New CalCPA Chair Plans to Increase Opportunities for Better Diversity

Tayiika M. Dennis, CPA, a principal at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), was named the new chair of the CalCPA Board of Directors during the CalCPA’s Annual Members’ Business Meeting. During her term, Dennis will focus on helping the CPA profession improve resilience, diversity and growth of the pipeline of students for future careers in accounting and auditing.

“To me, CPA doesn’t just stand for Certified Public Accountant – it also stands for the “Coolest Profession Around,” said Dennis. “As CPAs, we’re inspirational trailblazers, have earned the public trust, are objective, diverse and inclusive, and I can’t think of anything cooler than that.”

Current diversity, equity and inclusion research jointly sponsored by CalCPA, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) found there was a lack of diversity in senior leadership positions in the profession which is inhibiting Black and Hispanic accounting graduates from entering the profession. 

“While CalCPA has long focused on the student pipeline, we also need to seek new ways to expand the accounting pipeline through enhanced networking opportunities, vibrant social gatherings and unique volunteer events,” added Dennis.