Ann Kidd
Ann loves helping businesses grow and believes communication is always a key ingredient in the recipe. For over a decade Ann was "the client," focused on growth, while also trying to understand the benefits and necessities of accounting. Ann then joined a top 150 accounting firm to help build their marketing team and presence as they nearly doubled in size during her tenure. Ann launched Content CPA to help other small- and mid-sized accounting firms get the most important and engaging information to clients, while allowing the firms to focus on the work of accounting.
About Ann
Ann Kidd is the president of Content CPA and the former Managing Director of Talent & Brand for a top 10 Illinois accounting firm. During the past decade, Ann has created and led company-wide and industry training programs, from onboarding and early career professional skills, to annual technical trainings and spoken at industry-wide events. Additionally, Ann oversaw and participated in technical webinar trainings for clients both in the accounting and technology services practices.
Prior to her time in public accounting, Ann was General Manager at both a food startup (privately funded) and national wholesale-retail company (private equity backed). This background informs Ann's communication and training, which always includes elements of adaptability and change management.
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Ann is passionate about empowering those around her. She has been honored for her community service efforts and is most proud of launching a program to support rising women in accounting at her previous firm. Ann also works closely with the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois to create an annual Business Badge Bash bringing together middle- and high-school aged members with professionals to spend a day learning about a specific business topic and career opportunities, which have included marketing, financial literacy, cyber security, and product development.
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Outside of work, Ann is a product of the Midwest, and is happiest sharing a homecooked meal or spending time in the garden. She and her husband love the outdoors, visiting over 40 National and State parks with their two teenagers. Ann is a firm believer that nearly all of life's business problems can be solved with a good plan, great communication, creativity, and a spreadsheet!
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PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING
Geneva Group International (GGI) World Conference
Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) National Conference
AAM Chicago chapter​
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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & CERTIFICATIONS
Association for Accounting Marketing (AMA)
American Marketing Association
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois​
Chicago Master Singers
Arden Shore Child & Family Service (former Executive Board Member)
SEA Boys Club
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EDUCATION
Master of Integrated Marketing Communications, Northwestern University
​Bachelor of Business Administration, Illinois Wesleyan University
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AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Crain’s Chicago Business, Notable Leader in Community Development
US Financial Marketer of the Year
Volunteer of the Year, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois
We AAM to Serve, Association for Accounting Marketing
Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, American Business Awards
Time and Talent Public Service, Illinois CPA Society