Caitlin Smith, CPA was one of only 36 professionals honored by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) as a member of the Leadership Academy’s 17th graduating class. Caitlin was selected based on her exceptional leadership skills and professional experience for the four-day Leadership Academy program, which will be held December 8th – 11th.
Caitlin Smith is a Partner at SKC & Co. CPAs and works closely with small business owners to help them gain clarity, control, and confidence in their financial decision-making. She supports clients in areas ranging from tax planning and operational structure to long-term growth and profitability. With a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of what entrepreneurs face daily, Caitlin empowers business owners to stay focused, organized, and forward-moving, even in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. She genuinely cares about her clients - not just as business owners, but as individuals - and remains deeply engaged in supporting both their professional goals and personal milestones.
Caitlin has developed a strong industry specialization in healthcare, dental, and veterinary practices, where she advises physicians, dentists, and veterinarians on building solid financial foundations and scaling their businesses sustainably. She is known for her practical insights, consistent communication, and dedication to delivering results that support both business success and personal peace of mind.
In addition to client work, Caitlin plays a key leadership role within the firm. She chairs SKC’s Future Council, which drives internal innovation, process improvement, and the development of emerging leaders. She also serves as an active member of the SKC Foundation, where she contributes to the firm’s philanthropic impact in the local community.
In 2022, Caitlin was honored as a “Woman to Watch” by the New Jersey Society of CPAs - a reflection of her strong leadership, commitment to mentorship, and passion for helping others succeed. She has a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Accounting and Math from Centenary University, where she also graduated as valedictorian of her class.
The AICPA Leadership Academy was designed to strengthen and expand the leadership skills of promising emerging professionals while they network with a peer group of talented and motivated CPAs.
The Leadership Academy features career-development workshops and sessions with some of the accounting profession’s most prominent influencers. Participants were selected from public accounting firms of all sizes, corporate finance, government, non-profit, academia, and consulting.
The 2025 Leadership Academy attendees were recommended by their employers, state CPA societies, and/or volunteer organizations. Candidates submitted resumes and a statement explaining how participating in the Leadership Academy would impact them personally and professionally.
To date, more than 510 CPAs have participated in the AICPA Leadership Academy, many of whom have gone on to take on leadership positions in their firms, businesses, and organizations.
Click here to learn more about the AICPA Leadership Academy.
About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.