Jeff White
Building a career and a community
March 8, 2024
One question often on the minds of both newly minted CPAs and students still considering the profession: What can I do with the CPA license?
The image of the tasks that come along with those three letters tends to be quite narrow; a stereotype that has long been outdated and a poor reflection of the broad array of work that CPAs actually do.
Therefore, for former MNCPA board chair and current director of finance for the Minnesota Freedom Fund, Jeff White, a better question would be: What
hasn’t he done with the license?
Opening career doors
When looking back on his career, White recalls having a sense early on that getting his license was crucial for getting him to where he wanted to be in the future. His early forays into accounting began with a role as a paraprofessional, a role that he says he could have stayed in if he had wanted to. Instead, he decided to take the next step.
“I wanted to get my CPA license right as I started my professional life because I knew that having those letters behind my name would open up a lot more doors for me,” he said. “It allowed me to move into different industries and different types of work. Knowing those letters represent one of the most highly trusted professions in the world gave me the credibility to work in a wide range of positions.”
From his early twenties, White knew he was interested in business and had an idea about the path he wanted to take to be a part of the business world but getting that CPA license has led him to a few unexpected — but deeply rewarding — places.
“Some of the things that I’ve done aren’t necessarily top-of-mind, such as working with a variety of entrepreneurs in a variety of industries,” White said. “Who would have thought that someone with a CPA would have a stint in the world of commodity trading and beta-testing software that allowed us to do these trades? Who would have thought that getting a CPA license would make me the perfect guy to guide a real estate investor through their deals?”
Making meaningful connections
White’s professional experience has led to leadership roles in state societies like the MNCPA, along with national organizations like the AICPA and NASBA, giving him the opportunity to participate in key industry-level discussions and initiatives.
“My hope during my time as board chair of the MNCPA was to show other people from historically underrepresented communities that they, too, can achieve their goals of becoming a CPA,” he said. “I believe it is important for people, especially young ones, to see people that look like themselves doing things they aspire to do when they become adults.”
White remains passionate about these initiatives, for which many he paved the way.
“One major initiative was increasing the diversity of the people in the accounting profession, specifically CPAs,” he said. “We still need more CPAs who can not only understand the nuances of the diverse cultures within the communities we serve, but also use that understanding to provide culturally competent and relevant services, which comes through lived experience.”
Developing a culturally competent approach to serving communities will create a stronger relationship and sense of trust between clients and CPAs.
Another stereotypical conception of a CPA is of someone who works mostly alone, barring meetings with clients. But at the root of much of what White talks about is another benefit of the CPA license that might not be immediately obvious: a vibrant community. Whether through conferences, seeking out CPE credits or participation in state societies, there are ample opportunities for CPAs to mingle and network.
As someone who has been a part of numerous industries and participated in multiple professional associations, White knows about the benefit of community firsthand.
“In public accounting, especially, you can connect with so many people at so many levels and who have so many different experiences from your own,” he said. “On top of that there are several industries and boards you can become involved with, which will only continue to expand your horizons.”
But that doesn’t mean these interactions have to only be about business, they can also facilitate meaningful moments that resonate for years.
“When I was the MNCPA chair, I was also vocal about being gay,” White said, “Diversity is not just about the color of your skin. I am obviously a Black man, but I am also gay. I bring both of those experiences with me wherever I go. I strongly believe if you let people show up as themselves, they will be able to shine and perform to the best of their abilities. During my time as board chair, I received a heartfelt letter from an MNCPA member thanking me for speaking openly about myself.”
Speaking with White, his openness and welcoming nature becomes evident. While he has always been active within the profession, he has also used his credentials to become involved in other communities, such as his tenure as the treasurer for the Illusion Theater and his current position as the board president of the Textile Center.
“It’s easy to think about networking solely through the lens of benefiting their careers, but I network for the benefit of my life,” White said, “If my networking produces something for my business later down the line, then that’s great — but my focus is always on connecting with people first and foremost.”
Topics: Member Profiles
Julia Shiota
Julia Shiota is the MNCPA’s communications coordinator, bringing her passion for storytelling to members through content development, media relations, and covering member accomplishments and events. Outside of her work with the MNCPA, Julia enjoys knitting, reading, and keeping track of all the birds she encounters on nature walks. You can reach Julia at 952-855-5533 or at jshiota@mncpa.org.
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