Interview with Jessica Rolfe

In celebration of our many women leaders who have been instrumental in Yeo & Yeo’s success, we are proud to feature one of our remarkable leaders, Jessica Rolfe, CPA.

For years, we have provided our professionals with a healthy work-life balance, supporting them in their efforts to effectively balance a growing career and fulfilling home life. Our total workforce is over 54% female, and those in leadership positions exceed 50%. We are incredibly proud of our family-friendly culture and our ability to attract and retain women.

This is Jessica’s perspective on her leadership journey, building confidence, and supporting the next generation of female leaders.

Q: Tell me about your career and your role at Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors.

I’m an assurance Principal in the firm’s Saginaw office. I lead the Nonprofit Service Group and am a member of the Audit and Education Services Groups. I love being a part of so many different groups and teams in the firm because I enjoy the technical aspects of my job, getting into the details, figuring out how things work, and helping improve efficiency. I also really enjoy training our professionals and helping them develop as they grow in their careers.

Q: When you began your career, did you ever imagine that you would have a leadership role?

I had no idea what I wanted to do in college. I enrolled in a few basic accounting classes, and one of my professors encouraged me to consider a career in accounting. That really got me thinking that I could be successful in this field and have a rewarding career. I started at Yeo as an intern while finishing school, and I would never have thought that 14 years later, I would be a Principal here, but I am grateful for the mentorship and support that made it possible.

Q: How have you built confidence over the course of your career?

When I started at Yeo, I was very introverted and quiet. I thought being an accountant meant that I could sit at a desk from 8 to 5 every day and not talk to anyone, and I thought that was what I wanted. Boy, was I wrong! As an auditor, I was in the field, traveling and talking to many different people daily. It forced me outside of my comfort zone and made me much stronger and more confident. Public accounting is not easy. Sometimes it is demanding, challenging, frustrating, and exhausting, but it’s also so rewarding to help clients. I learn something new every day, which has continued to push me in my career, and I have met so many amazing people – clients, coworkers, and friends – who have helped mold me into who I am and who I will be.

Q: How do you stay grounded and take care of yourself?

• I try to keep laughing and lighten up a tough or frustrating day with a smile. Auditing can have its challenging moments both for us and our clients, but there is no better cure amid chaos than a laugh and a little fun. 
• Self-awareness. Knowing yourself and your boundaries. It’s important to recognize when you need a break to take care of yourself. 

Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be strong. Be confident. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Don’t apologize for challenging ideas. Speak up. Be honest with people, and they will respect you.