April 14, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Eide Bailly LLP.

A version of this article first appeared on eidebailly.com.

Women at Eide Bailly are taking on leadership roles thanks to early opportunities, mentorship and career support. This is part of a larger initiative to advance women in the accounting profession and enable success across the firm.

Eide Bailly’s work in this space has consistently earned the organization top honors, including six years being named one of the Accounting MOVE Project’s Best CPA Firms for Women.

Eide Bailly has over 3,500 professionals nationwide, and 31 percent of its partners are women. One such example is Sioux Falls’ own Stacy Erdmann, who serves as the national tax practice leader. For Erdmann, that responsibility reflects both the complexity of her work and the trust clients, business owners and other Eide Bailly team members place in her.

“In leading our firm’s tax practice, I have the opportunity to work with Eide Bailly professionals from across the firm,” Erdmann said. “It allows me to see how we support one other in getting work done while serving our clients’ complex needs.”

This forward movement defines the culture Eide Bailly aims to build.

“Belonging is not a perk — it’s a business imperative,” chief human resources officer Lisa Fitzgerald said. “At Eide Bailly, we believe that when people feel seen, supported and valued, they do their best work.”

Erdmann agrees.

“I’ve benefited from other leaders mentoring, encouraging and pushing me outside of my comfort zone because they believed in me,” she said. “That kind of support is what turns potential into leadership — and it’s a big part of what I’m proud of here.”

Another example in the Sioux Falls office is Angie Hillestad, a partner in risk and quality for the firm. Hillestad followed a path shaped by discipline, hard work and support from colleagues who recognized her abilities and gave her responsibility.

“Sioux Falls has always been a place where people can raise their hand, take on more and grow quickly, with leaders who notice the effort and open doors,” Hillestad said.

This is also true for Mandy Sutton, who became head of the tax department as a senior manager. Joining the partner group shortly after, she now leads a team of 45.

“Women in leadership strengthen everything: client service, team development and the creation of a workplace where people want to stay,” Sutton said. “When you can see leaders who look like you, it changes what you believe is possible.”

The same leadership culture benefits people throughout the Sioux Falls office and beyond. Derrick Larson, a member of the firm’s board of directors and a regional assurance practice leader, credits Eide Bailly’s investment in culture and leadership development with helping him grow into expanded responsibilities.

“The profession is changing, and inclusive leadership is a competitive advantage,” Larson said. “When we create pathways for more people to thrive as leaders, we strengthen the future of public accounting — and our firm.”

Eide Bailly has made intentional investments in advancing women within the profession. Efforts include a Women at Eide Bailly Employee Resource Group, mentorship, benefits for working families and flexible work arrangements.

These stories highlight that leadership development thrives where opportunity, trust and support intersect. By investing in people early and creating clear paths, the firm shapes individual careers and the profession’s future.