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 Managing Partner Tapped as Source on Diversity FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 27, 2006 – Bert Smith & Company's Managing Partner George S. Willie, CPA, CGFM, was featured as a source in a recent article on WebCPA.com regarding the topic of diversity in accounting firms. The article by reporter Stuart Kahan provides an overview of trends affecting hiring and staffing among accounting firms. The piece also cites statistics that point to significant changes occurring in the accounting workforce, including findings from the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Census Bureau which suggest that by 2012, almost half of the entrants joining the workforce will be minorities. Kahan notes that while there have already been some positive changes in firms across the country, minorities continue to face challenges in pursuing accounting careers. George Willie is quoted as observing, "Critical mass is key. When the faces in the hallways of the large and midsized firms mirror the variety of the faces you see walking down the street, then we've achieved critical mass. As long as African-Americans or Latinos or Asian-Americans, or other cultures, are not exposed to accounting as a career choice, then we'll continue to experience a shortage of them in the field as a whole." Mr. Willie, who previously chaired AICPA's Minority Initiatives Committee, is also former head of the Division of Firms for the National Association of Black Accountants. He immigrated from Jamaica to the United States 30 years ago to pursue his accounting education and career, and has been heavily involved in professional groups working to address diversity in accounting firms and other issues. The full text of the article may be viewed by clicking here. Bert Smith & Company includes more than 60 CPAs and management consultants who serve clients in government agencies, healthcare, nonprofits, associations and education. The firm provides a full range of accounting services to commercial clients, and has provided accounting services to virtually every cabinet-level department of the U.S. Government, as well as federal government agencies and numerous cities, counties, authorities and commissions. |
   
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