Kimberly Ellison-Taylor explains why a ‘diehard CPA’ felt it was important for her to earn her CIA.
As a person who loves both technology and accounting, I’ve always recognized the importance of having the education and experience needed for my role. Earning the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credentials demonstrate my commitment to lifelong learning. Like many colleagues, my career has taken several paths, and I have continuously looked for an “and,” seeking out opportunities to enhance my skills.
I have worked in and around the internal audit profession for years. In fact, one of my first roles was working in advisory services for a Big Four firm where several of my engagements involved IT internal audit. In 2021, I transitioned from a career at Oracle to a portfolio role, in which I now serve as a corporate board chair and director, adjunct professor, consultant, keynote speaker, and volunteer leader. In this environment, learning new skills is non-negotiable. That’s why, more than 20 years after passing the CPA exam, I found myself in a testing facility taking the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam.