Hey everyone, Rosey Flaherty here!

In this episode, Hillary Caplan Sefcik, CPA and Assurance Manager at CohnReznick LLP, shares the mindset shifts that helped her thrive in public accounting and how networking has played a bigger role in her growth than any single event ever could.

Hillary walks us through the early lessons that shaped her leadership style, the value of hands-on learning, and why confidence is built through competence and preparation.

She opens up about asking for what you want, leaning into feedback, and how delegation helps others rise with you.

If you're navigating the early stages of your accounting career or gearing up for the next step, Hillary’s story is full of real talk and practical takeaways.

✅ Why networking is about relationships, not RSVPs
✅ How Hillary built confidence by learning the ropes early
✅ The power of clear goals and self-advocacy
✅ Delegating with purpose to develop others
✅ Encouragement for young professionals ready to lead

🎧 Listen in and be inspired to keep smiling through the journey!.

🔗 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

💬 If Hillary's story resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Drop a comment below!

👍 Like & Share this episode with someone preparing for the CPA exam or building their accounting career!

#careerjourney #publicaccounting #networkingmindset #youngprofessionals #cpalife #mentorshipmatters #womeninaccounting #accountingtips #leadershipdevelopment #cohnreznick

http://www.youtube.com/@CPACareerPaths

Hey everyone, Rosey Flaherty here!

In this episode, Hillary Caplan Sefcik, CPA and Assurance Manager at CohnReznick LLP, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring broadcast journalist to accomplished accounting professional. Hillary opens up about the challenges she faced on the path to becoming a CPA, the importance of strong support systems, and how mentorship and networking helped shape her career.

She also reflects on how public accounting offers a unique opportunity to learn quickly, why having fun at work matters, and what it truly takes to build a successful and fulfilling career in the industry.

Whether you're pursuing your CPA or exploring the world of public accounting, this conversation is filled with practical advice and real-world wisdom.

✅ How Hillary shifted from journalism to accounting and found her calling
✅ Why mentorship and community are essential in public accounting
✅ The truth about CPA exam challenges and how she overcame them
✅ Balancing work-life demands during peak seasons
✅ Encouragement and advice for aspiring CPAs and young professionals

✨ This episode is proudly sponsored by Chapman University's Argyros School of Business and Economics. Considering a master's in accounting? Their MSA program offers personalized attention from world-class faculty, intimate class sizes, and a flexible structure designed for ambitious professionals. Learn more and apply at chapman.edu/msa

🎧 Listen in and be inspired to keep smiling through the journey!.

🔗 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

💬 If Hillary's story resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Drop a comment below!

👍 Like & Share this episode with someone preparing for the CPA exam or building their accounting career!

#cpajourney #accountingcareers #womeninaccounting #publicaccounting #mentorshipmatters #careeradvice #podcast #cohnreznick #youngprofessionals #cpasuccess

http://www.youtube.com/@CPACareerPaths

In this episode, host Rosey Flaherty talks with Precious Opaleke, CPA, MSc, Senior Tax Specialist at Lido Tax LLC, about how Precious discovered her passion for accounting by chance, overcame multiple CPA exam setbacks, and used resilience to keep moving forward. From her start in IT to working at H&R Block and joining CalCPA, her story highlights the power of persistence and community support.

✅ Discovering a passion for accounting after starting in IT
✅ Overcoming multiple CPA exam failures with resilience
✅ Gaining hands-on experience at H&R Block
✅ Leveraging community and professional organizations for support

🎧 Whether you’re just starting your accounting career or preparing for the CPA exam, this episode is full of grounded insights to help you grow with confidence and clarity.

🔗 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

💬 If Precious’s story resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment below!

👍 Like & Share this episode with someone preparing for the CPA exam or building their accounting career!

#failfast #bounceback #cpajourney #resilience #accountingcareer #cpaexam #womeninfinance #careerchange #podcast #focusandgrow

http://www.youtube.com/@CPACareerPaths

Hey everyone, Rosey Flaherty here!

🎧 In this episode, Precious Opaleke, CPA, MSc, Senior Tax Specialist at Lido Tax LLC, joins me to share her inspiring journey from IT to accounting and what it takes to succeed in the CPA world.

✅ How a chance encounter led Precious to discover her passion for accounting
✅ The vital role of mentorship and community in shaping a successful career
✅ Real talk about the challenges and setbacks in passing the CPA exam
✅ How time management and employer support made all the difference
✅ Practical advice for CPA candidates on resilience, focus, and finding support

🎧 Whether you’re just starting your accounting career or preparing for the CPA exam, this episode is full of grounded insights to help you grow with confidence and clarity.

🔗 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

💬 If Precious’s story resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!

👍 Like & Share this episode with someone preparing for the CPA exam or building their accounting career!

#cpaexam #accountingcareer #mentorshipmatters #resilience #taxprofessional #roseyflaherty #cpajourney #womeninaccounting #accountingpodcast #careerinsights

http://www.youtube.com/@CPACareerPaths

Hey everyone, Rosey Flaherty here!

🎧 In this episode, Marcus Rien, CPA, Fractional/Interim CFO & COO, joins Rosey Flaherty to talk about what it takes to build a meaningful and flexible career in today’s accounting landscape.

✅ Why patience is one of the hardest but most essential entrepreneurial traits
✅ How Wave CPAs is helping reduce admin load and empower CPAs
✅ The importance of community when you're building something on your own
✅ How flexibility and curiosity can shape your entire career
✅ Practical advice for CPAs seeking more than the traditional path

🎧 Whether you're an early-career accountant or a seasoned CPA rethinking your direction, this episode is full of grounded insights to help you grow with purpose and clarity.

🔗 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

💬 If Marcus’s story resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!

👍 Like & Share this episode with someone exploring new CPA career paths or building something of their own!

#excellenceinhabits #accountingcareer #leadershipdevelopment #cpajourney #marcusriencpa #roseyflaherty #worklifebalance #mentorshipmatters #practiceexcellence #audiointerview

http://www.youtube.com/@CPACareerPaths

Hey everyone, Rosey Flaherty here!

🎧In this episode, Marcus Rien, CPA, Fractional/Interim CFO & COO, joins Rosey Flaherty to explore how excellence, when practised consistently, can shape your career, leadership, and impact in the world of accounting.

✅ Why striving for excellence is about consistency, not perfection
✅ How to avoid burnout while still aiming high
✅ The power of balance: unplugging to unlock new ideas
✅ What video games, mentors, and auditing have taught Jeff about success
✅ Practical insights for CPAs who want to grow their careers without losing themselves

🎧Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up, this episode is packed with real stories and actionable takeaways to help you lead excellently.

🔗 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

💬 If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!

👍 Like & Share this episode with someone working toward their CPA or dreaming of running their firm!

#excellenceinhabits #accountingcareer #leadershipdevelopment #cpajourney #jeffwilsoncpa #roseyflaherty #worklifebalance #mentorshipmatters #practiceexcellence #audiointerview

http://www.youtube.com/@CPACareerPaths

Hey everyone, Rosey Flaherty here!

🎧 In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Wilson II, CPA/PFS, CFE, CGMA, CDFA, to talk about why stepping back is sometimes the most powerful step forward. From stress management to cultural awareness in leadership, Jeff shares how intentional breaks, mentorship, and mindset fuel long-term success.

Whether you're building your firm, navigating leadership, or managing burnout—this episode offers real-life strategies you can use right away.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations around mindset, leadership, and creating a meaningful career in accounting and beyond.

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode—drop a comment below!

👍 Like & Share this with someone who needs to hear: it's okay to pause.

#podcast #audiopodcast #episode78 #jeffwilsoncpa #roseyflaherty #accountinglife #burnoutprevention #careerinsights #mentorshipmatters #cpacareer #leadershipgrowth #taketimetorecharge

http://www.youtube.com/@CPACareerPaths

Hey everyone, Rosey Flaherty here!

🎧 In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Wilson II, CPA, founder of The W2 Group and a dynamic voice in the accounting world. Jeff shares how his diverse experiences—from auditing prisons to economic analysis—shaped his leadership style and entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you're in public accounting, exploring leadership roles, or just starting out, Jeff’s story will inspire you to deliver results, lead with purpose, and stay authentic in your career.


✨ This episode is proudly sponsored by Chapman University's Argyros School of Business and Economics. Considering a master's in accounting? Their MSA program offers personalized attention from world-class faculty, intimate class sizes, and a flexible structure designed for ambitious professionals. Learn more and apply at chapman.edu/msa

00:00 – Introduction to Jeff Wilson II and His Journey: Introduction to Jeff Wilson II, where his background and career journey are discussed.

06:04 – Career Aspirations: From CFO to CEO: Jeff talks about his career aspirations, transitioning from CFO to CEO.

11:51 – Leading Projects in College: A Unique Experience: Jeff shares his experience leading projects during college, providing early leadership insights.

18:09 – KPMG Experience: Auditing Prisons: Jeff discusses his unique experience auditing prisons during his time at KPMG.

24:06 – Transitioning from Audit to Economic Analysis: Jeff explains his transition from auditing to economic analysis and how his skills translated.

34:14 – Transitioning to the Bureau of Economic Analysis: Jeff talks about his move to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and his role there.

39:49 – Building a Network in the CPA Community: Jeff discusses the importance of networking within the CPA community and shares tips on how to build connections.

45:28 – Challenges in Entrepreneurship: Jeff highlights the challenges faced in entrepreneurship and the lessons learned along the way.

51:57 – Balancing Work and Personal Life: Jeff offers advice on maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

🎧 Subscribe for more powerful conversations around growth, leadership, and building a meaningful career in finance.

💬 Drop a comment if Jeff’s story resonated with you—we’d love to hear your thoughts.
👍 Like & Share this episode with someone who's ready to grow into leadership.

#podcast #jeffwilson #roseyflaherty #cpalife #episode77 #leadership #accountingjourney #careeradvancement #resultsdriven #professionaldevelopment #entrepreneurship #careergoals

http://www.youtube.com/@CPACareerPaths