Disruptors. They are the few and the fierce. In our series, Leading between the Lines, we have the opportunity—and the pleasure—of meeting with some of South Florida’s most dynamic female business leaders: the ones disrupting their industries, approaching things in new ways, solving modern problems, and pushing the status quo into a new frontier. We want to understand their journey—what it really takes, what they’re actually up against, and how it feels each step along the way.

Meet Emily Butler, a partner and leader at CohnReznick, a leading professional services firm. She serves as Office Managing Partner of its Miami office and the Commercial Real Estate Leader for the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast region. A graduate of West Virginia University with a BSBA  in Accounting, Emily began her career with CohnReznick as an intern in 2003 and has been with the firm ever since. She started in the Bethesda, Maryland office and relocated to help launch CohnReznick’s Miami office in 2021.

With more than two decades of experience in auditing and assurance, Emily specializes in serving commercial real estate clients, including private equity firms, developers, and owners/operators across virtually all asset classes. She is passionate about delivering the dedicated, hands-on service, industry expertise, and strategic insight that CohnReznick is known for. Through her leadership, Emily helps clients navigate complex business challenges and achieve their growth objectives.

Read our full interview with Emily to discover what it takes to embrace an unexpected path, lead through change, and think differently about the future, while staying grounded in the relationships and curiosity that make it all possible.

What motivated you to get into this industry? What led to the decision?

I started in WVU’s business college and I planned to major in marketing. Then I took Accounting 101 and quickly realized I enjoyed it. As I learned more about public accounting, I was drawn to the stability of the profession since every business needs accountants. It felt like a practical choice, though I had little idea what public accounting really involved. Looking back, I never imagined my career would include such a wide mix of roles, from education and mentoring to sales and marketing.

What has been your proudest achievement and why? 

The day I made partner. It is the culmination of all your hard work and personal sacrifices.

What have been some of your failures and challenges along the way? What have you learned from them?

Balancing my three roles, audit partner, office managing partner, and CRE regional leader, is a challenge every day. Over time, I’ve learned to stay organized, plan ahead, and be intentional with my schedule so I can give each role the attention it needs. I’ve also learned the importance of leaning on my team. No one succeeds alone, and there’s no shame in asking for help when you need it. 

What has surprised you most on this journey? 

That I landed in Miami! I could not have predicted in 2003 that one day I would be asked to move to a city, where I did not know anyone, and help open an office. It’s been the most rewarding and challenging experience. 

What influences and inspires you? 

My biggest inspiration comes from local community leaders. In Miami, I’m continually impressed by how connected and engaged many people are. Watching them build relationships and make an impact has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, get more involved, and immerse myself in the business community. 

What do you see as the biggest challenge currently facing the future of your industry, and where do you see the greatest opportunities? 

The accounting profession is facing a unique challenge. We've seen a decline in accounting graduates over the past several years, while many experienced accountants are reaching retirement age. That combination has created a significant talent shortage across the industry. The encouraging news is that accounting program enrollment is starting to increase, and technology and automation are helping firms find new ways to drive value for clients. 

How are client needs evolving and how is CohnReznick uniquely addressing this?

One of the biggest challenges in our profession is keeping pace with constant changes in tax laws, accounting standards, and technology. What sets our firm apart is that, despite our size and resources, we maintain a highly hands-on approach. Our partners stay closely involved with clients, building strong relationships and providing personalized service. Clients benefit from the capabilities of a large firm without feeling like they’re just another number. 

What is the biggest mistake(s) clients make when choosing an accounting firm? And what can it cost them? 

One mistake businesses make is choosing an accounting firm based solely on fees. Switching firms is a significant decision, so it’s important to find the right fit, not just the lowest price. Another common misconception is that accounting services can be completed with the click of a button. In reality, quality work requires multiple layers of review and quality control. Taking the time to deliver accurate audits, tax returns, and back-office support helps businesses operate more effectively, leverage new opportunities, and achieve long-term success. 

I wish more clients understood that a strong accounting team is the backbone of a successful organization. Investing in the right people, processes, and infrastructure can make a significant difference in long-term growth and profitability. 

My advice is to treat your accounting and advisory team like a trusted business partner. Just as you visit a doctor for an annual checkup, it’s important to meet regularly with your audit and tax advisors. Those conversations often uncover opportunities to improve business processes, strengthen operations, and support strategic growth beyond basic compliance requirements. 

What does the future of this industry look like? 

The future of the accounting industry will be shaped by automation and technology. The way I learned the business is different from how my mentors learned it, and it will be different again for the next generation of accountants. 

As routine tasks become automated, professionals at every level will be able to work more efficiently, develop skills faster, and apply them in different ways. For example, instead of manually footing a bank reconciliation, a staff auditor can focus on analyzing transactions, assessing risk, and providing insights. 

Technology won’t replace accountants, but it will allow them to spend more time on higher-value work that helps clients succeed. 

What are your goals currently? What is next on the horizon for you personally and professionally? 

Currently, my focus is on continuing to build relationships within South Florida’s commercial real estate community and growing our Miami office. A major goal is to expand the office to at least 40-50 audit and tax professionals within the next five years. 

Personally, I’m focused on making more time for the things I enjoy, especially reading and scuba diving with my husband. I recently earned my open water certification, so I’m excited to spend more time exploring that new hobby!

What steps or advice would you give young professionals who want to be successful in this industry or are embarking on a similar professional journey?

My advice to those starting out in the accounting industry has not altered over the years. It’s very simple: be a sponge and absorb everything!

Ask questions, take time to understand the why of a project, challenge or strategy. And don’t be afraid of going outside your comfort zone. Try new things, meet new people; life is more interesting that way!