When I was in my third year studying in the cooperative business program at Drexel University, I was introduced to the world of public accounting. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be but I knew that I was learning the basic principals that most people need to understand in order to succeed in any business. I was fortunate to land my first co-op job in public accounting on the audit staff of a regional accounting firm, now known as Stockton Bates LP in Center City, Philadelphia. I felt at the time, (this was 1983) it was a progressive firm because there was one woman partner and at least 5 women managers on staff. At the beginning, my client audit assignments were staffed primarily with men and therefore I welcomed the opportunity to become a member of an organization willing to recruit students with the opportunity to rub elbows with strong, successful, forward thinking, professional women.

My first introduction to The American Society of Women Accountants was in 1984, at the group’s Annual Student Night Event. Since then, I believe I have attended over twenty of these events. I have held various positions on committees, served at least three different terms as director on the board of the Philadelphia Chapter and finally after 23 years, accepted the position of Chapter President when I found myself in what I like to call mid-life temporary retirement.The mission of ASWA is to enable women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional and economic potential and to contribute to the future development of their profession. Members include partners in national, regional and local CPA firms, financial officers, controllers, academicians, financial analysts and data processing consultants, recent college graduates and women returning to the work force.

This year as president, one of my goals was to establish a mentor program. With the efforts of Theresa Copeland, as our first program chair, we developed the pilot program and are currently working with ten teams of Mentor- Mentees. We created a contest to accumulate points for various tasks that promote networking, career guidance, giving personal achievement to each member, while continuing to fulfill our mission. I feel that it will become a way to retain more members throughout their career cycle.
 
As one grows in their career, so do the responsibilities of their jobs as well as in their personal lives. Their time may become tight. Opportunities will arise. Unexpected disappointment may occur. Things can easily change for the positive or negative. One thing has been constant throughout - ASWA has been there for me.

I think this is enough of one woman’s perspective; here is what my peers have to say.

According to Theresa Copeland, “Being a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of ASWA for over 2 decades has enriched my accounting career in many ways. I am still able to
network with members and received help with setting my career goals. There were times early in my career, because of my lack of experience; I received direction from members
that were very eager to help me. I enjoy the meetings and the activities and look forward to remaining an accountant and ASWA member into my retirement.

Pam Wenner, tax supervisor at Beucler, Kelly & Irwin, Ltd., an accounting firm in Wayne, PA feels, “ASWA has been such a positive experience for me. The members have been a source of strong support and excellent resources for both work and personal issues.” Mary-Claire Corcoran, CPA, is a sole practitioner in accounting services. She said,” From the time I started a family, ASWA has been a major component of keeping my life in balance. Although I have worked part time for the last 18 years, my employers and clients expect me to have the same knowledge and skills as my full time counterparts. ASWA’s networking and CPE opportunities allow me to do so in a format that not only fulfills my
business needs but has also provided me with many lifetime friends.”

Mary E. Scout, CPA, is the controller at the non-profit organization WOMEN’S WAY. She said “As a woman in the accounting profession in the mid 60s, only the women of ASWA took my career goals seriously and supported me in my career.” Mary is a past president and has been a member over forty years.

Mary Feeny-Bonawitz, CPA, PhD is assistant professor of Accounting at Penn State University. She sites, “As a past National ASWA President, this organization has been the most rewarding of all my professional experiences. I have met members from Boston to Honolulu and Seattle to Miami. My own West Palm Beach Chapter members were my encouragement while pursuing my PhD and are still dear friends. Without ASWA chapter encouragement and opportunities, I never would have learned the leadership skills and had the courage to speak in public. Being a leader made my career and allowed me to become the first woman admitted to partnership in my former firm.

Our president elect for the 2010-2011 membership year, who is property controller for Stoltz Management, in Bala Cynwyd, PA, Renee Cooper, CPA, explains what the organization provides for her.” ASWA is a means for me to improve my networking skills while meeting women at all levels in the accounting world. It broadens my horizons beyond what I am exposed to at my job and allows me to make great friends.”

Sharon Greenberg, CPA shares, “I have been a member for many years and am a past president of the Philadelphia Chapter. I appreciate the friends and colleagues I have gotten to know. The greatest benefit I have received is that through another member of ASWA, I received an interview with a CPA firm, Isdaner & Co, LLC. I have been with this firm in Bala Cywyd since 1994. I am also happy that through having an ASWA meeting at our office, this led to Lori McKeage becoming part of the same CPA firm.”

If you are interested in joining our organization, visit our website which will inform you of our current meeting schedule and provide you with details about our mentor program, our scholarship and introduce you to a local and national network of women who can make a difference in your career. Just visit www.aswa-phila.org or the national website at www.aswa.org