Liz Barentzen, JD, ACC

Vice President, Operations and Talent Initiatives – Center for Audit Quality (CAQ)

You’ve spent much of your career focused on people and workplace culture. What excites you most about your current role at the CAQ?

I get to wake up every day and work on projects that are reshaping the future of the profession. At the CAQ, I oversee day-to-day operations and lead our talent initiatives—like the Accounting+ campaign—designed to attract and retain purpose-driven talent into accounting. I’m especially proud of how we are showing students that accounting is more than just a stable career; it’s also a pathway to financial mobility and empowerment. The profession offers opportunities that can align with students’ personal interests and values while providing the economic foundation to build the life they envision. Through our work, we’re highlighting how accounting careers can transform lives—not only professionally, but also financially—creating generational impact for students from all backgrounds.

What was the spark that led you to this work?

Early in my career as a lawyer, I felt a lot of pressure to conform in traditional environments. I didn’t always feel like I could show up fully as myself. I’ve seen these same cultural challenges in both the legal and accounting professions—industries with deeply established norms and expectations. Now, I’ve had the chance to work in cultures that truly value individuality, and that’s shaped my passion for workplaces that work for you! The parallels between my experience in law and what I see in accounting have fueled my commitment to cultural transformation. I want others—especially students entering the workforce—to experience work environments where they can thrive authentically. At the CAQ, I get to help firms across the country create cultures that feel more open, authentic and inclusive, breaking down the barriers I encountered earlier in my own professional journey.

How do you make accounting feel relevant to students today?

We meet students where they are, literally and figuratively. Through our partnership with EVERFI, Accounting+ brings classroom experiences to life with activities that connect students’ passions—like music, fashion or sports—to real-world accounting careers. This spring, I had the joy of joining our INCPAS partners at Franklin Central High School, where students explored accounting through interactive panels and walked away with a new understanding (and sometimes surprise!) at how many paths the profession can offer. One student even earned a $5,000 scholarship on the spot!

What’s been a highlight for you recently?

The CAQ recently hosted a Talent Salon dinner in New York City focused on navigating the future of accounting and auditing talent, from education to retention. We shared the latest research on how schools can play a more dynamic role in recruiting students to the profession, and it was one of the most energizing conversations I’ve been part of this year. I was thrilled to invite Courtney Kincaid from INCPAS and Dr. Troy Janes from Purdue University to join us. Celebrating the bold steps Purdue is taking to reimagine accounting education felt like a full-circle moment. I was first inspired by Purdue students at last year’s INCPAS Vision 2027 event, and it was incredibly meaningful to spotlight their momentum on a national stage.

Liz with ALPFA President & CEO Damian Rivera, NABA Inc. President & CEO Guylaine Saint Juste, and INCPAS President & CEO Courtney Kincaid, CAE, at the INCPAS Vision 2027 event.	Spending time with her two sons and dog.

Your son just started college—what’s that like?

Bittersweet! He’s now a freshman at the University of Oregon, majoring in biology—3,000 miles from our home in D.C. But he promised to take at least one accounting course (yes, I may have nudged him just to give it a try). I’m proud that the work I do with Accounting+ has even sparked curiosity at home. Maybe we’ll end up with a bio/accounting double major!

Outside of work, how do you recharge?

Family time is everything. I’m married, have two wonderful sons and one adorable dog. We love going on walks, traveling and just being together. I also find fulfillment in coaching—I’m an Associate Certified Coach and love helping people lean into their strengths.

What advice would you give to someone entering the profession now?

Be curious. Ask questions and don’t feel like you have to fit into a mold. This profession is changing, and there’s room for your voice, your ideas and your perspective. The more we show up as our authentic selves, the stronger and more resilient the accounting field will become.

Would you like to be featured as the next Member Spotlight in Connect? Contact Katie Kirkton, INCPAS Creative Director, at kkirkton@incpas.org for more information.