Welcome to the four new members of the USI Accounting Circle's Young Professionals. The Accounting Circle is an advisory group for the Accounting and Professional Services Program made up of high-level accounting professionals from public accounting firms and from for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Ryan Clark, '18, Accounting (minor in Economics)
Audit Associate
Harding, Shymanski & Company
Biggest misconception about choosing accounting as a career:
That you just sit behind a desk all day and crunch numbers. The client interaction is one of the best parts about the field, and accountants really get to form great relationships with their clients and get to know them.
Advice I would give a college freshman:
I would say to study different subjects and make sure to try internships/jobs in different fields. I think the biggest mistake a college freshman can make is to just choose one field or subject from day one and stick with that one alone. I was undecided my whole freshman year, and I think taking multiple business courses led me to choose accounting as a career.
Advice to seniors before they graduate:
I would say to make the most of your last year as far as involvement. Even though students can’t attend things in person as often, you could still get involved in virtual networking events so that you can stay involved in the Evansville community upon graduation.
Favorite accounting-related duties:
I think my favorite accounting-related duties at work involve opportunities to review financial results in an analytical manner (ex. Why did sales double from last year?) as well as interviewing personnel that are involved in the fieldwork that makes the company money (ex. interviewing project managers for construction clients).
What skills are most essential for being successful in accounting?
Even though technical skills (in both audit and tax) are important, I would say that project management skills, communication and organization are the most important skills to be successful in accounting. Whether it is in public or private accounting, we deal with a lot of files and projects on a weekly basis as accountants. It’s very important to keep everything organized well so that you can come back to where you left off if you have to flip to another project. Communication with other team members is also very crucial to success in the field, as that is one of the main keys to keep a project moving efficiently.
What has surprised you about working in accounting, and has it been different than you expected? If so, how?
I would say that the rate at which you learn has been the most surprising thing about accounting. If I think back to the last two years I have worked in the field, I have learned so much about how to become more proficient in the field and as a project manager than I would have ever imagined whenever I was in school.
Cyndi Hines '15, Accounting and Finance (with honors)
Manager
Harding, Shymanski & Company
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about accounting as a career choice?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about accounting as a career choice is that it is only for nerdy, introverted people. However, I’ve found some of the most outgoing, extroverted and fun people that I’ve met have an accounting career.
What advice would you give a college freshman?
Research multiple careers, job shadow as many people as possible and apply for many different internships. These will all help you achieve a plan for when you graduate. Don’t wait until you’re a senior to try and find a job or realize that your major isn’t what you want to do.
Similarly, what advice would you give seniors on making the most of their last year of college and preparing for their careers after graduation?
Have fun and soak up your last year in college. Diligently search careers so that you will choose one that you will love doing every day and will love the people that work there also.
Generally speaking, what are some of your favorite accounting-related duties at work?
I love putting together the ending financial statement, which organizes and concludes all of our audit work.
What skills do you think are most essential for being successful in accounting?
Hardworking, great project management, Excel skills and a positive attitude.
Amber Key '12, Accounting and Mathematics
Controller
Gibbs Die Casting Corp
Zach Scott '12, Accounting and Finance
Senior Manager
Riney Hancock CPAs PSC
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about accounting as a career choice?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about accounting as a career choice is that all accountants sit in a cubicle and crunch numbers all day. The workforce has many roles that an accounting degree can be used in. For example, as an auditor in the public accounting field, I am constantly out at clients' offices and meeting people versus actually number crunching all day. It can be a very social career choice and has many different paths!
What advice would you give a college freshman?
I would recommend trying to intern for various companies in both public accounting and private industry. Also, I would recommend enjoying your time at college as it goes fast!
Similarly, what advice would you give seniors on making the most of their last year of college and preparing for their careers after graduation?
To network with fellow students as they will become your best referral source going forward!
Generally speaking, what are some of your favorite accounting-related duties at work?
My favorite accounting-related duty is preparing the financial statements for an audit client at the end of an audit. By the time I am done preparing the financial statements and footnotes, I have gained a pretty good understanding of the company as a whole.
What skills do you think are most essential for being successful in accounting?
A couple skills that come to my mind to be successful in accounting are to have a strong work ethic, always consider that you are a part of team with your co-workers and it takes all kinds to be a successful team, and to stay driven to continually learn and become more efficient as you progress through your career.
What has surprised you about working in accounting, and has it been different than you expected? If so, how?
The most surprising thing about working in accounting is how personable the profession is and how many “hats” an accountant wears. For example, in public accounting, you’re part salesman, negotiator, communicator, technician, time manager and team player.
Published October 27, 2020