BBR Consults

06/27/2025

Unconscious bias isn’t just a human flaw, it’s now inevitably embedded in the AI systems we build. The recent Workday lawsuit reveals how even well‑intentioned hiring algorithms can disproportionately screen out older, Black, or disabled applicants.

Here’s the harsh truth: AI reflects the biases of its creators. Without transparency, bias audits, and human oversight, we risk automating discrimination at scale, making injustice invisible and systemic .

For organizations using AI, the message is clear: don’t treat AI as a black box. Instead, audit for fairness, enforce human review in hiring, and hold vendors accountable. Because relying solely on AI? It’s not just risky; it’s inevitable bias in action. Thoughts?

Workday’s AI bias lawsuit is a warning to employers: biased hiring algorithms are a legal risk. This article explores how to prevent AI from reinforcing workplace bias.

04/17/2025

Join us on Monday, April 28 at 11:00 EDT for Session 1 (of 4) of the MOVE Mini-Summit to learn how Clark Nuber PS transformed its culture using CliftonStrengths. From leadership buy-in to lasting impact, you’ll walk away with real-world strategies to launch (or level up) your own strengths-based program.

It is FREE to attend, so share with your friends and colleagues, and don't miss this opportunity to turn talent into momentum. Delivered via CPA Academy.

Register here: https://beta.cpaacademy.org/s/webinar/a0DQh00000OVwBmMAL/move-minisummit-session-1-building-a-successful-strengthsbased-culture

04/17/2025

Bonnie was honored to have an incredible conversation with Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor on the latest episode of Move Like This! We dug into what DEI really means in today’s climate, how firms can evolve their culture without losing momentum, and why creating inclusive systems isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for growth and innovation.

A huge thanks to Kimberly for sharing her insight, optimism, and practical advice. You don’t want to miss this one. (Anyone can listen for free, but you need a CPA Trendlines membership to watch the video version.)

ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE FOR TAX, ACCOUNTING, AND FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS

04/15/2025

Check out this must-read article from Illinois CPA Society! This thoughtful piece by the brilliant Chris Camara shares insights from several contributors (including yours truly!), and dives into the evolving future of DEI in the accounting workplace.

Over the course of just five years, we’ve witnessed dramatic shifts in workplace attitudes on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In 2020, following widespread protests and public outcry for change related to the police killing of George Floyd, support for DEI initiatives surged to...

03/27/2025

I wrote this article for Accounting Today because I believe building inclusive workplaces isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business.

Especially in accounting, where talent is tight and innovation matters, pushing DEI aside is a mistake. Here's why it still matters (and what firms can do to keep moving forward).
https://accountingmoveproject.com/building-the-business-case-for-dei-in-accounting-firms/

03/27/2025

Hiring is hard, but keeping great people is even harder. I recently wrote an article for Accountests where I explore how firms can shift their mindset and use retention as a powerful recruiting advantage.

The accounting industry faces a major talent gap, with too many open positions and too few qualified professionals. Retention is becoming as crucial as recruitment, but some firms are pulling back from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts due to political pressures. This move risks alienat...

02/05/2025

I had such a great time talking to Jessica E. McClain on our recent episode of MOVE Like This! about the importance of "belonging" in the workplace. As the CFO of Girl Scouts, she has insights on what individuals can to do embody authenticity and what accounting firm leaders can do to create a culture where everyone feels safe and can perform their best work. Enjoy and share!

Just in time for Girl Scout cookie season, we talk to Jessica McClain, the organizations newly-appointed CFO. On this episode, Jessica and Bonnie talk about ...

12/11/2024

I had such a great time talking to Safiya Reid from PURE Insurance on this episode of MOVE Like This. We talk about how she got into the DEI space, why focusing on naysayers is not the best use of our time, and reiterate how this work is all about adding opportunities – not subtracting them. It is an interesting conversation that I hope you enjoy!

Podcast Episode · MOVE Like This! · 12/04/2024 · 34m

11/04/2024

I'm going to be delivering the results of the Accounting MOVE Project research this year via CPAacademy.org on Tuesday, November 12 at 10:00 AM EST. It is free to attend, and we will be covering how PE is changing career paths, the state of DEI in accounting, and our 2025 research on Money, Opportunity, Vital Supports and Entrepreneurship for women in firms. I'd love to see you there and for you to share this with your friends and colleagues too!

https://www.cpaacademy.org/webinars/a0DQh00000MqfnCMAR

10/31/2024

A few weeks ago, I had a fantastic conversation with Sandra Wiley of Boomer Consulting, Inc. on the MOVE Like This podcast. We talk about how DEI is a "human issue" even though many try to politicize it, particularly during these few weeks prior to a presidential election. We share personal stories and how each of us learned that listening to others is vital to improving the human condition for all of us. Listen and share!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/move-like-this/id1677414189?i=1000669894514

09/04/2024

Hello everyone. My company, Accounting MOVE Project, has set a lofty goal of raising $10,000 for the Alzheimer's Foundation. You can learn more about why I'm doing this by visiting the link below. I'd love to have you join my team at the Atlanta Walk to End Alzheimer's on Nov 2. You can also easily start your own team from my page and donate to this great cause. Please share this with friends, family and colleagues too. Let's do this!

Support Accounting MOVE Project in the fight to end Alzheimer's. Donate today to help them reach their goal.

08/06/2024

I love seeing my clients get recognized for the great work they are doing. In this case, Account Sense PLLC turned tax season on its head and now spreads out tax planning and preparation over the year rather than working their people to near death in the spring. We put together a communication plan around this last fall, and it has gone incredibly well. Hats off to Jennifer Stanley Mitchell for facing a challenge and creating a unique way to deal with it while still taking great care of clients and employees.

After my last column about spreading out the tax season, several readers contacted me to share their experiences about making busy season more sane.