When did you know you wanted to become an accountant?

I knew I wanted to be an accountant in high school after taking the bookkeeping class. I knew what an accountant was because my parents went to an African American CPA in a small town in Louisiana to get their taxes done. I always admired him and his office ever since I was a little girl. My aunt also married an accountant in 1977 and his twin brother was a CPA at Arthur Anderson in the 1990's.

When did you know you wanted to become a CPA?

I knew in college that was wanted to be a CPA because that was the highest point for an accountant, therefore it was a natural progression.

Do you have any family members who are also CPAs?

I have an uncle-in-law who is a CPA.

Where did you sit for the CPA exam?

I sat for the exam in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How many times did you take each part? FAR - ; REG - ; AUD - ; BEC?

6

In your own words, what are the advantages of being a Black CPA?

One of my main reasons for becoming a CPA was to be an example for young African Americans to show that there is nothing impossible for us to accomplish.

What do you do now professionally?

I own my own management consulting firm, Simmons-Johnson Consulting, LLC.

What advice do you have for anyone considering a career in accounting?

My suggestion is to stay focused and never give up.