In the world of number crunching and accounting, Tyrone E. Dickerson stands out. And he’s working to create a more equitable place for others like him.

The Pennsylvania native and Richmond area certified public accountant is the latest recipient of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Ruth Coles Harris Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Award.

Mr. Dickerson was recognized for bringing new voices and perspectives to the profession through his work as chairman of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s diversity committee, as well as mentoring young CPAs in the field.

The news, delivered via phone call from the VSCPA, was unexpected but exciting for Mr. Dickerson, who said he is “humbled and appreciative” of the recognition.

Mr. Dickerson’s career in public accounting began the summer after his high school graduation in 1961 when he met Donald Redcross, one of only six African-American CPAs in Philadelphia and one of the first in that state. The insights Mr. Redcross provided about the profession convinced Mr. Dickerson to change his college major from physical education to accounting.

This new career path wasn’t easy, however, Mr. Dickerson explained. CPAs at the time needed two years of experience before getting a license. This made entry into the profession especially difficult, according to Mr. Dickerson, as the major accounting firms weren’t hiring young Black students, depriving them of necessary experience to succeed in the field.

Nevertheless, Mr. Dickerson managed to earn his license in 1974 and soon established a management consulting firm with two colleagues. He has taken on a number of roles in the years since, from aiding organizations with their applications for IRS tax exempt status and completing audits for young organizations, to serving on the Virginia Board of Accountancy for eight years, including four years as chairman.

Despite the decades that have passed since joining the field, Mr. Dickerson says the requirements to become a CPA in the state have changed only slightly. Aspirants must have a college degree that includes 24 credit hours in accounting in order to sit for the CPA exam in Virginia. In order to be licensed as a CPA in the state, a person would have to pass the exam, have 150 hours of education and have at least one year, or 2,080 work hours, of experience.

Combined with the debt typically accumulated during college, Mr. Dickerson is not surprised that many graduates don’t opt to become CPAs. In his view, that is, in part, why there is still a lack of diversity in the field.

“You really have to put the pedal to the metal if you want to become a CPA,” Mr. Dickerson says.

The lack of diversity in the field means a lack of perspectives, voices and knowledge within teams and companies that may be required to work with a wide variety of individuals, cultures and situations. As such, Mr. Dickerson’s work is especially vital, helping new- comers get their footing and pushing firms to broaden their searches for up-and-coming graduates and professionals to better ensure a representa- tive field for those who rely on them.

“I think I’ve been a good ambassador to the profession, not only here in Richmond, but also in Virginia” Mr. Dickerson says.

Meet an advocate of diversity and inclusion in the accounting world and this week’s Personality, Tyrone E. Dickerson:

Occupation: Certified public accountant.

Latest accomplishment: Recipient of the Ruth Coles Harris Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Award presented by the Virginia Society of CPAs.

Date and place of birth: Dec. 18 in Abington, Penn.

Where I live now: Richmond.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Central State University; MBA in finance, Harvard Business School.

Family: College sweetheart and wife, Denise P. Dickerson; chil- dren, Juliet M. Yeates-Trotman and Kimberly E. Dickerson; and grandchildren, Brooke and Nicholas Yeates-Trotman and Cameron Dickerson.

Reaction to receiving Ruth Coles Harris Award: Very excited. I had no idea I would

receive the award. I am humbled and apprecia- tive.

How I got the news: Telephone call from Virginia Society of CPAs.

Who is Ruth Coles Harris: Dr. Harris was the first African- American woman to pass the CPA exam in Virginia. Dr. Harris had an illustrious career as a professor at Virginia Union University.

When award was established: 2019.

VSCPA’s criteria for award: The award recog- nizes a VSCPA member who champions diversity and inclusion in the field of accounting by doing one or more of the following: Plans and implements organizational initiatives to help insure a diverse and inclusive workplace; champions policies and programs aimed at improving diversity in the profession; and serves as a role model for current and future CPAs through mentoring, coaching or other types of volunteering work in the community.

Why I was chosen: I was chosen because of my work advancing diversity in the National Association of State Boards ofAccountancy as chair- man of the diversity committee as well as my work mentoring young CPAs.

Why I became a certified public accountant, or CPA: I met an African-American CPA in my hometown of Philadelphia during the summer after graduation from high school. There were only six Black CPAs in the city. He provided some great insights about the accounting profession and what CPAs did. He convinced me to change my major from physical education to accounting.

Obstacles surmounted in becoming a CPA: Early in my career, CPAs had to have two years of experience before getting a license. It was difficult because the “Big 8” accounting firms were not hiring young Black students so we could get the needed experience.

How many Black CPAs in Richmond: Too few.

How many Black CPAs in the United States: Truly an estimate — 7,500 out of 650,000.

How my role as a CPA helps our community: I have been called upon many times to help organizations apply for their tax exempt status with the IRS free of charge. I also have helped young organizations that needed an audit so they can apply for grants.

Skills needed to be a good CPA: Be a good listener and a problem solver.

Lessons I share with CPAs starting in the field: The major lesson I share is to get involved with as many community organizations as time permits. It exposes you to a variety of individuals where people are assessing your skills.

How I start the day: I take each day as it comes, but I have a plan for things that need to get done.

Words that best describe me: Calm, pressure-free.

Best late-night snack: Butter pecan and black walnut ice cream.

How I unwind: Playing golf. That is my passion.

What I have learned about myself during the pandemic: I have learned to slow down and work smarter and not harder.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Skiing. I learned to ski in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. When I moved to Boston, we would often head to the slopes of New Hampshire for a fun weekend.

Quote that I am most inspired by: “The measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

At the top of my “to-do” list: Going on an African safari.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Get an education because once you have the knowledge, you can never lose it.

Person who influenced me the most: Herbert Willis, my accounting professor at Central State University. He pushed and pushed to help me achieve my goal to become a CPA.

Book that influenced me the most: “A Promised Land” by former President Barack Obama.

What I’m reading now: “Rise Up: Confronting a Country at the Crossroads” by the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Next goal: Retire within the next three years, play golf three times a week, travel with Denise and enjoy watching my grandkids grow up.