#372 Flexibility Is the Real Benefit: A Working-Mom CPA’s Honest Take
At CPA MOMS, we know that success means more than just professional titles or a packed calendar. True fulfillment comes when your work and your life complement each other. That’s exactly what Amie Clark, CPA, shared in this week’s podcast episode. Her inspiring path to becoming a controller while staying grounded as a mom is one many of us can relate to.
From Family Business to Financial Leadership
Amie's career started in an unexpected but very real way. While working in her family’s cabinet business, she was placed in the accounts payable department. That experience sparked her interest in accounting. Over time, she pursued her associate’s, then her bachelor’s, and eventually her master’s degree with a CPA focus. It wasn’t a straight path, but it was authentic and built on hands-on experience.
Eventually, Amie moved from public accounting into corporate because she wanted to connect more deeply with one company. She wanted to go beyond spreadsheets and reports to make meaningful improvements to internal systems. That clarity shaped her career going forward.
Stepping Up with Confidence
One of the most powerful moments Amie shared was how she joined her current company. She showed up early one morning with a resume in hand, while pregnant, and asked for a job. She was offered the opportunity to bring payroll in-house for a team of 150 employees. Her daughter was born early in December, and by January 1st, she had launched the company’s first internal payroll system.
This story wasn’t just about initiative. It was about believing in her ability to handle complexity, even when life was unpredictable. It also highlighted how essential supportive leadership is, especially for working moms who need flexibility and trust.
Redefining Boundaries at Work and Home
Amie's role as a controller gives her a high-level view of the company’s operations. Her favorite part of the job is improving processes and training others. She teaches her team to ask not just what needs to be done, but why it matters. That kind of thinking helps people become better problem solvers and more valuable contributors.
At home, Amie applies the same mindset. She sets clear boundaries for herself and her family. They limit extracurriculars to one sport per season, delegate age-appropriate chores, and keep routines simple but effective. She has also learned to let go of the need for perfection. When life feels chaotic, she chooses to pause, rest, or spend time with her kids, even if the laundry still needs folding.
Final Thoughts
Amie Clark’s journey is full of wisdom and encouragement for working moms in accounting. Whether it’s taking a leap of faith in your career or building a system that works at home, her story reminds us that progress matters more than perfection. With the right support and a clear understanding of your priorities, you really can grow in both your career and motherhood.
Looking for the support and community to help you do both? Start here: https://cpamoms.com/start
Amie Clark is a CPA with over 13 years of accounting experience and a proven track record of leadership across public accounting, corporate finance, payroll administration, and tax. She currently serves as the Accounting Controller for Kentucky Gun Company, where she oversees financial reporting, process development, internal controls, inventory analysis, budgeting, team management, and company-wide systems improvement.
Throughout her career, Amie has managed large teams, led multiple payroll and software conversions, handled multi-state tax compliance, supported nonprofit formation, and built efficient, scalable processes for growing companies. Known for her analytical mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to train and mentor others, she brings a practical, grounded approach to leadership.
Beyond her professional expertise, Amie is a dedicated mom who understands the realities of balancing a demanding career with family life—making her voice both relatable and deeply valuable to women navigating similar journeys.
