PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
Making a Difference Through Diversity , Equity & Inclusion
By Anthony Russo President , CIANJ
Diversity , equity
and inclusion is a winning formula that is good for business and society and a key to personal and professional success . For many firms , companies and entrepreneurs , finding and hiring the best talent requires outreach to diverse populations and specific programs and initiatives that can find the best people . Momentum is building as more and more businesses embrace this proven strategy .
According to the Harvard Business Review , companies that use diversity as part of their go-to-market strategy enjoy 19 percent higher innovation revenues , capture more market share and are 70 percent more likely to have entered a new market than firms that aren ’ t
taking competitive advantage from diversity , equity and inclusion .
Here is how some of New Jersey ’ s leading
A diverse workplace encourages a wide exchange of ideas .
accounting , banking , environmental and law firms are winning through a commitment to workplace diversity , equity and inclusion .
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DIVERSITY , EQUITY & INCLUSION
ACCOUNTING
Citrin Cooperman By Laura Crowley , CPA , MBA , Co-Leader , Empowerment Diversity & Gender Equality
When it comes to client service , bringing a team representing diversity of thoughts and ideas to develop solutions that are the best fit for the client is the key . That diversity is not just about gender or ethnicity , although those can be especially important in gaining the client ’ s trust so that they are open to exploring various options . Diversity includes people from different generations and backgrounds who also represent different disciplines within our firm , such as audit professionals , tax practitioners and advisory solutions experts . This same diversity is key when it comes to developing a winning workplace culture . When we recognize and appreciate the unique skills and perspective of each team member , we can focus on reimaging the future for our clients . Through our Empowering Diversity and Gender Equality ( EDGE ) committee , we are working to educate and identify opportunities for each member of our firm to help them create the best career for themselves . At Citrin
Cooperman , diversity is not about checking a box ; it is about recognizing the diversity of professionals within our firm and including each of them to best serve our clients . In serving our clients as a diverse team , we reinforce an inclusive workplace culture .
Marcum LLP By Rachael Gibson , Director , Diversity , Equity & Inclusion
Marcum is committed to ensuring that we continue to be a diverse and inclusive firm where associates feel a strong sense of belonging and where those from under-represented groups see viable pathways to leadership . Marcum ’ s investment in Diversity , Equity & Inclusion ( DEI ) continues to deepen as we prioritize a diverse professional workforce that reflects our core values and is aligned with the diverse range of our clients . We have a robust DEI initiative that includes national and regional leaders meeting regularly to assess and inform the way Marcum approaches issues of diversity , a Task Force formed earlier this year in response to current events and race relations across the country , active associate resource groups ( ARGs ) representing a range of cultural and social affinities , firmwide training programs and partnerships with diverse professional associations . As a national firm , we also tailor our DEI efforts to meet the unique needs of local regions and clients . Marcum will continue to strive to be a leader in this work .
MSPC By Jon S . Gagliardi , Managing Principal
By recruiting staff that have diverse ethnic , cultural and economic backgrounds , our engagement teams are able to better understand the needs and perspectives of our client base , which is also quite diverse . We have designed the training of our new employees and cohorts in a manner to assist them in both bonding with their teammates and adapting to our firm ’ s culture of mutual respect , hard work and attention to our clients ’ needs . One area of specific concern for our team has been improving gender equality . Gender has long been an issue in our industry , and we have been working to improve the gender balance within our firm through focused recruiting and development opportunities for our female employees with the MSPC Executive Women ’ s Networking Group , formed in 2012 .
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