From Courtrooms to Accounting: Rachel Bashore’s Journey of Change and Innovation

“What you think are imperfections in your path may inspire others.”

The accounting industry is in the midst of rapid transformation. The traditional image of accountants crunching numbers in isolation is evolving, and at the forefront of this change are nontraditional professionals bringing fresh perspectives. In the latest episode of the Accounting ARC podcast, Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA, interviews Rachel Bashore, an attorney and the director of operations at Herbein, to discuss how her nontraditional background is helping transform accounting operations.

From Law to Accounting
Bashore’s journey into accounting wasn’t straightforward. With a background in IT, law, banking, and fintech, she found herself drawn to industries undergoing change. Her introduction to the accounting profession came when she joined Herbein, a rapidly growing accounting and advisory firm. As Bashore explains, “Accounting is ripe for disruption, and that’s what excites me.”

Her story demonstrates how diverse experiences—from managing troubled projects at IBM to handling legal conflicts as a trial lawyer—can contribute to solving accounting’s most complex challenges.

Leveraging Nontraditional Expertise
Bashore’s role at Herbein is all about operational efficiency, growth, and scalability. As the firm expands, her focus on breaking down silos and ensuring consistency is helping the company innovate and adapt to industry changes. Her ability to take insights from industries such as fintech and law has been invaluable. “In a world where accounting is shifting from transactional to advisory services, we need fresh approaches,” she shares.

Navigating Internal and External Challenges
While traditionally client-facing, Bashore now finds herself in an internal role, leading the firm’s operations. “I think of the people internally as my clients,” she says. Her goal is to empower her team to grow and excel, mirroring the same advisory approach accountants provide to their clients.

Embracing the Nontraditional Path
Bashore encourages others to embrace nontraditional career paths. Her advice to students or professionals looking to transition into accounting? “Own your path. It’s rare that people stick to one thing for decades. What’s more important is understanding what you’re good at and where your strengths lie.”

The full episode provides further insights into how nontraditional skills can help accounting firms thrive in a world of change and disruption. Watch the podcast today and discover how accounting is being reshaped by professionals from various industries.

Check out the latest episode of the Accounting ARC Podcast on the Center’s YouTube channel. 

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