Jennifer Ward (BBA89) isn’t afraid to take risks.

After a solid career start at a “Big 8” firm, in 2006 she launched PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)’s Minneapolis-based asset management tax practice from scratch.

Starting with only a handful of tax professionals and a few local clients, she recruited and built the practice from the ground up with the support of the national PwC Asset & Wealth Management practice.

“I honed my recruiting skills by seeking individual talent—including students from the University of Iowa accounting program—while keeping in mind the cohesion of the group,” Ward said.

Her hard work, dedication, and willingness to take a risk paid off. She has now been with PwC for more than 15 years and the Minneapolis tax practice has grown to more than 20 tax professionals that serve approximately 50 clients from around the globe.

"I am grateful to the accounting faculty and excellent program at the University of Iowa for giving me skills to succeed in my career." -Ward

As a leader, Ward believes in the power of mentoring and started PwC’s Women Inclusion Network in Minneapolis, a program designed to bring together a community of women within PwC to support their personal development and career advancement.

“This network provides women a platform to tackle their challenges, address specific issues that impact their career advancement, and provide them with opportunities to demonstrate leadership,” she said.

Ward was recognized for her leadership and mentoring efforts by Finance & Commerce as a “Top Woman in Finance in the Twin Cities” in 2013.

She has been involved with several civic causes in her area, including volunteering at Project Homeless Connect and local food banks in the greater Minneapolis area, and serving as the finance and audit committee chair for the St. Paul School of Divinity and St. John Vianney College Seminaries.

A loyal Hawkeye, Ward served on the Tippie Professional Accounting Council board from 2000 to 2004. She also serves as the Iowa tax leader on the PwC recruiting team for the University of Iowa.

“I nominated Jenny because of her outstanding professional career, her service on the Professional Accounting Council, and her consistent and tireless effort to recruit Iowa students to work for PwC, especially in the tax area,” said Henry B. Tippie Research Chair in Accounting Dan Collins.

Despite myriad accomplishments, she reports her most important roles are as a wife of 32 years to her husband Mark and as a mother to their son Joshua, who got married in October 2021.

This article appeared in the 2021 issue of Iowa Ledger.