Celebrating Industry Month
March 01, 2022
To celebrate Industry Month, we're recognizing MassCPAs members in the private sector who have helped shape the profession.
Undergrad alma mater:
Bucknell University
Graduate alma mater:
Bentley University
Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics, Master of Science in Accounting, Graduate Certificate in Business Ethics
What was your first job/what has your career path looked like?
Cashier at a fast-food restaurant
Do you have any advice for aspiring CPAs or student members?
Find a great mentor and do not be afraid to ask for help.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
My favorite thing about my career is the people I get to meet and work with across all sorts of organizations.
Favorite MassCPAs benefit:
Networking and educational opportunities, but there are lots of others, like the vision insurance
Favorite brand of professional work clothing:
Ann Taylor
Undergrad alma mater:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Degrees:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
What was your first job/what has your career path looked like?
My first job was as a summer intern at Arthur Andersen in the Litigation Support Department. I loved every minute of that internship and have been lucky to remain friends and colleagues with some of the people I met there. My path has been an interesting one, from public accounting to consulting, back to public accounting and finally to where I am today at Floyd Advisory. My experiences have been overwhelming positive in both public accounting and consulting, which I attribute to working with great teams and great colleagues. In the end, working with a great team makes every day more enjoyable and is the best recipe for a successful and rewarding career.
What initially interested you in accounting?
My uncle worked as an accountant with the IRS. He and I were both good with numbers and enjoyed problem-solving, so accounting seemed like a perfect career for me.
Do you have any advice for aspiring CPAs or student members?
My advice to aspiring accountants is to continue to learn new things. Hot topics in accounting seem to evolve and change every few years, and the more you evolve and adapt with them, the more successful you will be in your career.
Do you have a mentor or person you look in the industry for guidance?
I have been extremely lucky to have worked at amazing firms with great leaders who have inspired and encouraged me throughout my career. Great mentorship is a combination of tough love when you need it, encouragement to seek new challenges and support to learn from your mistakes. I am grateful to those who have mentored and supported me during my career, and I cherish the opportunity to share what I have learned with others.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
The best part of my career has been the people. I have traveled to cities far and wide and met new and interesting people along the way. Many of these colleagues and peers remain among my closest friends. Accounting has been a great profession for me, and the best part has always been the people I have had the opportunity to work with, to learn from and to get to know along the way.
Favorite MassCPAs benefit:
The committees. It is great to connect with peers on relevant industry topics.
Favorite brand of professional work clothing:
Hugo Boss
Undergrad alma mater:
College of the Holy Cross
Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting
What was your first job/what has your career path looked like?
I’ve done everything from public accounting to 25 years in the banking industry to my practice in retirement, education and insurance planning.
What initially interested you in accounting?
My affinity for math and logic is what initially interested me in accounting.
Do you have any advice for aspiring CPAs or student members?
My advice is to gather knowledge and experience in multiple industries and then decide which one interests you most.
Do you have a mentor or person you look in the industry for guidance?
Nancy Coyle, CPA
What is your favorite thing about your career?
My favorite part of my career is empowering others to take control of their finances and witnessing the impact doing that can have on their lives.
Favorite MassCPAs benefit:
Taking part in the various committees and meeting other members.
Favorite brand of professional work clothing:
White House Black Market
Any other fun facts you'd like to share?
I love to travel and explore new places. I enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking and outdoor activities in general, as well as spending time with my children.
Undergrad alma mater:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Graduate alma mater:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Degrees:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Master of Science in Accounting
What was your first job/what has your career path looked like?
My first job was as a camp counselor, but as an accountant I have always been in forensic services. I interned in the forensics practice at a public accounting firm and stayed there for five years before moving to a consulting firm two years ago. I enjoy the variety of clients and the unique challenge each one brings.
What initially interested you in accounting?
I entered college as an undeclared business major. After taking a few introductory courses and learning more about the job opportunities readily available after graduation, I realized accounting would be a great fit. After hearing from guest speakers with “non-traditional” accounting jobs – one was a former FBI agent and the other was in forensics services – I decided to pursue forensic accounting. Learning more about the opportunities outside of audit and tax solidified my decision to declare accounting as my major.
Do you have any advice for aspiring CPAs or student members?
The accounting profession has so many different avenues to explore. Be curious about the different advisory services and find the best fit for you.
Do you have a mentor or person you look in the industry for guidance?
I have been lucky enough to have a few mentors both inside and outside my organization. They have been instrumental in pushing me to seek new opportunities and provide great advice when I am struggling with a topic. Their candor and opinions have contributed immensely to the accounting professional I am today.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
The variety of work, no two days are the same.
Favorite MassCPAs benefit:
Litigation Support & Business Valuation Committee meetings
Favorite brand of professional work clothing:
Ann Taylor
Undergrad alma mater:
Salem State University
Degrees:
Associate of Science in Baking and Pastry Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
What was your first job/what has your career path looked like?
I ran a butcher shop and bakery before getting my start in accounting. After being exposed to private accounting at a car dealership, I went back to school for accounting and became an audit associate at CBIZ & MHM New England (CBIZ Tofias) after graduation.
What initially interested you in accounting?
Accounting allows me to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure business transactions are balanced and accounted for properly. Companies rely on accurate data to make strategic decisions that shape their business.
Do you have any advice for aspiring CPAs or student members?
There are many avenues you can take in the field of accounting. Determine your passions, whether it is helping a variety of businesses or a specific industry, and there will be an accounting opportunity to pursue. Don't be afraid if you don't find the right fit straight away.
Do you have a mentor or person you look in the industry for guidance?
Jennifer Santerre, CPA
What is your favorite thing about your career?
My favorite part about my career is knowing I am making a positive impact. Accounting may be "back of the house," but strong accounting is crucial for any business to succeed.
Favorite MassCPAs benefit:
The committees! They provide access to timely information, discussions with peers and speakers, as well as networking opportunities.
Favorite brand of professional work clothing:
New York and Company
Undergrad alma mater:
UMass Amherst
Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
What was your first job?
"Staff B" audit practice of Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC), Manchester, NH
Do you have any advice for aspiring CPAs or student members?
The skills learned are foundational to understanding business. Demand for CPAs is strong, and the profession's state (MassCPAs) and national (AICPA) associations have tremendous resources and networks.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
There's a misconception that being a CPA is a numbers business, but it’s really a people and data-interpretation business. We help people make decisions by explaining the stories behind the numbers – I love that about my career.
Favorite MassCPAs benefit:
Networking
Favorite brand of professional work clothing:
Tahari
Any other fun facts you'd like to share?
When I was chair of MassCPAs Board of Directors, I sang the national anthem at the MassCPAs’ young professionals’ event at a Celtics game. Bucket list item!