In this edition, we are delighted to spotlight Kimberly Jessup Ripberger – a CPA, Assurance Partner, and Chief People Officer at Bernard Robinson & Co., as well as President of the DFK USA Board. With a career marked by resilience, leadership and a passion for people, Kimberly’s journey reflects the power of persistence and purpose. From a non-traditional route into the profession to holding multiple senior roles within her firm and across DFK International, Kimberly continues to champion the next generation of leaders, especially women in accountancy.
What made you want to get involved in the accountancy field?
My mom taught high school business education classes (shorthand, typing, accounting) and my dad was a CFO. So, you can say accounting is in my DNA. Their passion for the field and the impact they had on their students and colleagues inspired me to pursue a career in accountancy.
What are your long-term goals within the profession?
I am at the further end of this spectrum – the winding down part and that’s hard for me to believe. However, that does not mean that I am slowing down anytime soon. I aim to continue contributing to the profession by mentoring young accountants and staying involved in industry developments. At BRC, I serve as an Assurance Partner, Chief People Officer, Partner-in-charge of our Raleigh NC office, participate in Executive Committee meetings, and was elected to serve on BRC’s Board of Partners. These are all leadership roles that I take very seriously. I am proud to be a leader at BRC.
Can you talk about your journey to partner?
My path to partner was a non-traditional path. I previously worked in Accounts Receivable and Project Management at HP in their Atlanta, GA location. Then when my husband’s job relocated us to my hometown in Greensboro, NC, I decided to stay at home with our sons. I then returned to graduate school in my early 30’s and started at BRC as a Staff Accountant when I was 35 after completing my master’s degree in accounting in 2003. BRC provided me and continues to provide me with the flexibility needed to serve our clients and enjoy time with my family and friends. I did not miss any of my sons’ academic or athletic activities while they were growing up. The support from BRC’s Partners and flexibility offered at the Firm were instrumental in my career progression. In June 2017, I was admitted to the Partnership and relocated to my husband’s hometown in Cary NC to work in our Raleigh office location.
Can you talk about your involvement with DFK International?
My first DFK event was attending the Manager level training with the DFK USA National Group. I became more involved at the Partner Level in the Champions Group and then was elected to serve on DFK USA’s Executive Committee. DFK has been a great referral source for international tax compliance and planning and various assurance engagements. Participating in the numerous committees allow BRC Leaders to learn about the best practices, recommendation and innovations that are prevalent in the profession. The committees serve as a collaborative platform across the member firms, fostering a sense of community and shared goals.
What was your experience attending DFK conferences?
DFK has a welcoming feel to new attendees. As a continuous learner, I take notes on the profession and industry trends, best practices, metrics and software innovations.
Would you recommend that other young partners/members of the firms be invited?
Yes, the conferences serve as another networking and professional development opportunity to further develop both your own personal brand and your firm’s brand. The conferences provide a platform for exchanging ideas, learning from peers, and staying updated on the latest developments in the industry.
How do you think we can support the next generation of female leadership within the profession and DFK International?
To continue to move the needle so that being a female leader in the profession and at DFK International is seen as a routine occurrence, not an atypical one. We need to continue focusing on mentorship programs, providing equal opportunities for leadership roles, and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages women to pursue and excel in their careers. By highlighting successful female leaders and their contributions, we can inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps.