Why did you go into accounting?
I chose accounting due to the financial difficulties my family and I underwent growing up that could have been mitigated by an effective financial advisor/accountant. These difficulties inspired me to go into the profession and help prevent families or individuals from experiencing the same issues my family had.
In addition, I went into accounting due to its stability. My dad is a baker, and often he was unable to have a stable stream of income. Learning about accounting, enjoying my first course in it, and understanding the potential job growth in this profession further cemented my decision to be an accountant.
Who were your influencers?
I was influenced by an ineffective accountant who was unable to establish trust with my family. Seeing this, and how much hardship we endured that could have easily been prevented, influenced me greatly in becoming an accountant. I also took a high school course in accounting, and my teacher, Mrs. Vonnes, was very vocal in how great the accounting profession was.
What do you think about accounting as a profession?
I think accounting as a profession is a great career path. Although I do not have much experience, after speaking with various individuals and taking accounting courses, I have learned to love and value the accounting profession more. There is so much room to grow within this profession, as well as various exit opportunities at almost any company in the world, whether in audit, tax, or advisory.
Which areas of accounting are you interested in?
Tax always resonated specifically with me, as it is constantly evolving and requires extensive knowledge. Additionally, in order for me to assist families with tax planning, taxes, and other financial advice, I thought it would be best to pursue a master’s in taxation.
Do AI, RPA, and other technology advances make you concerned about the security of your career?
Although new technology is concerning for the overall security of the accounting profession, it will ultimately remove rudimentary tasks and evolve the role of an accountant. Accountants will provide more value-added services as technology allows us to focus on more important things.
Where do you want to go after graduation, and why?
After graduation, I will be interning at PricewaterhouseCoopers in their tax industry service group. Upon completion of this internship and my master’s degree in tax, I hope to receive a full time offer with PricewaterhouseCoopers and gain valuable experience with the firm. I believe starting my career at PricewaterhouseCoopers will be beneficial to my success, as I will learn so much from highly qualified individuals. In addition, I hope that the work is engaging and will ultimately challenge me.
Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, or 20 years?
In 5 years, I see myself climbing the ranks at PricewaterhouseCoopers and learning as much as I can. I will also attempt to slowly grow a business on the side where I will help families and individuals with financial or tax advice.
In 10 years, it is hard to predict. I may fall in love with PricewaterhouseCoopers and want to continue to grow there, but there is always the thought of starting my own CPA firm. Only time will tell, but in the meantime, I must continue to work hard and focus on my aspirations!
