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news for the cpa2b • September 2013–January 2014
1
Three’s a charm: Wisconsin
accounting grads among nation’s
top CPA Exam performers
5
Where the jobs are: A look at
what’s hot in accounting
8
Resume 101: Tips for recent grads
10 6 guidelines to make the most of
your internship
At Becker Professional Education, everything we do is done
to prepare you, to equip you, and to empower you – which is
why Becker students pass the CPA Exam at double the rate of
non-Becker candidates.* So go with the leader. Go with Becker.
Then go conquer that world out there – like you know you can.
WICPA members receive $300 off** the full course tuition.
To learn more, visit becker.com or call 877.CPA.EXAM.
*Becker Professional Education students pass at
twice the rate of all CPA Exam candidates who did not
take a review course from Becker, based on averages
of AICPA-published pass rates. Data verified by an
independent third-party research firm.
**This offer valid only on complete, four-part course
tuition price and cannot be combined with any other
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All rights reserved.
www.wicpa.org
in this issue
12 Oh, the places you could go!
15 WICPA Scholarship Spotlight
Katie Nadboralski, CPA shares her
journey from classroom to career
18 Exceeding expectations as an
intern
NEWS FOR THE CPA2b
EDITOR, AMY E. GAETH
Vice President of Communications
Wisconsin Institute of CPAs
[email protected]
Tyler J. Kleppe (L), David Canedo, CPA (R) and Codie Dull (not pictured) receive the Elijah Watt Sells
Award for their high scores on the 2012 Uniform CPA Exam.
THREE’S A CHARM
Wisconsin accounting grads among
nation’s top CPA Exam performers
T
By Tannette Johnson-Elie
he path to passing the Uniform CPA
Examination can be arduous. But
thanks to dedication and hard work,
Wisconsin CPA examinees Codie Dull, David
Canedo, CPA, and Tyler J. Kleppe were up for
the task, and they earned the top honor for
their performance.
Dull, Canedo and Kleppe are among 39
CPA Exam candidates nationwide who have
received the 2012 Elijah Watt Sells Award.
The award is presented by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(AICPA) to candidates who earn a cumulative
average score above 95.50 across all four
sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
More than 92,000 individuals from across
the U.S. sat for the CPA Exam in 2012. To
receive the distinguished Sells Award,
candidates must pass each exam section on
their first attempt.
The Sells Award was created by the
AICPA in 1923 to honor Elijah Watt Sells,
CPA founding partner in Haskins & Sells, a
predecessor to Deloitte & Touche, and one
of New York State’s first certified public
accountants.
continued on page 3
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WI 53005
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262-785-0445, ext. 3005 • 800-772-6939 • Fax 262-785-0838 • www.wicpa.org
continued from page 1
Membership
welcome new members
Robert Bellile, UW-Oshkosh
Willie Boucher, UW-Madison
Michael G. Buschman, Marquette
University
Anne Christianson, UW-Madison
Rochelle M. De Jarlais,
UW-Whitewater
Justin Deubel, UW-Whitewater
Wei Dickson, MBA, UW-Milwaukee
Joshua Farnam, Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.
Melissa M. Goetz, Berkley, Iselin & Lotz, S.C.
Holly H. Hampton
Ross T. Helein, UW-Oshkosh
John H. Herda, UW-Milwaukee
Charles Horman, UW-La Crosse
Amanda Isken, Marquette University
Kelsey Jefferies, Linfield College, WA
Anamarie Jezo, Kerry Americas
Kyle J. LaPean, Lawrence Cumpston &
Associates, PLLP
Christopher Leighton, State of Wisconsin
Department of Corrections
Tom Lowery, University of Phoenix
Craig S. McKendrick, UW-Milwaukee
Morgan Melka, UW-Madison
Kelsey M. Miller, UW-Milwaukee
Octave Rouege, Lakeland College
Amanda Senkbeil, UW-Whitewater
Jonathan Shertok, UW-Milwaukee
Lu Shi, UW-Stevens Point
Paul M. Waller, UW-Whitewater
Ali Wilkins, Sikich LLP
Krista A. Worzalla, Marquette University
James J. Zaffino, UW-Whitewater
Wisconsin CPA firms
sponsor CPA2b
Thank you to our CPA2b sponsors. Without these firms,
this publication wouldn’t be possible. Make sure to visit
their websites to learn more about the firm, as well as
career opportunities!
Visit www.edgewood.edu or
call 608.663.3250 today.
Hawkins Ash CPAs
www.hawkinsashcpas.com
Komisar, Brady & Co., LLP
www.komisarbrady.com
Smith & Gesteland, LLP
www.sgcpa.com
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news for the cpa2b • September 2013–January 2014
A common factor in the success of many Sells Award winners
is that they use the Becker CPA Review and spend 20 or more
hours per week studying for the CPA Exam, research shows.
“It’s well-organized, and they demand a lot in terms of getting
prepared,” said, Mike Akers, CPA, professor and accounting
department chair at Marquette University who is writing a paper
for a national journal on the study habits of Sells Award winners.
In his research, Akers found that candidates who follow a
strict study regimen have a higher potential for success on the
exam.
“This award clearly is the elite as far as performance on the
CPA exam,” Akers said. “A person has to be highly motivated to
want to perform at this level.”
Consider Wisconsin’s award winners Dull, Canedo and Kleppe.
Each candidate dedicated at least three months or more to
preparing for the CPA Exam.
“I took the same approach as how I prepared for finals in college.
I studied a couple hours each day to go about it slow,” said Dull,
who received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a
master’s degree in accountancy from the University of WisconsinMadison. “I recommend understanding your own unique learning
style and how you best study for an exam.”
Dull is an experienced associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLC, Milwaukee, where he has worked for two years. He was
having a low-key day at work when he received the news he had
won the 2012 Elijah Watt Sells Award.
“I was real excited. There wasn’t much work getting done
after I found out I won. Fortunately, Fridays are slower than
other days at the office,” said Dull, who enjoys running
marathons in his spare time. “I was excited to share this news
with my parents. It definitely is a great accomplishment that
will have an impact on my career.”
Canedo is an accounting associate with Vrakas/Blum S.C., in
Brookfield, where he has been employed since May 2013. Before
joining Vrakas/Blum, he was an intern in PwC’s Chicago office
for four months in 2011, and worked in the firm’s Milwaukee
office briefly in 2012.
“He’s a real hard worker. He’s done a great job for our firm,”
said Brad J. Hermes, CPA, shareholder in the audit and business
advisory practice at Vrakas/Blum in Brookfield. “This award
shows what good, old-fashioned hard work will do for you.”
A graduate of UW-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in
accounting and a master’s degree in professional accountancy,
Canedo initially was interested in pursuing international
business when he entered college.
“When I took my first accounting class, I did really well,” he
said. “I liked that you could see everything in tangible ways.”
Canedo now hopes to make his mark on the accounting
profession.
“I still have a long way ahead of me,” he said. “I love working
here at Vrakas/Blum. I feel there’s more of a chance to grow
with the firm.”
For Kleppe, the award is validation for the hard work he
devoted to preparing for the CPA exam.
“For six months plus, my main focus was the CPA exam,” said
Kleppe, who someday hopes to teach at the college level. “I made
it basically a full-time job.”
Kleppe is a staff accountant with Smith & Gesteland LLP in
Madison. He started as an intern in 2011 and was hired fulltime one year later. He graduated from UW-Whitewater with
a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in
professional accountancy.
Jeff Schleicher, managing partner at Smith & Gesteland, was
not surprised that Kleppe earned the AICPA’s top honor.
“It didn’t surprise us because I knew Tyler’s academic history
and the energy he was putting into studying for the exam,” said
Schleicher. “Tyler is very much career-oriented. He has the
desire to succeed in public accounting.”
Despite the hard work and effort they put into preparing for
the exam, Dull, Canedo and Kleppe never imagined they would
win the prestigious Sells Award.
“I was confident in my performance, but it was still
overwhelming when I found out I was a Sells winner,” Kleppe
said. “It’s a small fraternity of people who have won it. Winning
this award is humbling. It’s definitely an honor that I take
seriously.”
Tannette Johnson-Elie is a freelance writer in Gurnee, Ill. Contact
her at [email protected].
883
Conta
Graduating?
ct Lea
h
Grun
ewald
leah@
at
w
or 26 icpa.org
2-785
-0
ext. 3
026 fo 445
rm
inform
ation
ore
Take your WICPA Membership with you
As you begin your accounting career, make sure you stay
connected to your most valuable resource — the WICPA.
Transitioning from student to affiliate membership is easy.
1. Simply email Leah Grunewald at [email protected] prior to graduation.
2. We’ll update your profile with your new information.
3. You’ll receive a membership renewal notice in April with your new category and dues rate.
An Affiliate membership also offers you:
• Access to our marquee member events
• The opportunity to network with nearly 8,000 members
• Credibility on your resume
• A subscription to our award-winning member magazine, On Balance
• Membership discounts on vendor products at www.wicpa.org/marketplace
Affiliate membership is your next step to career success. Make sure you’re on the right path.
Update your membership status today.
WHERE THE
JOBS ARE:
A LOOK
HOT
AT WHAT’S
IN ACCOUNTING
By Robert Half
If you’re an accounting student, one question that’s
probably top of mind is, “What’s the job market going
to be like when I graduate?” You want to know how
likely it is that all the hard work you’ve put in is going
to pay off with a position in your field.
Certainly a lot of factors go into your potential for
success, including academic performance, internships
under your belt, personal ambition and the way you
come across in an interview. The geographic area
where you look for work can also be a factor. If you’re
in a rural area or one with a sluggish economy, it may
take you longer to find something.
The good news is that hiring conditions nationwide
are tipping in your favor. Research for the 2013 Salary
Guide from Robert Half shows that U.S. companies are
adding financial staff to keep up with growth.
The WICPA is the best professional resource for all stages of your career. We encourage you to explore our valuable
benefits and services. Contact Leah Grunewald at [email protected] or 262-785-0445 ext. 3026, or go online
continued on page 6
www.wicpa.org/join for more information.
www.wicpa.org
news for the cpa2b • September 2013–January 2014
885
continued from page 5
Some of the hottest roles in
accounting today include:
Financial analysts:
Businesses value
professionals who can identify trends in financial data and
give timely advice based on their analysis. Candidates who
also possess an MBA and strong communication skills are at
an advantage.
Entry-level financial analysts joining organizations this
year can expect to earn salaries averaging between $43,750
and $56,250 at large companies (more than $250 million in
sales), according to the salary guide.
Business systems analysts:
Employers want people who can help them improve
their financial systems. The ideal candidate will have both
accounting and technology expertise, including knowledge
of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Base compensation for first-year business analysts at
midsize firms ($25 million to $250 million) is expected to
range from $45,500 to $59,500 this year.
Accountants:
Organizations are hiring at all
levels in accounting, including staff positions. Demand is
strongest, though, for professionals with at least three years
of experience and CPA accreditation.
Staff accountants with up to one year of experience are
likely to see salaries ranging from $36,250 to $44,750 at
small companies (up to $25 million in sales) this year,
according to the guide.
Auditors:
Firms in public accounting and industry
need auditors to handle compliance, lending requirements
and due diligence reviews. Entry-level auditors are poised
to earn between $46,500 and $58,750 this year at midsize
public accounting firms.
IT auditors:
Individuals skilled at linking business
process controls and risks with IT audit procedures are in
demand. IT auditors with up to one year of experience may
expect to see base compensation of $50,750 to $65,750 at
midsize companies this year.
Cost accountants: Businesses depend on
cost accountants to develop effective pricing structures
and minimize costs in manufacturing. Research for the
guide shows that entry-level cost accountants hired this
year likely will earn between $43,000 and $53,750 at large
companies.
Standing out from others
While demand for the positions above is growing, landing
an interview isn’t as easy as just sending in a resume.
Employers are still being selective when evaluating
candidates.
Hiring managers look for upcoming or recent graduates
who are enthusiastic about the profession. In an
Accountemps survey, 91 percent of chief financial officers
polled said it’s important for entry-level accounting and
finance professionals to have gained work experience in the
field while in college. Completing an internship — or better,
two — in accounting can demonstrate your commitment.
Firms know this training gives you valuable work skills,
enabling you to hit the ground running when you start your
career.
If you haven’t already, get involved in college activities.
Serving on a student council, directing a volunteer group
or being on the leadership committee for an accounting
association on campus are just a few ways to make your
mark.
Companies are paying attention to grade point averages,
too, so be careful not to slack off as you approach
graduation. It won’t go unnoticed.
Meeting basic requirements
Technical expertise is essential to a career in accounting.
Are you a whiz at Microsoft Excel and Access? Small and
midsize businesses also look for experience with Microsoft
Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains) and QuickBooks.
The CPA credential remains highly valued among
employers and is the most frequently requested
accreditation, according to the salary guide. CPAs who have
prior experience at a Big Four accounting firm are a prized
commodity.
In addition to considering your commitment to education
and the accounting profession, companies will be assessing
other qualities. Interpersonal skills are a key hiring factor.
You may be a whiz with accounting practices, but if you can’t
collaborate well with others, you’ll be limiting your career
potential. Businesses need financial professionals who are
adept at sharing complex information with different audiences,
including people who may hate numbers.
Making your resume stand out
Finally, your resume and cover letters should highlight your
experience and skills effectively. Ask friends and family to
review your documents to offer candid feedback. Do they like
2013
how you’ve presented your qualifications? Are your application
materials easy to read? Are there any typos or grammatical
errors? You don’t want to be out of the running for that perfect
job just because your resume had a slight formatting glitch.
This article is provided courtesy of Robert Half, parent company
of Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert
Half Management Resources. Robert Half is the world’s first and
largest specialized staffing firm placing accounting and finance
professionals on a temporary, full-time and project basis. Follow
Robert Half on Twitter at twitter.com/roberthalf.
WICPA CONFERENCES
CPAs in Industry Fall Conference
Monday, Sept. 23
Tax Conference
Technology Conference
Thursday, Nov. 7 & Friday, Nov. 8 Thursday, Dec. 5 & Friday, Dec. 6
Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center
Italian Conference Center
Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center
Not-for-Profit Conference
Monday, Sept. 30
Accounting, Auditing & Financial
Management Update Conference
Tuesday, Nov. 19
CPAs in Industry Spring Conference
Tuesday, March 18
Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center
Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center
Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center
Special rates for students ($30 one-day conference, $60 two-day conference) and professors
(half off the member price). For more information or to register, contact Shaun Krueger, CPE program and
event administrator, 262-785-0445 ext. 3024.
Registration will open approximately eight weeks prior to each conference. To learn more, visit www.wicpa.org/conferences
www.wicpa.org
news for the cpa2b • September 2013–January 2014
887
Resume
101:
Tips for recent grads
By Lindsay M. Rudkin, CPA
M
any students coming out of school worry they
have nothing to put on a resume since they
haven’t yet held a “real job” in the accounting
profession. Developing a relevant and attentiongrabbing resume becomes a daunting task for many. The
good news is that creating a great resume as a recent
grad isn’t really any different than creating a resume for
an experienced CPA. The basics are still the same:
• State the type of work you are seeking.
• Identify the skills and criteria prospective
employers are looking for in potential
candidates.
• Include everything about yourself that is
relevant to both your objective and the
potential employer’s needs.
• Leave everything else off.
Most firms are well aware that recent graduates don’t
possess substantial amounts of industry experience.
Rather, they are looking for new hires who are willing
to learn, are able to be innovative and who work well in
a team environment. These are things you can highlight
and draw upon even if your only work experience thus far
has been flipping burgers at a local restaurant.
Because you are a recent graduate, your new employer
expects to invest in your training to prepare you to
successfully perform the functions necessary for the
position. The expectation is that you’re fully capable of
accomplishing this training and will be a contributing
employee as soon as possible. Your college degree shows
that you’re able to learn, committed to completing a task
and that you’ve garnered the basic skills and knowledge
necessary for your field.
So what do you include in your resume? Original
information. And by that, I mean information that’s
specific and unique to you and why you would be a good
fit for the position/firm. Do not include clichés, irrelevant
information or generalized statements.
You can begin the resume with a summary section that
highlights your skills and characteristics that will allow
you to excel in the position you’re targeting. These can
include job-related personality traits, but they should be
relevant to the firm where you’re applying. If the firm to
which you’re applying has a known culture, this is also a
good place to describe why you would be a good fit in this
regard.
With little relevant work experience, your primary
selling feature will most likely be your education. This
section should lead your resume, following the summary.
Include courses you have completed that are directly
related to the position. Only list a few and make sure
they’re relevant. Always include your GPA.
The next section should highlight your work
experience, divided into two parts. The first part should
include accounting work history and the second part
should include general work history. Accounting work
history should highlight all industry-related experience,
including internships or perhaps a summer job as a
bookkeeping clerk. General work history should consist
of positions where you performed duties that could
be considered transferable skills. These may include
customer service skills, time management skills,
problem solving or leadership. Focus your statements
on specific examples that are unique to you and your
accomplishments.
Last, include any relevant unpaid experience or
involvement in activities that demonstrate your character
or interest in accounting. These may include positions
held in clubs or social organizations such as treasurer of
your fraternity or sorority, membership in an accounting
industry organization such as WICPA, volunteer work
for a local charity or membership in an academic
organization.
With a little thought and creativity, your resume can
open the door to some exciting opportunities. Determine
what it is that makes you a uniquely qualified candidate and
focus on those specific attributes. Above all, be honest and
straightforward. Never claim experience you don’t have or
embellish facts in a way that could ultimately cost you a job.
Lindsay M. Rudkin, CPA is the business development director
at Vrakas/Blum in Brookfield. Her primary responsibility is to
direct the firm’s marketing and business development activities
by identifying opportunities in the marketplace and facilitating
participation in professional and community events. She is also
actively involved in the firm’s college campus recruiting efforts.
Contact her at 262-798-7634 or [email protected].
“ your primary selling
feature will most likely
be your education .”
www.wicpa.org
news for the cpa2b • September 2013–January 2014
889
6 guidelines to make
the most of your
internship
By Amanda Senkbeil
I
magine that exciting moment when all of the
long hours in the library, the countless cups of
coffee and the exhausting all-nighters are finally
beginning to pay off. This is the moment you realize
you have an opportunity that many other students
struggle to find; the moment you find out that you
have been hired as an accounting intern.
Before beginning my internship with a local firm,
I had a general idea of how I wanted to approach
this new experience. However, I quickly learned
that the next three months would be more than
just preparing tax returns. Not only did the experience
further develop my technical skills, but it also gave me
a taste of what life after college would be like. While the
thought of the future can be a little intimidating, the
internship was the perfect opportunity to see if I truly
wanted to be an accountant. After completing my first
busy season, I am confident I chose the right career.
The most useful piece of advice I received before
starting my internship was not to take any of it for
granted. After further reflection, my game plan to
follow this advice can be summarized in six easy steps.
By using the following six guidelines, you will be able to
make the most of your internship experience and gain
benefits beyond just building your resume.
1. Remember to continue doing things
you enjoy doing outside work. During the
internship, especially at the beginning, you will be very
overwhelmed. It’s important to find fun and productive
ways to offset this stress, so you will be fresh and
focused for work. You will quickly realize that there are
not enough hours in a day to get everything done, but
set aside time for yourself to avoid becoming burned
out before your internship is over.
2. Take notes, lots and lots of notes. It
will be key to write down as much as you possibly can.
That is the approach I took for training, and I cannot
even begin to express how many times I referenced
my notes. Not only do you want to take lots of notes
during training sessions, but also when you receive
feedback or new assignments. This should help prevent
you from making the same mistake twice or forgetting
an important instruction and having to ask the person
again.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The
firm you’re interning with doesn’t expect you to know
everything. This is a learning process, so take advantage
of working with experienced accountants and ask them
questions. It will be important to get comfortable with
the people you work with in your area because they will
be the ones you go to with most of your questions. Also,
compile lists of questions to avoid interrupting your
co-workers continuously throughout the day.
www.wicpa.org
news for the cpa2b • September 2013–January 2014
4. Practice your communication skills.
My internship experience taught me the importance
of communication — preparing a tax return is a
collaborative effort. I finally began to understand
why college professors assign group projects. The
communication involved in completing a group project
is comparable to coordinating the various efforts
that go into ensuring that a tax return is properly
completed.
5. Immerse yourself into the company’s
culture. There’s more to your internship than tying
out the assets or calculating a tax refund. Get to know
the people who work with you. I joined my co-workers
in several activities outside work, such as happy
hours, and was able to get to know them on a more
comfortable level. You spend a lot of time with these
people, especially during the busy season, and you want
to ensure the firm is a right fit for you.
6. Be confident. Many times when I was preparing
returns, I would think to myself that I was in way over
my head and wonder why they would assign an intern
this return. It was important to remind myself that they
assigned the return to me because they had confidence
in my ability to prepare it, and now I needed to have the
confidence in myself. More often than not, I just needed
to slow down and look at things piece by piece, on a
much smaller scale. Eventually, the pieces would always
come together to form a comprehensive return, and the
initial worry was for nothing.
As I reflect on my experience, I know success can
be achieved through hard work, strong commitment
and the willingness to learn. Use the six steps outlined
above to guide you through your internship and to
make the most of this exciting opportunity. Ultimately,
the internship can provide you with valuable insight to
your future and give you a taste of what it’s like to be an
accountant.
Amanda Senkbeil is a student in the Master of Professional
Accountancy program at the University of WisconsinWhitewater. Contact her at [email protected].
88
11
N
Oh, the places
you could go!
By Matthew Curler and Joseph Radliff
etworking is one of the most important
investments you can make. It doesn’t matter
where you’re from, how old you are, or what
experiences you bring to the table. Becoming active
while in school is a must, and when done correctly,
can lead you to places that you couldn’t even
imagine.
Case-in-point, here are the college experiences
of two students who both took part in the majority
of the events that their college (University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee) offered. This includes
Beta Alpha Psi (Beta), recruiting events, mock
interviews, as well as other functions sponsored
by the university, the accounting department and
career services. In the end, they were both able to
acquire enough knowledge along the way, and make
the right contacts, to intern at a KPMG, and receive
offers pending their completion of graduate school.
Matthew Curler
Two-and-a-half years ago, I found myself
returning from a second deployment in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in a career path that
I was not happy with. At the ripe age of 32, I have
had several jobs, including warehouse worker, semidriver and police officer, and I believe I have been
able to excel at all of them. But I was still looking
for something more. I had earned several military
benefits, including remitted tuition and a housing
stipend, and believed this was my best opportunity
to receive a higher education to fulfill a void.
Luckily for me, I had (and still have) an
extremely intelligent and successful wife who
told me, “NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!” Just
after intermediate accounting I joined Beta, and I
almost immediately found myself in the category
of potential intern for the firms that presented. By
taking part in the events, I learned more about the
different fields, how they would lead to different
career paths, and most importantly, how to align
myself for a successful career. At the same time,
I was networking with professionals with whom
I would be interviewing in the next year for an
internship.
Toward the end of my junior semester, I
interviewed with several local, regional and Big 4
firms alike. I received a few internship offers from
the firms I had grown fond of over the last year
and where I could really see myself growing as a
professional. The most difficult thing that I’ve had
to do in my time at UW-Milwaukee is tell great
professionals from great firms that I accepted an
offer with someone else.
I’ve had these opportunities because I was
involved in activities in and around the community.
In my opinion, you can never have too many
colleagues, connections or friends. The only way to
maximize your opportunities is to be active and take
part in events such as Beta, the WICPA and other
CPE activities. Lastly, be involved, whether it be in
a conversation, a nonprofit activity or a discussion
panel.
Joseph Radliff
When I first arrived at UW-Milwaukee in the
fall of 2009, I didn’t know anyone in the business
school and wasn’t entirely sure if I would go into
accounting. As I took some business courses, I
met new people and realized that I might have a
potential future in accounting.
Time continued to pass by, and I decided that I
wanted to take a more active role in the university
and in my studies. I joined a few different clubs
and organizations, but the one that I saw the most
potential benefits from was Beta. I knew that joining
this accounting organization would help me grow
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“Networking is one of
the most important
investments you can make.”
WICPA Scholarship Spotlight
Katie Nadboralski, CPA shares her
journey from classroom to career
1. Why did you decide
to go into accounting?
individually, academically and professionally.
I spent my first semester in the organization as a pledge
and saw that being involved could open many doors. I
decided to take a more active role by running for the
treasurer position. I was elected and spent a semester as the
treasurer-elect, where I learned everything I had to know
to effectively manage the chapter’s finances. The following
semester, I officially became the treasurer. I had to manage
the organization’s finances and train the treasurer-elect in
the duties and responsibilities of the position.
In this leadership role, I was fortunate to travel to Beta
conferences in Chicago and Baltimore. I learned a lot of
industry knowledge and practices and how to become a
better leader within the organization. All of the time I spent
in Beta was immensely helpful. This organization allowed
me to network with fellow students and local accounting
professionals. I believe the networking that started in Beta
helped lead to my internship with a Big 4 firm.
Additionally, I know my time being active improved my
communication and leadership skills, and helped me develop
lifelong friendships. I believe all of these new experiences
helped make me a well-rounded individual and provided
me insight on where I want my career to go. Thanks to
my involvement, I was able to figure out what type of
accounting I wanted to do, where I wanted to work and what
I wanted my future to look like.
Getting involved in college was one of the smartest
decisions I made, and I would highly encourage others to do
the same. The benefits that come from getting involved may
not always be immediate, but they are significant.
Curler and Radliff have both accepted positions at KPMG in
Milwaukee, which begin in fall of 2014. Curler is a graduate
student in the Master of Professional Accountancy program at
UW-Milwaukee. Contact him at 414-380-6611 or [email protected].
Radliff is a graduate student in the Financial Accounting program
at UWM. Contact him at 262-271-7139 or [email protected].
Upon entering the University of
Wisconsin-Whitewater, I was a
pre-business major and planned
to major in marketing because
of my experiences during high
school with DECA. However,
upon exploring likely entry-level
positions for marketing majors
after graduation, I decided going
into sales full-time wasn’t for me.
I had excelled in my Accounting
Concepts course during my
sophomore year in college, so
becoming an accounting major
seemed like a natural fit. It combined client service,
mathematics and general business acumen.
2. Who encouraged you to become a
CPA? Taking the CPA Exam upon graduation wasn’t
even a decision for me. I viewed it as just another
step in obtaining my accounting degree and landing
a job. Every student graduating from college with
an accounting degree should sit for the CPA Exam
regardless of whether they’re planning to work in
public accounting, private industry, or any other field.
Having the designation would never be a hindrance, and
you never know where your future may lead you.
3. When did you receive a scholarship
from the WICPA Educational Foundation
Inc., and how did it help you while you
were in college? I received a $5,000 WICPA
Educational Foundation, Inc. scholarship in May
2003 to be applied toward my Master of Professional
Accountancy program. The
scholarship was extremely
beneficial in terms of defraying
the cost of graduate school. I was
able focus my attention on my
education, which was helpful given
the condensed time frame for the
Master of Professional Accountancy
program at UW-Whitewater (one
year), which for me included
studying and sitting for the CPA
Exam during that spring semester.
4. How would you describe
your experience in taking
the CPA Exam? Overall, I had
a positive experience taking the CPA Exam (if that is
even possible?). I took the Becker Review course during
my last semester at UW-Whitewater on campus, which
really helped to focus my attention on studying for the
exam. I took each part of the exam one week apart in
May 2004 (one of the first few months it was offered on
the computerized exam). Thankfully, I passed all four
parts on the first try, so I didn’t have to worry about
completing it once I started working full time.
5. In a nutshell, describe your career path
since college? I interned at Clifton Gunderson LLP,
now CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), through the UWWhitewater internship program during my senior year
of college. Following my internship, I was offered fulltime employment and joined the firm in summer of 2004
after finishing my Master of Professional Accountancy
degree. I was promoted to a senior associate in tax
in July 2005 and to tax manager in July 2007. I just
celebrated my nine-year anniversary with the firm in
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FUN FACTS
My best job: Working for a park and recreation
department during college. I was paid to make crafts, plan/
lead field trips and play in the sand. Of course, it wasn’t always
sun and fun, but most days were.
My worst job: Working for a landscaping company one
summer during college. At the time, I thought it would be fun
to be outdoors and get tan, but it was definitely hard manual
work!
My hobbies: Hiking, traveling, watching Wisconsin football
and spending time with my family.
July. I am a member of the Manufacturing and Distribution
team and the International Services team for the Central
Midwest Client Service Center.
6. Describe a day in your life as a CPA. A typical
day really doesn’t exist. Much of my work varies from day
to day. I am always in contact with my clients, and basically
schedule my day around their needs and the upcoming
imposed deadlines. I work on a variety of clients in all different
industries (from car dealerships, to venture capitalists, to
manufacturers), so I am always learning something new. In
addition, I am constantly working as part of a team. I coach
newer staff on my team and provide them feedback in regard to
their performance.
7. Words to live by: “The difference between ordinary
and extraordinary is that little extra.”—Jimmy Johnson
8. How do you challenge the CPA stereotype
(i.e., stuffy, boring bean counters, stuck in a
grey cubical?) CPAs are perceived incorrectly as being
poor communicators, boring. To be successful in today’s
environment as a CPA, you have to have strong communication
skills, be entrepreneurial, personable and motivated. Partners
in a CPA firm are tasked with bringing in new business, so
they’re constantly networking with others to build their
center of influence. The firm’s success and growth potential
depends on them. Even younger staff interact with clients on
a daily basis — oftentimes at the client location, so they need
to possess excellent communication skills and be personable
to successfully complete their assigned tasks. We also work as
teams the majority of the time, so you’re constantly interacting
with other staff members/partners.
9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy hiking with my golden retriever, traveling (I have been
www.wicpa.org
news for the cpa2b • September 2013–January 2014
If I weren’t a CPA, I’d be a: teacher. I really enjoy
training and mentoring new staff at CLA. In addition, I have
found it so rewarding to teach my own children and watch
them learn and grow — like helping my daughter learn to
write her name and count to 50 this past year. I come from a
family of teachers so it would be a natural choice. (My mom is
a teacher. My sister is a teacher, and my cousins are teachers.)
Favorite movie: The Hangover
Apply today for your WICPA scholarship at
www.wicpa.org/efscholarships.
14. Please provide any additional information that
you would like to share with students. I would highly
encourage anyone who plans on majoring in accounting to sit for
the CPA Exam during their last semester of college or immediately
upon graduation. The pass rate is much higher for recent grads
(compared to those who have been out in the work force for
awhile), and life just becomes more hectic. Finding time to study
is much more difficult. I have seen a number of my co-workers
struggle with passing it, and without the designation, their
career path is limited in public accounting (can’t be promoted to
manager). It’s just one less thing to worry about once you have
passed it.
to Africa, Europe, Mexico, and 20-30 U.S. states — even survived
a Category 5 hurricane on my honeymoon), watching Wisconsin
football (UW-Badgers and Green Bay Packers) and spending
time with my family. I’m also active with the WICPA Young
Professionals Committee and represent CLA on the
UW-Whitewater Accounting Advisory Board.
developing relationships with my clients and serving as their
advisor. Because our firm focuses on serving privately-held
businesses and their owners, I’m able to advise a client from
a variety of perspectives because I have firsthand knowledge
of their business and how its decisions impact them from
a personal perspective. I get to see both sides. I also enjoy
training and mentoring new staff, as well as continuing to be
involved at UW-Whitewater, both from a recruiting perspective
and from serving on the Accounting Advisory Board.
Trusted client advisor.
12. In three sentences or less, how would you
convince a college freshman/student with an
undecided major that the CPA path is the way to
go? The CPA is an excellent career path for a college student.
It provides a solid business foundation, excellent placement
rates upon graduation (with high-paying jobs) and can take you
anywhere. The CPA credential is highly regarded as a symbol
of high ethical standards and professionalism, and CPAs are
viewed as the most trusted advisors in business.
13. What do you know now that you wish you
knew back in high school? The classes you take in high
school and college are merely a foundation for the future. It’s
what you do with that foundation that determines your future
success.
Work-life balance is extremely important to me, as I have
two young children (ages 3 and 1). I do have a flexible work
arrangement, which helps me achieve the work-life balance I am
looking for. I typically work three days per week from June to
December, and then 45-50 hours per week during Opportunity
Season. I try to leave “work” at work, and be present in the moment
when I am at home with my family. This can be hard to do because
of technology (smartphones) — you’re really never “off the clock.”
Katie Nadboralski, CPA is a tax manager at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. She can
be reached at 414-721-7502 or [email protected].
Ready
for your
next move?
10. What do you love about your job? I really love
11. Describe what you do in just three words.
15. How do you find work-life balance?
Career advancement made easy
WICPA Career Center is the ideal place to be seen by employers who are specifically
looking for accounting professionals. Whether or not you are actively looking for new
employment, it makes sense to post your resume on the WICPA Career Center. You
never know what opportunities may be out there looking for you. Also, checking the job
listings is a great way to see what is hot and what is not in the job market, and whether
your particular skills are among those most in demand.
The WICPA Career Center offers:
Free online job search: All job-seeker functions are available at no charge.
Confidential resume posting: Make your resume available to employers, and release
your contact information only when you are ready.
Job search agent: Create a password-protected account and receive
automatic email notification of new jobs that match your search criteria.
Post your
resume
for FREE!
wicpa.org/
CareerCenter
WICPA Career Center makes finding the
perfect job easy.
Post your resume today!
WICPA Career
C E N T E R
An easier way to find a job.
A better way to fill a position.
To find a job or fill a position, visit
wicpa.org/CareerCenter today.
Saved jobs capability: Save up to 100 jobs to a folder in your account so you can come
back to apply when you are ready.
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EXCEEDING
EXPECTATIONS
as an intern
ByMorgan Melka
fter the excitement of landing your dream
internship settles, you realize that your
effort has really just begun. Preparing for an
internship can be intimidating and stressful. However,
by focusing on the following six techniques, you can
exceed expectations and stand out as an intern.
A
Be positive
An internship is really an extended interview to
find out if you fit in. Having a positive attitude sounds
simple, but it’s easy to overlook, especially as you
become more comfortable with your co-workers. When
asked to complete a tedious task, do so willingly, and
finish the job in the most efficient manner possible
in order to have time for more meaningful work.
Remember that if you were not doing it, someone else
would have to complete it. The more tasks you take
ownership of, the more time your team members have
to focus on items of higher importance.
Remain resilient
Things don’t always go as planned. Assignments and
deadlines change, issues arise, and team dynamics fluctuate,
all proving the importance of flexibility. You might be
assigned to a client or project that you enjoy, and halfway
through, you are transferred to another, less desirable one.
Or you might be asked to pick up the slack for a team member
who is struggling with his or her workload. You may even
be asked to stay late or come in early unexpectedly. Being
flexible with a positive attitude allows you to stand out and
prove you are part of the team.
Build your network
Building a network throughout your career is invaluable,
so take advantage of the opportunity to do so during your
internship. The networking you began during the interview
process will continue with your new co-workers. They are
looking for someone they can spend long 12-hour days
with in a small conference room and still want to hang out
with after work. Everyone has a life outside of the office,
so try to get to know him or her as a person, not just as a
co-worker. Most important, listen earnestly and try to find a
commonality. If possible, maintain those relationships even
after your internship has ended.
Take initiative
You might think of yourself as “just” the intern, but there are
plenty of ways for you to prove yourself. Inevitably, you will be
assigned tasks where you might not know what to do, but don’t
express this too soon. Review all elements of the assignment,
and prepare questions to ask at once. Being comfortable with
your co-workers you might find yourself asking questions
too frequently, but if you’re uncomfortable you may avoid
communication altogether. Try to find a balance by making
intelligent inquiries when necessary to avoid wasting time. Let
your supervisor know you have compiled questions for him or
her to address at his convenience. Also, take the time to review
your work so you can be confident with and proud of your
product. Finally, take the initiative to request additional work
in anticipation of downtime.
Be professional
Even with little experience, you are expected to conduct
yourself professionally. Dress appropriately, and get in the
habit of arriving early and leaving late. Your objective is to
gain as much experience as possible, so be willing to put the
time in. Arrive 15-20 minutes earlier than asked to prepare
for the day. Avoid surfing the Internet during downtime.
Instead, take the time to learn more about the company,
client or project. If you notice an inefficiency or there is a
problem your team is facing, take the initiative to work on a
solution. Professionalism develops with knowledge and then
practice. If you lack in either area, consider joining a student
organization such as Beta Alpha Psi, or become a member
of the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs, and participate on a
committee or task force. For more information or to join the
WICPA, go to www.wicpa.org/Join.
Embrace every experience
If you’re lucky enough to have an internship opportunity,
embrace every aspect. Get to know fellow interns, explore the
city you are in, and don’t be afraid to accept a challenge. If
there’s something you’re passionate about, ask for experience
with it. No one’s internship experience is the same, so avoid
comparing it to your peers’ experiences. Focus on bettering
yourself professionally and personally. Whether it turns out
to be the experience you had hoped for, or you found out that
it’s not right for you, it contributes to your career for the
better.
Some of these characteristics may not come naturally. It’s
OK to be wrong or make a mistake as long as you learn from
it. By focusing on the six techniques outlined above, you will
get the most out of your internship experience and exceed
expectations.
Morgan Melka received a bachelor’s degree in business
administration with emphasis in accounting in May and will earn
a master’s degree in professional accountancy in May of 2014,
both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has accepted
a full-time offer with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Milwaukee after
graduation. She can be reached at 414-708-0753 or [email protected].
Peruse these professional resources:
• Order “life after school. explained,” a free career tips resource, by contacting Leah Grunewald at
262-785-0445 ext. 3026 or [email protected].
• Download a free copy of “Business Etiquette: The New Rules in a Digital Age” at www.accountemps.com/
Employment-Resources. This guide offers insights into the latest business etiquette protocols. Learn
digital etiquette tips when using: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, email and mobile devices.
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