Meet the New Co-Chairs of the Women in Accounting Committee

The Women in Accounting (WIA) Committee meets quarterly with the mission of helping to support and motivate our membership. The group promotes an environment where women are inspired to identify and realize their professional goals and where organizations of all sizes provide opportunities for women’s advancement.

We spoke with new Co-Chairs Hillary Caplan, CPA, assurance manager at CohnReznick LLP, and Kathleen Doris, CPA candidate, senior analyst of tax operations and accounting at Boston Scientific, about why they wanted to get involved and what they’re most excited about in the coming year. To learn more, visit masspcas.org/wiacommittee 

What interested you in the WIA Committee?

CAPLAN: I co-chair CohnReznick’s WomenCAN (Women Collaboration Advocacy Network) employee resource group, where I focus on taking the ideas, resources, interests and insights I’ve learned through working with those in my organization to other women in the profession. Becoming more involved with MassCPAs’ WIA Committee was the perfect next step. 

DORIS: As someone who did not pursue an undergraduate degree in accounting and became a tax professional later in life through a career change, I didn’t have friends or contacts in the accounting world outside of my firm. I originally joined the WIA Committee to broaden my network. I was working in public accounting and the firm sponsored our MassCPAs membership, so it was a no-brainer. 

What are your goals for the committee?

DORIS: To encourage more women in industry to participate! I am the perfect example of someone who assumed the content would no longer be relevant to my career if I was no longer working for a public accounting firm. After I made the jump, I stopped attending events and let my membership expire. 

I soon realized that I had lost access to not only educational content and fun events, but the solid network of professionals and industry leaders — many of whom have inspired and motivated me throughout my career. I made the decision to rejoin and to be very intentional with my contribution.

What are you most excited about over the next year?

CAPLAN: Getting to know, learning from and being challenged by women with different backgrounds and views to grow stronger together. 

DORIS: Attending more in-person events! Making those organic connections with your peers, sharing stories, sharing laughs — I am here for it in 2023!

What do you like most about your role and working in industry?

DORIS: I love not having to track my time, although I find I still do it in certain circumstances, so maybe it never truly leaves you. I love that every day brings a unique set of challenges. I’m never bored and there is always more to learn. Plus, knowing the contribution you make to the company can impact the lives of patients around the world drives you to show up every day and give it your all. I am very proud of the work we do.

What advice would you give to women considering a career in accounting?

CAPLAN: You have to be your own biggest advocate. If you don’t advocate for yourself, no one else will.