Leading with intention: Stephanie Kiewiet’s journey to CPA partner 

UW Bothell alumna Stephanie Kiewiet built her path to CPA partner through preparation and mentorship.

When Stephanie Kiewiet, Business Administration ’16, made partner at Hutchinson & Walter, CPAs last year, it marked a milestone many accountants work toward for years. 

It also reflected something deeper for Kiewiet: the decision to pursue stability, education and long-term growth. 

Before accounting, she trained horses full time in Woodinville. The work was demanding and all-consuming. Eventually, she realized she wanted a career that offered greater financial sustainability and opportunity. 

But accounting was not entirely new territory. 

Three polaroid-style photo frames featuring historic photos of Stephanie riding horses, an activity referenced in the corresponding article. The top image shows Steph riding a white horse that is jumping over a box, wow. The second photo shows Steph riding a brown horse out of a water obstacle. The third photo shows Steph riding a brown horse that is walking.

A practical foundation to start

Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kiewiet helped with bookkeeping for her parents’ small promotional products business. That early exposure stayed with her, and when she began reconsidering her path, it felt like a practical skill she could pursue further. 

“I needed something reliable,” she said. “Accounting felt concrete.” 

Kiewiet began at Cascadia College after she chose it with a clear goal in mind: To transfer to the UW Bothell School of Business and get a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. 

Making it work financially required determination. State grants covered most of her tuition, but she also took federal loans to help with living expenses, drove for Lyft, worked part-time and continued freelance bookkeeping. 

“It was a lot,” she said, “but it was worth it.” 

A hands-on, personal education 

At UW Bothell, Kiewiet found even greater clarity about her professional direction. 

She was able to meet with accounting firms of all sizes by attending recruiting events and through Beta Alpha Psi, the UW Bothell chapter of the international honor society for financial information students and professionals. These experiences helped her understand she wanted to work in a small or midsize firm, where accountants gain broad exposure early in their careers. 

“That early exposure set me up for where I am now,” she said. 

In the classroom, Kiewiet said she also encountered faculty who were deeply invested in student success. She remembered professors who emphasized ethics, shared practical applications and advocated for students during recruiting cycles. 

“You could feel that they really cared about students.” 

From coursework to the CPA exam 

Photo showing Stephanie receiving her diploma at the UW Bothell graduation in 2016.

The academic foundation proved critical when she sat for the CPA exam. She saw a direct connection between her coursework and the exam content. 

“You have to go into that exam with a strong base,” she said. “I felt prepared.” 

Beyond accounting theory, Kiewiet also credits her broader business education with shaping her leadership approach. Courses in finance, writing and critical thinking continue to inform how she manages internal operations and mentors her staff. 

The difference a UW Bothell education makes shows up in hiring decisions as well. As a partner involved in both mentoring and recruitment, Kiewiet said she consistently sees graduates from UW Bothell as stand-out applicants. 

“The practical knowledge is different,” she said. “And the work ethic is different. They come in ready.” 

Changes along the career ladder 

Kiewiet joined Hutchinson & Walter, CPAs, in 2018 and steadily took on more responsibility under the mentorship of Managing Partner Nika Toce. 

When she saw opportunities to improve systems or processes, for example, she stepped forward. “People who bring solutions rather than complaints stand out,” she said. 

Then, when the opportunity to pursue partnership arose, she felt both excitement and hesitation. The new responsibilities would be significant, but she chose to move forward. 

“It made more sense to grow than to stay still,” she said. “Becoming a business owner felt aligned with who I am.” 

Now, as a partner, she focuses not only on serving clients but also on building a supportive workplace. Public accounting has a reputation for burnout, so Kiewiet and her colleagues are actively working to create a culture that emphasizes mentorship, continuing education and accessibility. 

“I probably would have moved on if I hadn’t had that support,” she said of her own career. “Having someone you can walk into an office and ask for help from makes a huge difference.” 

Advice for future accountants 

For students considering accounting, Kiewiet offered some simple, practical guidance: 

  • Meet as many firms as possible — and look for both personal and professional alignment. “Find a place where your values fit,” she said. “That’s where you’re going to grow.”
  • Consider small and midsize firms, where early exposure to varied work can accelerate development.
  • Know that public accounting can be a sustainable and satisfying career. “You can have a life outside of work. Take care of yourself. Keep learning. Research when you don’t know the answer.”

Kiewiet is proud of her journey from horse trainer to CPA partner — and still looking forward. “It feels good, but I also see how much more there is to learn.” 

That mindset continues to guide her work, she said, and reflects the skills-focused, student-centered education she found at UW Bothell.