How Twyla Verhelst is influencing the next generation of accountants

Accounting Leaders Podcast

Twyla Verhelst is the Head of FreshBooks Accountant Channel, leading the Accounting Partner Program, and has been recognized as one of Ignition’s Top 50 Women in Accounting. In this episode, Twyla and Stuart discuss the state of the accounting profession, how COVID forced the industry to evolve and why there is a shortage of young professionals in the industry. They also talk about the importance of diversity, the accounting community, and what running a marathon and running a business have in common.

Together they discuss:

• How Twyla started with accounting (1:00)
• The beginning of Twyla’s entrepreneurial journey (3:00)
• The start of working with FreshBooks (4:30)
• Working with a local company (6:50)
• Where Canada is on the advisory journey (8:00)
• Accounting cloud technology taking over (10:00)
• How COVID-19 accelerated technology (12:00)
• Reactive vs. proactive approach to technology (13:00)
• Shortage of young professionals in the industry (16:00)
• The evolution of the accounting profession (18:30)
• The role of influence by loved ones in pursuing a career in accounting (22:00)
• Twyla’s diversity efforts at FreshBooks (24:20)
• Running marathons (28:40)
• Similarities between running a business and a marathon (31:00)
• Twyla’s passion projects this year (35:00)
• Listening and inspiring people in the industry (37:30)