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CONTENTS
4 member profile
Future CPA Elizabeth Unger
Elizabeth Unger, a senior at Carroll College, is following in her CPA mom’s footsteps but for one thing. She wants to obtain the Certified Fraud Examiner credential as well as her CPA.
By Marcia Tillett-Zinzow
10 focus on flexibility
Career paths don’t have to fit a mold
College students considering careers in accounting need to know that the CPA credential can take them anywhere they want to go.
By Andy Kamphuis, CPA
14 focus on business law
An accounting undergraduate degree is ideal for a business lawyer
There is no better undergraduate degree than accounting to prepare someone to become a business lawyer, this attorney says.
By Lucien A. Beaudry, CPA, JD
16 focus on career options
5 surprising career paths for CPAs
CPAs can hold many unexpected roles across diverse industries. Read about five personas CPAs can adopt and the job roles they fill every day.
From Indiana CPA Society
focus on education
Technology skills new accountants should know
College accounting students may want to consider becoming proficient in technologies that will help them get ahead as they enter the workforce.
From ThisWayToCPA.com
professional perspectives
Destination CPA
Three young professionals share their career paths and provide insight into what it’s like to be a CPA, whether in public accounting or industry.
By
Joshua Daggett, CPA; Shari Kassube, CPA; and Madeleine Mayer, CPA
28 looking back
Note to self
A seasoned professional writes a letter to his college-student self to reassure him that he’s choosing the right career.
By Chris Cholka,
CPA
30 career preparation: volunteering
Empowering students and communities
Participating in a volunteer tax return assistance program can both enhance your accounting skills and set you apart from others in the job market.
By Rachel Detert,
CPA, MST
34 career preparation: soft skills
The art of listening
Gain an understanding of the importance of good listening skills, and learn some simple yet effective tools to help build them.
By
Dave Molenda, TDC, TDFC, TEQC
38 exam preparation
CPA Exam checklist
Thinking of taking the exam one day? This checklist tells you what to do, from educational requirements to testing fees, and when to expect your results.
DEPARTMENTS
27
Elizabeth Unger
2024-2025 WICPA
Educational Foundation
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Allyson Hofstede, CPA
Kale Post, CPA, MPA
Bret J. Priaulx, CPA, MBA
Gina C. Skibo, CPA
Victoria Thayer, CPA
Angela C. Thomas, CPA
Jidong Zhang
WICPA Board Liaison
Lucien A. Beaudry, CPA, JD
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Tammy J. Hofstede
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Marcia Tillett-Zinzow
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Future CPA
elizabeth unger
By Marcia Tillett-Zinzow
Elizabeth Unger has her future planned out. The senior at Carroll University plans to take the CPA Exam after graduation and aspires to become a forensic accountant. This article explores her journey from high school athlete and volunteer to future CPA and possibly an FBI agent.
In her senior year at Hartford Union High School, Unger was a member of the Math Club. She also played tennis all four years there and was a member of the H Club, a varsity athletic club that participates in volunteer activities throughout the community. Unger said she loves volunteering and giving back to the community.
When Unger first began thinking about the future, she leaned toward teaching as a career. But, she said, she found her calling in numbers with inspiration and encouragement from her mom. Her mother, Wendi Unger, CPA, is a principal with Baker Tilly in Milwaukee and a past chair (2020–2021) of the WICPA board of directors; she recently received the WICPA’s 2024 CPA in Public Accounting Excellence Award.
“When I was in high school, my mom pushed me to take accounting, and because she did, I fell in love with it,” Unger said. “I’ve always liked math — it’s my favorite subject — and when I considered accounting, I thought, Okay, I can do it, but do I want to do it? So, if it wasn’t for my mom’s persistence and always saying to me, ‘I know you. You’re actually going to end up liking this,’ I probably wouldn’t have been on the path that I’m on.”
Dedication pushes her forward
Unger’s dedication to academics and time management allowed her to accumulate credits swiftly, ensuring she will graduate with more than enough credits next spring to take the CPA Exam and become a licensed CPA.
“I didn’t know this when I first started at Carroll, but they have a fouryear accounting program that can get you to 150 credit hours in four years,” Unger said. “I came in with around 14 college credits that I earned while in high school, and that got me a semester under my belt already.
Photography by Rick Swearingen
I’ve also been taking 16 to 18 credits each semester so I wouldn’t have to go to summer school, but then I landed a summer internship, and Carroll gives you up to 12 credits for that. So, I should exceed 150 when I graduate.”
She credits Carroll University for accommodating her interests, including her minor in criminal justice, which aligns with her ambition to specialize in forensic accounting. Unger’s summer internship at Baker Tilly, focusing on not-for-profit accounting, was another step toward her goal of someday working with the FBI as a forensic accountant.
“Actually, when I first started at Carroll, my minor was marketing. But then I took a pre-internship class, and a forensic accountant from Waukesha County came in and talked to us. She was telling us all the things she does, and I thought, You can do that in your job?
While the forensic accountant was not able to give the class specific details due to confidentiality, she did give them some examples that gained national attention — such as the 2013 fraud case in
Dixon, Illinois, where the town’s comptroller embezzled $54 million from the city, making Dixon (with a 2024 population of 15,042) the home of the largest case of municipal fraud in U.S. history. This sparked Elizabeth’s interest, especially since she had also heard the story while in high school. After hearing it again, her interest peaked.
“And that’s when I changed my minor,” Unger said. “Since then, it has all fallen into place. Before that, I didn’t even know forensic accounting was a thing!”
Busting the myths
Unger spoke about the misconceptions surrounding accounting careers: that it’s made up of hard work and long hours with little work-life balance. She emphasized that while accounting is rigorous, it’s not insurmountable, especially with determination and strong time-management and communication skills. As for work-life balance, much has changed and continues to change in that arena, and benefits can vary from one public accounting firm to the next.
Elizabeth will graduate from Carroll University in May 2025 with at least 150 credits.
“
Networking is exceptionally important, and membership in the WICPA is a great way to meet people who can help advance your career.”
Her advice to prospective accountants is to embrace challenges, seek support and build connections early on. Networking is exceptionally important, she noted, and membership in the WICPA is a great way to meet people who can help advance your career.
“I don’t think people know what accounting really is,” she said. “They just hear that it’s hard, so they’re automatically turned off. Also, it’s math that scares off some people. But what they don’t know is that accounting is not just math. It’s problem solving, communication and — especially — building relationships with clients.”
Time management is particularly important in accounting, and it’s a skill Unger has been practicing since high school.
“So, I’m the person who, if I have something to do, I’m going to get it done; I’m not going to procrastinate. There have been times in school when I’ve finished something ahead of learning it in class. I don’t like having a long to-do list. I need to scratch things off,” Unger explained. “Especially with playing sports in high school and other activities there, I think I’ve done well with time management. My philosophy is if you love it, it’s not going to be that hard to just get it done.”
The personal side
When asked about her hobbies, Unger lights up. She’s an avid reader and fitness enthusiast, finding solace in working out to de-stress. Her creative side shines through in her hobby of making tie-blankets.
“I think I have a slight obsession with making tie blankets,” she confessed. “It’s relaxing. You don’t have to think about it; you just cut out the blankets and
The Unger family are members of a Bavarian dance club. From left: Elizabeth’s mom and dad, sister Leslee and Elizabeth.
Carroll University’s #BigOrangeChair provides a place to rest and some bright school spirit!
Ticking off items on her “to-do” list.
Photo provided by the WICPA
then tie the two sides together. That’s always what I’ll make as a gift for someone for Christmas or a birthday. It’s a gift they’ll probably actually use, and I love making them.”
Another favorite pastime she got from her parents is being a member of a Bavarian dance club in Milwaukee that has the tongue-twisting name of B.G.T.E.V. D’Holzhacker Buam, which specializes in the “schuhplattler.” In the dance, performers stomp, clap and strike the soles of their shoes (schuhe), thighs and knees with their hands held flat (platt). Both of Unger’s parents have Bavarian roots and first met at a schuhplattling event when they were in high school. “They’ve been together ever since,” said Unger. The tradition now stretches back through two generations of the Unger family.
The dance group performs at several local Milwaukee functions, including German Fest, and prepares food at Cedarburg Oktoberfest. The group also holds its own anniversary festival and dance each spring. Unger serves as the group’s treasurer and participates in the dance with her parents and her sister, Leslee.
A bright future
Looking ahead, Unger envisions herself inspiring future generations. Reflecting on her journey, she plans to encourage students to explore accounting, emphasizing its manageable challenges and the importance of building a supportive network. Like her mother, she is an avid volunteer.
“I may have learned a thing or two from her,” Unger laughed. “I love volunteering and giving back — it’s my favorite thing, really.”
Elizabeth Unger’s journey is one of determination and clear vision. Her passion for forensic accounting and her proactive approach to challenges are inspiring. As she prepares to tackle the CPA Exam, become licensed and then pursue a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification, there is little doubt she’ll achieve her dream of someday joining the FBI. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in shaping a successful career.
Marcia Tillett-Zinzow is a Wisconsin-based freelance writer and editor. Contact her at mtzinzow@icloud.com.
Author’s Note: This article was written with some assistance from ChatGPT.
College students considering careers in accounting need to know that the CPA credential can take them anywhere they want to go.
By Andy Kamphuis,
CPA
It’s an interesting time for college students considering the accounting profession and what the certified public accountant (CPA) credential has to offer. Pop open any business publication, and countless headlines stress the lack of talent entering the profession, increased regulatory pressure, and how artificial intelligence will ultimately beat humans at the CPA Exam and alter the profession. Seeing all of this may make you feel like anyone who chooses to become a CPA will just get worked to the bone until they ultimately get replaced by a robot.
The reality is this: CPAs aren’t going to be replaced by robots (although I firmly believe professionals who embrace technology will replace those who don’t). And I’m here to tell you there are many exciting opportunities and career paths you can enjoy as a CPA.
My original career plan
Reflecting on my own perspective in college (I graduated from UW–Madison in 2010), I viewed the
path of a CPA as you might expect: I thought I would start at a Big 4 firm, gain varied client experience, target an industry of interest, and then head down the industry route. I didn’t appreciate that there were a multitude of spurs, switchbacks, bridges and tunnels that could be taken to create my own unique career path in accounting until I was several years into it. Today, I find that I’ve taken a very different career path than the “mold” I had constructed in my head as a college student.
The fact that I’ve taken a unique career path isn’t special in and of itself — many CPAs can share similar stories — but I share it to illustrate the potential every accounting professional has to create their own incredible story.
My first inclination to pursue a career in accounting began in high school. My dad was a CPA, and I enjoyed my high school accounting class, so it felt like a natural fit. That was about the extent of my deep thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up.
Once I got into college, I stuck to this plan while taking on various internships in industry, government and, eventually, at a Big 4 firm, where I later accepted a full-time offer in the audit group. This was the
height of the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, so I was feeling pretty good about having a job offer in hand while still having my master’s year of school to complete before the real world would smack me in the face. My perspective at the time was that joining a Big 4 firm would be a great stepping stone for a few years before I’d surely jump ship for industry.
After joining the firm full time, I was given incredible opportunities to learn from some great mentors, serve some great clients, and even work abroad in Italy for a period. So, I blew right past the three-year public accounting phase I’d anticipated and was genuinely enjoying the experience, learning a ton, and seeing opportunities for continued growth.
When I was promoted to manager, I was still fighting the mold I thought I should conform to and thought I would give industry (and my original plan) a try by accepting an opportunity as a controller at a private equity portfolio company.
This experience gave me new perspectives, expanded my business acumen, matured me as a professional, and sparked my entrepreneurial spirit, as I was actively helping to drive a business forward. These years also awarded me the self-confidence to truly own my career. This enhanced mindset — and the wise words of a mentor — led me to my next career pivot.
The boomerang effect
Although the experience I gained in industry was critical to my development, it made me realize that what really gave me fire was being a problem-solver for my clients, building lasting relationships, and mentoring the next generation of professionals. I also figured my freshly minted industry experience could be leveraged to help drive the business of a public accounting firm. So, I added “boomerang” to my résumé and rejoined the Big 4 firm where I started out of college. My second trip through the firm was a richer experience, as I was able to serve my clients with a renewed perspective — I was able to put myself in their shoes and participate in business development and other initiatives. As I worked up through my early senior manager years, I was laserfocused on partnership as my next career goal but, admittedly, didn’t think that deeply about what it meant to be a partner in the firm beyond the title and earnings potential.
The closer I got to the partnership doorstep, the more I revisited my “why” for pursuing it. I knew I wanted to serve clients and build teams (and of course, the earning potential became clearer to me), but I also wanted to be a decision-maker and double down on the entrepreneurial spirit that was sparked
I think those of us who’ve found fulfillment and success in this profession need to be more proactive about showing prospective CPAs that there’s no such thing as a ‘mold’ that must be followed.” “
during my years in industry. As I defined my perfect job description, I came to realize that although I loved the firm and the people I was working with, it was time to pursue something different.
Exploring my options
I began exploring all sorts of opportunities in the professional services space, including fractional service providers, other public accounting firms (of all sizes), and even the prospect of starting my own advisory firm. During this exploratory time, I was fortunate to be introduced to Vrakas CPAs + Advisors. I was energized by the alignment I had with the firm’s philosophy around quality, client service, a people-first culture and bold future growth. The firm offered me a unique opportunity to help lead the buildout of a brand-new practice in Chicago. It was the perfect mix of what I wanted to have from a career in public accounting while also scratching my entrepreneurial itch.
The best part about my career path is — it’s not over! My story continues to be written, and I’m motivated by now having a platform to create positive career paths and opportunities for the next generation of CPAs. I’m passionate about this profession and finding ways to think outside the box to keep it relevant and desirable.
I think those of us who’ve found fulfillment and success in this profession need to be more proactive about showing prospective CPAs (like you, who are reading this article) that there’s no such thing as a “mold” that must be followed. Rather, your career is whatever you choose to make of it. I believe the CPA credential will continue to open unique doors to a wealth of experiences, perspectives and rewards to those who choose it.
Kamphuis
“
I believe the CPA credential will continue to open unique doors to a wealth of experiences, perspectives and rewards to those who choose it.”
Andy Kamphuis, CPA, is a shareholder at Vrakas CPAs + Advisors in Chicago and an alumnus of the UW–Madison School of Business. Contact him at Akamphuis@vrakascpas.com.
(right) and Fritz Vogel at a UW-Madison recruiting event.
An Accounting Undergraduate Degree Is Ideal for a Business Lawyer
By Lucien A. Beaudry, CPA, JD
Ialways wanted to be a lawyer when I was young. While I feel very fortunate to have accomplished this goal, I now realize that majoring in accounting in college and passing the CPA Exam was just as satisfying.
Many lawyers obtain undergraduate degrees in English, philosophy or political science. So why did I choose accounting? Like many of us, my path in life did not follow a straight line. I took a variety of classes in college (even an acting class). I learned quickly that I was interested in business (and that I was not the next Robert De Niro).
A friend told me that accounting was one of the most challenging pathways for obtaining a business degree. It also appeared that an accounting degree would provide
Any student thinking about a career in business or tax law should seriously consider first obtaining a degree in accounting. An accounting degree creates an excellent foundation for future success.”
the most economic opportunity, especially if one could pass the CPA Exam.
As I explored the possibility of going to law school, I learned that it is very competitive to get into a great school. Also, law students must generally have very good grades in law school to have a high chance at a lucrative legal position when they graduate. Contrary to what I believed growing up, not all lawyers are economically successful.
Accounting became my backup plan. However, it has proven to be much more than what I originally expected. There is no better undergraduate degree than accounting to prepare someone to become a business lawyer.
Accounting is the language of the business world. Understanding that language helps me provide more knowledgeable and insightful legal advice to my clients. As a tax and corporate lawyer, I use my accounting background every day to understand my clients’ concerns and goals and provide more comprehensive and thoughtful advice.
Accounting students are required to learn about business law. They are exposed to legal terms and concepts that are not taught in other areas of study. This exposure gave me a tremendous leg up in law school.
I took the CPA Exam before my first year of law school. I knew it was a very challenging exam, but I
also knew that becoming a CPA would greatly help my career. Passing the exam has proven to be more than just a rite of passage. It helped me get my first job and lends credibility to my advice in the eyes of clients. Most importantly, it has allowed me to become active in our CPA association in Wisconsin. My experience in the WICPA has enriched me both personally and professionally.
Any student thinking about a career in business or tax law should seriously consider first obtaining a degree in accounting. An accounting degree creates an excellent foundation for future success.
Lucien A. Beaudry, CPA, JD, is a shareholder with the law firm of Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. in Milwaukee and serves as secretary/treasurer on the WICPA board of directors. Contact him at 414-298-8189 or lbeaudry@reinhartlaw.com.
5 SURPRISING CAREER PATHS FOR CPAS
One of the perks of a career as a CPA is that it doesn’t have to be traditional. In fact, CPAs can hold many unexpected roles across diverse industries. If you’re wondering what some of your options are outside of working at a firm or in corporate finance, we rounded up five personas CPAs can adopt and the job roles they fill every day.
THE CPA CRIME FIGHTER
Potential job titles: forensic accountant, forensic auditor, special agent
Maybe they’re not the lead in the next Marvel movie (yet), but CPAs and accountants play a role in helping to bring down financial criminals.
In this role, they frequently work in law enforcement (like the FBI, which has approximately 700 accountants among its special agents) or alongside lawyers to help with cases of suspected illegal financial activities like embezzlement, money laundering, extortion and other cases of fraud. They spend most of their time deep-diving into financial documents and interviewing the individuals involved to assess the situation, helping to determine if fraud occurred, how it occurred and what the financial damages look like. Forensic accountants and auditors can also be used as expert witnesses in court.
In addition to directly helping to solve financial crimes, this type of accountant and CPA can also work with companies and organizations to help solve complex compliance problems, problem-solve financial disputes and accusations, and help assess fraud risk. They can even navigate divorces and bankruptcy cases.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting is growing in significance for companies — especially those that seek to get capital from investors. Accountants and CPAs are primed to take on a significant role with ESG, flexing their advanced accounting skills to help businesses make a difference in the world while also boosting their financial performance.
But why are accountants ideal for this work? The University of North Carolina explains, “Just as with financial reporting, accountants are being called upon to handle these tasks because of their analytical skills, knowledge of business, and ability to understand and apply reporting standards.”
Because ESG is still new, there are few frameworks or standards, but that’s likely to change. In general, those who work in ESG reporting will cover the three main pillars:
• Environmental: How a company is managing resources like land and water, sustainability practices like using recycled materials, emissions and pollution risks
• Social: How a company manages its labor force and its impact on people, including health and safety risks
• Governance: Corporate behavior, including diversity, anti-fraud and corruption efforts, employee compensation and more
CPAs are truly leaders of the business world, which is why it’s not surprising to see so many end up in the C-suite of companies and organizations.
While they’re a natural fit for CFO, and many go on to become CEO or president, their organizational skills and business acumen also make them ideal candidates for the COO role.
Typically known for managing day-to-day operations, the COO role is going through a shift, growing from one that’s often taken the backseat to CEO to one that’s “a catalyst for technology-driven growth, strategic expansion and employee empowerment,” explains McKinsey & Company.
This transformation means that the COO is often the critical internal face of the company. Their key tasks often include:
• Making sure the company’s systems are running smoothly.
• Developing strategic goals and tracking the data to see their progress.
• Working with finance teams to develop budgets.
• Strategizing how to deal with foreseeable risks and disruptions.
• Managing company culture, including making sure employees have what they need.
• Engaging with boards, fellow C-suite executives and other stakeholders.
CPAs’ finance skills are integral to many of these roles, helping to set them up for success.
CPAs are truly leaders of the business world, which is why it’s not surprising to see so many end up in the C-suite of companies and organizations.” “
THE
CPA EDUCATOR
Potential job titles: accounting teacher, business teacher, lecturer, professor
As accounting programs face decreasing enrollments, amazing educators are more important than ever. What better educator to teach the ins and outs of accounting than a CPA?
In addition to teaching the technical skills, CPAs who have previously worked in the profession make fantastic educators because of their real-world experience. They can share with students what the accounting and CPA profession is really like and provide guidance on licensing and other key components of the career.
Maybe there isn’t a CPA as well known as the Kardashians, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still make their mark as content creators!
There are a growing number of accounting and CPA personalities online, including TikTok personalities who dedicate their videos to sharing more about the career and podcasters like The Accounting Twins, who share their journey to the license.
While many of these personalities are turning to content creation for fun or to build a contentcreation side hustle, others are busy building their empires. For example: Riley Adams, a Californiabased CPA who left a finance job at Google to grow his media company, Young and the Invested, and A’Shira Nelson, an Ohio CPA who has built Savvy Girl Money through blogging, podcasting and selling digital products and consulting.
If you have a passion for getting creative and sharing your knowledge with others, content creation could be a path for you! It’s also a great way to share why the CPA license has value and can open doors.
Are you a student who is interested in learning more about accounting and the CPA profession? Follow us on Instagram! Accounting+ is another great resource for info about careers as a CPA.
Reprinted with permission from the Indiana CPA Society.
Aspire. Inspire.
On campus. Online. Or even while they are still in high school, Wisconsin’s largest business school has accounting programs that meet students in the life they live, to pursue the future they want. Learn more about UW-Whitewater’s award-winning accounting department by visiting uww.edu/cobe/departments/department-of-accounting.
Technology Skills New Accountants Should Know
As it is with most industries and professions, technology is bringing changes to accounting and finance careers.
“The accounting industry is shifting drastically with technological innovation,” said Danielle Brannock, CPA, analytics delivery specialist at EY. “Firms are coming up with interesting and unique ways to approach traditional accounting issues.”
Within the audit practice area, for example, drones are being used to conduct inventory on large client properties, she said. While today’s college graduates may not need to learn to operate a drone, they may want to consider becoming proficient in technologies that will help them get ahead as they enter the workforce.
Here’s a look at the latest technology students should know:
Structured query language (SQL)
SQLcourse.com describes SQL as the standard language for relational database management systems — a language used to communicate with a database.
“In data analytics, we are now able to offer full population testing for our audit teams, providing them a higher level of assurance in their audit findings over
“
Creating a program to read documents removes hours of administrative work for auditors, paralegals and administrative assistants, all of whom would have otherwise been tasked with this work.”
– Danielle Brannock, CPA
traditional transaction sampling,” Brannock said. “In my role, I work with auditors to obtain and analyze journal entries and trial balances from the client. These files can come in a variety of forms, from a small Excel sheet to a large .bak file, which is a full backup of the client’s SQL database and runs 4–5 gigabytes for the average sized company.”
Python
Python is a programming language that can be used by those who may want to develop data, rather than just analyze them, said Brannock, who is currently taking free classes in Python from Codecademy.
For example, a large firm she previously worked for is using Python to develop artificial intelligence that reads leases, contracts and legal documents. Brannock said the user inputs certain parameters, such as the name of a customer and dates of correspondence, and the system automatically scans all documents in the online database for those keywords. Anything meeting the parameters is placed on hold for a human user to review and confirm
whether it meets expectations. Creating a program to read documents removes hours of administrative work for auditors, paralegals and administrative assistants, all of whom would have otherwise been tasked with this work, Brannock said.
Tableau, QlikView and Spotfire
Tools such as Tableau, QlikView and Spotfire can be used for creating and sharing data insights as a way to visualize results.
“Visualization is still a newer skill set within the accounting world, from my experience,” Brannock said. “That said, the ability to use Tableau, QlikView or Spotfire is a valuable one, as our clients are asking for more and more from us.”
PowerPoint, Excel and communication tools
Without a doubt, college students need to graduate with an understanding of the basics, including Excel and PowerPoint, said Aaron Saito, CPA, M&A controller at Intel Corp. He said data still
often come in the form of an Excel file, while presentations are regularly made in PowerPoint.
Understanding communication and chat tools is becoming increasingly valuable as well, Saito said. Slack and Skype allow quick access to co-workers, who may be down the hall, working from home or traveling. He often lets his team work from home, knowing they can quickly and easily communicate using these tools.
Some of the standard technologies, such as PowerPoint and Excel, are integrated into university courses, while more complex software programs, such as Python, are sometimes offered as electives. If the desired courses aren’t offered at their university, students can consider seeking out online courses or internships to learn more. Brannock said she’s currently teaching herself the web programming language HTML through StackSkills, which charges for classes. For students on a budget, free learning opportunities, such as Khan Academy, are available.
Wherever you go with Wipfli, curiosity is waiting. Begin your journey at careers.wipfli.com.
– Aaron Saito, CPA “
Understanding communication and chat tools is becoming increasingly valuable.”
“Every skill you pick up is going to make you more valuable and marketable,” Brannock said. “Even if you don’t see yourself using it in your traditional audit or tax role, your team will appreciate the efficiency you can bring to their world if you come on board with an exposure to these things.”
A regular feature profiling young professionals who provide their insights about what it’s like to work as a CPA in public accounting or industry
Joshua Daggett, CPA
Job title: Insurance Financial Examiner – Principal
Employer: State of Wisconsin, Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
What influenced your decision to become a CPA?
I originally began my studies in business management at Madison College. I was exposed to accounting classes through that program and decided that it would be better for me to specialize in an area like accounting.
How did you complete the 150 hours necessary to take the CPA Exam?
After obtaining an associate degree in business management from Madison College, I transferred to Lakeland University, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting. I decided to double-major in finance rather than pursue a master’s degree for the additional credits needed.
What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs?
I have learned that many people don’t really know what a CPA does. The certification gives you the authority to audit financial statements, but it also opens a lot of avenues for leadership roles, as it shows your knowledge and ability to understand complex material.
What’s the best part about your current job?
I wear a lot of hats in my current position as an insurance financial examiner. I perform risk-focused analyses and examinations of insurance companies, as well as reviewing and developing training in my role as principal. The variety gives me a lot of new and interesting things to do.
How did you find your first job out of college?
My wife found the job posting on wisc.jobs and suggested that I apply for it.
What was your first year like?
There is a steep learning curve, and it can take several years to develop a good understanding. The goal is to protect and educate Wisconsin consumers
by maintaining and promoting a strong insurance industry. The job becomes rewarding when you see and understand the impact.
What surprised you the most when you started your job?
I was surprised that I was capable of learning and understanding complex subjects. It can be difficult to understand what you can do until you try it for yourself. I have a rewarding job that gives me a lot of opportunities to invest in myself.
What’s the best thing about being a CPA?
The CPA credential gives me a sense of safety and security in my capabilities as an individual. Because of my education and experience, I know that I can overcome difficult challenges and achieve things that I pursue.
What do you like most about the organization you work for?
It is a very welcoming work environment that offers a lot of development opportunities. Leadership also supported my efforts to double-major in finance by offering tuition reimbursement.
What do you do outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
I have young kids, and much of my time is spent with them. We try to stay very active as a family with sports, activities and traveling. I recently joined the Lions Club to get more involved in the local community.
What are your goals for the future?
I plan to continue growing in my career by pursuing other relevant certifications. In my personal time, I look forward to doing different things as a family as my kids get older.
Madeleine Mayer, CPA
Job title: Senior Accountant
Employer: CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
What influenced your decision to become a CPA?
My mentors growing up suggested I try an accounting course because I wanted to enter the business world and did well in my math classes. I took a few accounting classes in high school and then decided to major in accounting.
How did you complete the 150 hours necessary to take the CPA Exam?
I received a dual degree in accounting and economics from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.
What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about public accounting?
Many people assume accountants sit at their desks all day and keep to themselves. In reality, most of the people I know in public accounting spend the majority of their day working together and talking to clients.
What’s the best part about your current job?
I love that my current job allows me to see how different companies run their operations. I get the chance to see large companies, small companies and all kinds in between — including companies in many different industries and locations around the Midwest.
How did you find your first job out of college?
I did a summer leadership camp with CLA, which led to an internship opportunity. During my internship, I was offered a full-time position after graduation.
What was your first year like?
During my first year, I learned new things constantly. I had the opportunity to try multiple different service lines, including tax, assurance and bookkeeping. This was great, as it allowed me to determine what area I liked best.
What surprised you the most when you started your job?
Most of my clients are in the agribusiness industry, and I was surprised when I had to climb a grain bin for work. I had never heard of inventory observations before, and when I was asked if I was afraid of heights, my answer was “no.” I was climbing a ladder during work hours a few weeks later.
What’s the best thing about being a CPA?
The endless opportunities of where you can take your career. I love that there are a magnitude of jobs and directions you can take with the knowledge you have as a CPA.
What do you like most about the organization you work for?
I really like that CLA offers many resources and opportunities to learn new things. They allow their employees to ask questions in a positive environment that promotes individual growth.
What do you do outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially my nieces and nephew. I also enjoy reading, playing volleyball and disc golfing.
What are your goals for the future?
I hope to be able to use my knowledge as a CPA to positively impact my community. The community I was raised in and in which I plan to raise a family means a lot to me — and I hope I can use my future positions to give back to my community.
WELCOME STUDENT MEMBERS NEW
Adam H. Acker UW–Madison
Emily Aleckson Concordia University
Elena Aviles
James M. Baldwin
Lincoln High School
Rosemary Bell
Alyssa Benzine UW–Madison
Megan Benzschawel UW–Madison
Brett Berget
Ethan F. Blomquist Western Governors University
Joseph D. Byrne
Madelyn E. Carey
Christian N. Chin UW–Madison
Anders Clark
Steven I. Concepcion Marquette University
Carter W. Cousland UW–Milwaukee
Michael Croasdaile
Patricia Davies
Samuel DeDecker DeDecker Wertz CPAs LLC
Maria G. DeRocco
Matthew Diorio UW–Milwaukee
Jonathan Doria
Kylie M. Ellis
Laney K. Fuchs
Lincoln High School
Alison M. Galinsky Mukwonago High School
Ronan L. Garrett Holmen High School
Emma C. Germain
Keaton J. Gomoll
UW–Stevens Point
Julio Gonzalez
Cara Greene
Kristi A. Groth
Mira C. Growel Slinger High School
Samuel J. Harmer
Anthony Hoeflich Jr. UW–Milwaukee
Madison S. Khang
Lincoln High School
Ntsaaab S. Khang Lincoln High School
Cameron Klein UW–Whitewater
Jonathan Kollen
Zachary D. Kosidowski
Andjela Kresanovic
Lorin M. Kuester Chippewa Valley Tech. College
Jason Kumpula Taylor Kwasny
Zlata Lekic
Camryn Long UW–Milwaukee
Pawandeep K. Mann
Jenesis Marquez UW–Milwaukee
Maci McElwee
Alaina E. Miller Lincoln High School
Abigail Minger St. Norbert College
Justin R. Muth
Michael L. Nehs
Brandi R. Neidlein Lincoln High School
Quangdat Nguyen UW–Milwaukee
Nathan W. O’Connell Scribner Cohen and Co. S.C.
Jordyn H. Ossmann UW–Green Bay
Matthew S. Pappas
Andrew Portale
Mckenna M. Radtke
Lincoln High School
Scott Reinert
Sean M. Roenius
Lincoln High School
Marissa Sanchez
Melissa Schmear Batteries Plus
Gretchen Schmook Jaspreet Singh
Natalee L. Sparhawk
Lincoln High School
Shaylin Stemper UW–Stevens Point
Brittany C. Sterling
Josalyn T. Stohr McFarland High School
Brock A. Titus Hayward High School
Taylor Tousey
Jasmine M. Vang
Lincoln High School
Anberlin H. Vick Beaver Dam High School
Zachary J. Walsh
Abe B. Wegner McFarland High School
Jesus Zamudio UW–Milwaukee
Maya L. Zeman
Lincoln High School
Note to Self
Note to Self is a column in which CPA professionals write notes to their collegestudent selves to give them a glimpse of their future. In this issue, Chris Cholka, CPA, controller at Cousins Subs, pens a letter to his younger self. Chris graduated from Carroll University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 2008 and is also currently a member of the WICPA board of directors.
Dear College Student Chris,
I know you were unsure of what life would look like after high school. Now, you may think you have decided on a college major — but that’s because you have not yet discovered accounting. Accounting can combine your enjoyment of organization with your math skills. Choosing accounting now will prevent you from having to change your major and play catch-up in college. It’s a fantastic career choice with many opportunities. You just need to get over your fear of being told “no.”
You are afraid of rejection, and I totally understand. No one wants to feel like they are
failing. Just believe in yourself. There are many opportunities you might miss out on because you don’t want to hear the word “no.” But once you get over this fear and start believing in yourself, you’ll be surprised at what you’re capable of.
You are going to consider waiting a couple of years after graduating to sit for the CPA Exam. But do not wait! Start studying, and take it as soon as you can. When you pass your exam, your career begins to accelerate. The CPA designation brings your résumé to the top of the pile for any job you apply for. (This will be confirmed by your future boss!)
After you have gained your CPA credential and built up your self-confidence, the next step will be to begin networking. You may think it’s not worth it, but I promise you it will pay dividends in the future. Networking will provide you with not only future connections but also career skills. Some of these connections will end up being partners in industry, some will provide you with career guidance, and some will lead to unique opportunities — such as being a member of the WICPA board of directors.
Last, I want you to continue to work hard no matter what. At times in your career, you will think your wheels are spinning and gaining no traction. However, people are watching. They will notice your grit and work ethic. If you are feeling underappreciated, do not be afraid of having a difficult conversation with your employer about your role and worth within the company. They will listen to you and work with you to achieve your goals. While these conversations may make you uncomfortable,
you will become much happier and avoid stress. In fact, these conversations could lead you from considering changing companies to embracing internal opportunities, such as a pay raise or a promotion.
You will do amazing things in life — and all you need to do is stay confident and work hard.
Sincerely,
Chris
Chris Cholka 2024
Empowering Students and Communities
The benefits of volunteering with VITA
By Rachel Detert, CPA, MST
You have many opportunities during your education through courses and internships to both enhance your accounting skills and set yourself apart from other candidates as you enter the job market. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program through the IRS offers you these opportunities while also positively impacting local communities by helping taxpayers file their returns.
What is the VITA program?
The VITA program is offered through the IRS and offers free tax-return preparation for qualified individuals making less than $64,000 per year.1 VITA volunteers are certified through the IRS after passing a series of exams based on IRS standards. Volunteers also complete training on confidentiality and privacy of taxpayer information. All returns prepared by a volunteer are quality reviewed by designated reviewers, reviewed with the taxpayer, and then filed electronically through the VITA site. During the 2023 filing season, one Milwaukee-area VITA site was able to file over 500 returns, resulting in more than $800,000 in refunds for Wisconsin taxpayers.
The volunteer process
If you are interested in volunteering with VITA, you can sign up online to be connected to an organization in your community.2 Alternatively, your university may already have a partnership with a local VITA site where you can volunteer. Once you are signed up, you will begin to practice and prepare for the required exams. There are exams covering the information intake process and basic and advanced tax topics as well as an exam for tax topics relevant to military service members. Study tools, such as practice scenarios and informational publications, are available to prepare for these exams. Additionally, the exams are not timed, and you can use study materials to aid in answering test questions.
During the 2023 filing season, one Milwaukee-area VITA site was able to file over 500 returns, resulting in more than $800,000 in refunds for Wisconsin taxpayers.”
Once all exams are passed, you may complete additional training through your volunteer site to go over specific policies and procedures. Volunteer sites generally open when the IRS e-file system opens in mid to late January. Once the site is open, clients begin submitting material in person or online. Returns are assigned to you, and you review the material submitted with the clients, prepare the returns, submit them to supervisors for quality
review, make or review any required changes and then call the clients to go over their returns and arrange for the return signature. Most volunteer sites close on or around April 15, when tax returns are due, though some may offer volunteer opportunities through Oct. 15.
The student volunteer experience
The VITA program offers you distinctive opportunities to enhance skills crucial for future internships, including client communication, project management and information organization. In addition, the VITA program gives you the opportunity to give back to your community.
In a tax or audit internship, you may be required to communicate with clients in many ways. You may take notes on calls or gather information directly during a site visit, but a call or meeting going over the audit report or tax return is highly unlikely to take place very early in your career. The VITA experience requires you to call clients and go over their tax information and their final tax return results from the start of the volunteer experience. This tends to be the most nerve-wracking experience for new volunteers, who may fear sounding unprepared or not being able to
“
The VITA program offers you distinctive opportunities to enhance skills crucial for future internships, including client communication, project management and information organization.”
answer the client’s questions. But there are always more experienced volunteers available to assist, and most student volunteers find that practice eases their nerves and makes the conversations feel more natural as the volunteer experience continues. This practice during a volunteer experience can also lead to less intimidation when speaking with clients in a future internship or job.
Clients are assigned to volunteers as they upload or drop off information, and depending on the volume at the VITA site, you may be assigned multiple returns each week. In general, returns are completed within a week of drop-off, so you must plan time to go over information, prepare the return and have it reviewed. You can practice project management — you will need to be able to schedule return preparation around other homework, projects and tests and schedule calls with clients around the clients’ schedules as well as your own. Once you enter the workforce or start an internship, you may be assigned to multiple projects with different timelines at the same time, and VITA experience can help reduce anxiety around project management and practice managing deadlines.
Lastly, VITA gives you the ability to refine your organizational skills. Clients upload and bring many documents in different formats to complete their tax returns. You will practice looking through the documents, determining what is relevant and communicating about any missing documents with the client. Being able to organize these documents in a functional manner makes the return preparation easier and helps the reviewer understand your
In addition to the skills necessary for future job opportunities, VITA gives you the ability to give back to local communities.” “
thought process while reviewing. Organizing the documents logically minimizes sending multiple follow-up communications to the client for missing information and helps meet the one-week return completion goal. Information gathering and organization is a fundamental part of accounting work, and practicing these skills during the VITA program can make it easier for you to organize client documents in internships and future jobs.
In addition to the skills necessary for future job opportunities, VITA gives you the ability to give back to local communities. After volunteering, students often comment on how meaningful they found helping community members who did not have another solution to file their taxes. Members of the community are very grateful to have someone demystify their tax situation, whether it be explaining documents they received or ensuring they are filing the correct forms and reporting the correct information. Many clients indicate they are unable to afford to use an accounting firm or other service to prepare their taxes and appreciate the free service, allowing them to maximize any potential refund.
As you continue to progress in your education and career, volunteer opportunities may be more difficult to find and may be less relevant to an accounting career. The VITA program allows you to provide a meaningful, necessary service to community members in addition to refining skills you will use in future accounting jobs and internships.
Rachel Detert, CPA, MST,
is a tax
professor
at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Prior to joining academia, she spent 13 years in public accounting serving individual taxpayers. Contact her at Rachel.detert@marquette.edu.
By Dave Molenda, TDC, TDFC, TEQC
blinking, and it happens whether you are consciously telling yourself to do it or not. process that requires thought, effort and practice. Most of us have the ability to hear, but far fewer have the ability to listen and listen successfully. This article will give you an understanding of the importance of good listening skills and provide some simple yet effective tools to help you build them.
“
Listen to understand
For many of us, the weakness in our listening skills is that we do not listen with the intent to understand — we listen with the intent to reply. When we listen with the intent to reply, we generally are not listening; we are formulating our response while the other person is still speaking. And it is difficult for us to listen and think of our response at the same time.
Listening takes practice, and from my experience, not much attention is being paid to listening skills in the workplace today.
We talk at about 125-150 words per minute. Our brains, which can process much more than that, get bored and start to fill in the gaps. But we can train our brains to focus and listen instead of daydreaming and allowing our minds to wander.
Keep an open mind
In addition to focusing, keeping an open mind is a helpful tool when we are listening. If someone says something we don’t agree with, we tend to shut down or, again, to formulate our response while the other person is still speaking.
If your client or a co-worker says something you don’t agree with, what do you do? Do you allow them to finish, or do you stop listening and start to list the rebuttals in your head?
For many of us, the weakness in our listening skills is that we do not listen with the intent to understand — we listen with the intent to reply.”
In your next communication exchange with someone, check yourself multiple times throughout the conversation to make sure you are not closing your mind to their comments.
Be considerate
Interrupting is another major issue in today’s communication. More often than not, I see people interrupting each other, not allowing the person they’re speaking with to finish their thoughts. What are you really telling someone when you interrupt? First of all, you are telling them that what you have to say is more important than what they are saying.
Additionally, you are telling them that you really don’t care what they think. How tragic this is if you
are communicating with your client. Please — don’t ever let your clients think that what you have to say is more important than what they have to say!
Clarify with questions
Another tool you can use to improve your understanding is to ask questions. For example, if a client is telling you about something that is pertinent to your business together, make sure to ask them to go into more detail. My favorite three words are “Tell me more.” Most people enjoy talking about themselves, and asking questions gives you an opportunity to dig deep and listen to what they are saying.
Repeat to understand
If you really struggle with your listening skills, one of the best tools you can use is to repeat back to the person what they just said. For example, “If I understand what you just said, it was …” This does two things for you:
1 It gives the person speaking the feeling that you respect them and really care about what they are saying.
2 It forces you to listen so well that you must repeat their words back to them, which almost always gives you a better understanding of what they are saying.
“
I know that, for me, the more time I invest in practicing my listening skills, the more successful my communications are.”
In case you think listening is not important, consider this: The U.S. Department of Labor revealed that 46% of those who quit their jobs did so because they felt they were not listened to and, therefore, not appreciated. Employee turnover can be very costly to an organization.
At the end of the day, we are in control of our listening skills. I know that, for me, the more time I invest in practicing my listening skills, the more successful my communications are. I hope that you will try at least one of the tools mentioned in this article — and notice the difference it makes in your life and your relationships.
Dave Molenda, TDC, TDFC, TEQC, is the owner of Positive Polarity LLC in Milwaukee. Contact him at 414-322-2358 or dave@positivepolarity.com.
Educational Requirements
o Education
Applicants must complete (cannot be in process) a minimum of 120 credit hours of education leading to a bachelor’s or graduate degree to apply for the Uniform CPA Exam, which includes at least 24 semester hours in accounting from an educational institution that is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education at the undergraduate level or 15 semester hours at the graduate level, or an equivalent combination that covers each of the following subject areas:
• Financial accounting
• Cost or managerial accounting
• Taxation
• Auditing
• Accounting information systems
o Applicants must complete the AIS course to satisfy the accounting information systems requirement. Completion of the BIS, MIS or IS courses will no longer satisfy the accounting information systems requirement.
Note: A bachelor’s degree is not required to apply. The 120 credits must be completed and include the above required classes before applying.
o Courses
• Credits from a community or technical college not transferred to an accredited institution that offers a bachelor’s degree may be accepted toward the requirements if they are earned from an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the federal Department of Education.
• The courses covering the subjects of financial accounting, cost or managerial accounting, taxation and auditing would generally be courses taken beyond the introductory accounting course required of every business major.
• Correspondence, CLEP credit, pass/fail grades and online courses are acceptable when you receive credit for the courses at a regionally accredited college or university. These courses must appear on an official transcript.
• Upper-division courses are usually taken at the junior or senior undergraduate level.
• Credit for courses completed at institutions located outside the U.S. must be transferred to an accredited bachelor’s degree-granting institution inside the U.S.
• CPA review courses are not acceptable.
Note: Wisconsin offers the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Advisory Evaluation as an optional service. An Advisory Evaluation will identify any academic deficiencies in education before submitting a first-time application for the Uniform CPA Exam.
Transcripts
o An official transcript must be submitted from each school attended.
o The degree must be posted on the official transcript.
o Official transcripts submitted electronically must be directly from the institution(s). Some schools do not offer this service. Contact the registrar’s office for additional information. If an email address is required for electronic delivery, use etranscript@nasba.org.
Applying
o Candidates must create a user account and apply through NASBA at nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/wisconsin.
• Candidates may apply for one or more sections of the Uniform CPA Exam at the same time; however, the Notice to Schedule (NTS) will expire after six months. Candidates are advised to apply only if they are ready to take the section within the next six months.
• There is no provision for withdrawing from the examination and/or requesting an extension of your current NTS. Application and/or examination fees are not refundable. If you have an extreme circumstance, you may request an NTS extension or a partial refund of your examination fees under specific circumstances utilizing the Exception to Policy Form.
Note: There is no residency requirement for the state of Wisconsin. The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) administers Wisconsin’s CPA certificate and license. For more information on licensure, see the Wisconsin CPA Certificate & License Checklist at wicpa.org/LicenseChecklist.
Passing
o All four exam sections may be taken individually and in any order but must be passed within an 18-month period, which begins on the date that the first passed exam section was taken.
• Due to the launch of the new CPA Exam, any candidate with Uniform CPA Examination credit(s) on Jan. 1, 2024, will have such credit(s) automatically extended to June 30, 2025.
• Candidates may retake an exam section once they have received their grades for any previous attempt of the same section.
Note: The ethics exam is administered through DSPS after the license application is submitted and requirements are met.
Next Steps
o See the Wisconsin CPA Certificate & License Checklist at wicpa.org/LicenseChecklist for the requirements and steps to acquire a Wisconsin CPA certificate and license
Note: For questions or more information, contact NASBA at 800-CPA-EXAM (800-272-3926) or cpaes-wi@nasba.org.
CAREER SPOTLIGHT
www.sikich.com l Neil Keller, Partner l Neil.keller@sikich.com
www.vrakascpas.com l Tara Tomter, Director of Talent l ttomter@vrakascpas.com
As a five-time Top Workplace firm, Vrakas provides the tools necessary to map out your own path to success, built around your talent and needs. We are dedicated to the success of our professionals and make it our priority to help drive your career to the next level!
www.wipfli.com l Tori Spencer, Talent Acquisition Specialist l vspencer@wipfli.com
We’re Wipfli, a national consulting firm serving clients across today’s most complex industries. Our professionals guide clients through the process of identifying growth, profitability and efficiency challenges – accounting, taxes, operational issues, enterprise collaboration, effective decision making and more. At Wipfli, curious is more than a personality trait. It’s a way of thinking. Of learning. Of working. At Wipfli, curious is our approach to the world. We challenge ourselves to push beyond obvious answers to find smarter solutions for our 100,000+ clients. Curious? Come join us.
Realize your full potential at Sikich. Become part of a highly motivated team that values individual effort and growth. Specializing in accounting, advisory, technology and managed services, Sikich ranks within the nation’s top 30 largest CPA firms and the world’s top 1% of enterprise resource planning solution partners. IF
