Chérie Smith
Chérie Smith, CNAP is a seasoned accounting professional with a strong background in nonprofit and corporate finance. She currently serves as a Senior Staff Accountant as Independent Contractor, where she brings her deep expertise in financial reporting, grant management, and payroll operations to support a diverse range of clients. With a career spanning over a decade, Chérie has held key accounting roles across both private and nonprofit sectors, including Education Analytics, National Philanthropic Trust, and NJ FamilyCare.
Chérie earned her MBA in Accounting and Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management and holds a CNAP certification, reflecting her specialized knowledge in nonprofit financial management. Known for her analytical acumen, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to continuous improvement, she is passionate about helping organizations maintain financial integrity while fulfilling their missions.
• Wegner CPAs
• DeVry University Phoenix, AZ - BS
• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University - MBA
What do you attribute your success to?
Jehovah God, my education, work experience and colleagues and mentors.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
If you love what you do , you will never feel like you are not forfilling your professional purpose. There will be challenges yet, you will overcome them with joy!
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Gaining an understanding of the data that you were working with is pivotal and your role.. And to understand the functionality you will gain the knowledge of how your work impacts your internal and external stakeholders.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Federal funding has been cut in certain areas depending on the nature of the business also some donors are not contributing as much; due to economical constraints and uncertainties.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I love people and it’s important to support them to the best of my abilities and working with organizations that share my core values and mission is my passion. In my personal life, my God, Jehovah, His word the Bible, my family and good friends brings me delight! I enjoy cooking and entertaining as well as bargain hunting.