Olivia Kirtley, former chair of the American Institute of CPAs and president of the International Federation of Accountants, has been named the inaugural recipient of the American Woman's Society of CPAs' Lifetime Achievement Award, which highlights female professionals who have demonstrated notable leadership and accomplishments in advancing women in the accounting profession. Kirtley received the award at the AICPA Global Women’s Leadership Summit in San Diego.
The AWSCPA Lifetime Achievement Award was created to "recognize female leaders in the profession who have significantly contributed to furthering the advancement of women in accounting and have exemplified the highest ideals of the profession," according to the AICPA. Candidates across the profession — be it public accounting, business and industry, government, nonprofits or academia — are eligible for the award.
“Olivia has accumulated so many ‘firsts’ in her career that it makes sense that she is our first lifetime achievement award winner,” stated Jacquelyn Tracy, chair of the AICPA WIEC. “A trailblazer throughout her career, she has continuously worked to make it easier for other women to carve out their own unique paths. She is truly a role model for women in our profession.”
Kirtley is currently a consultant on accounting, risk management and governance issues, and serves on multiple corporate boards. She was president of the IFAC board from 2014 to 2018 and was previously elected chair of the AICPA’s board of directors in 1998. Kirtley also served as chief financial officer of Vermont American Corp., a power tool manufacturer, and began her career with Ernst & Young.
The AICPA Global Women’s Leadership Summit marked the opening of nominations for the annual Most Powerful Women in Accounting Awards. The winners of these awards will be announced at the annual AICPA ENGAGE conference in June. For more information, head to the award's nomination
