Susan Jackson is the office managing partner of KPMG LLP in Hartford, a Big 4 public accounting firm. She has been an audit partner for over 25 years and serves insurance clients, both public and private.
She was the first woman to hold the managing partner role in Hartford and the first to lead two separate Fortune 100 public company audits (both Hartford insurers). She also serves several leadership roles at KPMG, including as an SEC review partner, human resources leader and community service champion.
Her job involves not only technical accounting, client service and people leadership, but also ensuring that KPMG locally serves the community and makes a difference. Jackson is also proud of her role as a working mom — her daughter Sadie is a law school student and could follow in her mom’s footsteps in business leadership.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far?
I am so proud of my career, having served some of KPMG’s largest public companies as lead partner. Very few partners ever get to experience that.
As a young professional, I was often the only woman in the room. To make partner meant having grit, determination and self-confidence. Being named the first woman managing partner was another highlight of my career — allowing me to bring my passion for people and community into my already amazing professional life. I am truly blessed.
What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
I would truly enjoy being a corporate director on a public board, bringing my 30 years of experience in the public company arena to a different leadership level. When I retire, I also aspire to bring my business acumen to a more creative skill, such as event planning!
What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
Learning to lead during COVID when our teams could not be together was challenging. I am proud of the ways we found to still be productive, motivational and efficient!
I firmly believe that our work lives can bring such contentment and good spirit, and I truly missed being surrounded by my team and clients.
How are you involved in the community?
I have been involved with Junior Achievement for over 20 years. I currently serve as board chair and leader of the steering committee for our capital campaign, raising funds for a brick-and-mortar learning center in downtown Hartford. I also serve on the boards of the CBIA and CT IFS, and am involved in academic and religious endeavors as well.
What legacy do you want to leave after your career is over?
My legacy is ensuring that the people who I have led and taught have careers that flourish in ways that even I cannot imagine today. I hope those I have mentored will be leaders in our profession and firm, as well as empathetic, kind and patient people who bring joy to the job and the community around them.