Accounting Through the Ages

The Baby Boomer Generation: Greta Russell 

A new series featuring accountants from each generation to show the similarities and differences they’ve experienced working in the profession.  

By Jessica Barboza, OSCPA marketing and communications intern 

How has accounting changed as a profession from generation to generation? Get a glimpse into what it was like to be an accountant as a Baby Boomer in an interview with OSCPA member and retired CPA Greta Russell. 

Q: What initially attracted you to the field of accounting, and how did you decide to pursue it as a career? 

A: Well, I was working at a financial institution in the accounting department because I had shown an aptitude for math. We prepared the worksheets for the auditors. I saw the auditors come in, and there was only one female with all these males. I thought, “What an interesting career.” When the auditors came in, they were asking me, “what is this” and “what is that?” I thought it seemed like a position I’d like. And so that's what made me pursue it. I was already doing all the work anyway.  

Q: What did those conversations look like to climb that ladder and get into that position? 

A: Well, they admitted that I had to go back to school and get a degree to pursue that career. For me, because I was married and had two children at the time, it meant finding a place where I could go to school in the evening and having an employer that offered educational assistance. So, I started at what was then Columbus Tech, it’s now Columbus Community College, and I went there for two years. I did not get an associate's degree, because by the time I had taken all the courses, I was the only one left in the accounting department. I transferred and graduated from Ohio Dominican after two years. 

Q: Did you take the CPA Exam soon after that? 

A: Yes, after I graduated from Ohio Dominican. By then I was working for a savings and loan as a manager, and one of my employees showed me the review of courses that I could take to sit for the CPA Exam. I took the Becker Review, and then I sat for the CPA Exam. 

Q: Tell me about your working career. 

A: Before I had my degree, I started out at a finance company. After five years, I moved to Ohio State’s budget department. From there, I went to Anchor Hocking’s data center before going back to Buckeye Federal Savings and Loan. During those years, those companies paid for my education. When I got to the Federal Savings and Loan, I sat for the exam.  

Q: How has the perception of accountants changed over the years? Both within organizations, but also in the public eye?  

A: I think that certainly, when an organization goes out to get a loan, the first thing that is asked is if you have audited financial statements, or who has compiled your financial statements. From that standpoint, I think the industry has maintained the reputation of providing good assurance to financial institutions that they have reviewed the books.  

Q: What do you consider to be the most significant technological advancements in the accounting profession, or changes in trends, during your time in the field? 

A: I think one of the things, and I pondered this a lot because technology has really created a - I don't want to say void - but certainly the accountant today does not necessarily have a relationship with the client. Before technology, when there was an audit, accountants came into the workplace and stayed at the client’s workplace for however long— a week to a month. Now, it's a matter of putting information into the system and an accountant may never step foot in the client's office. So, I wonder, because I was always taught that accounting was a relationship driven profession in that you needed your clients to be able to trust you. It was trust, and so when you went out to look for an accountant, you wanted to be able to know that you had a relationship with them.  

Now, with the advent of all the systems that are there, that accountant does not need to step in the client’s office, I'm wondering what kind of relationship is being forged for that? And how do you gain the trust of the client from that? You may see what they call the relationship partner, and you may see the manager when they get ready to report out, but, other than that, seeing and giving the accountant the other skills that's necessary to gain a client's trust— it's not being forged because they don't even have to come and meet the client. Certainly, with Zoom and all the other technologies, not that I'm saying it's wrong, but it certainly has turned our profession back to kicking tires    and not allowed the new accountant to gain the other side of the profession. So, I worry about that, really. I don't know how we fix it. 

Q. How do you think the expectations for the skill sets and competencies that accountants need have shifted?  

A. Certainly, CPAs need a strong aptitude for systems and being able to look at and be able to garner trends, and not that that wasn't always the case, but I think being able to understand systems and being able to work with systems and understand them— that has been a growing trend. We have a new generation that wants to work from home. So, understanding systems and technology becomes paramount in this environment that we have right now. 

Q: How do you prioritize work-life balance in a demanding profession like accounting, and what strategies have worked best for you?   

A: Well, I don't know that you have anything called a work-life balance as much as different styles. I know my sons played ball, and it was fine when the schedule was every Friday night. But when they changed the schedule, and suddenly you have basketball games on Tuesdays and Fridays and football games during the week, that was not possible. I got criticized by some parents. You know, “You weren’t here on Tuesday.” Well, that's not a good day for me to be here on Tuesday. Okay, I'll be here on Friday, but I'm not going to be here on Tuesday. And so, it’s just “What is the priority?” And probably some Fridays I didn't make it. My year end was June 30, so really, from May to December, please don't ask me to do anything! I take my vacation in the winter.  

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring accountants who are just starting their careers?  

A: Be involved in associations such as the Ohio Society of CPAs and the National Association of Black Accountants. You’ve got to be able to be well-rounded and these are organizations that help you gain skills in a non-competitive environment. These organizations are not going to let you fail. They're going to teach you things and help you to grow in other parts of your career. You can learn leadership, networking and technical skills. Take a look at other opportunities that are out there, as well. Working in these organizations, you do find other opportunities available to you.  

Q: What advice would you give your younger self? 

A: I think accounts today understand this, but when I was coming through, you took a job preparing to stay there forever – even though people rarely did. But sometimes, even though another opportunity comes along, we stay at a position too long. I think the younger generation has that figured out though.