Meet Kariann McDougall, CPA – CTCPA Women to Watch Award Winner
Kariann McDougall, CPA
CBIZ, Inc.
Kariann is a senior manager at CBIZ, Inc. and is part of the tax team. She has expertise in tax compliance and planning for high-net-worth individuals and small and mid-size businesses with focuses in food and beverage and professional services. She serves on the Board of Directors of Connecticut Humanities as well as the CTCPA Board of Directors and is also an active member of many CTCPA committees.
What inspired you to pursue the CPA career path?
I initially did not have any interest in becoming a CPA. My very first accounting teacher in high school told me it would be too difficult to obtain the credential and it wasn’t worth it to try. As I navigated college and began taking higher level accounting courses, I realized I had a knack for accounting. This ignited a passion to become the best accountant I could be and get that CPA!
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m sure everyone says this, but I am most proud of obtaining my CPA designation. It took so much time and dedication to pass each test section on the first try while working full time. I sacrificed events with family and friends and missed out on fun experiences for a solid year, but I did it. It was such a defining moment for me.
What is your next major goal?
I want to take over the accounting world! More realistically, I am working hard toward hopefully becoming a managing director or partner in the semi-near future. I love my work, my clients, and being able to mentor younger accountants. I am hoping to be able to help change the perception of the public accounting industry and draw more young accountants into the profession.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is spend time with my one-year-old son Callan, my husband, and our home zoo of five dogs and two cats. In any spare time outside of that I enjoy crafting, gaming, and learning how to do home renovation projects. (I am excellent at demolition!)
Pictured is Kariann with her son Callan on his first birthday.