Feature: Campus Ambassadors and Career Expectations

CAMPUS AMBASSADORS

Every year the UACPA’s campus ambassadors lead their schools’ efforts to explore careers in tandem with the UACPA. These student members share what they expect as they forge a path in the accounting profession.

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

Markus Garnett

A Career in Accounting // I always knew that I wanted to go into business, and the accounting program at BYU is highly ranked. After taking a few introductory accounting classes, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in accounting. Also, I come from a family of CPAs who definitely gave me some good insight into the life of public accounting.

Goal for an Accounting Degree/CPA License // I am excited to start my career at PwC in Dallas, Texas, when I graduate from BYU. I plan on joining their private tax practice where I’ll work on compliance for corporations and partnerships. I also hope to get some experience in preparing tax provisions.

Employer Expectations // As an incoming associate, I expect to get experience in many different areas of the tax group. I also expect opportunities for growth and periodic feedback in order to improve. When recruiting, I expect the employer to invest as much time in me as I invest in them.

Ideal Work Culture // My ideal work culture is an environment where I can feel comfortable reaching out to anyone in the organization regardless of job position or status. I would love to work in an environment where everyone knows and trusts each other. I also enjoy team events that happen outside of the office where we can take a break and have fun.

DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY

Karlee Brown

A Career in Accounting

// I have always enjoyed numbers. I enjoy that there are many different options within accounting. This career is a perfect fit for me.

Goal for an Accounting Degree/CPA License // I hope to start in public accounting, then see where my career takes me.

Employer Expectations // Expectations that I have from my employer are to help me to continue to grow.

Ideal Work Culture // An ideal workplace is to enjoy the place where I work. A place that feels like my second family.

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

Devon Semadeni

A Career in Accounting //

In 2019, I completed a bachelor of science degree in finance from BYU-Idaho. I became interested in a career in accounting after a couple of years of working for Fox Pest Control in Logan, Utah. I keep the books for many subsidiary LLCs, and once a month I get to meet with the leaders of each LLC and discuss financials. I quickly found that if I understood accounting more thoroughly, then I could build better financial statements and offer more effective insights to these owners. I talked to my employer about enrolling in the MAcc degree program at USU, and that led me here. In addition, I am determined to earn the CPA and CMA licensures.

Goal for an Accounting Degree/CPA License // I would love to serve in an accounting controller position for a midsized company here in Utah. I have seen how beneficial to all parts of the organization this position can be if properly executed. I want to help motivated individuals build profitable businesses that will benefit our communities and help owners and employees realize their American dream. Furthermore, I love this community and would love to raise my family here.

Employer Expectations // Some expectations of an employer that are important to me include someone who promotes based on merit, is appropriately candid about quality work, genuinely cares for their employees and their situations, effectively communicates expectations, and brings cheerfulness into the office.

Ideal Work Culture // Here are a few characteristics I think are ideal for a healthy work culture: 1) A setting where employees can feel safe to be themselves and to prioritize their families’ welfare above their job; 2) Confidence in the abilities of their leaders and teammates; 3) Freedom to try new things and fail; 4) Oh, and a killer gift card and the day off on your birthday.

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

Kendall Mortensen

A Career in Accounting //

I became interested in the accounting field by going to the IMA club meetings and listening to professionals talk about the success that they have had in their careers. I have always loved numbers, and when I stumbled across my first accounting class, it just made sense, and I loved how it applies numbers and business.

Goal for an Accounting Degree/CPA License // I hope to work for PwC as an auditor on completion of my CPA. I currently have an internship with PwC in their audit department and am excited to help existing companies with anything I can.

Employer Expectations // I expect that my employer respects who I am and that they also respect my work-life balance. I understand that with some accounting positions you can work a lot of hours and it can be hard to balance life and work. PwC has made it clear that they will respect my work-life balance, and they also have made it clear that my long-term progression in my career is important to them. I expect that my future employer invests in me as much as I invest in them.

Ideal Work Culture // My Ideal work culture is anywhere I can feel comfortable and be myself. I want it to be structured to where I can get my work done and feel productive while also being able to have memorable times with my coworkers.

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY

Valerie Halladay

A Career in Accounting

// I always liked working with numbers, and I enjoy finances. I also like helping people, taxes are complicated and everyone has to deal with them. I wanted a job where I could help make that process easier.

Goal for an Accounting Degree/CPA License // I am hoping to work for a local accounting firm in their tax department.

Employer Expectations // I want to work for a small firm where I can get to know everyone. I want to work with a variety of clients. As a mom, I want a job that could be somewhat flexible with working in the office and working from home some days.

Ideal Work Culture // My ideal work culture would be a place where it feels like a second family. During the busy season, you spend more time with coworkers than with family and friends, so I want a place where I get along with everyone. I also want a culture that is supportive as I learn and grow in my field.

WESTMINSTER COLLEGE

Katie Jacox

A Career in Accounting //

I became interested in the accounting industry because my mom is a CPA. Her specialty is corporate tax. I am interning at Ernst and Young this summer to get some work experience before heading back to school. I have been a part of the women’s volleyball team for the last four years.

Goal for an Accounting Degree/CPA License //

After my undergraduate degree is completed, I plan to get my master’s in accounting or taxation. Once I sit for the CPA Exam, I aim to work for a public accounting firm, which provides for a diverse experience and a challenging work environment to develop my skills and provide a good path for my career. These firms embody lots of positive work mindsets including resourcefulness, scope, and ambition, which I look for in a future employer. I am grateful for my education at Westminster and can’t wait to see where my future endeavors take me!

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY

Brent Meyers

A Career in Accounting //

After working nearly 20 years in the financial services industry, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in accounting along with the CMA and CPA licenses. My plan is to bundle my business and leadership experience with my data analytics and accounting knowledge in pursuit of a successful business consulting career.

Employer Expectations // I want to work for an employer who understands how critical their employees are to the company’s success and wants to share that success with them in meaningful, significant ways. I expect my employer to foster a culture of trust and accountability.