For Gila Bronner, the term "capital asset" holds a double meaning. Aside from the usual financial terminology, capital asset could also very well imply the private-sector sensibility she brings to state and local government.

"Government is looking for problem solvers. At The Bronner Group, we help federal agencies and state and local government run more efficiently and produce results," she explains.

Often this means identifying how government can do more with less. While not an easy task, Bronner’s combination of accounting acumen, business savvy and entrepreneurial spirit enables her to make the most of shrinking resources. Business process re-engineering, operations management, internal controls, elimination of fraud, strategic planning, maximizing products and services—all these ingredients go into the successful formula, while serving the public interest remains uppermost.

What sets Bronner’s firm apart from the myriad consulting firms claiming similar capabilities? When Bronner knocks on the door at City Hall, she finds it’s the CPA designation that often provides an entree.

"Being a CPA gives us that added level of integrity and objectivity that traditional consulting firms don’t have," Bronner says. "Our designation establishes a level of competence that I believe sets us apart from our competition."

When Bronner left one of the national accounting firms 10 years ago to start The Bronner Group, she had no idea she was creating a business model for the new millennium. What she did foresee was an opportunity for talented women possessing the CPA designation to contribute to the public sector while holding another important designation—Mom. Bronner recognized the wave of the future.

"Many individuals, and CPAs in particular, find that it is a credential and a skill that they would like to continue to use as they progress in their lives, but perhaps not working at it full time. Companies such as The Bronner Group afford that opportunity, particularly to female CPAs," Bronner explains.

In addition to retaining talented women, Bronner stresses the importance of reaching out to the next generation of accounting professionals. "I think one of the greatest challenges facing our profession right now is making sure we continue to attract the best and the brightest," Bronner explains. "We need to be able to translate our vision successfully to the academic curriculum at universities. We must reach out into the high schools to ensure that those students recognize the accounting profession, and being a CPA, as something that they want to pursue because it is valuable and meaningful."

Certainly combining private-sector thinking and public service is a worthwhile endeavor. And, inspiring youth to embrace its importance is truly a capital idea.