Getting Real About Racial Diversity in Our Firms

It’s no secret that our profession is woefully lacking in racial diversity. In fact, the 2019 AICPA Trends Report found that only 2% of CPAs and 1% of firm partners are Black or African American. Yet, according to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, over 50% of new businesses launched in the last 10 years were minority-owned. How can mostly-white firms appeal to an increasingly diverse client community? And, why aren’t we attracting and retaining Black talent to our firms?

The recent racial unrest points to long-standing bias and injustice as part of the problem. As business leaders, we know we need to make change. And yet, we may not be clear what specifically needs to shift or how we should approach making necessary changes.

In this 90-minute session, facilitated by Jennifer Wilson, three Black leaders representing various aspects of firm leadership – a service line leader in a national firm, an HR Director in a mid-size firm, and a founder of a small, growing firm will come together to share their stories.

Featured GRF Presenter

Kimberly J. Davis, MHRIR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP | Human Resources Director

Kimberley J. Davis, SPHR, has been the human resources director of GRF CPAs & Advisors since August 2006. She is responsible for all human resources functions including organizational development, compensation & benefits administration, training, employee relations, recruitment, and administration of COBRA, 401(k) and FMLA programs. Before joining GRF CPAs & Advisors, Ms. Davis was the human resources manager for Capital Region Health System at Hamilton Health Center, Inc. where she was also responsible for human resources functions within the company.