Customize Your IConnect Profile 
Video Introduction
Major: Accounting
Job Title: Senior Audit Associate
Company: PwC
Company Description: Accounting firm providing Assurance/Audit, Tax, and Consulting services
Did you have any initial career goals when you entered Isenberg? Were there any key moments or influences (a guest speaker, course, or extracurricular) during your time at Isenberg that changed or confirmed your career goals?
My initial goal was to be an accountant however, during my time at Isenberg, I realized there are various fields (public, private, tax, audit, etc.) where an accountant can work. As such I had to figure out which field I wanted to start my career. I learned more about the various fields through my participation in the accounting clubs; attending info sessions on the accounting industry; going to job fairs; and meeting accounting professionals that were working in the industry. The different accounting courses (audit, tax, etc.) I took at Isenberg as well as meeting professionals and learning about their work experience helped me decide which area of accounting I wanted to start my career.
Can you share a favorite work assignment that could help a student understand more about what you do?
A favorite audit assignment I have worked on is testing the Accounts Payable balance (or any other FSLI) on the financial statement/balance sheet. This involves getting a detailed listing of all transactions that make up the total balance on the balance sheet/ trial balance. Then a sample of transactions are selected for detail testing. The client provides supporting documents (i.e. vendor invoice, shipping documents, etc.) for the selected transactions so we (auditors) can validate the Account Payable transaction/balance recorded. This is the process we test/confirm the balances recorded are appropriate.
Now that you’re in this position, what aspects have surprised you that you didn’t anticipate before starting?
Auditing involves a lot of documentation. This means auditors need to document/write up the procedures performed (including testing and results) that substantiates the final conclusion on the opinion provided on the Financial Statement. Audit documentation serves as evidence of the worked performed to conclude on the opinion provided on the audited financial statements. As such auditors need to have good writing skills.
What inspires you about the work you are doing in your industry?
I’m passionate about helping people, and performing audits on a company’s financial statements is a way to assist the company to ensure their financial statements are reported fairly and accurately. This gives their stakeholders (investors, creditors, etc.) confidence in the financial results of the company reported. Being able to assist clients and their stakeholders gain confidence in the financial condition of the company is what inspires me as an auditor.
What are some daily challenges you experience in your role?
One challenge auditors face is the time constraints during busy season. This is because there are hard deadlines to complete audit work and issue an opinion on the financial statements issued to the public.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently while a student at Isenberg?
I loved my time at Isenberg and one thing I wished I did more of is engaging in various extracurricular activities. This is a great way to meet and network with people in the profession, students in your department, as well as other faculty members and staff, who are always available and willing to guide students to determine and achieve their career goals.
Networking is extremely important but can be intimidating to undergraduates. What tips do you have for getting started engaging with alum or upperclassmen?
It is often difficult/intimidating to start a conversation; however, once you can start, it is easier to keep going. Think of (or research) simple conversation starters or questions that will help spark a conversation. Professionals are always happy to share their experience/journey with students so always feel free to ask. Another tip for those intimidated during networking is to join/listen to a group of students/professionals who are already having a discussion. While listening, you can easily chime in and ask any questions you have on the topic of discussion.
