Annually, the Los Angeles Business Journal recognizes women accountants for their outstanding leadership and contribution to defining and advancing the accounting industry. GHJ (GHJ) Partners Polina Chapiro and Donella Wilson and Principal Anita Wu were acknowledged among the 2019 top 27 “Most Influential Women in Accounting.” This achievement marks Chapiro and Wilsons third and Wu’s second year being acknowledged by the award-winning news publication.
“Year in and year out, this is a highly impressive group of women who are recognized as role models and mentors,” said GHJ’s Managing Partner Tom Barry. “Our accounting profession would not be where it is without the impact of influential women such as Donella, Polina and Anita, which is why I am so proud our leaders are being recognized again for their excellence.”
Chapiro is a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee and leader of the Firm’s International Tax Practice and previously led the Firm’s Tax Department. She is a fearless driver of people and performance excellence. Chapiro has been instrumental in the Firm’s eminence both domestically and internationally. Known as a preeminent international tax specialist, she has been able to service clients with multinational operations allowing GHJ the opportunity to work with companies and industries that have expanded along with the globalization of the economy.
Wilson leads GHJ’s Nonprofit Practice and is a strong influencer within the Firm. She is one of the most dynamic leaders in the nonprofit accounting industry. Her enthusiasm propels everyone forward and creates a team with vision, passion and heart. Committed to ending homelessness for women, Wilson is immediate past president and Board member of the Board of Directors of the Downtown Women’s Center and a member of the Southern California Grantmakers Corporate Leadership Council. She was recognized as a 2018 “Women Executive of the Year” by the Los Angeles Business Journal. In 2017, Wilson was also the recipient of a Women to Watch Award, as well as the Trailblazer Award for her charitable activities, from the California Society of CPAs.
Wu specializes in profit participation audits on behalf of talent, investors and co-producers at both the major and mini studios. Wu is a leader within the Firm’s Entertainment and Media Practice and has both served as a speaker at industry events as well as written blogs and other thought leadership on industry trends. Wu also helped create the Firm’s Women’s Empowerment Initiative, which launched prior to the #MeToo movement. This initiative is focused on helping women achieve success at the Firm by providing training to advance women into leadership positions.
GHJ supports its female employees every day. With more than half the staff comprised of females and about a third of its partners being women, GHJ prides itself on cultivating a varied employee base and providing a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences. GHJ believes this creates a diversity of thought that brings the best results for its clients.
Click here to see the full list of LABJ’s Most Influential Women in Accounting.
