Adventures of a CPA
Aisha Ghani’s determination and flexibility unlock the door to success
How one team member used Fridays@BT and unwavering focus to conquer the CPA exams.
Balancing a career and personal life is no small feat, but for Aisha Ghani, it became the cornerstone of earning her CPA license.
Aisha's fervent love for accounting was ignited during her formative years in Pakistan. Surrounded by family members in science-driven careers, she found her calling in her uncle's role as a Chartered Accountant, a profession she deeply admired.
"He had his own firm in London, and I always thought he was doing something special," recalled Aisha. "That’s when I knew accounting would be my path."
After moving to the United States to attend university, Aisha focused on her education, earning degrees in accounting and art history. While art history remained a personal interest, Aisha’s professional aspirations led her to public accounting.
Aisha's career, strengthened by her educational foundation, has been an exciting journey across industries, from commercial manufacturing to asset management and financial services. However, as her career advanced, she realized that becoming a CPA was more difficult than anticipated. Like many working professionals, balancing the demands of a full-time job and personal life while finding time to study for the CPA exams proved a significant challenge.
Finding balance with Fridays@BT
Aisha’s CPA journey took a significant turn when Baker Tilly introduced Fridays@BT, giving team members dedicated time for professional development. Along with an increased paid study hours, this new support became a game-changer for Aisha as she balanced her role as a working professional and a mom. These initiatives gave her the space she needed to focus on her CPA studies without sacrificing family or career time.
"Having that time to study without the pressure of deadlines hanging over my head was incredible," said Aisha. "I could focus entirely on my preparation and know that my team supported me every step of the way."
Her managers and fellow team members at Baker Tilly gave her the understanding and flexibility she needed, allowing her to rearrange her workload and prioritize study sessions.
Aisha took full advantage of Fridays@BT by using those dedicated study days to kick off intensive, focused sessions that extended through the weekend.
"Turning a regular weekend into a three-day study marathon gave me a huge advantage," explained Aisha.
A mother's determination
While balancing the demands of being a CPA candidate and a mother was indeed challenging, Aisha attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family. Her husband, mother, and even online communities were her biggest cheerleaders. She managed to squeeze in study time whenever possible, sometimes just 30 minutes between meetings or after putting her son to bed.
That determination paid off when she passed her final CPA exam.
"I only had four weeks to prepare, but I used every resource I could," said Aisha.
Opportunities on the Horizon: Aisha’s Next Chapter
With her CPA credential in hand, Aisha is laser focused on her next steps. She’s set her sights on becoming a manager and continuing to expand her expertise within the asset management industry.
"I’m ready to take on more responsibility, mentor others, and be even more involved in the firm’s growth," said Aisha.
Aisha’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, adaptability and the supportive culture at Baker Tilly. For her, Fridays@BT wasn’t just a benefit—it was the blueprint that unlocked her path to success.