What is your title? Describe what you do.
I’m a Senior Auditor. My days vary depending on the project and who I’m working with. I often assist staff accountants and pick up the slack as needed. Sometimes I function in a hands-on capacity, conducting audits for labor unions, health funds, pension funds, and more.
Why did you get into public accounting?
Honestly, it kind of fell into my lap. I was a math major in college. Upon graduating, I was looking for a job and an accounting position at the firm opened up. I went back to school while working to get an accounting degree.
What are three things you do every day? Do you have any morning “rituals”?
Living on a farm, I spend a good deal of time with my horse, Cliff. I visit him every morning and go riding in the afternoon. I also go to the gym at 5:30 am every morning before work. Then, I go to Starbucks when I get into Bethesda and eat breakfast.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
The accounting field in general can be challenging. There are a lot of grey areas in terms of following procedures correctly. In order to keep things interesting and improve our processes, our team is constantly coming up with more efficient procedures. That part of the work is challenging but also very rewarding.
Are there specific character traits or skills/certifications you should possess?
A lot of people think of accounting as a solo gig but you have to work with your team. You can’t be afraid to ask for help. We’ve seen people who are afraid to say they don’t understand something because they think it should be simple; but it’s not always. Be open to communication. Also, you are in front of clients a lot. You need to build relationships with people and learn to read them. Some are more serious while others appreciate you being less stuffy and more conversational. When you read people well, they are more willing to help you out. You also need to be comfortable sitting in front of a computer and playing with numbers all day.
What makes Calibre CPA Group different than your previous workplaces?
It is much bigger than the firm that I was with. The size is different, but it still feels friendly. I’m traveling much more out in the field and the Group has its own process for conducting audits.
If you could take a vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
Bali, Indonesia
What bit of trivia do you know that is very interesting but also very useless?
Elephants actually cry when they are sad. They shed real tears. Only elephants and humans can do this.
