To celebrate and close out Black History Month, Bert Smith’s Managing Director George Willie sat down for an interview with BDO Alliance to share his thoughts and experiences. Below is an excerpt of his interview:
BDO: Tell us about yourself and your career path to date.
George Willie: I love to tell the story of being the “poor country boy” from Jamaica, summoned to Brooklyn by his grandparents and then summarily shipped off to Howard University in Washington, D.C. I have never left.
I was at Howard University when I met Bert W. Smith, Jr. He was one of the first African Americans to earn the CPA designation in any jurisdiction in the U.S. His journey became my motivator.
After graduate school and obtaining my CPA, I went into academia. After a number of years, I returned to public accounting, putting on hold (a very long hold) my hope of being an economics professor with a focus on certain macro issues. I consider myself most fortunate. I have been recognized by the profession for doing what I love — being in practice and pressing the case for inclusion and diversity in the accounting profession.
BDO: What does it mean to you to lead a Black-owned firm?
George Willie: To be a member of a Black-owned accounting firm, which is preparing for its fourth generation of leadership, has presented me with an extended pathway to serve the public while encouraging young professionals. I have always believed a firm’s alumni are its best ambassadors, and I am proud of ours. I am pleased to see so many young men and women — who may not have been given the opportunity elsewhere — become strong and achieving individuals. Leading a Black-owned firm means projecting confidence in oneself, the staff, partners, and the competence of the firm. It means having your team believe in themselves, having a real appreciation of their value, and always seeking an opportunity to excel.
BDO: What does Black History Month mean to you and your firm? How are you commemorating the month?
George Willie: Black History Month serves as a reminder of the early struggles endured by those who saw finance and commerce as most important in the quest to leveling the proverbial playing field. The month provides the anchor for the belief that we need to constantly excel, demonstrating technical competence, embracing ethical values, and being the very best that we can be. We celebrate the month with team breakfasts, impromptu discussions of the marketplace, and the need for our increased involvement in charitable causes.
BDO: Given the recent focus on racial injustice and equity, what is your vision for the future? Is there any advice you have for leaders, or anyone who wants to see more progress in the accounting/finance industry?
George Willie: I remain optimistic about the future — while seeing the “now” through a darkened lens. My optimism is based on the sense that the young Black professional has the drive of those of us who were born in the last century. Clearly, there has to be heightened awareness within the accounting profession and financial services industry that Black firms and African Americans are important and indispensable to the expansion of a profession that is undergoing tremendous changes.
Inclusion is critical to the sustainability of the profession, and is best accomplished through opportunity, retention and a path to upward mobility.
