By Cecilia Yontz, OSCPA marketing and communications intern 

OSCPA is running a series of stories in honor of Black History Month, highlighting the impact our members are making for Black professionals in accounting. Keep reading CPA Takeaways this month for more.   

Future Black CPAs are driven by a shared determination to challenge norms, dismantle barriers, and amplify change in the profession.  

“I figured that if I can become a CPA, then that means that I'm able to climb a tall mountain and that there are taller mountains out there that I can climb,” said DeShaun Jones, a MAcc student at Case Western Reserve University.  

As minorities majoring in accounting, these Black students are driven to obtain their CPA license and be part of change in the profession.    

“Being an African American female definitely has motivated me to become a CPA to give other females the route and advice to become a CPA,” said Aunique Blackwell, former OSCPA Student Ambassador and online accounting student at Kentucky State University. 

Obtaining your CPA license opens the door for more opportunities, Jones explained, and knowing that someone is always going to need your services is a great feeling. “It’s kind of like Batman or Superman minus the superpowers.” 

For Cobi Haverfield, a junior accounting student at Wright State University, obtaining his CPA licensure will increase his confidence and allow him to help the profession.  

“There is a shortage of accountants and accounting is really important, it's the foundation of business,” said Haverfield. “For me, being able to help fill in the voids that are in the profession is important and I feel like I'm in a very good position to help with that.”  

Connecting with other minorities in the profession and hearing their advice on overcoming adversity has helped Blackwell become more comfortable being one of the voices of young professionals. These relationships and experiences have inspired her to one day open her own firm and establish a scholarship at her high school alma mater. 

From obtaining leadership positions, to working for the Cleveland Guardians, the goals and ambitions of these aspiring CPAs are nothing short of impressive. They say those who paved the way for them helped them see their potential and they hope to do the same for others. 

“It's motivating,” said Jones. “Luckily, I've been able to connect with Black accountants every step of the way, and it's made the lesson I learned when I got accepted to Case even clearer: that I belong here and I'm able to do just as much or even more than everybody else in the profession.”