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