2008 Woodie Awards
'Powerful' woman discusses accounting
Lydia Smart
Issue date: 10/12/07 Section: Campus
Beth Brooke, global vice chair for accounting giant Ernst & Young, answered questions about her profession Tuesday as part of the Farmer School of Business lecture series.
"She is a person of great depth, great warmth and servitude," said Roger Jenkins, dean of the Farmer School of Business, who introduced Brooke.
Brooke's primary job within the firm, according to a press release, is to develop its strategic direction and shape its position on public policy. She was joined by Julia Poston, chairman and president for the Ernst & Young Cincinnati office, and the two engaged in a question and answer session, in which Poston presented a series of questions for Brooke regarding the accounting profession.
Poston also asked what it was like to be recognized as one of Forbes Magazine's "World's 100 Most Powerful Women," and Brooke replied that it was great recognition for Ernst & Young.
"I have chosen an organization that allows me the experience to make a difference," Brooke said.
When asked how she entered into accounting, Brooke explained originally she had been a computer science major at Purdue University, but her accounting instructor urged her to take her electives in accounting. She said he was one of her largest influences because he taught her to remember her personal values and the true driving forces in her life.
In response to how Ernst & Young has changed over the years, Brooke said flexibility in the work place is among the largest changes.
"We accomplish what needs to be done in a way that satisfies everyone's needs," she said, explaining it is important to have a balance in life.
She also addressed what the new era will be in the wake of recent corporate scandals, elaborating that interaction, convergence and collaboration are among the most significant
changing elements.
"The new era will be driven by the changing global marketing dynamics," she said.
Collaboration between business and government will become very important, she said.
"She is a person of great depth, great warmth and servitude," said Roger Jenkins, dean of the Farmer School of Business, who introduced Brooke.
Brooke's primary job within the firm, according to a press release, is to develop its strategic direction and shape its position on public policy. She was joined by Julia Poston, chairman and president for the Ernst & Young Cincinnati office, and the two engaged in a question and answer session, in which Poston presented a series of questions for Brooke regarding the accounting profession.
Poston also asked what it was like to be recognized as one of Forbes Magazine's "World's 100 Most Powerful Women," and Brooke replied that it was great recognition for Ernst & Young.
"I have chosen an organization that allows me the experience to make a difference," Brooke said.
When asked how she entered into accounting, Brooke explained originally she had been a computer science major at Purdue University, but her accounting instructor urged her to take her electives in accounting. She said he was one of her largest influences because he taught her to remember her personal values and the true driving forces in her life.
In response to how Ernst & Young has changed over the years, Brooke said flexibility in the work place is among the largest changes.
"We accomplish what needs to be done in a way that satisfies everyone's needs," she said, explaining it is important to have a balance in life.
She also addressed what the new era will be in the wake of recent corporate scandals, elaborating that interaction, convergence and collaboration are among the most significant
changing elements.
"The new era will be driven by the changing global marketing dynamics," she said.
Collaboration between business and government will become very important, she said.
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