ensure you are working on the basic skills that make for great project and relationship management is key. Time management, prioritization based on deadlines, communication, consensus building and boundary setting are all great examples of what goes into becoming a successful manager and partner.

Is there anything that you wish you knew before becoming a leader at your firm?

DJ: It can be hard to motivate and lead your firm members. Having worked on those skills at a younger age would have been helpful.

JSS: I wish I would have stepped up into a leadership role earlier and sooner. I would tell my younger professional self to have confidence in my abilities, to seek outside counsel earlier, to move boldly.

ER: If you are looking to be a part of leadership, then it's important to he clear on what is most important to you and let that drive how you shape your career. For example, flexibility and family were important to me, so I chose a path that allowed for those things.

What advice do you have for YEPs as we try to meet others and build professional relationships at work and at CalCPA events?

DJ: Get involved at the chapter level to build relationships with fellow...