Manager Spotlight: Get to Know Danielle Lutz

Join us in celebrating Danielle Lutz, CPA, on her recent promotion to consulting manager. Let’s learn about Danielle and her perspective on her career, pursuing her passions, and what it takes to be successful.

What are your roles in the firm?

As a member of the Consulting Service Line, I work mainly on financial statement reporting and compilations and reviews for the manufacturing, construction, and agribusiness industries. I also help businesses and individuals with tax planning and preparation. I enjoy completing technical accounting research projects, as well.

Describe your career path.

I joined Yeo & Yeo in October 2022 after moving back to Michigan. Previously, I worked for PwC and WeWork, gaining experience in many aspects of the accounting and financial statement process. Now, I work with many different organizations across a wide range of industries. I’ve learned a lot at Yeo & Yeo in the past year, and I continue to learn every day. As a manager, I look forward to gaining more industry-specific expertise to better serve my clients, becoming more active in the community, and helping my colleagues grow in their careers.

What do you enjoy most about your career?

My time at Yeo & Yeo has allowed me more freedom to explore different industries, topics, and service lines. It’s helped me see the bigger picture of how businesses operate, how to improve, and how to add value. I enjoy advising and helping companies or individuals with problem-solving, process improvement, cost-saving, and more. I take great pride in seeing the value we bring to our clients.

How do you balance your career, personal life, and passions?

I believe that taking care of yourself both mentally and physically correlates to productivity, which is why I prioritize being healthy and happy. In the accounting profession, it can be easy to work long hours and fall into a pattern of ignoring your personal needs. I try to take personal time, even if it is just a few minutes, to pause and do things that I enjoy, including daily exercise. Knowing that all my hard work will pay off keeps me motivated in all aspects of my career and personal life, too.

What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?

Being successful involves having a good work ethic and a willingness to learn. In the accounting profession, having emotional intelligence is also very important. When you can read social cues, understand underlying emotions, and connect with others, it makes a big difference. Whether communicating with clients, coworkers, or people you have never met before, emotional intelligence is a great skill to understand their point of view, empathize, and react accordingly.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of accounting?

I have a passion for an active lifestyle, which includes running, Pilates, spinning, tennis, and golf! Growing up by Lake Huron has instilled a lifelong love for boating, and I find I am happiest and at peace by the water. I like to travel, especially to reconnect with my friends who live in other states and to experience other cultures. As an avid enthusiast of live music and concerts, I make a point to attend at least one music festival annually. My creativity shines in my interest in fashion. And above all, my heart belongs to all dogs, with a special place for my cherished 13-year-old golden retriever.

What are some of the ways you like to continually learn and grow?

• Observing & listening. You can learn a lot from others’ successes and mistakes that you can apply to your own career.
• Asking educated questions. You’ll never learn if you don’t ask questions. When I have a question, I look for an answer on my own first, which helps me learn along the way. Then, I go to others to get their perspectives and input.

Everyone has a unique background and perspective, so by listening, observing, and asking questions, I broaden my perspective and knowledge.