As businesses face increasing financial complexity, the demand for strategic financial guidance continues to grow. In a recent feature from BDO Alliance USA, partner Kelsa discusses her leadership journey and how our Client Accounting Services (CAS) team helps clients move from reactive to proactive financial management.
What was your path to leader of your practice?
Once I decided that I wanted to make partner, I became very intentional about how I showed up every day. I focused on taking as much work as possible off the current partners’ plates by delivering high-quality, reliable work that required minimal revision and oversight. My goal was to create leverage for them – anticipating needs, managing engagements proactively, and ensuring clients receive exceptional service without constant partner involvement.
Over time, I realized that being a leader wasn’t just about technical excellence or efficiency. It was about building trust with partners, clients, and our team. I invested in developing strong relationships, mentoring staff, and taking ownership of both client outcomes and team development. I worked to see the bigger picture: not just completing engagements but strengthening the practice as a whole.
What are some recent achievements or exciting developments in your practice?
One of the most exciting developments in our practice is the rapid growth of our Client Accounting Services (CAS) division. We are seeing tremendous demand from businesses that need the expertise of a controller or CFO but don’t require, or can’t justify, a full-time hire. Our ability to step in with scalable, strategic financial support allows us to provide immediate value and meaningful impact.
What motivates me most is working with clients who are facing financial or cash flow challenges. When a business comes to us feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about its numbers, we can bring clarity, structure, and strategy. Helping them stabilize operations, improve cash flow, and regain confidence in their financial position is incredibly rewarding. Watching a client move from reactive to proactive and from stressed to strategic is one of the most fulfilling parts of what we do.
How is your firm adapting to industry changes
Our firm is adapting to industry changes by focusing on two key areas: relationships and advisory services. As technology continues to automate compliance and transactional work, it becomes harder to differentiate solely on technical execution. That’s why we are intentionally shifting toward higher-value advisory services, helping clients interpret their numbers, plan strategically, and make informed decisions. Technology enhances what we do, but relationships are what truly sustain and grow our business.
We are adapting to the evolving workforce. The accounting profession looks very different today than it did 40 years ago. Emerging professionals have new expectations around culture, flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance.
Are there any upcoming initiatives or goals your firm is excited about?
We’re particularly excited about continuing to expand our advisory and CAS offerings. As businesses face increasing complexity and economic uncertainty, the need for proactive financial guidance has never been greater. Our goal is to deepen our role as trusted advisors — not just reporting on the numbers, but helping clients interpret them, plan strategically, and make confident decisions about their future.
Developing the Next Generations of Leaders
In addition to highlighting firm leadership, the BDO Alliance feature also recognized emerging talent within our team. Erin McLaughlin, Manager, was named a Rising Star for her contributions to the continued growth of our Client Accounting Services (CAS) practice.
Can you share a little about your role at DWC?
I am a Manager at DWC, where I lead and support the continued expansion of our CAS practice, as well as manage audit and attestation engagements.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the industry?
I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, and accounting offered a clear path to apply that skill in a practical, impactful way. Audit and attestation stood out because it combines technical expertise, teamwork, and the opportunity to gain insight into many different industries. Those experiences have also played a key role in strengthening and advancing client accounting services.
What’s one challenge in the industry that excites you?
One of the growing challenges in the industry is effectively balancing the continued growth of the CAS practice while sustaining a strong Audit practice. I am excited to see not only how our firm manages this challenge going forward, but how this shifts the industry with a more client-focused outlook.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting in the industry?
Be open to opportunities that may not feel exciting at first. You learn so much by taking on challenging items that you are unfamiliar, so get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Originally featured in the BDO Alliance West Region Newsletter
