Professional Growth + Personal Satisfaction: An Equation for Success

Orange County Business Journal, Apr 26-May 2, 2004

Women In Business

Public accounting is a demanding profession. It requires long hours, strict deadlines and unwavering attention to detail and quality. For three women partners in Ernst & Young's Orange County office, this is the environment in which they thrive. On the road to success, they've learned how to incorporate flexibility into their arduous schedules, and how to feel both professionally and personally accomplished. During a panel discussion, partners Sally Anderson, Jackie Brya and Julie Orr shared their views on the importance of achieving both professional growth and personal satisfaction, and how these factors lead to success.

Meet the Panelists:

Sally Anderson is the Office Managing Partner of Ernst & Young in Irvine. A 20-year veteran of the firm, Anderson has spent her entire career in the accounting industry.

Jackie Brya is an Assurance and Advisory Business Services partner focusing on clients in the retail and consumer products industries. With 14 years in public accounting, Brya was promoted to partner in 2003.

Julie Orr is an International Tax partner who joined Ernst & Young last year. Her list of credentials includes an extensive background in public and private accounting.

First thing's first. What drew you to the accounting profession, and more importantly, what keeps you here?

Anderson: For me, the opportunity to serve clients is always a thrill. I chose to be an auditor because I thrive on being at a client location, learning about different companies and their success factors, and having the ongoing opportunity to meet and work with new people. Business fascinates meand it's the client interaction that I really enjoy.

Orr: I enjoy working in a team environment. My Ernst & Young team and I work with the client towards a common goal. The coordination and detail that goes into that is something I really appreciate about our profession.

Brya: My heart is in public accounting because it gives me the opportunity to work with and contribute to the success of leading companies. And, I also have the chance to contribute to the success of emerging organizations. In fact, I remember seeing a brochure early in my career on Ernst & Young's commitment to entrepreneurship and the Entrepreneur Of The Year® awards. I thought, 'I'd like to be a part of that.' Ironically, I now serve as the program director for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Orange County.

As a woman in a demanding profession, what challenges do you face?

Orr: I face the same challenges that anyone in my profession, male or female, encounters. I don't believe that gender has created any additional obstacles for me. I think hard work and a commitment to quality are characteristics that are important and recognized by our profession. But, in the past there were certain things that women missed out on, like golf or sporting event outings with clients. These are great networking and relationship building opportunities that generally weren't open to women. Today, I believe those barriers have come down.

Brya: Diversity is essential for competing in today's business environment. And as a woman in the accounting profession, I see more opportunities in this regard than challenges. Granted, there is that initial hurdle when a woman walks into a boardroom full of men, because she's different. But that's just as true if a man walks into a room full of women. In my experience, the key to effectively managing these challenges is to approach each situation with a positive attitude and an open mind. Those who are knowledgeable and confident in their abilities will overcome any hurdles in no time.

Anderson: Things are improving, that's for sure. I think 15 years ago women had a harder time building a successful career and breaking through the glass ceiling to the top executive positions. Today the workplace opportunities for women are much more plentiful. However, it's still challenging to carry the many responsibilities of a mother, a wife, and a career. Most women still own the majority of childrearing and household responsibilities, while at the same time building successful careers.

Speaking of "flexibility," meaning personal and professional balance, what does flexibility mean to you?

Orr: As a new partner with Ernst & Young, I am impressed to see that people here have a sense of balance. I admit that, at times, it's been challenging to achieve the "work/life balance" idea. But it's great to know that work/life balance is no longer looked down upon-it's encouraged. People are working very hard and getting the job done, but our jobs are only one facet of who we are. So when someone occasionally leaves early to go to his or her son's soccer game, no one's raising eyebrows.

Anderson: Flexibility means I have some control over my schedule. I have the same responsibilities and the same commitment to my clients, but I can work flexible hours and in flexible spaces when I need that option.

Brya: Flexibility is more than just work/life balance. It's work balance. Flexibility at work allows me to do the things that I do best every day. For instance, I'm able to incorporate client service, education, recruiting, creativity, and community service into my career. It's a great feeling to be able to go to work each day and be the best I can be.