Meet some of the newest members of the USI Accounting Circle's Young Professionals. The Accounting Circle is an advisory group for the Accounting & Professional Services Program made up of high-level accounting professionals from public accounting firms and from for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Paige McClellan '18, accounting and German studies
Tax Associate
BKD, LLP
What do you think is a misconception about accounting as a career?
Some misconceptions I’ve heard are that accountants have no personality or that if you choose accounting as a career you are doomed to do the same thing every day/month. Neither of those are true!
How has your professional career been different than you imagined it would be when you were a college student?
I am still in the beginning of my career, but I imagined that the first few years working full time would be kind of boring or that I wouldn’t be given much responsibility. That has not been the case at all. I’ve learned a ton, worked on cool assignments, and have taken on significant responsibility.
What advice would you give a college freshman?
Network early to get your foot in the door. It’s never too early to start looking for internships. Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s okay if your initial plan for yourself doesn’t work out. Study abroad if at all possible.
Lauren Perigo '13, mathematics and German studies; Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accountancy
Manager, Fund Services
SS&C Technologies, Inc.
What do you think is a misconception about accounting as a career?
Accounting careers aren’t strictly limited to auditing and tax. If that’s what you’re interested in, then great! But if not, there are still many other opportunities. Don’t feel boxed into those two areas.
How has your professional career been different than you imagined it would be when you were a college student?
Accounting gets a reputation for careers where you work many long hours. I have been fortunate to have a position with a healthy work/life balance, which I feel is truly important.
What advice would you give a college freshman?
Your life shouldn’t solely revolve around your job. Take time and find what you enjoy doing, both professionally and in your free time. My career affords me the time and ability to stay active, volunteer extensively with my local humane society, and travel, which is incredibly important to me.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully I traveled frequently and can check several countries and states off my bucket list!
What unique perspectives do you bring to the Young Professionals organization?
I was not a traditional Romain College of Business student. I was also part of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and the College of Liberal Arts. This gives me the unique ability to connect with students with a wide array of interests outside of business.
Jesse Reising '19, accounting and CIS
Fund Accountant
SS&C Technologies, Inc.
What do you think is a misconception about accounting as a career?
I think the most common misconception about accounting is that all we do is sit in a cubicle and do people’s taxes all day. While that is certainly something you can do as an accountant, there are so many different industries and types of accounting out there.
How has your professional career been different than you imagined it would be when you were a college student?
I honestly had a pretty good idea what my professional career was going to be like in college due to Beta Alpha Psi and Internships.
What advice would you give a college freshman?
Get involved in professional clubs like Beta Alpha Psi and try to do as many internships as you can before graduating.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully in 5 years I will have a family and have passed/completed my CPA and MBA.
What unique perspectives do you bring to the Young Professionals organization?
While I am an accountant first, I am always using the knowledge obtained from my CIS degree to try and improve processes and methods with technology. I believe having this technological perspective could be a benefit to the Young Professionals Organization in both internal and external ways.
Published April 20, 2020