San Jose, CA (June 9, 2020) – Abbott, Stringham & Lynch (ASL) was named to Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) 2020 Best CPA Firms for Equity Leadership list for the 2nd year in a row, based on the Accounting MOVE Project.
Women are leading accounting & advisory firms’ forays into new lines of business with unconventional perspectives and new approaches, according to the findings of the 2020 Accounting MOVE Project report. Among the most productive strategies driving new revenues and new career paths are:
- To seed new lines of business with first-time clients, firms need strong internal referrals, and internal referrals are a longstanding strength for women.
- Women who started boutique firms decades ago are rejoining large firms, bringing with them entrepreneurial leadership that fuels new lines of business.
- Women’s initiatives are invaluable sources of talent for fast-track advisory service launches that pivot on diverse perspectives and fresh approaches.
Abbott, Stringham & Lynch ensures rising managers and new partners have context for success through formalized mentoring and coaching policies. Mentors are also expected to advocate for employees as they navigate their careers and work/life balance.
“Women are perfectly positioned to chart new ways to win new types of business, because they take encouragement and direction from incremental wins,” says Joanne Cleaver, President of Wilson-Taylor Associates, Inc., the content strategy firm that manages the Accounting MOVE Project. “In an unpredictable business environment, firms can rely on the deep loyalty that many women earn with ongoing clients, and that creates footholds for new practices.”
“The findings of this year’s report solidifies that women are extending positive change into the financial workforce by creating new initiatives and client retention with creativity and leadership,” said Cindy Stanley, executive director for the AFWA, the association partner for the Accounting MOVE Project. “The unique perspectives and reliability of women in finance will continue to create new streams of opportunity and pave the way for progress.”
An executive summary of the 2020 Accounting MOVE Project is available on the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance website: 2020 Accounting MOVE Project Report
About Abbott, Stringham & Lynch (ASL)
Founded in 1977, ASL offers a wealth of experience in delivering high-quality services and specialties to its clients. The firm works with emerging- and middle-market privately held businesses to help them thrive in their markets. It also partners with high net worth individuals – owners, founders, and executives – to help them protect and grow their wealth. ASL identifies untapped opportunities, challenges, and solutions, enabling clients to make the effective and timely decisions today that lead to a fuller and more secure tomorrow.
Designed to facilitate quality decisions, ASL’s services cover corporate tax planning and compliance, assurance and accounting, estate and gift tax planning, litigation support, succession planning and valuation. The firm’s services are contextualized by its specialties in real estate, construction, technology, family wealth and individual tax, emerging businesses, manufacturing and distribution, nonprofit organizations, renewable energy, and recreation and entertainment.
About the Accounting MOVE Project
The Accounting MOVE Project is based on the MOVE methodology, developed by research partner Wilson-Taylor Associates, Inc., which investigates the factors proven to be essential to women’s career success:
M – Money: fair pay practices;
O – Opportunity: advancement and leadership development;
V – Vital supports: work-life programs that remove barriers;
E – Entrepreneurship: operating experience for managing or business ownership
About Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA)
The Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance promotes the professional growth of women in accounting and finance. Members of the association benefit from opportunities to connect with colleagues, advance their careers, and become industry leaders. For 80 years, the organization has proudly upheld its mission to enable women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full potential and to contribute to their profession. Visit www.afwa.org for more information.
