In a recent Rochester Business Journal feature, Stephanie Annunziata, CPA, Partner and Head of AGN Firm Heveron & Company CPAs, shares her perspective on leading a women-owned accounting firm. Stephanie highlights the firm’s focus on professional excellence, supporting non-profit and affordable-housing clients, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive workplace. Her insights offer valuable lessons for women in leadership and for accounting professionals seeking to balance client service with purposeful leadership.
What does it mean to you to be a women-owned business?
“Being a women-owned business means leading with heart and purpose. It’s about showing that finance and accounting can be personal, approachable and empowering — not just numbers on a page. Working with nonprofit organizations, other businesses, and individuals feels especially meaningful because we get to help people who are making a real difference in their communities or working hard to reach their own financial goals. We love being part of that journey.“
What challenges have you faced as a women-owned business?
“Running a business while managing life, family, and everything in between isn’t always easy. There are times when it feels like you’re juggling a hundred things. Another challenge has been earning recognition in a field that was historically male dominated. There are times when it seems that we need to work a little harder, but that only makes our firm stronger and more respected in the community.“
How do you support women in your business and community?
“Working with hundreds of non-profit organizations gives us the opportunity to see countless women leaders making a difference and supporting one another. Many of these non-profits focus specifically on serving underprivileged women. By helping these organizations stay financially healthy and compliant with regulations, we’re proud to play a small part in supporting the women they serve.“
What goals do you have for your business for the coming year?
“Our primary goal is to provide our services with care and compassion. We work hard to make our clients feel like true partners in the process. As our business grows, we remain committed to maintaining the close-knit, family-like culture we have built with both our team and our clients.“
What recent accomplishments are you most proud of?
“For the past three years, our firm has been recognized as one of the best small companies to work for in New York State — including two years at No. 1 and one year at No. 2. Our founding partner was recently honored as one of RBJ’s 2025 ICON award winners, and one of our women partners has been named to RBJ’s Power List for Accounting & Insurance two years in a row.“
Related AGN Thought Leadership Publications:
- The AGN Guide to Hybrid Working and ‘Flex Culture’
- Balancing Gender Diversity – A key aspect of a firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
- Unlocking Your Firm’s Power to Recruit Quality Staff
- The Great Female Resignation…? The AGN ‘Women of Impact’ Initiative
260 Plymouth Avenue South
Rochester, NY 14608
UNITED STATES
Telephone: (585) 232-2956
Email: mail@heveroncpa.com
Web: https://www.heveroncpa.com/
