Celebrating Trailblazers: The Legacy of Black Women in Accounting

At C2 Accounting, we hold a deep conviction that the achievements of Black business leaders and entrepreneurs deserve recognition all year round, not just during Black History Month. However, this month does offer a special opportunity to spotlight the extraordinary contributions of Black women in the accounting sector.

Accounting is not traditionally seen as a diverse career path, with the most recent AICPA Report (2021) showing that 41 percent of accounting graduates are non-white, but only 23 percent of professional staff and 18 percent of account partners are non-white. There’s a crucial gap from education to employment. While we acknowledge this very real problem, we also believe that the best is ahead of us. 

As a Black Woman-Owned firm, C2 Accounting is not just aware of the importance of diversity—we champion it. We firmly believe that enriching our field with diverse voices, especially those of Black professionals, is not merely beneficial but essential for our collective growth and innovation.

In celebration of Black History Month, we want to shine a light on a few of the amazing Black women who are groundbreakers in accounting. By honoring these trailblazers, we pay tribute to their legacy and reaffirm our commitment to building a future where diversity is not just celebrated but integral to the fabric of our industry.

Theodora Rutherford

Theodora Rutherford emerged from humble beginnings in a vibrant community where she cultivated her passion for numbers and financial literacy. Born on January 28, 1904, she exhibited a remarkable aptitude for mathematics from an early age, earning accolades in school and laying the groundwork for her future career. After graduating summa cum laude from Howard University in 1923, in a historic achievement, Theodora became the first Black student to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Accounting from Columbia University.

Theodora embarked on her journey in the finance industry, initially facing challenges due to systemic barriers. However, armed with resilience and determination, she forged ahead, leveraging every opportunity to excel and challenge the status quo, eventually becoming the first Black woman CPA in West Virginia in 1959.

Today, she stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that with perseverance and passion, one can break barriers and make a lasting impact in any field. In speaking to an interviewer for The Charleston Daily Mail, she said “I have been very gratified to see more women going into accounting school in recent years. Most older people have encouraged young Black women to go into teaching, but I certainly would encourage them to go into accounting if they are capable.”

Further Resources: 

https://afamstudies.columbia.edu/news/celebrating-black-history-theodora-rutherford https://www.nsbcpa.org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year=2023&month=02&day=20&id=27:theodora-f-rutherford-cpa

Mary T. Washington

Mary T. Washington, an exceptional Black businesswoman and entrepreneur, broke through barricades in the field of accounting. Born in 1906, she confronted profound challenges stemming from racial discrimination and gender bias throughout her life. Despite these obstacles, she graduated from Northwestern’s College of Business in 1941, as the sole woman in her class. Washington pursued her passion for accounting and achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first Black woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States in 1943.

Unable to find work in other firms, she decided to start her own. She solidified her place as a pioneer in the profession by providing her services mainly to small Black-owned businesses and nonprofits and providing career opportunities to other Black CPAs.

Her dedication not only provided exemplary accounting services to her clients but also inspired future generations of Black accountants. Mary’s enduring legacy serves as a beacon of empowerment, illustrating the significance of determination in overcoming adversity.

Further Resources:

https://www.icpas.org/BlackCPAcentennial/stories/mary-t-washington-wylie-cpa https://www.nacubo.org/About/Black%20History%20Month/Mary%20T%20Washington%20Wylie

Larzette Hale-Wilson

Larzette Hale-Wilson, was a pioneer in both accounting and activism. In 1955, she earned her PhD in accounting from the University of Wisconsin as the first Black woman CPA to do so. Her groundbreaking achievement exemplifies her commitment to advancing representation and dismantling systemic barriers within the profession. Leveraging her accounting expertise, she addressed economic disparities within underserved communities, providing financial literacy education and advocating for economic empowerment.

Hale-Wilson’s work extended beyond finance as she became deeply involved in educational reform, advocating for equitable access to quality education for all students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Her innovative teaching methods and tireless advocacy earned her recognition and respect within both the accounting and educational communities.

Her legacy continues to inspire accountants, educators, and activists alike, serving as a beacon of representation and progress in creating a more just and equitable society. In conversation with an interviewer, Hale-Wilson said “When I look back, I think I was lucky to have found such persevering and caring mentors. I worked hard, and over the years I have received several awards for my teaching and leadership. It felt good to get the awards; knowing I have helped make a difference, though, felt even better. I would advise all young people thinking about public accounting as a career—especially African Americans: Work hard. Accounting is an excellent field to be in. If you are serious about it, you can go far.” 

Further Resources: 

https://www.usu.edu/today/story/women-of-usu-then-and-now-business-larzette-hale-and-isela-phelps 

https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2009/aug/20091763.html