Her Story
About Diana
Diana McCann is an accomplished finance and accounting professional with more than three decades of experience spanning financial management, accounting, operations, and executive leadership. She initially pursued computer science in college before transitioning to accounting, a field that aligned more closely with her interests and strengths. After earning her undergraduate degree, she gained experience in public accounting and then later returned to college to earn her MBA, further strengthening the financial and business foundation that would shape her career.
Throughout her career, McCann has distinguished herself through her analytical approach, attention to detail, efficiency, and ability to translate financial information into practical business insight. McCann has served as Chief Financial Officer of Hashrocket, a software development firm, for the past 15 years, providing leadership across financial strategy, reporting, operational structure, and organizational support. During her tenure, she has also contributed to human resources and conference organization while maintaining private clients, including during the years she focused on raising her children.
Drawing on her extensive experience, she established A Private CFO, a specialized practice designed to help small-business owners and individuals organize their finances, understand their overall financial position, and make more informed decisions. She is also the author of Be Your Own Private CFO, published September 11, 2026, which reflects her commitment to making financial organization and oversight more accessible.
Based in Atlantic Beach, Florida, McCann continues to apply her experience through A Private CFO and her growing focus on financial education. Her approach emphasizes organization, accountability, and a strong understanding of the numbers behind financial decisions. McCann credits her success to a genuine passion for her profession and the combination of accuracy, efficiency, and analytical expertise she brings to her work. Honesty, responsibility, ownership, and loyalty remain foundational to the way she conducts her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Diana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to genuinely enjoying what I do and taking pride in doing it well. Over more than 30 years in accounting and finance, I have developed a depth of knowledge that allows me to understand not only the numbers, but also what they mean and how they can be used to make better decisions. I am naturally analytical and detail-oriented, and I place a high value on accuracy and efficiency. I believe the combination of those strengths, years of experience, and a genuine commitment to the quality of my work has been central to my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to find work that draws on your natural strengths and that you genuinely enjoy doing. When you like what you do, you are more motivated to keep learning, improving, and becoming better at it. I was fortunate to find a profession that fits the way I naturally think and work, and over the years, that combination of ability, experience, and genuine enjoyment of my work has been an important part of my professional growth and success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to believe in yourself and trust your abilities. Find work that you enjoy and that allows you to use your natural strengths, and don’t let comparison or intimidation cause you to underestimate what you bring to the table. There will always be people with more experience or expertise in certain areas, but that doesn’t diminish your own abilities or potential. Be willing to keep learning, trust your judgment, speak up when you have something to contribute, and be your own biggest champion.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in accounting is the versatility of the profession. Every type of business and organization needs accounting and financial expertise, so an accounting background gives you the flexibility to build a career in virtually any industry that interests you. It can also open doors beyond traditional accounting roles into operations, consulting, business strategy, executive leadership, and entrepreneurship.
At the same time, the profession is evolving rapidly with advances in artificial intelligence and automation. As technology takes on more routine tasks, I believe the ability to analyze information, understand what the numbers are telling you, solve problems, and apply financial knowledge to real-world decisions becomes even more valuable. The challenge is to keep learning and adapting, but I also see that as an opportunity. Those who combine strong accounting fundamentals with analytical thinking, sound judgment, and an ability to use new technology effectively will continue to bring tremendous value to any organization.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, responsibility, ownership, and loyalty are among the values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally. I believe in doing what I say I’m going to do, taking responsibility for my decisions, and owning both the successes and the mistakes that come with them. Loyalty is also very important to me. I value long-standing relationships and believe trust is built over time through honesty, consistency, and how you treat people. These values have shaped the way I approach my career, my relationships, and the commitments I make to others.
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