Summary

In this episode of The Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. speaks with Mark Mallare, an audit manager and next-gen chair of the Buffalo chapter of the CPA society. They discuss Mark's journey into accounting, the challenges facing the profession, the perception of accountants as workaholics, and the importance of educating the next generation about diverse career paths in accounting. Mark emphasizes the need for accountants to tell better stories about their profession and to connect with students to inspire future generations.

Takeaways

• Mark Mallare emphasizes the importance of engaging younger CPAs.
• The accounting profession faces challenges, particularly in the pipeline of new talent.
• Accountants often have a negative perception as workaholics.
• Education about diverse career paths in accounting is crucial for students.
• Mark's journey into accounting was influenced by his interest in math and job security.
• The CPA exam, while challenging, opens many doors for career opportunities.
• Accountants should focus on the positives of their profession rather than the negatives.
• Building personal connections is essential in the accounting field.
• Mark advocates for better storytelling to improve the profession's image.
• The future of accounting relies on educating and inspiring the next generation.