Member Spotlight: Jontaya Ward

What is your educational background?
My educational background has been extremely unconventional. I began at Mt. Hood Community College, where I obtained my associate's degree and an accounting assistant certificate. I then graduated from Portland State University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. I am currently enrolled in the Master of Taxation program and plan to graduate in 2025. After graduation, I will begin studying for the CPA Exam.

What inspired you to pursue the accounting profession?
Public accounting has been a perfect match for my skills and preferences. Growing up, finances were tight, and that's where my passion for accounting began. I’ve always excelled with numbers, and from a young age, my mother had me paying bills and budgeting—a life lesson I am still proud of today.

When I was choosing my major at MHCC, I came across Mary T. Washington Wylie, the first Black woman to earn a CPA license in the U.S. This was in 1943, less than 100 years ago. As I learned more about the field of accounting, I realized that it is overwhelmingly white. According to a report published by AICPA in 2019, only 2% of accountants were Black. I decided I wanted to fight the inequalities in this field as the first accountant in my family and to mentor those interested in accountancy.

What does the PCAOB scholarship mean to you?
As a first-generation college graduate, I wasn’t sure how to navigate a master’s program, especially how to pay for it. I’ve worked full-time throughout my entire academic career to help pay for my schooling and support my family. This scholarship is extremely important to me and my family.

As a Black woman who grew up in the foster care system, I have dedicated my life to helping those who not only look like me but also anyone who may need guidance. Receiving this scholarship has significantly impacted my life and my family. Not only will I be able to focus on my studies, but I will also be able to graduate from my MT program with very little debt. The stability that education provides is irreplaceable. When it comes to accounting, I not only find enjoyment but also inspiration. Thank you, PCAOB, and to the accounting faculty who gave me a chance and chose me as one of the school’s nominees.

 Read more about the 2024-25 PCAOB Scholars