Managing director, audit
Ernst & Young LLP, Tysons
Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA) member, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Middle-Atlantic regional director and Audit Committee chair
Laurie Warwick has been dedicated to the accounting profession for 30 years since graduating summa cum laude from the University of Richmond. She began her career as a staff auditor at Arthur Andersen and now serves as a managing director at EY, leading client engagements among privately held companies, private equity firms, nonprofits and employee benefit plans.
She lives in Ashburn with her husband of 26 years, P.J., and in her off time enjoys boating around the Chesapeake Bay, playing pickleball, and exploring new wineries and breweries in an Airstream. She has two sons: Brandon, 22, graduates from Virginia Tech in May, and Justin, 20, is a rising junior at JMU. Brandon will join EY in the fall.
“Professionally speaking, when I was a little girl, I really admired my maternal grandfather, PopPop. We would take long walks in his garden and while capturing caterpillars in a tin can, PopPop would share stories about being a CPA in a large company. He was the first person in our family to work in ‘the business world.’ As I grew up, I just always assumed I would go to college and try to be like PopPop. And that’s what I did.”
Laurie is passionate about developing and mentoring professionals. At EY, her involvement with the Greater Washington People’s Advisory Board (PAB) helped facilitate a platform for employees to voice insight and drive cultural change within the local office. Laurie has also led the Greater Washington Professional Women’s Network, focusing on the growth and empowerment of women professionals. Recognizing the need for enhanced networking opportunities for managing directors, she also spearheaded the creation of the Greater Washington and National Managing Director Forums.
Among other initiatives to foster career development opportunities, particularly for young professionals, Laurie sees value in promoting alternative working arrangements. “Alongside my professional endeavors, I have embraced a flexible work arrangement since 2002, which has allowed me to balance family commitments while pursuing my career aspirations. I find fulfillment in assisting young professionals navigating similar paths.”
“When I joined the VBOA Board of Directors in 2016, Stephanie Saunders, who also served on the VBOA and NASBA, became a valuable mentor for me. She was so gracious in answering my many questions. One of her pieces of wisdom was to get involved with NASBA early on and decide how I would best like to utilize my time and talents.”
Laurie took Stephanie’s advice and was appointed to the NASBA Audit Committee in 2016, later serving on the Regulatory Response and Administration and Finance Committees. “Being involved in these committees over time has strengthened my commitment to collaborating with an organization dedicated to nurturing the pipeline of our profession, while also bolstering effectiveness and promoting the shared goals of state boards.”
The pipeline is paramount
The biggest challenge Laurie sees for both EY and the profession at large: Pipeline, pipeline, pipeline. “In a 2023 article, the AICPA reported that 75% of today’s public accounting CPAs will retire in the next 15 years. That is a frightening statistic. NASBA’s Professional Licensure Task Force and AICPA’s National Pipeline Advisory Group are collaborating in exploring ways to identify solutions to our profession’s pipeline issue. These two task forces are laser-focused on how to convert more accounting majors to CPAs. I would also like to see the profession focus on how to reach top students much earlier in their education — examples could include STEM, AP courses or externship opportunities offered during students’ high school education.”
A key NASBA goal is to consider new concepts for CPA licensure that may be included in the Uniform Accountancy Act Model. The Professional Licensure Task Force has been created to potentially identify a model that would be cost-effective, rigorous and scalable to firms and employers of all sizes. “Having a more cost-effective program is vital to addressing the pipeline issue. I look forward to engaging and being part of the discussions as a potential solution is created and shared with state boards for consideration. Being part of something that could have such a positive impact on the profession and candidates’ career opportunities is both extremely energizing and rewarding.”
“I would advise women in accounting to network, develop lasting relationships and find mentors early.” Laurie believes it’s important in an environment of remote and hybrid work to seek in-person interaction as much as possible.
“Regarding mentors, don’t assume you need only one. Having different mentors who offer insight into different aspects of your career is so very paramount. One mentor may be excellent in helping to broaden your external network while another may offer work balance perspectives that you hadn’t previously considered. Also, it is key to understand the difference between mentors and advocates and how it is so very important to collect an army of advocates while climbing the ladder.”
“While your college study habits are still fresh, enroll in a CPA review course and sit for the CPA Exam immediately upon graduation. Many firms not only offer reimbursement for review programs but also offer incentives and bonuses for becoming a CPA. It only gets harder as years pass from graduation and professional responsibilities increase.”
Laurie found she could leverage her business and CPA expertise to give back to her local Loudoun community. She holds positions as a board member and treasurer in numerous organizations, including the Young Men’s Service League, Fairfax Arts Council and various swim and church-affiliated groups.
She recently spearheaded efforts to raise enthusiasm for pickleball in her community, helping to secure a $75,000 commitment to enhance existing facilities.
