How This Latina is Reaching New Heights Through Accounting and Technology

For many people, when picturing an accountant, an exciting career in STEM is not what comes to mind. Some envision a desk job bound by spreadsheets, copious note-taking, and calculators, but they would be wrong. A degree in accounting does not mean a life devoid of innovation, excitement, and creativity. Latina accountants like Bridget Uribe are proof. She is breaking the mold in the profession and redefining what being an accountant looks like through the integration of STEM.

As a tax supervisor, Uribe works with clients, partners, and staff to provide essential tax services, blending her passions for accounting and technology. This unique combination has allowed her to develop a niche expertise that sets her apart in a competitive industry. Bridget’s ability to bridge the gap between these two fields not only enhances the value she brings to her clients but also paves the way for more Latinas to see themselves in similar roles, where their diverse skill sets can shine. She is also able to incorporate her cultural values, finding a way to practice the traits her family brought her up with: humility, kindness, empathy, and compassion.

The daughter of a Peruvian immigrant family and a first-generation college student, Bridget first gained a passion for accounting in college as a student at Montclair State University. While studying accounting, she noticed the positive impact technology was having on the field as tax software became more advanced with programs like Bloomberg Tax and Thomson Reuters’ GoTax and Onesource, both of which work to simplify the tax preparation process. These early experiences sparked her interest in exploring how technology could further revolutionize accounting practices.

Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree in accounting, she pursued a master’s degree in the field, which supported her journey toward successfully completing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Her pursuit of higher education wasn’t just about earning degrees; it was about gaining the knowledge and credentials needed to make a significant impact in her field. Bridget believes that continuous learning is essential, especially in a profession that intersects with rapidly evolving technology.

In her current role as a tax supervisor at WilkinGuttenplan, Bridget works in an interactive and collaborative environment with clients and co-workers alike. Her Peruvian upbringing has proved to be a strength, both personally and professionally. Bringing those key cultural values to every aspect of her work has allowed her to build meaningful, tight-knit bonds with her clients, particularly small business owners. She’s also been able to develop great relationships with her colleagues, who share feedback with her that allows her to continually re-envision ways to integrate new technology in the workplace, addressing common pain points and making the work more efficient, remote, and team-oriented. As a collective, they’ve created  a culture of innovation, where new ideas are encouraged and technological advancements are embraced to improve processes. Uribe often credits WilkinGuttenplan’s commitment to excellence and collaboration for shaping her personal and professional growth. This, coupled with the mentorship and support from the firm stakeholders has, “created an atmosphere of continuous learning and development.” As a tax accountant, she has had the opportunity to engage with complex tax issues, honing her analytical skills, and expanding her understanding of ever-evolving tax law.  

Through advanced tax software, collaboration apps, and automation tools, her firm has been able to streamline and modernize outdated accounting processes. Programs like Outlook and Microsoft Teams have enabled her firm to be completely remote while allowing for constant communication and opportunities for team building and partnerships, rather than the siloed workflows that existed in accounting firms of the past. Bridget notes that these tools have not only improved operational efficiency but have also enhanced the quality of client interactions, making services more responsive and tailored to individual needs. Working with new technologies has also deepened her expertise, allowing her to enhance her problem-solving abilities and elevate her attention to detail.

In the future, Bridget plans to continue finding new ways to integrate innovative tax software into the field of accounting to support efficiency both for her current team and future generations of professionals in the industry. Staying up to date on advancements in technology and software programs, she’s excited about the many ways the accounting landscape will change in the future and is hopeful that aspiring accountants will learn from and capitalize on the opportunities that accompany blending the worlds of STEM and accounting. She envisions a future where technology-driven accounting practices will not only simplify complex processes but also create more inclusive opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly within the Latino community. By setting an example, Bridget aims to encourage others to follow careers that blend their cultural heritage with advanced technology, enhancing the industry with a variety of perspectives and creative solutions.

Visit Accounting+ to explore resources and real accountant testimonials to unlock your career potential in the field of accounting!