SPRING 2019 | VOL. 14, NO. 2
Whatever it takes Tyler Fallahi 4
Plus... CAREER PATHFINDING
CPA EXAM STRATEGIES
pages 14, 20, 24
page 28
YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE CPA2b Spring page 2019 | 32 wicpa.org
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LUBAR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
MASTER’S DEGREE IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING YOUR FINAL STEP TOWARD EARNING YOUR CPA. The MS in Management-Professional Accounting program at UWM’s
Lubar School of Business is a one-year, full-time program that integrates CPA exam-related content directly into the curriculum. With the option to focus on either Assurance Services (audit) or Taxation, we develop highly professional and employable specialists in accounting. Learn more at lubar.uwm.edu/mspa.
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Spring 2019 | Vol. 14, No. 2 A publication of the WICPA Educational Foundation, Inc. | wicpa.org
Contents features 10 b educated | outside the classroom
Washington, D.C., broadens students’ horizons A course at UW-Milwaukee takes students all the way to our nation’s capital to learn firsthand from rule-makers about rules, regulations and how CPAs protect the public. By Colleen Boland, CPA, CGMA, PhD
14 b adventurous | finding your path
From the mountains to the Midwest This CPA took some time to explore his personal passions and realized he could combine them with a career in accounting and have the best of both worlds. By Justin Erickson, CPA
20 b inspired | staying the course Determination! Sometimes it’s hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel, but keep moving forward. That light will become a beacon if you’re passionate about your goals—like this guy is. By Tramaine Robinson
24 b flexible | changing course
“Recalculating route …” Three graduate students talk about previous careers, discovering a passion for accounting—and how they, like the GPS in your car, “recalculated” their career paths. By Marcia Tillett-Zinzow with Maria Kang, Christine Lenhart and Bradley Harrison
4 b recognized | member profile
28 b prepared | CPA Exam tips
Whatever it takes Once Tyler Fallahi sets a goal for himself, he does whatever it takes to achieve it—despite a profound physical disability that has also motivated him to help others. By Marcia Tillett-Zinzow
departments 3 b in the know | meet Sona Camara
CPA Exam study tips and strategies The CPA Exam is no piece of cake; but it’s not insurmountable, either. This information will help prepare you and ease some of the anxiety everyone experiences.
By Adriana Coopman and Amy Napolski
32 b connected | online presence
8 b affiliated | welcome new members 36 b strategic | career planning
Make your LinkedIn profile work for you It’s easy to connect with friends, co-workers and— especially—prospective employers through your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it’s working for you, not against you. By Stephanie Cardarelle
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2018-2019 WICPA Educational Foundation Board of Directors: President Michael E. Friedman, CPA, JD Secretary/Treasurer Roberta A. Ward, CPA Directors Christopher M. Cholka, CPA, CGMA Kenesha A. Coleman, CPA, MPA Jessica B. Gatzke, CPA, MST Elizabeth Hazi, CPA John R. Heindel, CPA Diana L. Henke, CPA Jessica M. Horning, CPA Wendy K. Potratz, CPA, MBA, CMA, CGFM Wendi M. Unger, CPA Boula Xiong WICPA Board Liaison Katherine L. Hauser, CPA, CGMA WICPA President & CEO Tammy J. Hofstede
Publication Team: Editor Marcia Tillett-Zinzow Design & Layout Brett Stallman Advertising Terry Felker Printing Special Editions
ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIPS
Receive $2,500
in scholarship money! Apply online at wicpa.org/scholarships through Feb. 28, 2019. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 28, 2019. Scholarships are awarded from the WICPA Educational Foundation to qualified accounting students in their last year to meet the 150-hour requirement to apply for a Wisconsin CPA license.
CPA2b is a biannual publication of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Change of address should be sent to: Membership, W233N2080 Ridgeview Parkway, Suite 201, Waukesha, WI 53188; Phone: 262-785-0445; Fax: 262-785-0838; email: jessica@wicpa.org. Statements or opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the WICPA. Publication of an advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of a product or service by CPA2b or the WICPA. Articles may be reproduced with permission. © Copyright 2019 CPA2b.
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in the know | meet Sona Camara
Meet the WICPA’s New Membership Outreach Manager
H
ello accounting students and educators! I would like to introduce myself as the new membership outreach manager at the WICPA and give you a little information about my background and how I’ll be interacting with you.
By Sona Camara
I moved from Washington, D.C., to Wisconsin in October 2018 to embark on a new journey. I chose a career in the nonprofit sector because I like working for mission-based organizations where the priority is to work toward a specific goal that helps people. My parents dedicated their lives to giving back to the community and instilled that hunger in me. I have shaped my identity around the different cultures, people and languages I was exposed to throughout my life. Growing up the daughter of a diplomat (my father is Ambassador of Guinea to Algeria), I moved around a lot. I spent most of my life in Europe and the U.K., living in five different countries and visiting 16 others. Traveling broadened my perspective of the world and gave me the skills to connect with people of different cultures and backgrounds. In my position at the WICPA, I am responsible for recruiting, retaining and engaging WICPA members at all levels. During my first few months of working here, I’ve enjoyed coordinating on-campus presentations and meeting students and educators at various WICPA events. I will be taking our college outreach to new heights and fueling my efforts to improve outreach and awareness. Some of the tasks I’ll be working on in the coming months are: • Cultivating relationships that create awareness of the accounting profession.
• Giving presentations to prospective students about the elements of the CPA Exam and the benefits of WICPA membership. • Attending college career fairs and networking events. • Fostering relationships with accounting chairs and accounting professors. • Promoting accounting and financial literacy initiatives at all school levels to the public and educators. • Coordinating, with the AICPA, the Accounting Program for Building the Profession (APBP)—for high school educators. • Coordinating speakers’ panels and presentations at colleges. • Recruiting volunteers for programs such as the High School Educator Accounting Symposium, High School Speaking Program, Wisconsin Educators of Business & Information Technology (WEBIT) conference session, Reading Makes Cents, Students & Leaders Network, DECA, Future Business Leaders of American (FBLA), Junior Achievement and FutureQuest. My goal is to reshape our outreach initiatives and awareness efforts at all school levels and bridge the gap between students and the people and information that can help them reach their goals. I am pleased to be a part of the WICPA team and am passionate about the future that lies ahead. Feel free to reach out to me anytime to connect at sona@wicpa.org.
Sona Camara is the membership outreach manager for the WICPA. Contact her at (262) 785-0445, ext. 4511, or sona@wicpa.org.
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recognized | member profile
Whatever it takes
Photography by Mark Hines
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Once Tyler Fallahi sets a goal for himself, he does whatever it takes to achieve it—despite a profound physical disability that has motivated him to help others, too. By Marcia Tillett-Zinzow
T
hink back to the summer before you started college. If you’re thinking it was a little scary, you’re not alone. Sure, you were excited about getting out on your own, away from home, and having new experiences. But there were likely also fears. You’d be going to an unfamiliar place, learning to live with someone you didn’t know—and maybe you wouldn’t “fit in.” Then there were thoughts of how difficult your classes could be and how well (or not) you’d be able to keep up your grades.
“Disability and acceptance
Now think about how much scarier it would’ve been if you were physically disabled.
“The biggest thing for me was that in high school, my case manager and my aides helped me with everything,” Tyler said. “In college, you have to find everything yourself. So I had to look for all my help myself. My parents helped me, of course, too. But just managing all the state programs, all the options that are out there—it was kind of a struggle. But I’m here, so it all worked out.”
Meet Tyler Fallahi Tyler Fallahi is a 22-year-old UW–Whitewater student who has a form of muscular dystrophy called spinal muscular atrophy type 2. He’s just finishing up six years of accounting studies so he can become a CPA. His first college-level accounting courses were mastered in high school, and he has been studying at UW-Whitewater three and a half years. Tyler is an accounting major with a minor in economics. Every semester, he’s carried anywhere from 15 to 18 credits and has attended summer sessions in addition to the regular spring and fall semesters. And, if that’s not enough, Tyler is working on a master’s in public accountancy at the same time. Starting college wasn’t easy for Tyler, but he had set a goal for himself and was going to do whatever was necessary to attain it. Because his physical disability demands considerable assistance, he had much more to do to prepare for college than the traditional college student does. He had to enroll in programs for the disabled, find personal note-takers and aides to help him with just about every aspect of life that we all
are both prominent parts of the campus culture.” take for granted, and learn how to navigate unfamiliar places in a wheelchair.
Assisting others who need assistance Because of the difficulties he encountered, Tyler built a website designed to help other physically disabled college entrants transition from high school to college. It took him more than two years to build it. On the site—transition2collegewi.com—he offers advice, encouragement and helpful paths to navigate the turbid waters of state programs and independent care services. He provides information on how to find caregivers, manage employees and juggle the many aspects of school life. And he shares with visitors one of the reasons he chose UW–Whitewater. “Disability and acceptance are both prominent parts of the campus culture,” Tyler says on the site. “I know that I grew up being the only person in a wheelchair in my elementary school. By attending a college like CPA2b Spring 2019 | wicpa.org
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recognized | member profile
It took Tyler two years to build his website, transition2collegewi.com, which offers tips, encouragement and resources for the college-bound physically disabled.
Whitewater, you won’t feel like the odd man out. Furthermore, all professors are aware of the disability programs on campus, so you won’t meet a professor who has no idea how to handle your situation.” Tyler includes his personal contact information on the site and encourages visitors to get in touch with him if they have questions or just want to chat. “If anyone with a disability who reads this story is confused or has questions, I am always available,” he said. “Transitioning to college was scary for me, so I’m sure it’s scary to a lot of people. They can reach me by email at Fallahityl@gmail.com.” Some incoming freshmen have reached out after visiting Tyler’s site. Most have been UW–Whitewater students, but some were preparing to attend other schools. One was even going to school in the state of Washington. “We talk about Wisconsin programs on the site, but there’s still a lot of advice that’s transferrable,” he said.
If attitude is everything, he has it all Tyler’s motivation comes from within, while he optimistically looks outward. He’s always looking to the future. When he was in high school, college
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There are other college campuses that accept and accommodate those with physical disabilities. In Wisconsin, UW–Madison and UW–Stevens Point are both listed, in addition to UW–Whitewater, as being “physical disability-friendly.” To learn of other colleges on the list, check out collegexpress.com
was his motivator. In college, his future career is his motivator. But his inspiration comes from an elementary and high school teacher he had in Rio, Wisconsin, before his family moved to Portage. “Mrs. McGuire was my case manager in Rio, and right when I started with her, she was diagnosed with cancer. That really puts things in perspective,” Tyler said. “Even though I have challenges, I learned from her that everyone has challenges, so that’s not an excuse.” Mrs. McGuire passed away a few years after Tyler transferred to Portage High School, but he thinks of her still and will never forget how she inspired him to keep pushing forward.
In May, Tyler will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting—and possibly, if he has the credits, a second degree in econ. He’ll continue working on the graduate degree he’s been simultaneously studying for and graduate with a master of professional accountancy degree in December 2019. His goal is to take the CPA Exam soon after the spring semester ends. He’s been studying for it all along. “I keep my old books from all my accounting classes,” he said, “and at least twice a week or so I read back on old chapters and practice a few problems.” This keeps him focused on his goal, and staying on top of things helps to quell the anxiety many future CPAs experience before taking the exam. He sees it as just another test. “I’m always nervous taking exams,” he said. “But like every exam, I just need to take it, and once the first few questions are out of the way, I find my groove, and it doesn’t seem so bad.” When he’s done with school, Tyler hopes to gain several years of experience with an accounting firm and then take the forensic accounting exam so that, ultimately, he can work in forensic accounting. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
Marcia Tillett-Zinzow is a Wisconsin freelance writer and editor. Contact her at mtzinzow@icloud.com.
The world of caregiving Tyler relies on about eight different aides throughout the week. About half of them come from Society’s Assets—an independent agency that provides services that promote independent living. He found the other half himself, through websites like Care.com or the campus job board. While a few of his aides are students at the university, most are not. Stephen Meyer and his wife, Leigh, are two of the three overnight aides who stay with Tyler in his dorm room and assist him with personal care and getting from Point A to Point B each morning. In addition to these caregivers, Tyler has in-class aides who help with hats and coats and taking things out of his backpack, as well as notetakers who do exactly that: take notes for him in class. In the less-technical classes, the in-class aides can take notes. But the more technical accounting and econ courses require experienced note-takers. Stephen became a full-time caregiver after trying several other occupations and not finding satisfaction. Even as he did those other things, he had caregiving jobs on the side. Finally, he realized he had a calling. “I did a lot of things: paralegal, sales, trucking—but all of those experiences led me back here to caregiving,” he said. “I’ve never felt better about what I’m doing with my life than I do right now. It’s very fulfilling.” Leigh joined Stephen in the caregiving field shortly after he made it his life’s work. Now they work as a team. “We have seven kids who also keep us busy,” he said. “So we split the caregiving work between the two of us.”
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affiliated | WICPA membership
WELCOME NEW STUDENT MEMBERS
Audrey Bork Oregon State University–Cascades
Ashley C. Hall University of Wisconsin–Madison
Nicholas Covek Concordia University
Nolan J. Heck CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Vincent Dombrowski RitzHolman CPAs
Magdalena Jaworska MBE CPAs, LLP
Jennifer L. Drescher-Weiser University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Sarah LaBerge First Choice Dental Group S.C.
Tyler Fallahi University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Rebecca Lamermayer University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Beth Frazer University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Jennifer Lei University of Wisconsin–Parkside
Kimberly A. Freese University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Michele Rogers
Kaitlin Gramins Marquette University Brittany R. Greuel University of Wisconsin–Whitewater Emalie Hahn Wisconsin Lutheran College
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Elizabeth Schuman Northern Illinois University Zhifei Wang University of Wisconsin–Madison Ki Xiong RSF Accounting, Inc. Yuehue Zhang University of Wisconsin–Madison
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educated | outside the classroom
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Washington, D.C., broadens career horizons for Milwaukee students Students at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee are learning “how the sausage is made.”
W By Colleen Boland, CPA, CGMA, PhD
hile most accounting students learn auditing and accounting rules, a new class, launched with support from CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), takes students “into the kitchen to see how the sausage is made,” figuratively speaking.
Offered each spring, the course—U.S. Institutions Shaping Accounting and Auditing Standards—enables students to spend the first half of the semester learning about important individuals and institutions that wrote the rules governing financial accounting. In addition, students participate in rule setting by writing comment letters on proposed rules, providing input before a rule is finally issued. After establishing this background, the class travels to the heart of U.S. rule setting—Washington, D.C.—
to meet with representatives of the various rule-setting stakeholders.
“The course gave me new insights into accounting and my own responsibilities.” —Dylan Stemper, student In the pilot year, students met first with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the national association that represents CPAs in the U.S. They learned how the AICPA supports the profession and provides expert assistance to regulators at both the federal and state levels. Next, they visited the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to learn about its broad range of activities and to hear PCAOB professionals speak with care and passion about their responsibility to protect the public. The following day, students had firsthand exposure to the legislative process at the U.S. Capitol. Wisconsin’s elected representatives
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educated | outside the classroom
welcomed them: U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, the staff of former House Speaker Paul Ryan’s office, and U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin. As Rep. Moore was just off the floor of an important vote, the excitement of governing was infectious. In Speaker Ryan’s office, students learned that sometimes leaders work at the process of coming to a result at the expense of their short-term goals. Each senator’s office conveyed how policy positions were determined and impressed students with the passion to do the right thing.
“I have never felt more in touch with government entities, and it was much less intimidating being able to sit down with a group of people and just talk about how things work instead of trying to make sense of complicated bills and organizational structures. My personal highlight of the week was
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talking to the chiefs of staff from both Sen. Johnson and Sen. Baldwin’s teams. They talked to us about current issues that their teams are working on in the Senate and how they plan to highlight those issues from a strategy standpoint.” —Christine Bain, student This trip to the nation’s capital was the first for many of our students. In addition to a tour of the monuments, students explored the many Smithsonian museums in a scavenger hunt of the most interesting exhibits. A highlight was the Newseum, a museum dedicated to the First Amendment. The students reflected on their visits throughout the week, all of which had been possible because of the First Amendment. Their meeting with the AICPA represented the freedom to assemble,
while the meetings with the PCAOB and the legislative delegation represented the freedom to petition the government. The Newseum also showed the role of the media—and freedom of the press—in shaping governmental rules.
“The best part of this trip was that it gave me a big picture of how accounting policies were made and how the accounting system works. Before this trip, I treated accounting as a numbercrunching game; my job was to prepare financial statements complying with GAAP. I knew how financial statements should be prepared, but I did not know why. Thanks to this trip, I have learned that accounting rules are related to politics. Accounting policies are the outcome of multiple parties’ negotiations. As with other bills, different stakeholder groups hire lobbyists to convince policymakers, and the policymakers must balance the stakes of different parties. The final version of accounting policy is always the eclectic one, which, we hope, satisfies the majority. “The Newseum impressed me most. The First Amendment was not the fruit of gentle negotiation: The process was fully a fight. The birth of the First Amendment also explains why the U.S. is the most powerful country in the world: Freedom dominates the main stream of American culture, and freedom is never, ever a gift.” —Zimo Sheng, student The final day was spent at the Washington, D.C., CLA office, where students learned the breadth of career opportunities their accounting training enables. Several students voiced their interest in careers in either government or auditing government.
“I very much enjoyed CLA’s presentation on the last day of our trip. The presentation opened my eyes to how interesting and fun governmental accounting can be. Before this trip, I had planned a career in public accounting; now I am considering
governmental accounting as a new possibility. I also liked the advice CLA representatives gave of finding a passion and applying that passion to our accounting careers, whether that passion be the environment, music or startup businesses. If there is one thing CLA taught me from this trip, it is that my accounting degree will open an endless number of possibilities for my career.” —Michael Carroll, student Sausage making can be messy and time-consuming, involving many ingredients—not unlike the process of making rules and laws. In the end, we want the most experienced and passionate professionals to execute these tasks. With support from CLA, UW-Milwaukee gives future accountants a glimpse into “the kitchen” and a new appreciation for what comes out.
Dr. Colleen Boland, CPA, CGMA, is an assistant professor at UW–Milwaukee. She researches standard setting and the impact of technology on auditing and teaches Accounting Information Systems. Contact her at bolandc@uwm.edu.
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adventurous | finding your path
From the mountains to the Midwest
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Sometimes a little exploration is needed to find the right career path.
A
bout eight years ago, my father and I packed up my 2000 Ford Focus for a cross-country trip. I had recently graduated with my undergraduate degree and had accepted a one-year position in the Mt. Hood National Forest in By Justin Oregon. All I knew when I Erickson, CPA accepted the position was that I would get to help administer environmental education programs and live on a mountain. Little did I know at the time, but my decision to move out west would eventually help shape my decision to become a certified public accountant (CPA). My desire to move to Mt. Hood was largely framed by my undergraduate college experience. I attended Grinnell College, a liberal arts school in the cornfields of Iowa. During those four years, I developed a passion for studying history. I was particularly intrigued by how citizens, nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies and government agencies intertwined their knowledge sets to address seemingly unsolvable problems. As a result, when I learned of the opportunity on Mt. Hood, I knew that this was the appropriate next step. I had spent four years learning how organizations impact change; it was time to understand how change was achieved in the “real world.” As you can imagine, my Ford Focus wasn’t made for mountain driving. When my father and I arrived
in Oregon in the middle of January, I remember driving white-knuckled over the mountain pass. I can still hear my father screaming, “JUSTIN, SLOW DOWN!” as I barreled down the road without four-wheel drive. When we finally arrived at my cabin, I knew that the year was going to be full of adventure. My one-year position in Mt. Hood National Forest was funded through the AmeriCorps—the domestic version of the Peace Corps. The purpose of the program was to help young adults gain hands-on experience working with community organizations. During the year, I taught environmental education programs, attended city council meetings, helped contain a wildfire and even served as a liaison for the U.S. Forest Service. And due to the fact that I lived in a cabin on a mountain, my weekends were often spent exploring backcountry trails through the forest. This experience was perfect for my first job out of college. Not only did I get to explore a new part of the country, but more importantly, it reaffirmed my desire to work with mission-focused organizations.
The next phase of exploration Toward the end of my contract on Mt. Hood, I made a conscious decision about my next steps. While I knew I wanted to work with organizations that improved their communities, I had yet to work with a for-profit company. My experience, both in college and in the AmeriCorps, largely focused on nonprofits and government agencies. I was curious about how for-profit companies could
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adventurous | finding your path
make a difference by offering new products to the marketplace. Thankfully, through an alumna of Grinnell College, I learned of a renewable energy company in San Francisco that worked to make solar energy accessible for homeowners.
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I felt a bit out of my element when I arrived at the solar company’s headquarters in downtown San Francisco. After spending a year on a mountain, the hustle and bustle of the city seemed foreign. But I was excited for the change, and I jumped right into my new job. As a member of the customer care team, my role was to learn about residential solar, gather data on the customer experience and develop solutions for pain points. After about six months in this role, I was asked to project-manage a cross-functional initiative. The initiative included representatives from many different teams, including finance and accounting, IT product management, operations, legal and sales. We were tasked with developing policies and reporting dashboards to improve a specific aspect of the business. Given that
I didn’t have a business degree, the act of managing the project provided me with a deeper insight into how a department, such as sales or accounting, influences business operations. When the project concluded, I was approached by one of the IT product managers. She had participated in the aforementioned initiative and had an opening on her team. The company had recently implemented an Oracle enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, and she needed a business analyst to document and perform testing once these accounting processes were unveiled in the system. To be honest, I had no idea what an ERP system was and wouldn’t have been able to tell you the first thing about documenting accounting processes. However, she reassured me that my project management experience would serve me well and that they would provide me with an accounting textbook to learn the basics.
Zeroing in on a career as a CPA Through my work as a business analyst, I learned the fundamentals of accounting and how accounting information flowed through our ERP system. It became clear to me why accounting serves as the “language of
“I saw a possible career path that intertwined my interests—I could become a CPA who works with mission-focused organizations.” business.” After all, the transactional data that flowed through the ERP system would eventually inform decision makers both inside and outside the company. As my knowledge expanded, I grew more curious about the accounting profession. Members of the accounting team were CPAs and encouraged me to explore the profession. Through these conversations and self-reflection, I saw a possible career path that intertwined my interests—I could become a CPA who works with mission-focused organizations. Although I truly enjoyed working for the solar
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company in San Francisco, I knew that in the next phase of my career I wanted to work with nonprofits, governmental agencies and educational institutions. It’s been roughly five years since I moved home to Wisconsin, earned my master’s degree in accounting and became a CPA. In many ways, I am exactly where I’d like to be with my career. I consider myself fortunate to work for a public accounting firm and provide professional services to governments, nonprofits and educational institutions. Through this work, I get to continue learning about the invaluable ways in which these organizations improve their communities. When I look back on my career path, I had no idea I would become a CPA. My moves to Mt. Hood National Forest and then San Francisco were predicated on my desire to see how mission-focused organizations make a positive difference in their communities. And honestly, I thought my career would focus more on developing organizational programming than on how these programs are financed and operationalized. However, through my work experience, I began to realize that an organization’s mission cannot flourish without strong financial direction and financial policies. Given my background working with different types of community organizations, I felt like developing a strong accounting and finance skill set as a CPA could allow me to provide a valuable perspective to help these organizations grow. Over time, I’ve learned that building a career takes time and patience. There will be days when you are unsure how your career will unfold and whether you are on the right path. But that’s OK. The one thing I would say is that earning your CPA license will give you access to numerous opportunities. The challenge is sifting through these opportunities. To do so, I would encourage you to think about what you are passionate about. This will help you maintain a sense of direction and an open mind as you explore the opportunities within the field. And if you have no idea what you’re passionate about, that’s OK too. Don’t be afraid to explore new organizations, new cities, new ideas—or even go live on a mountain. Your CPA license will open doors. You just have to be willing to walk through them.
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“Don’t be afraid to explore new organizations, new cities, new ideas—or even go live on a mountain. Your CPA license will open doors. You just have to be willing to walk through them.” Justin Erickson is a senior at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) in Milwaukee. As a member of CLA’s Regulated Industries Team, Justin provides professional services to state and local governments, nonprofits and educational institutions. Contact him at 414-721-7648 or justin.erickson@claconnect.com.
Volunteer this April for
Reading Makes ¢ents Sponsored by the WICPA Educational Foundation
Help Students Get Money-Smart April is National Financial Literacy Month and a great opportunity for you to help students get smart about money by reading to an elementary school class about the basics of money.
The WICPA Educational Foundation will provide everything you need. Express your interest by updating your profile at wicpa.org/MyWICPA or contact Sona Camara at 800-772-6939 ext. 4511 or sona@wicpa.org. CPA2b Spring 2019 | wicpa.org
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inspired | staying the course
Keep your eyes on the prize when things look bleak.
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W By Tramaine Robinson
hen I received my first CPA Exam passing score after a year of trial and error, you’d think I’d breathe a huge sigh of relief—and I did. After not passing on previous tries and nearly giving up on the CPA Exam, a passing score was a sign of light at the end of the tunnel, and that light is what initially led me to the accounting profession.
Upon graduating from high school, I had very low grades (1.8 GPA) and very little sense of direction. It wasn’t until the end of the summer, when most of my friends were packing to go to college, that I thought to myself, “What am I doing with my life?” I began to panic instantly. I didn’t have the grades to even apply to a four-year school; so, by default, I applied to MATC, where I could get a two-year degree. Surprisingly, I scored high on the entrance exam, especially in math—which led to a counselor recommending that I major in accounting.
Accounting became my passion When I took Accounting 1, I fell in love with it. As much as there was frustration with being wrong— no matter if that was by one penny or one dollar— the feeling of being correct doubled my internal satisfaction. Accounting was one of the few subjects in which, if you were right, you were 100 percent right with no disputing.
“Coming from a family of seven, in which I was the first to graduate from high school—let alone college—I had no connections to anyone at an accounting firm or even in the accounting industry.” the majority of students—but because the school I went to didn’t offer a bachelor’s degree, I couldn’t be considered for an internship. Coming from a family of seven, in which I was the first to graduate from high school—let alone college—I had no connections to anyone at an accounting firm or even in the accounting industry. But, as I quickly discovered, to every problem there’s a solution. So I decided to see what four-year schools would accept my credits and let me keep my accounting major.
The choice became clear
During my freshman year at MATC, I was informed by one of my professors about Big Four accounting firms, which became a dream of mine. The thought of working in a prestigious firm like Deloitte or PwC motivated me to get good grades so, hopefully, I could land an internship.
When initially looking at four-year universities, I wanted to go to a school that Big Four accounting firms recruited from: Marquette, UW–Madison or UW–Whitewater. The only problem was that none of these would accept my two-year accounting degree; or, if they did, I would be forced to change my accounting major. The only school that would accept my associate’s degree and allow me to keep my accounting major was Lakeland University, so that’s what I chose.
“We only recruit at four-year universities” was something I got used to hearing the summer after my freshman year, when calling accounting firms about possible internship possibilities. At first, I was taken aback because it made no sense to me. I took the same courses, got good grades—if not better than
At the time, I was living in Milwaukee, and I wanted to live on campus where my class was within walking distance instead of taking two buses to get to school like I had while attending MATC. So upon graduating from MATC in December 2014, I transferred to Lakeland University and moved into campus housing. CPA2b Spring 2019 | wicpa.org
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inspired | staying the course
During my senior year at Lakeland, I was able to finally land my first internship at Schenck S.C. in Sheboygan, where I experienced what it was like to work a busy season while simultaneously taking 18 credits. It pushed me like nothing else. Juggling a full-time job and my studies was challenging, but I remembered that this is what I always wanted. Something about coming from a technical college gave me the determination to prove myself. Every day, I felt the need to establish a great reputation. At times of high stress and deadlines, I always had a high sense of urgency, yet calmness, which I attribute to waiting on getting my shot throughout college and finally having one my senior year. Ultimately, I finished the semester with my best GPA while attending Lakeland; and, thanks to a strong reference from one of my supervisors in my internship, I was able to land a job fast after graduation.
My experience could be yours Looking back at everything I experienced throughout college puts a smile on my face. The nights of uncertainty, the agony of seeing old friends go in the wrong direction in life—even the consistent obstacles I encountered—pushed my patience to its limit. But at the end of the day, I wanted to be an example for others like myself who may lack direction. If you find your passion and really apply yourself, you can be great. Look at me. I’m a 1.8 GPA high school graduate who found my passion and over-dedicated myself—without guidance— and it got me to where I am today: working as a staff accountant and just three tests away from being a CPA.
Tramaine Robinson is a staff accountant at Sitzberger CPAs and Business Advisors, Brookfield. Contact him at tramainerobinson45@yahoo.com.
“The MS-Accountancy Program at Edgewood College is excellent. My involvement in the Accounting Club helped me make connections with area accounting firms which led to several successful interviews and a job offer. My education has given me the confidence to succeed in my new position. Edgewood College was the perfect fit for me.” Chelsea Blum, MSA
Available online or in the classroom. Visit connect.edgewood.edu, call 608.663.4177, or email gps@edgewood.edu today. Apply free! Use the fee waiver code 262.
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Madison, WI The School of Business at Edgewood College is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Edgewood College has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best National University,” among “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes, and a “Best in the Midwest College” by Princeton Review.
2019
WICPA
CONFERENCES
SUCCEED
IMPLEMENT
LEARN
NETWORK
Looking to be a standout accounting professional?
WICPA conferences offer you an opportunity to connect with accounting and business professionals while learning from local and national experts. CPAs in Industry Spring Conferences
Not-for-Profit Accounting Conference
Wednesday, April 24 Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, Green Bay
Tax Conference
Thursday, March 21 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee
Financial Institutions Conference Monday, May 13 Milwaukee Marriott West, Waukesha
School District Audit Conference Thursday, May 23 Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
CPAs in Industry Fall Conferences
Tuesday, Sept. 24 Sheraton Hotel, Brookfield
Thursday, Nov. 7 - Friday, Nov. 8 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee
Accounting & Auditing Conference Wednesday, Nov. 20 Sheraton Hotel, Brookfield
Technology Conference
Thursday, Dec. 12 - Friday, Dec. 13 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee
Monday, Sept. 9 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee Thursday, Oct. 17 Glacier Canyon Lodge, Wisconsin Dells
Students attend for as little as $30! Registration opens approximately eight weeks prior to a conference. View conferences currently open for registration at wicpa.org/conferences.
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flexible | changing course
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“Recalculating route … ” These graduate students realized they took a wrong turn and made a 180 to head for a career in accounting. By Marcia Tillett-Zinzow
I
f you have GPS in your car or have ridden in a car that has it, you’ve probably heard those words. You (or the driver) took a wrong turn or disobeyed the route guidance system, and it’s correcting itself, or “recalculating.” Then, when you get where you intended to go, it tells you, “You have arrived at your destination.” Careers can be a lot like GPS. The three UW-Milwaukee master of science in accounting (MSA) students in this story started out in careers quite different from accounting. They decided later that the career they really wanted would take them back to school and, eventually, to the CPA Exam. While the three have had very different past experiences, they hope to arrive at the same future destination: the CPA profession.
Bradley Harrison, 27, earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing science from the University of Iowa in May 2014. He spent two years in a Louisiana graduate program for speech-language pathology before realizing his heart wasn’t in it. He thought maybe accounting was the path he should’ve taken. Recalculating … “After meeting with an advisor for the business school and learning more about the program, I decided it was the right fit and registered about a week after the meeting,” Harrison said.
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flexible | changing course
Q. What made you want to pursue a master’s in accounting? A. After I decided I wanted to be an accountant, a degree in accounting was necessary for me to enter the field and take the CPA Exam. The program at UWM allowed me to take the required prerequisite accounting courses and then begin the graduate program. So not having to essentially start over taking general electives made the decision easier. Q. What is it about becoming a CPA that interests you? A. The variety of challenges that this career presents on a day-to-day basis interested me. It involves working with different clients and different industries, and it can present various problems to solve. I liked the idea that I wouldn’t be repeating the same tasks every day. Q. What has it been like to return to school after being out for a while? A. Being in a graduate program prior to coming to UWM made it a smooth transition. All the professors are helpful, and students are willing to work together and help each other regardless of which accounting program you’re in. Harrison has an internship with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) this semester and is working in both tax and audit. When he graduates in December, he’ll start preparing for the CPA Exam and hopes to find a full-time job in public accounting.
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Christine Lenhart, 42, received her bachelor’s degree in rehabilitative psychology and social welfare from UW-Madison in 1999. She worked with children with autism in a home-based behavioral therapy program for about a year, finding the work rewarding—but challenging. She decided to explore some of her other interests. Recalculating … “It took me quite a while to go back to school. I was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years. I have three children,” she said. “After our youngest child was in school full time, I was able to turn my energy and attention back to working on developing my career.” Q. What made you want to pursue a master’s in accounting? A. I worked for a company that did administrative work for mutual funds and became curious about the numbers and financial reporting. I knew that to be able to progress in my career I would need a solid educational foundation to really help me reach my goals. Q. What is it about becoming a CPA that interests you? A. I find the work interesting. There’s always more to learn and a new challenge to take on. It’s exciting to me that the knowledge I’m gaining is useful for so many fields. There’s an accounting role for almost any job field you can think of, and you can find a way to be
involved in any field that interests you. I also really like that it’s a profession I can grow with and be proud of. Q. What has it been like to return to school after being out for a while? A. I was very nervous to go back to school. I love school and learning new things, but I was afraid I’d have a hard time finding community as a nontraditional student. Fortunately, UWM is a very diverse campus. I wasn’t the only adult returning to school, and I found that no one really cares how old you are when you’re studying or doing group work, as long as you’re contributing to the group’s success. Lenhart is currently working part time at Baird as a financial analyst intern and hopes to graduate in December. After graduation, she’ll prepare for the CPA Exam. While she hasn’t decided yet what type of accounting will be the best fit, she thinks she’d like to eventually work for a nonprofit.
Maria Kang, 26, graduated from UWM in May 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in applied linguistics, a Spanish minor and a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She taught English in a classroom in Korea for a year before returning to the U.S. Since then, she’s been teaching English as a Second Language online part time. A sad event in her life—a miscarriage—made her realize she needed a change. Recalculating … “The miscarriage happened in January,” she said. “I took the GMAT in April, and I applied to the program almost immediately after receiving my score.“ Q. What made you want to pursue a master’s in accounting? A. The miscarriage made me examine my life, and I realized I needed to do something more than work at a job I didn’t like at an hourly rate that wasn’t
sufficient. Teaching required more education and no longer seemed like a viable option in Wisconsin. But I had heard good stories of family-friendly CPA firms, and that’s what initially got me interested. Q. What is it about becoming a CPA that interests you? A. I’ve always enjoyed calculating things, like end-of-semester grades or how many hours I need to work to have this much money after taxes. I like to be specific and detailed in what I do, and I think that’s expected of CPAs. When I started taking accounting classes, I fell in love and soaked up all the information like a sponge. I just became obsessed with anything accounting, which switched over to anything tax. Being a CPA is the best certification I can get in this field I have come to love so much. Accounting feels to me like learning a language. Just as we use language to communicate with each other, we use financial statements to communicate with shareholders and tax returns to communicate with the government. Q. What has it been like to return to school after being out for a while? A. After being a teacher, I was put back in the student’s spot. But my experience as a teacher gave me a newfound respect for professors and a whole new perspective. I understand why some teachers do what they do. I also feel more inclined to speak up in class and be wrong because I always appreciated when my students did that. Professors are not there to beat you down and just tell you that you’re wrong—they’re there to help you understand and get through this tough material and come out on the other side a better, more educated person. Kang works as a TA in statistics at UWM and will graduate in May. She already has a job lined up with Wipfli LLP in Milwaukee. Like her MSA cohorts, she’ll study for the CPA Exam after graduation.
Marcia Tillett-Zinzow is a Wisconsin freelance writer and editor. Contact her at mtzinzow@icloud.com.
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prepared | CPA Exam tips
CPA Exam Study tips and strategies
W By Adriana Coopman and
Amy Napolski
ith pass rates ranging from 46 to 59 percent (AICPA, 2019) and 16 total hours of testtaking time, the CPA Exam is no easy task. But it’s not insurmountable, and the following information will help you prepare.
WHAT’S ON THE CPA EXAM? The exam is made up of four sections: Financial, Regulation, Audit and Business. Each section is four hours in length and composed of five testlets. A testlet is simply a group of questions.
The first two testlets of each section are multiple-choice questions, and two of the last three testlets are task-based simulation questions similar to story problems. The last testlet on the Business section is on written communications, and you are asked
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to complete three business communications addressing the issues presented. Each exam section is taken independently, and you must pass all four sections within 18 months.
WHAT TO EXPECT Time management is critical to success on the exam for two reasons. First, it’s a timed exam. Second, once you submit a testlet, you cannot go back into it, so you have to manage your time among the testlets. It’s helpful to write a time management plan on the “noteboards” provided. (Noteboards are laminated paper, and they come with two markers: This is your “scratch paper.”) Important to note is a 15-minute break after the third testlet that doesn’t count toward your four hours for the exam. The reason it’s after the third testlet is because this is considered the halfway point. You should have roughly two hours remaining after the third testlet in order to have enough time to complete the final two testlets. Use this break to leave the testing room, get a drink of water or snack from your locker (which the testing center provides for your belongings), use the restroom, and get your blood flowing after working hard for two hours.
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prepared | CPA Exam tips
ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS When tackling multiple-choice questions, one strategy is to answer the easier questions first, and then go back and work through the ones you find more difficult. You may flag questions as a reminder to revisit them before submitting each testlet. Practice will help you get a feel for the way questions are phrased. For example, watch out for terms such as fiscal year and calendar year as well as calculations that call for full-year versus 6-month payments. Also, carefully read questions that contain absolutes, such as all, never and always. You may find it helpful to read the last sentence of each question before reading the body because a question may ask for the response that is not correct. Additionally, when answering multiple-choice questions, more than one of the options may seem correct, but you will need to determine which response answers the question most comprehensively.
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For task-based simulations, practice will make you more comfortable. There are different types of simulations, including research, matching, fill-inthe-blank and journal entries. Be sure to read the instructions carefully, answer those that you know how to work first, and use your remaining time to address the more difficult questions. Make sure you answer every question, even if you use an educated guess.
PRE-EXAM PREPARATION Comprehensive, strategic preparation is the key to success on the CPA Exam. When studying, try to set up study sessions in four-hour time blocks so you can condition yourself for the four-hour exam. Also, make sure you have a solid study plan in place, and know what days and times during the week you are going to set aside to study. Then stick to your plan! Success hinges on setting up and working a solid plan. Choose a designated study area with minimal distractions so you can stay focused, and include study breaks.
If possible, set aside two weeks before your exam for a comprehensive review to allow time to refresh important concepts and focus on weak areas. In the hours leading up to the exam, skim material but resist the urge to cram or study anything new. The night before the exam, be sure to get a good night’s sleep so you are well rested and feeling fresh on exam day. Be sure to dress comfortably that day, as you will be sitting in front of a computer for four hours.
ABOUT EXAM DAY The CPA Exam is taken at a Prometric testing center location. Plan to arrive at Prometric at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to ensure you’re able to locate the center and get through the security screening. The security screening includes a metal detecting wand and fingerprint scanning.
“Preparing for the CPA Exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Be sure to pace yourself and take studying one day at a time. Keep your eye on the goal of passing and becoming certified, and approach the CPA Exam as the key to a lifetime of payoffs as your career progresses.”
You will also need to present your Notice to Schedule (you’ll receive this after you apply for the exam) along with two proper forms of ID. All other personal items will be placed in a personal locker provided for you by the testing center prior to entering the room. It’s important to note that once you start your exam, if you take a break and leave the room, you will need to repeat the full check-in process prior to re-entry. Preparing for the CPA Exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Be sure to pace yourself and take studying one day at a time. Keep your eye on the goal of passing and becoming certified, and approach the CPA Exam as the key to a lifetime of payoffs as your career progresses. We wish you the best of luck!
Be Becker Prepared
The Becker Difference
When you choose Becker Professional Education to help prepare you to pass the CPA Exam, you gain access to a fully integrated CPA Exam Review course that mirrors the exam. Our LiveOnline format provides you the guidance of Becker instruction wherever you choose to study.
Adriana Coopman is an account manager, and Amy Napolski a senior account manager, for Becker Professional Education. Contact Adriana at acoopman@becker.com and Amy at anapolski@becker.com.
For more information, contact Adriana Coopman at acoopman@becker.com or visit becker.com/cpa.
Pre-assessment to make better use of your study time Track your progress Tools to help you develop higher-order skills thinking, moving beyond memorization Choose from 3 flexible course formats: Self-Study, LiveOnline and Live
© 2017 Becker Professional Education, Corporation. All rights reserved. Becker Professional Education 3005 Highland Parkway, Downers Grove, IL 60515-5799
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connected | online presence
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I Stephanie Cardarelle
n the era of LinkedIn, job seekers can easily connect with peers, industry professionals and prospective employers. As the digital technology environment changes rapidly, it is important for students and recent graduates to frequently update their LinkedIn profiles, especially since your profile serves as your online résumé.
Here are five insights and best practices to boost your profile and ensure its credibility, appearance and status to keep you in front of those connections that matter most.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE PICTURE Your profile picture is the very first element LinkedIn users see, and it is a simple way to make a strong visual first impression. Alternatively, an unprofessional or nonexistent profile picture can deter potential connections and opportunities. In fact, LinkedIn data has shown that users who have a profile picture receive 21 times more profile views and nine times more connection requests than those who do not have a profile picture. However, it is not enough to just have a photo; it is important to use the right photo. Ideally, your profile picture should: • Meet standard headshot specifications. This means your picture is high quality, in focus, sized correctly and captured from the waist or mid-chest up. • Showcase yourself in a professional setting and attire. The focus should be on you with a simple background. You should also dress the
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connected | online presence
way you would for the role and industry you want to work in or as you would dress if you were going to an interview. • Portray the message you wish to deliver. Your facial expression can deliver a first impression in 100 milliseconds, so put your best face forward.
DESCRIPTIVE HEADLINE Your LinkedIn profile headline will likely be the second item on your profile that your connections will see. A headline typically showcases your title, employer and area of expertise and is limited to 120 characters. This is the prime location to capture a reader’s attention quickly by using concise language or by including two or three keywords.
What are keywords? Keywords give a search engine specific information so people can find what they’re looking for when they search. LinkedIn uses keywords to match relevant information across millions of professionals and job roles, connecting you and your skills with the right people, not unlike how Google spiders search webpages with keywords used in your search.
To write a compelling headline, ask yourself: • What are my greatest assets? • Why should viewers scroll through my entire profile?
If you’re not employed or in an internship, try something like “Public Accounting Student at UW–ABC Seeking Tax Internship.” By answering these simple questions as concisely as possible, viewers will be inclined to look at your profile or send a connection request. A captivating headline paired with a professional photo will provide LinkedIn users with pertinent information about you within a few seconds.
ENGAGING SUMMARY Similar to capturing the right audience with your headline, you have 2,000 characters to tell your unique story in your summary. Your summary is essentially a marketing piece and generally accomplishes three tasks:
• Why should someone connect with me? 1. Shows relevance For example, a professional could turn “Senior Accountant at XYZ Company” into “Senior Accounting Specialist With More Than 10 Years’ Experience in the Manufacturing Industry.”
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2. Attracts the right people who are important to your professional success 3. Lets them know more about you so they can determine if you are relevant to their goals
Just like your headline, your summary should be engaging, original and as concise as possible.
Pro Tip: Summaries are usually written in first-person narrative.
HARNESSING POWERFUL ADJECTIVES AND VERBS Whether you’re in the market for a new job or hoping to attract new connections, it’s important to use powerful, descriptive adjectives and verbs in your headline, summary and job description. Paint a vivid picture of your expertise with action-oriented verbiage. For example, in a job description: • Instead of saying: “Help customers shop and then accept payment for products.” • Say: “Attend to customers, assist them in purchasing the best product for their needs and ensure full satisfaction and accuracy in transaction.” If you are struggling to find the right action words, try searching Thesaurus.com for synonyms. Not only is it important to utilize strong action verbs, it is also a best practice to use keywords as much as possible. Details such as area of expertise or interest (such as accounting, taxation or finance), specific software programs used in your desired role, location and industry you’d like to work in are a few simple items that can help boost your profile.
its job and recommend connections. Include the degree you’re working toward, any internships you’ve done and specialized courses you’re taking or have taken. If you’ve graduated and have a great GPA, add that as well. If you are involved with any organizations on campus or in the community, adding those details to your profile will also help LinkedIn find relevant connections. You can also showcase your talents by adding skills to your profile. As a student, you may wish to use this section to list the software programs you’ve learned (such as MYOB and QuickBooks) and any specialized skills you’ve developed (such as advanced Excel, communication or leadership skills). Just like with your résumé, you should not list skills you do not have in order to look better. Listing skills not only allows you to easily tell your story, but it opens the door for interactivity with your connections, as they can endorse you for those selected skills and vice versa. This provides a good excuse to reach out and start a conversation as well.
LET LINKEDIN WORK FOR YOU Simply having a profile for the sake of having a profile is not enough. By optimizing the above items on your profile and letting LinkedIn work for you, you can stay in front of those connections that matter most. Ultimately, your LinkedIn profile is your digital résumé and should be used as an important resource in building your career, your connections and—when you’re hired by a firm—your client base.
EDUCATION, ORGANIZATIONS AND ENDORSEMENTS As a social platform, LinkedIn is designed to help you build your professional network. By adding your education and work history, you are providing LinkedIn with the information it needs to perform
Stephanie Cardarelle is marketing manager for Sikich LLP, Brookfield. Contact her at 262-754-9400 or stephanie.cardarelle@sikich.com.
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strategic | career planning
Destination CPA Destination CPA is a feature profiling how young professionals got their start in the profession, the resources that helped them along the way and misconceptions they had about being a CPA.
NICHES
• Industry • Public • Nonprofit accounting • Government
RESOURCES • Job board • People • Résumé • WICPA workshop
LAW
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BLOGS
Lindsey Akre, CPA Job title: Tax Senior l Employer: BDO USA, LLP (formerly Smith & Gesteland) How did you find your first job? I found my first job though the accounting internship program offered at UW–Whitewater. I was grateful to be placed for a busy season internship at Smith & Gesteland (S&G, now BDO). Once I completed my internship, I accepted a full-time staff position with S&G upon graduation. Which resource was the most helpful in your job search efforts? I used several resources throughout my job-search process, including personal contacts, recruiters, LinkedIn and various other websites. In my experience, personal contacts and LinkedIn unquestionably played the greatest role in securing my next position. Which resource turned out to be less helpful than you thought? Outside of LinkedIn, the other websites I tried were much less helpful. I received search results and emails for postings that did not align with my experience or specified preferences. I also found that there were fewer postings available, and many were outdated. What’s one thing you know now that you wish you had known before starting your first job? Your personal connections are your greatest resource. Keeping in touch and maintaining relationships with your professors, classmates, co-workers and clients will prove to be incredibly valuable—and not only when it comes to finding a job! What’s the best career advice you’ve received? The best career advice I have ever received was “become an expert at something.” There are so many avenues within tax, audit and accounting that you cannot possibly know them all, but becoming an expert in one area will surely set you apart.
What’s the worst career advice you’ve received? I received this bad advice after confiding in a manager (while I was with another firm) about being uncomfortable with some aggressive approaches a partner wanted me to take on several projects: “They’re signing, so it shouldn’t matter to you.” Never hesitate to speak up when your ethics are challenged. What’s one thing they didn’t tell you about the profession in college? In school, you focus on the technical aspects of the job, but the one thing that truly distinguishes each firm is the people—your co-workers, clients and colleagues. Finding wonderful people to work with became one of the greatest factors I considered when joining my current firm. What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs? People tend to think that CPAs either work for the IRS or that they’re all tax experts. Although many do fit these descriptions, I also know many CPAs who are auditors or have various accounting or finance roles within privately held, publicly traded and not-for-profit organizations. What myths about CPAs are actually true? We don’t all have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but many CPAs excel at the art of organization. It’s not a requirement for the job, but it certainly helps to be organized, and each person has their own unique style, tricks and degree of organization that works best for them. What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession? “Your career should fit you and your life, not the other way around.” I am fortunate to be part of a firm that supports this philosophy with flexibility and understanding and encourages each person to pursue the career avenue that’s best for them.
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strategic | career planning
Scott Stuckmann, CPA Job title: Manager l Employer: CliftonLarsonAllen (formerly Schenck S.C.)
How did you find your first job? I participated in mock interviews on campus with Schenck, and this led to both my internships junior year and senior year as well as my fulltime position there. Which resource was the most helpful in your job search efforts? The career development group at Lakeland University was the most helpful. They provided everything we needed to start our job search on the right foot! Which resource turned out to be less helpful than you thought? Random job websites. I think making connections via networking and the career development team at Lakeland was much more effective in finding positions. What’s one thing you know now that you wish you had known before starting your first job? It’s OK to feel like you don’t know much when you start your career. I think college gives you a great starting point, but there’s so much more to learn when you start working—learning about different software, specialty areas of accounting, changes in accounting or tax rules, etc. What’s the best career advice you’ve received? “Audit to the standard, not the quote.” While I don’t do much auditing anymore, the point is not to give up the quality or integrity of your work for any reason. Do your best work all the time!
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What’s the worst career advice you’ve received? “Don’t ask too many questions of superiors because they are busy.” Always be open to learning more, and be honest if you don’t know something! Our most successful team members ask questions and openly communicate with the team. What’s one thing they didn’t tell you about the profession in college? Accounting can have an emotional impact on clients and stakeholders in your organization. Reaching a budgeted goal can result in positive emotions; having a larger than expected tax balance due can create negative emotions. Part of your career will be working through these emotions with stakeholders. Be sure to communicate with them regularly and do your best to avoid surprises; and when issues or problems arise, address them right away (even though that’s not a fun conversation!). What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs? a. We’re all mathematicians. b. Every CPA can help you with your taxes. What myths about CPAs are actually true? a. We love our calculators and Microsoft Excel. b. We enjoy accounting jokes, even if our significant others don’t find them so amusing. What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession? Always continue to build on your existing skills. Whether you work in tax, auditing, accounting or another area, don’t become complacent. Accounting is a dynamic subject with ever-changing standards and rules, and you need to continue your education beyond college to stay knowledgeable in your field.
Matthew Walter, CPA Job title: Senior Accountant l Employer: Sikich LLP
How did you find your first job? While attending UW–Whitewater, Sikich was a part of the internship matching program, and after interning with them, I received a full-time offer. Which resource was the most helpful in your job search efforts? Being involved in student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi and the Institute of Management Accountants allowed me to meet firm and company personnel firsthand and get an understanding of their culture and the type of work they did and what would be the best fit for me. Which resource turned out to be less helpful than you thought? The Career and Leadership Development Center at UW–Whitewater didn’t have the same expertise about the accounting profession as my professors did, so I didn’t rely on the center as much as some of my nonaccounting peers did. What’s one thing you know now that you wish you had known before starting your first job? Various Microsoft Excel formulas. A lot of my day is spent within Excel, so the more formulas I have discovered while working, the easier it has made my job going forward. What’s the best career advice you’ve received? “Work smarter, not harder.” It’s a classic saying, but it holds true in this profession. Accountants often get caught in the SALY (Same as Last Year) mentality. As you are working through things, ask yourself if there is a more efficient way to complete the process. Don’t just do something because it’s always been done that way.
What’s the worst career advice you’ve received? “Do whatever management tells you to do.” You should still be respectful to what management has to say, but don’t be afraid to challenge their thought process. They may have never considered alternatives to their way of thinking. What’s one thing they didn’t tell you about the profession in college? The importance of networking with other accounting students and keeping in touch with them after graduation. What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs? That we are all boring and don’t have a life outside of work. There are a variety of personalities in the industry, and many employers promote a work-life balance. What myths about CPAs are actually true? It is true that we work a lot of hours, but it is generally concentrated during certain periods, such as after month-, period- and year-end or before deadlines. What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession? For every issue you have, try to come up with a solution. When I apply this, I can sometimes answer my own question. Now that I am a senior, I appreciate when staff have taken the time to think through their problems instead of relying on me to solve them.
CPA2b Spring 2019 | wicpa.org
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CAREER START YOUR JOB SEARCH HERE! FEATURED FIRMS
www.bakertilly.com Tara Tomter, Manager, Campus, 608-240-2445 Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (Baker Tilly) is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm whose specialized professionals guide clients through an ever-changing business world, helping them win now and anticipate tomorrow. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, the world’s 10th largest network made up of 125 high quality, independent accounting and business services firms in 147 territories, with 33,000 professionals.
www.CLAconnect.com Toni Stangohr, Campus Liaison Toni.Stangohr@CLAconnect.com At CLA, we strive to provide a variety of work experiences that develop skills, knowledge, and expertise. Our industry-driven approach, seamless delivery of services, and focus on not just private businesses and community organizations but also the people who own and lead them, all give our team the chance to grow as professionals and create personalized career paths.
www.hawkinsashcpas.com
www.johnsonblock.com
Brenen Boarman, 608-784-7737 Alysha Vassallo, 920-336-9850
Kate Karre, Human Resources Administrator, 608-274-2002, kkarre@johnsonblock.com
Jump-start your career at Hawkins Ash CPAs. Our interns and recent graduates get the experiences and training they need to set the direction of their careers and excel. They work alongside our senior staff, ensuring they get the most exposure. We have offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Learn more: HawkinsAshCPAs.com.
Johnson Block and Company, Inc. has been serving Southwest Wisconsin for over 33 years. With four offices, and over 45 professional staff, we emphasize getting to know first-hand about each client’s operations while sharing our experience and knowledge. We specialize in accounting, tax, audit, technology and managed services for a diverse client base including individuals, small businesses, non-profits, school districts, and government entities. Why not join a CPA firm where you can enjoy a long career in public accounting?
Reilly Penner & Benton LLP
careers.kerberrose.com
www.rpb.biz
Melissa Olsen, 715.526.4595 Ext. 1122
Laurie Olson, HR Manager, 414-271-7800
KerberRose is a Wisconsin certified public accounting firm dedicated to serving the people and businesses of Northeast Wisconsin. Our firm combines the expertise of a leading regional firm with the convenience, familiarity and passion of a local provider. Whether you are a recent graduate or seasoned professional, a career that is challenging and rewarding is waiting for you at KerberRose.
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Reilly, Penner & Benton, LLP is Wisconsin’s first chartered CPA firm with over 100 years of experience. We are a mid-sized CPA firm in the Milwaukee and Madison markets with a diverse client base including non-profit & for-profit organizations, unions, government entities, employee benefit plans, school districts, charter & school choice programs as well as tax preparation and counseling for businesses, partnerships and individuals. At RPB everyone is part of the team, with a focus on growth and development both as an individual and as an accounting professional. RPB offers employees a positive culture with work-life balance.
| wicpa.org IFCPA2b YOUR Spring FIRM WOULD TO BE LISTED 2019 LIKE IN THE FIRM SPOTLIGHT, PLEASE CONTACT TERRY FELKER AT 800-772-6939 EXT. 4516 OR TERRY@WICPA.ORG.
SPOTLIGHT START YOUR JOB SEARCH HERE! FEATURED FIRMS
www.sikich.com
www.svaaccountants.com
Nicola McGarry, Senior Director, Human Capital nicola.mcgarry@sikich.com
Sara Shoys, Talent Acquisition & Development Director careers@sva.com | 608-826-2781
Sikich LLP is a leading professional services firm specializing in accounting, technology, and advisory services. Founded in 1982, Sikich now ranks as the country’s 28th largest Certified Public Accounting firm and is among the top 1 percent of all enterprise resource planning solution partners in the world. From corporations and not-for-profits to state and local governments, Sikich clients lean on our professional services and entrepreneurial insights to strengthen every aspect of their businesses.
Since 1974, SVA Certified Public Accountants, a certified Great Place to WorkÂŽ, has been providing professional accounting services for individuals and businesses. Services include: all accounting services, small business accounting software, audits, tax planning and reporting, strategy sessions, and business consulting. With offices in Madison and Brookfield, our goal is to be a trusted advisor to our clients and deliver
www.wipfli.com
www.wegnercpas.com Kari Nichols, Human Resource Manager 608-274-4020, kari.nichols@wegnercpas.com At Wegner CPAs, our people make the difference. Recently named by Accounting Today as a 2018 Regional Leader, we give staff the opportunity to work with a diverse client base. With six offices throughout Wisconsin, D.C., and New York, we offer the ability to make connections beyond our borders. The professional growth and development of our employees, along with a strong focus on work-life balance, is a top priority.
Breann M. Woodruff, Talent Acquisition Specialist bwoodruff@wipfli.com Wipfli ranks in the top 20 accounting and business consulting firms and was recently recognized as a Top Internship Program by Vault.com. With 54 offices across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado, Utah, California and two offices in India, 2,000 Wipfli professionals provide industry-focused assurance, accounting, tax and consulting services. We set ourselves apart by making significant investments in our associates to develop their knowledge in specific industry expertise to better serve clients and become a Trusted Business Advisor!
FIRM LISTING RitzHolman CPAS
Strohm Ballweg, LLP
www.ritzholman.com Contact: Brian Wilson, CPA, Senior Manager, brianw@ritzholman.com
www.strohmballweg.com Contacts: Gary Strohm, CPA, Managing Partner and Heather Hafeman, CPA, Partner, 608-821-0600
IF YOUR FIRM WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED IN THE FIRM SPOTLIGHT, PLEASE CONTACT TERRY FELKER AT 800-772-6939 EXT.CPA2b 4516 ORSpring TERRY@WICPA.ORG. 2019 | wicpa.org
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 5845
W233N2080 Ridgeview Parkway, Suite 201 Waukesha, WI 53188
ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIPS
Receive $2,500 in scholarship money! Apply online at wicpa.org/scholarships through Feb. 28, 2019. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 28, 2019. Scholarships are awarded from the WICPA Educational Foundation to qualified accounting students in their last year to meet the 150-hour requirement to apply for a Wisconsin CPA license.