Managing partnerKPMG Richmond Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA) chair (appointed in 2020)
In 1997, Wendy accepted her offer with KPMG upon graduation from Virginia Union University. “I immediately felt a sense of community when I walked into the Richmond office, and I knew that this was the place for me and where I could start my career,” Wendy says. She initially planned to spend only two or three years in public accounting. Twenty-six years later, it’s safe to say she has been challenged and fulfilled at the Big 4 firm. “The people of KPMG have truly become my family and that is why I am still here 26 years later.”
Wendy has ascended at KPMG to become a partner in the audit practice and managing partner of the Richmond office, providing financial statement and audit of internal control services to both public and private companies. An expert on new and emerging accounting issues and developments, Wendy is the current chair of the Virginia Board of Accountancy.
For more than 10 years, Wendy has served as a lead campus recruiter partner for KPMG and also a national instructor.
She received the Style Weekly Executive Women in Business Award in 2019, the 2019 Virginia Union University Outstanding Alumni Award, and was named one of the 2024 100 people to meet in Virginia by Virginia Business magazine. She is married with a 10-year-old son.
Why a CPA?
Dr. Ruth Coles Harris, the first Black woman in Virginia to become a licensed CPA, had something to do with it! Dr. Harris was Wendy’s mentor and accounting professor at VUU, and her stories motivated Wendy to become licensed. (The VSCPA has a scholarship honoring Dr. Harris to promote diversity in the profession and inspire other students to become CPAs.)
In 2020, KPMG asked Wendy to consider applying for one of the open VBOA seats. “I knew at the time the important role that the Board played in protecting the public trust and regulating the CPAs and CPA firms in Virginia and it just seemed like an amazing opportunity. I realized at the time that I did not have a true appreciation for the entire role of the VBOA and the impact that the Board has on the profession as a whole,” she says.
Wendy said the VBOA has several goals for the current year. First, the VBOA wants to ensure it’s ready for CPA Evolution, the new CPA Exam format released in January 2024. “We have been working on this rollout for the past several years and am so proud of our hard work in this area and that we were ready as a Board on day one.”
The VBOA is acutely aware of accounting pipeline challenges and has undertaken a few initiatives to respond, such as expanding its on-campus Board meetings to include two meetings per year, allowing it to expose students to the field. Board members also engage in various outreach activities at colleges throughout the year.
Additionally, the VBOA is continuing to focus on boosting diversity, equity and inclusion in the profession. “It is especially important to me that we see students of color and from all backgrounds entering the accounting field and understanding that this can be a successful career for all,” Wendy says.
Wendy recognizes the role of the accountant is different than it was 25 years ago, with CPAs evolving and innovating in response to technological advances. “These fast-moving changes have impacted CPAs, the VBOA, and firms like KPMG to ensure we all keep pace with the dynamic new landscape,” she says.
“We need to continue to tell our story about all the wonderful career options possible with an accounting degree. Accountants are more than just bookkeepers. There is such a diverse range of opportunities for accounting students. We are auditors, advisors, data specialists, IT analysts and so much more. We also touch so many industries so the opportunities for accounting students are endless. We are at the forefront of the business world. I believe that if students fully grasp the breadth of opportunities within the profession, it will attract more interest in the career.”
Wendy advises prospective CPAs to work hard and take advantage of all the many opportunities available. “Challenges may arise but learn from them — as being uncomfortable is the fastest way to learn and grow! Always remember, you are enough and you can do this!”
Wendy says women in accounting should never let others put limitations on what they can be or achieve. “As a woman in the field of accounting, we often wear many hats and balancing them all can be a challenge at times. I urge you to keep going after your goals one step at a time. I try to be a living example that you can be a wife, mother, daughter and successful professional! Also, it can be intimidating to be the ‘only’ in a crowded room but instead of seeing that as a negative, use that to your advantage. Your differences are your strength because what you say and do will be remembered!”
Wendy says being able to apply her CPA and financial skills to serve on various nonprofit boards and organizations is fulfilling. She is a local office partner champion for the African Ancestry Business Resource Group and past Richmond chapter president of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). She’s also a board member for the Howard University Middle School for Mathematics and Science, the Richmond Public School Education Foundation, the Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute of Virginia Union University, and the ChamberRVA.
Her financial know-how has come in handy while she’s hosting a series of financial literacy workshops at churches across Virginia. “It's gratifying to share financial tips for success and offer advice that I wish I had known earlier in life with members of the community. I love to give back and use my CPA to help others. Truly lifting as a climb!”
