RSM Accepts Permanent Seat on AICPA’s National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion

RSM Accepts Permanent Seat on AICPA’s National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion

CHICAGO – (April 6, 2022) – RSM US LLP (“RSM”) – the nation’s leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market – is pleased to announce that it  has been selected by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) as a permanent member of its National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion (NCDI). Effective May 2022, Tracey Walker, principal and national leader of culture, diversity and inclusion with RSM US LLP, will occupy the seat.

The Commission was formed in 2012 to foster champions that influence the accounting profession to make diversity and inclusion a priority in the areas of recruitment, certification and advancement of ethnic minorities. The NCDI accomplishes its mission by:

• Identifying challenges ethnic minorities face in the profession.
• Developing solutions and innovative practices that address the challenges.
• Maximizing opportunities of having a more diverse and inclusive profession.

The Commission is made up of C-suite level executives from the accounting profession who are thought leaders and influencers in the diversity and inclusion space. This includes representatives from the largest public accounting firms (who hold permanent seats) as well as other large, medium and smaller-sized firms (who hold rotating seats) to ensure that perspectives of varying sized firms are considered.

The NCDI also includes leaders from minority professional affinity groups, CPA societies, business and industry, and education. Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CEO with KET Solutions, LLC, is the current chair of the NCDI; and Barry Melancon, president and CEO of the AICPA, and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, also holds a permanent seat.

“We enthusiastically support Tracey joining the National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion and we are honored to be a permanent member,” said Joe Adams, managing partner and CEO with RSM US LLP. “Tracey’s vast knowledge in this space, combined with her intuitive understanding of relevant issues and how to address them, make her the ideal RSM representative to help affect positive change in the accounting profession.”

“Tracey offers amazing insights and perspectives,” said Ellison-Taylor. “She represents RSM and is very motivated to help us achieve our goal for an inclusive, high performing profession! We are excited to have her as a permanent member of the Commission.”

As a national DEI leader, Walker is recognized for thought leadership focused on organizational behavior, inclusive business culture and strategies driving sustained equity and performance impact. This honor represents a milestone in her distinguished career spanning 20 years of service to the profession.

“I am honored to join this impressive group of professionals making diversity, equity and inclusion a priority across the world of accounting and business advisory,” said Walker. “By working together, with intention, we will continue to enhance firm competencies and talent experiences, which will lead to better outcomes – for our clients, our colleagues and our profession.”

About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, and AICPA & CIMA
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), representing AICPA & CIMA, advances the global accounting and finance profession through its work on behalf of 696,000 AICPA and CIMA members, students and engaged professionals in 192 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license and specialized credentials, professional education and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members and engaged professionals with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, sets ethical standards for its members and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state and local governments. It also develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination and builds the pipeline of future talent for the public accounting profession.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its professional qualification and professional experience requirements to ensure it remains the employer’s choice when recruiting financially trained business leaders.