Meet Bonnie L. Mackey, CPA, CSEP, MBA Partner with Levin, Silvey, Zelko & Mackey, PA in Fort Lauderdale, FL
About Bonnie Mackey:
Bonnie has been a resident of South Florida since 1965 and a practicing CPA since 1995. She graduated from the University of South Florida in 1992 with an extended Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree and earned her MBA in 2010 from Keller Graduate School of Devry Universtiy. In 2000, Bonnie received her Certified Specialist in Estate Planning (CSEP) designation from the National Institute for Excellence in Professional Education, LLC. She is a partner with Levin, Silvey, Zelko & Mackey, PA and her background includes all facets of accounting, including financial statement and tax preparation, as well as computer software and bookkeeping assistance.
What do you enjoy most about your profession and why did you choose it in the first place?
I enjoy being able to save our clients tax dollars and understanding their financial statements. I started out in this profession working for a CPA firm as a secretary/bookkeeper just out of high school. After several years at this level, I realized that by going back to school for a degree and passing the CPA exam, I could double my salary. So, I did it! However, this process took about 13 years, but I made it.
Tell us about the non-profit/charitable/community organizations your company supports?
I am President for the Gold Coast Chapter of the FICPA, Past-President of the American Woman’s Society of CPAs – S. FL Affiliate and the North Dade/South Broward Estate Planning Council, accountant of record and Treasurer for the Broward County Guardianship Association, a past board member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Broward County, member of the Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale Chambers of Commerce, member of the American and Florida Institutes of CPAs, and American Legion Auxiliary. I am also on the Trust Advisory committee and Secretary for CareSource, Inc.
Several years ago, I mentored for the Take Stock in Children and Workforce 2020 programs in Broward County.
The firm also supports Kiwanis of Hollywood and Youth Sports of Hollywood.
Why did you choose them?
FICPA – profession’s society; although supports financial literacy and education for accounting students.
AWSCPA – women’s version of FICPA for support and networking among female peers.
Chambers – to become known in the community and network.
Estate Planning Council – to be among peers of similar goals & education in estate tax planning.
Broward County Guardianship – a natural extension of estate planning and those involved with elderly.
CareSource – they picked me to be on board thru affiliation with BCGA.
How do you support them? For instance, do you volunteer, donate products and services, money? Do you serve in a leadership capacity within the organization?
I have served (and/or serving) on the boards in various positions such as secretary, treasurer, VP & President, volunteering time & services along the way, in addition to speaking at their conferences and/or meetings. I make a monthly contribution to CareSource and annual pledges to the FICPA education foundations.
How has your support impacted the organization? You/your company?
AWSCPA – during my “reign” I implemented a board training manual for each of the positions.
Estate Planning Council – applied for Attorney, Insurance, Guardianship & CPA continuing education for meetings’ speakers.
All – a “yellow book” of sorts for referrals.
What is the biggest risk you ever took professionally and/or the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
Moving back to Hollywood after 15 years in Fort Myers to become a partner with Levin, Silvey & Co. I would become the first woman partner in this firm and its predecessor.
From where do you draw inspiration? Who have been your role models, mentors, etc?
I would have to say my family for letting me have the time to be “driven.”
What one thing would you like to learn this year?
Now that I’ve completed my MBA, I would say more concentration in Estate Planning and the current changes in store for the economy with tax law changes.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
As past president of the above organizations in an advisory role and possibly on the AWSCPA national board. Besides that, seeing my granddaughter in elementary school.
What do you do for fun/relaxation/entertainment?
Traveling, boating and spending time with granddaughter.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Tune in on Fridays at 11am for tax tips & highlights on 880 am TheBiz!
Note: Bonnie received the 2006 Public Service Award from the National Organization of the AWSCPAs, a finalist for the 2006 Key Partners Award in the Accounting/Tax category, the ABWA’s 2006 Spirit of Excellence Small Business Leader of the Year, the 2005 S. Florida Business Journal’s Excellence in Accounting award in the Estate & Trust category, and in 2001 the NAWBO Vista award and Circle of Excellence award from the Women’s Council of Commerce.
Please share the social networking sites to which you belong
Twitter.com/bonniemackeycpa
Find Bonnie Online at www.lszcpa.com
