CPA: The tool to create social change
Megan Boe shares how being a CPA helps her improve the lives of others
Megan Boe CPA began her career the same way many accountants do: working at a firm. But after taking a position to lead non-profit audits at that firm, Megan realized she wanted to be a part of something bigger. “If I’m going to get up and go to work every day, I want to work for an organization that’s actually making a difference,” she says. In 2013, she moved into the non-profit sector, where she’s been ever since.
Megan is passionate about social change. While it can take many forms, such as action against climate change or being involved with animal welfare, it’s helping people that makes Megan tick. Knowing that real people are impacted by decisions that come out of the financial advice she provides keeps her going on those nights when she’s working until 10:00 pm.
Having the CPA designation has given Megan a sound understanding of financial information and the ability to tell the stories behind the numbers. And because working at a non-profit is highly collaborative, it’s also given her the skills to see the big-picture financial situation and bridge the gap to her colleagues running the programs so that everyone is on the same page.
“I can’t do my job without understanding programs and what’s happening on the ground, just like they can’t do their jobs without understanding what’s going on financially,” says Megan. “I empower other people to understand the financial information they need to inform decisions.”
The designation also adds a level of credibility to the work Megan does. “As a CPA, you demonstrated that you complied with all the ethics. It puts more validity on your credentials as you sit around the table,” she says. “Having your CPA gives authentication to the skillset you bring.”
Megan believes that if you want to be a part of social change, you need to figure out what you’re passionate about and find your place, whether that’s working for a non-profit organization like she does or through volunteering or some other kind of giving. “It comes down to your own personal values,” she says. Regardless of your passion, everyone has something they can contribute.
“Achieving social change is important to me because we don’t live in a perfect world, and there is a lot that everybody can do to contribute in different ways and to create a more equitable society.”