Sue Watson

Sue Watson believes that the heart of a thriving accounting firm is its culture—one where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow together. As Chief Operating Officer and Partner at LevitZacks, Sue leads with a people-centered approach, aligning firm strategy with a genuine commitment to employee well-being and high performance.

With decades of experience spanning strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, technology, administration, financial and risk management, and human resources, Sue has guided LevitZacks through continuous evolution and growth. In March of 2024, LevitZacks aligned with Ascend becoming an early platform firm—further strengthening its capabilities and future vision. Under her leadership, the firm has earned the #1 spot on Accounting Today's “Best Firms to Work For” list in the United States three years running and has ranked high on that list for thirteen years, a testament to both her vision and the firm’s exceptional culture. LevitZacks’ employee turnover remains significantly below industry averages—a direct result of the intentional, family-like environment LevitZacks cultivates every day.

Sue’s operational expertise is matched by her passion for building workplaces where people feel empowered to do their best work. She understands the realities of the accounting world—tax seasons, change management, and rapid industry shifts—and is committed to ensuring her team thrives amid it all. Her focus on transparency, trust, and continuous learning has established LevitZacks as a magnet for top talent and a model for retention in the profession.

Sue holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of San Diego and a Designation of Associate in Risk Management from the Insurance Institute of America. She is a member of the CPA Firm Management Association, is a past President of the San Diego Chapter of the Risk and Insurance Management Society, a past President of the Taxicab, Livery and Paratransit Association of California, and past Chairman of the Board of several local non-profit organizations.

Since joining LevitZacks as COO in 2007, after several years as a consultant, she has never lost sight of her core belief: when you invest in people, success follows—for teams, for clients, and for the industry as a whole.