March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women in every field. This month, I sat down with Alison Swaggard, BSG Manager, to talk about her journey in accounting, the values that have shaped her career, and her advice for the next generation of women in the profession.

Q: Can you share a little about your journey at WebsterRogers? What brought you here, and what has kept you here?

Alison Swaggard: I graduated from the University of South Carolina in December 2008 and started as an intern at WebsterRogers in January 2009. At the time, I saw many classmates going through the recruitment process with larger national firms, and it felt very mechanical—almost like a machine, with mass hiring and little personal connection. That wasn’t for me.

I wanted to be part of a firm where I could build relationships and have a meaningful career in my community. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in different offices, earn my master’s degree, and obtain my CPA license—all with the support of the firm. The relationships I’ve built, both internally and with clients, are what have kept me here for 17 years and counting.

Q: Your career path within the firm has evolved over time. Can you talk about the flexibility WebsterRogers has offered?

I started in the tax department and worked there for about nine years. At a certain point, I realized I needed to specialize if I wanted to stay in tax, and that prompted me to think about what I truly wanted for the rest of my career.

That’s when I pivoted to our Business Services Group (BSG). The firm was incredibly supportive of this transition. I talked with our BSG leader about what the move would look like, and from there, I made the shift. I’ve been in BSG ever since, and I love the variety of work and client interactions that come with it.

Q: Which of WebsterRogers’ values do you connect with the most?

Relationships, without a doubt. The connections I’ve built with clients and colleagues have been the foundation of my career. Because I’ve worked in both tax and BSG, I can bridge gaps between teams and ensure clients get the best possible solutions. Collaboration is key, and it’s one of the things I value most about our firm.

Q: What led you to choose accounting as a career?

At USC, I took a university class that required me to complete a career assessment. The results told me I should either join the military or go into banking—I like structure, rules, and numbers!

Since I was already in business school, I decided to try accounting, and it turned out to be the perfect fit.

Accounting allows me to use my analytical skills within a structured framework, whether tax law, financial regulations, or business operations. It satisfies both my love for problem-solving and my desire for clear guidelines.

Q: Did you know any accountants before choosing this path?

Not really! My mom thought I should go into library science because I love reading, but I knew I needed something more dynamic. My dad worked in science, and my mom was a teacher, so accounting was a completely different path for me. But I’ve always enjoyed numbers and problem-solving, so it felt like a natural fit.

Q: If you were mentoring an intern or someone just starting out, what advice would you give them?

First, be open to different opportunities. Your career path might not look exactly as you expect, and that’s okay. Stay flexible and take advantage of chances to learn new things.

Second, build strong relationships. The people you work with—both clients and colleagues—will be instrumental in your success. The stronger your network, the more doors will open for you.

Finally, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Whether it’s pursuing a new role, asking for support, or making a career shift, take ownership of your journey. The best opportunities often come to those who seek them out.

Thank you to Alison and all of the WebsterRogers women who play an essential role in our success. Honoring each of you this month!

Amy Fisher Urquhart,

CEO & Managing Partner