looking back

Note to Self is a column in which CPA professionals write notes to their college-student selves to give them a glimpse of their future. In this issue, Wendi Unger, CPA, a partner with Baker Tilly US LLP in Milwaukee and a past chair of the WICPA board of directors, writes a letter to her college-student self – after abandoning her dream of becoming a veterinarian and embracing the idea of an accounting career.

Dear Young Wendi,

Okay, you thought about being a veterinarian but abandoned the idea when you realized you faint at the sight of blood. That’s okay! There’s a wonderful career ahead of you.

You will ace Introductory Accounting and begin to wonder why everyone doesn’t do accounting. It’s so easy! But as the months and years go by, you’ll think that “easy” is the last way you would describe it. You’ll think it’s more like “frustrating, complicated and confusing” for a while, but shortly before graduation you’ll change that phrase to “rewarding, invigorating and exciting.” A local accounting firm will offer you a job, and you’ll be so excited to begin a career in accounting.

Compiled financial statements, tax returns, projections and accounting assistance will keep you busy for the next several years. You will wonder how college helped you and question if you missed a required accounting class — because you will see things you have never heard of. But don’t worry — it does get easier. College taught you persistency, hard work, dedication and that “don’t give up” attitude that will come in handy at times. You are going to work with wonderful clients: people who have built their businesses from the ground up — even some famous people. It will be so exciting and well worth all the effort.

After you graduate, you will study for the CPA Exam. I’m not gonna lie — it will probably be the most difficult exam you have taken or ever will take. I encourage you to study really hard, dedicate the time and effort that the exam demands and get it done as soon as you can after graduation while you’re still in “college” mode. The sooner you take it, the easier it will be to pass.

Shortly after you get married, you will decide it’s time to move to a bigger firm. You’ll get an offer, and you’ll think it might be scary to make such a big leap — but remember, this time you won’t be the youngest person there. And when it comes time to make a decision to switch your focus from tax to audit, just know that it will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

After you have a year or so under your belt, you’ll begin to progress through the organization. You’ll think about your future and wonder if public accounting is the right place for you. Trust me – IT IS! You will work your way through the ranks, go through a merger with another firm and eventually become an audit partner. Way to go! You will have accomplished the goal you set for yourself years ago. There will be many hurdles as you move along your career path, but if you knock one over and fall, brush yourself off and get running again. It is all so worth it in the end. The people you will work with will be like family, the clients you serve will become your friends, and the opportunities that present themselves will be endless.

There’s just one thing I want to stress to you: Take time to stop and smell the roses. Your children will grow up very fast. Take the time you want and need to spend with them. The great part about the accounting profession is that it allows you the flexibility to do what you like when you like — and it will be there when you return.

So don’t worry about giving up your veterinarian dream. There are things ahead of you that you will one day look back on and marvel.

Wishing you all the best,

Wendi Unger, CPA

Left to right: Wendi Unger, Bryce Duhr (Elizabeth’s boyfriend) and Elizabeth Unger, Leslee Unger and fiancé Nick Klapka, Joe Unger