Power of Change honoree profile: Michelle Roseberry

Encouragement is key to helping others grow 

Over the course of her career, Michelle Roseberry, CPA, CGMA, CIT, has always felt public accounting is where she makes the biggest difference – for clients and for the newest young accounting professionals. 

“I could always see that I was helping younger generations become better at what they do and learn the art of public accounting,” she said. 

Roseberry is the principal-in-charge of the Columbus office and assurance director for HBK CPA’s manufacturing solutions division and was recently named a Power of Change honoree at OSCPA’s Women, Wealth & Wellness Conference in July. 

Roseberry never doubted her own career in accounting. “People assumed I would be a teacher because they could see I took a vested interest in helping others develop,” she said. 

Her experience in public accounting gives her the opportunity to pass along her knowledge, teaching new techniques and standards to the next generation. “In a way, being in public accounting does allow you to be a teacher,” she said. “We teach our clients how to take care of their books and records and improve their internal controls.” 

Over the years, Roseberry has helped mentor more than 10 young professionals through their own career journeys. “People don’t always have someone to guide them and help determine how they can improve or decide what their next career steps should be. Now I can guide others as they set and review their goals. I always ask, ‘how can I help you?’” 

After working with a business coach herself, Roseberry said she loves passing on the tips she has learned to her mentees, sharing what does and doesn’t work for her. 

She is also passionate about giving back in her community, volunteering with office initiatives at Habitat for Humanity and the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, as well as serving in the children’s ministry at her church, “If someone encounters someone else just once a week who cares about them and wants to teach them, I feel like it’s worth it,” she said.  

What advice does Roseberry offer her mentees? “There will be challenging times. Don’t give up no matter how hard it gets. Make sure you’re giving your best every day,” she said. “It’s important to teach the next generation. When it’s time for me to step back, I want whoever steps in to be ready.” 

Register to join us as we recognize outstanding women in the community at OSCPA’s annual Power of Change Luncheon on Tuesday Nov. 18 in Columbus!