CPA2b Magazine - Spring 2018

SPRING 2018 | VOL. 13, NO. 2

Passion, travel and discovery Allyson Hofstede 4 Plus...

ACCOUNTING ACROSS BORDERS

CONQUER CPA EXAM STUDYING

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TOP TECHNOLOGY TRENDS CPA2b wicpa.org page| 32

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Spring 2018 | Vol. 13, No. 2 A publication of the WICPA Educational Foundation, Inc. | wicpa.org

Table of Contents 4 b recognized | member profile

Studying abroad: Passion, travel and discovery Allyson Hofstede, an audit associate at KPMG in Milwaukee, shares her experience studying abroad, the importance of knowing a foreign language and the benefits of being able to think globally.

By Allyson Hofstede

features 10 b in the know | specializations

28 b hired | resume

Accounting across borders: Tim Bibo, CPA, shares expat experience Tim Bibo travels to countries on five of the seven continents in his role at Rockwell Automation.

By Carol Rybak

14 b versatile | international internship

A world of possibilities: Kassel Gill gains practical skills during Ireland internship Edgewood College student Kassel Gill learns what it takes to be successful working and living in another country.

By Amy Gaeth

18 b educated | internship tips

Making the most of your accounting internship Three former interns offer tips to help you navigate your internship.

By Sara Shoys

22 b prepared | CPA Exam

Conquer CPA Exam studying Learn tactics on how to prepare for and pass the rigorous CPA Exam.

By Rachel Stave

26 b in the know | CPA Exam application

Applying for the CPA Exam: A step-by-step process Follow these helpful hints to guide you through the application process.

By Adriana Coopman

Writing a resume that gets you noticed Discover resume-writing strategies that can give you an edge over your competition.

By Melissa Olsen, PHR/SHRM-CP

30 b hired | interview tips

Preparing for 6 types of interview questions Review the basic interview questions, and you’ll be ready for almost anything the hiring manager may ask.

By Robert Half ®

32 b digital | tech trends

Top technology trends impacting the accounting industry Explore four major technologies that are likely to transform the profession.

By Michael Senkbeil, MCSE, GCFA, CISSP, CISA

34 b versatile | soft skills

5 things millennials shouldn’t say to their leaders Acquire tips on what not to say when interacting with your leaders.

By Aleta Norris

36 b strategic | career planning

Destination CPA CPAs share how they got their start in the profession.

By Amy Gaeth

departments 3 b in the know | career tips 9 b affiliated | welcome new members

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2017-2018 WICPA Educational Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors: President Michael E. Friedman, CPA, JD Secretary/Treasurer Roberta A. Ward, CPA Directors Christopher M. Cholka, CPA, CGMA Kenesha A. Coleman, CPA, MPA Dorothy Conduah, CPA, CGMA, MBA Elizabeth Hazi, CPA John R. Heindel, CPA Diana L. Henke, CPA Jessica M. Horning, CPA Darci L. Middaugh, CPA Wendy K. Potratz, CPA, CMA, CGFM, MBA

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in the know | career tips

Young professionals share career advice

By Carol Rybak

R

ecently, the WICPA met with its Young Professionals Committee to gather career advice for college accounting students, including the skills and expectations required for an accounting career.

They shared insights and tips they wish someone would have told them. Check out what they had to say.

What’s one piece of professional advice you would give to a college student?

• Focus on communication skills. You need to be able to show what you know while being polite and articulating your ideas.

• Own your career. You will be given opportunities, but how much you grow is based on your work ethic. Putting in the hard work in the beginning pays off in the long run.

• Start your career search early. Do internships in both tax and audit, try multiple industries and make connections throughout your different roles or by joining accounting groups.

• Don’t expect a promotion or raise to happen quickly or frequently without working hard or considering how your company is doing.

• Pass the CPA Exam before starting to work full time. You’re not going to want to study after working a 10-hour day.

• Get outside your comfort zone. Those usually become the best experiences.

What interpersonal skills are important for students to have in their careers?

• Engage in small talk to build relationships.

Coworkers and clients will trust you more if you have a relationship with them.

• Adjust to other work styles. You will work with many different people who will have different approaches to how they work. The need to adapt to other styles will be important to future success and learning.

• Be willing to pick up the phone or walk down the hall to ask questions instead of relying on email.

• Know how to explain accounting to nonaccounting people so they can understand the big picture.

• Practice patience, problem solving, time management, conflict resolution and a positive attitude.

How would you prepare a college student for his or her first day on the job as an accountant or auditor?

• Take notes when you’re being given instructions so you don’t have to ask something twice.

• Accept the fact there’s a lot you don’t know.

Don’t dwell on mistakes.

• Ask lots of questions, and come up with potential solutions. Also, make a list of questions so you’re not asking one each time. Repeat the information back to ensure you understood the response correctly.

• Develop the ability to multitask and handle stress. It is a key ingredient to success.

Carol Rybak is the academic & student awareness coordinator at the WICPA. Contact her at 262-785-0445 ext. 4511 or carol@wicpa.org.

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Studying abroad: Passion, travel and discovery Allyson Hofstede visits Arc de Triomf, in the city of Barcelona, Spain.

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By Allyson Hofstede

E

xploring new cities, states and countries has always been a passion of mine. The excitement that comes with experiencing firsthand a place I’ve only dreamed of visiting can only be described as amazing. Although I had traveled to several cities and countries prior to college, I was eager to take my next adventure by participating in a study abroad program.

As an accounting major with a double minor, I had a plan to complete the 150 credit hours needed for a CPA license and graduate in four years. With this in mind, I knew that participating in a study abroad program would be challenging, but it was something I was committed to doing. After first exploring semester-long programs, I began researching opportunities during the summer.

requirements including minors, cultural diversity, humanities or general education.

I knew living in another country for an extended period of time would be different than traveling to visit on vacation. From the research I performed prior to my arrival in Barcelona, I learned a number of things: The city is home to vast sculptures, paintings, mosaics, museums, impressive architecture and fashion; lunch is the largest (and longest) meal of the day; and dinner isn’t served until after 9 p.m.

Although I was prepared for some culture shock and homesickness, I was comforted that my knowledge of Spanish would help me adjust quickly to both the new culture and my surroundings.

I have studied Spanish since kindergarten, and it was one of my college minors, so I knew I wanted to study in a country where Spanish is the native language. After considering programs in South America and Europe, I decided to spend a summer studying in Barcelona, Spain.

While I was focused on fulfilling the requirements to graduate in four years, the program I selected only offered elective classes. My courses included Spanish and psychology, which helped fulfill requirements of my minors and also required speaking in Spanish, which intrigued me. Other study abroad programs offered business courses; however, they were courses I had already taken or weren’t required as part of my degree. Although some programs don’t offer specific courses related to certain majors, there are many that provide the opportunity to fulfill other degree

don tation, Lon S s s o r C 's King Allyson at

Allyson poses next to El Gato del Raval (the cat of Raval) in La Rambla del Raval CPA2b | wicpa.org

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recognized | member profile

Allyson at the Parc de la Ciutadella de Barcelona

I intentionally selected the option of a home stay rather than living in an apartment with other study abroad students because it provided the further advantage to immerse myself in the culture. One of the most rewarding aspects of being able to speak and understand Spanish was the ability to communicate with Montse, my host mom, who spoke very little English. Interacting with Montse helped me to become more fluent in Spanish and also Catalan, the native language of Barcelona. It made the transition of living in another country feel more natural. After a few days, Barcelona started to feel like a home away from home.

Studying abroad empowered me to think globally— to be open-minded to learn about issues in other societies and how to utilize this knowledge in my personal and professional life. A global education has

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Allyson with h

er host mom, M

ontse

given me the confidence to live, work and interact with people from different cultures, both domestically and internationally. Living in a different country made me appreciate my values, beliefs and perceptions and appreciate the exposure to ways of life that are different from my own.

Allyson explores the Laundry Room Portico at Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

“As a young professional, my study abroad experience provided me with skills that are helping me to adapt as I progress in my career.”

Allyson visits

As a young professional, my study abroad experience provided me with skills that are helping me adapt as I progress in my career. Living in an unfamiliar environment, being without my support system and adapting to the style of foreign college classes required me to build trust and problem-solving skills and to increase my resourcefulness. I learned that being open to opportunities as they happened made my experience that much more fulfilling.

Studying abroad is a lifetime experience. Being an accounting major, I felt it was even more important to experience studying abroad because the skills I learned directly relate to the skills I am using to build my career. I would tell anyone considering the opportunity to test your ability to adapt to diverse situations outside your comfort zone. It’s incredible to

The Lou vre in P aris, Fra nce

Allyson visits the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

immerse yourself in something that you aren’t used to and awaken your mind in ways you never imagined.

My experiences and desire to learn new things helped guide me in choosing the accounting firm where I wanted to work. KPMG’s culture and the firm’s commitment to lifelong learning meshed well with my professional ideals. I continue to be encouraged to seek out new opportunities at my firm, including potentially, a foreign rotation.

Allyson Hofstede is an audit associate at KPMG LLP in Milwaukee.

Contact her at 414-226-1149 or ahofstede@kpmg.com.

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affiliated | WICPA membership

WELCOME NEW STUDENT MEMBERS Fahad A. Alhedaithy Mikayla Bakken, UW-Platteville Nicole A. Balsewicz, UW-Waukesha Kathryn Belli, UW-Milwaukee Albert Benish, Marian University Katherine Bennett, Concordia University Brett Benning, Marquette University Carissa Birschbach, Marian University Kimberly J. Boots, UW-Green Bay Eileen Brancel, UW-Waukesha Cynthia Brinkman, UW-Stevens Point Scott A. Bruegmann, Herzing University Nicole Bruesewitz, UW-Milwaukee Adam D. Buerger, UW-La Crosse Jessica Burks, UW-Milwaukee Traci M. Campnell, Moraine Park Technical College David Del Ponte, Lakeland University Heidi Ellertson, UW-Platteville Justin Esaulenko, UW-Milwaukee Kaitlin Faoro, Marquette University Rachel Felton, Carthage College Sean Flanagan, Northwestern Mutual Katrina Freund, Marian University Xueyao Fu, UW-Madison Alexandra Graff, UW-Madison Sara Grether, Cedarville University Ludvika Gryskiewcz, UW-Stevens Point Savannah R. Hennessy-Luther, UW-Milwaukee Marian G. Hessler, Tulane University William Hietpas, UW-Platteville Ben Hively, Marian University Jessica Holzmann, UW-Stevens Point Monica M. Huskey, Park University

Maria Ibarra, UW-Parkside Timothy M. Jacklin, UW-Green Bay Nancy Jaimes, UW-Parkside Alexander R. Johnson, UW-Whitewater Vickie Mally, Marian University Audrey Manser, UW-Madison Monica McNaughton, Gateway Technical College Hanan Megally, UW-Parkside Tara Milosavljevic, UW-Milwaukee Trevor Olsen, UW-Green Bay Uriel Orozco Herrera, UW-Stevens Point William T. Podewils, Marquette University Chase Putman, UW-Platteville Noah J. Ricker, Vrakas CPAs + Advisors Kely V. Rodriguez, UW-Stevens Point Bryce Rudesill, UW-Milwaukee Lori A. Schiller, UW-Green Bay Abi Siebers, Edgewood College Peter Smiley, UW-Milwaukee Andrew D. Smith, UW-Platteville Jake E. Smith, Smith CPA LLC Robert W. Strutz, UW-Parkside Aaron J. Swanson, UW-Stevens Point Micah Torgerson, Carroll University Presten Traxler, Marian University Sean P. Van Aacken, UW-Stout Robert Vasile, UW-Milwaukee Brad Wiegman, UW-Oshkosh Vincent Williams, Lakeland University Franklin Wistl, UW-Whitewater Ryan Wolf, Marian University Jakab N. Young, UW-Waukesha Nicole Zignego, UW-Milwaukee CPA2b | wicpa.org

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Tim Bibo and his family lived in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for two years while he was on assignment with Rockwell Automation.

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Accounting across borders Tim Bibo, CPA, shares expat experience

F

or nearly a decade, Tim Bibo has held several positions at Rockwell Automation that have taken him to countries on five of the seven continents.

Recently, Bibo had

By Carol Rybak the opportunity to work and live in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for two years on an expatriate assignment with Rockwell, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information that serves customers in more than 80 countries.

In this role, he served as the finance manager supporting the European, Middle Eastern and African sales teams and businesses, where his team of 15 people was responsible for everything from closing the monthly books to forecasting future sales performance.

CULTURE IS KING In working for a large, publicly traded global company, there are many complex challenges.

These complexities can be as technical as global income taxation and local transactional taxes or as simple as understanding Fridays are the weekend in the Middle East. Perhaps the biggest challenge is being aware of the different cultures that exist in the countries where you operate.

“It is extremely important to be aware of different cultures. This is much deeper than understanding the different holidays, languages spoken or family traditions. It influences how teams work and execute projects, work-life balance and the rewards and recognition system,” Bibo said.

“While in the Netherlands, I had a French boss, supported a German sales leader and managed a team who reported to me from the Netherlands, U.S., India, South Africa, Greece and Albania,” he said. “There was no magic book to read on how best to navigate through all of these different cultures. I will say, though, that eagerness to understand and humility went a long way.”

One example of the cultural differences became apparent when Bibo was interviewing to hire a Dutch associate. When on a job interview in the U.S., people strive to sell themselves and stand out from the competition. In Dutch culture, the

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in the know | specializations

THE INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE

normal expectation is that you don’t want to stand out or oversell yourself. Rather, one attempts to make the conversation about the team.

Another example of the cultural differences is the diverse approaches to work. German work culture is usually regimented, and punctuality is very important.

In southern Europe, employees may first be getting to the office at 9 a.m. but then stay later into the evening.

The Dutch place an extremely high value on work-life balance. In the U.S., working more hours is viewed positively and may be a reflection of the importance of your role. In Dutch culture, however, long hours may be a sign of inefficiency. Success among the Dutch is defined differently, with an emphasis on balance and spending time at home with family.

“The main commonality I’ve found among all the cultures I’ve worked with is the desire to want to be successful. However, the approach of how each culture achieves success is different,” Bibo said.

Besides learning about the various cultures during his expat experience, one of the biggest surprises when returning to the U.S. after being away for two years was reverse culture shock.

“This was especially true when returning to the grocery store or shopping at Target. The amount of brand choices available in the U.S. was overwhelming and something that we take for granted,” Bibo said.

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When working in an accounting or finance role at an international company, a solid foundation of U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards is critical. The depth of knowledge required is dependent on one’s specific role. Positions that are compliancebased require a more in-depth understanding of all the rules, whereas operational and support roles require a basic knowledge with access to specialists if a more detailed understanding is required.

One example of a complex compliance-based project that Bibo worked on while in Europe was ensuring that Rockwell’s South African business was compliant with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act. The purpose of the policy was to empower people of color, women and people with disabilities who had previously been disadvantaged by poverty in the country. As a result, Rockwell implemented managerial, supply chain and educational policies to be in compliance with the law to maintain operations in South Africa.

Brexit, a 2016 referendum in which the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, is another global event that many international companies monitor due to its potential impact on the U.K. and the European Union economies. The event also had a currency impact on the British pound against the euro.

Bibo says successful global executives are constantly learning and keeping abreast of key external factors that are important to their customers and the industries and geographies where they operate. Bibo recommends that college students read The Wall Street Journal and

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS Financial Times to stay informed about international events and external factors that may impact global industries and economies.

Today, Bibo serves as Rockwell’s finance director for global sales and marketing. His main responsibility is to ensure his teams are providing insight into how the company is executing on its sales growth and performance strategy. They analyze data to understand sales performance by geographic location, industry and business. They also evaluate spending to ensure the company is investing in areas that will provide high return on investment and growth. Bibo continuously looks for ways to improve processes and make employees more efficient, which leads to greater productivity.

According to Bibo, accounting students who want to work for a global company should try to get as much international experience as possible while in school. This includes studying a foreign language, studying abroad and traveling abroad. It is also extremely important to seek out internships with global employers, whether it’s a Big 4 firm or a worldwide company like Rockwell.

To find out more about internship opportunities at Rockwell, visit careers.rockwellautomation.com.

Carol Rybak is the academic & student awareness coordinator at the WICPA. Contact her at 262-785-0445 ext. 4511 or carol@wicpa.org.

“The MS-Accountancy Program at Edgewood College is excellent.

My involvement in the Accounting Club helped me make connections with area accounting firms which led to several successful interviews and a job offer. My education has given me the confidence to succeed in my new position. Edgewood College was the perfect fit for me.” Chelsea Blum, MSA

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educated | international internship

A

world

of possibilities

Kassel Gill enjoys scenic views from the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland.

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Kassel Gill gains global skills during Ireland internship

By Amy Gaeth

W

hen Kassel Gill graduates this spring from Edgewood College in Madison, she will have not just one, but two professional experiences to put on her resume—one of them in Ireland. Last summer, Gill spent eight weeks in Dublin working for International House Dublin, an English language school for students who are learning English as a second language.

We talked to Gill recently about her mind-opening experiences and insights gained while interning and living in Dublin.

PREPARING FOR AN OVERSEAS INTERNSHIP Why did you choose Ireland for your internship?

Growing up, I have fond memories of my grandparents talking about their Irish heritage, and they sparked my interest.

I was excited when I learned that Edgewood College offered internships in Ireland. I needed internship credits, and I always wanted to go to Ireland, so it was a perfect fit.

experiences, and students shared what they wish they had been told before they traveled abroad.

What tips can you share with students who are considering internships overseas?

Picking a destination is probably the hardest part.

First, you need to find a company that partners with your school. You should also talk to a few students who have traveled to your preferred destination to learn more about the internship and the culture.

What should students ask about during the internship interview to ensure the opportunity’s a good fit?

Ask for a detailed job description. Find out what your responsibilities will be, and ask if there’s an area that you can become more familiar with before starting your internship. If you’re proactive on the front end, you’ll get the most out of your internship and have opportunities to grow.

THE INTERNSHIP

How did you prepare for your internship?

What were your responsibilities at International House Dublin?

Edgewood partners with a company called International Studies Abroad (ISA), which provides students with opportunities to either study or intern abroad. After selecting my destination, I received tips from ISA on how to pack and what to expect working and living in Ireland. I also watched YouTube videos of other students who have interned overseas. The videos were beneficial because they depicted real-life

My responsibilities included contacting host families and students to collect bank details for accounts payable and accounts receivable. I also was responsible for entering students’ grades and making sure that the final scores matched up with the teacher’s records. In addition, I shadowed the head of accounts as he performed the daily cash reconciliation and monthly bank statement reconciliation.

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educated | international internship

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

I liked the mentoring aspect of the internship. My supervisor encouraged me to ask questions and learn why he performed tasks a certain way. For example, I’m familiar with the basics of Excel. But my supervisor knew every trick in the book on how to navigate Excel more efficiently. He taught me some shortcuts that I never would have known how to do. It was a great learning experience!

What is the biggest benefit of an international internship?

I stepped out of my comfort zone, learned a new culture and grew both personally and professionally.

What did you gain from your internship that you will be able to apply to your experiences going forward?

Communication is important. You need to be able to communicate effectively on the job. You need to know when to ask for help and when to ask a question if you need clarification. You can never ask too many questions.

I also learned to self-advocate. It’s important to ask for more work if and when you need it. Also, you need to let someone know if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

How will your internship abroad affect your future career path?

As I pursue my first accounting position, I will be more focused on learning what the job description entails. I was so excited to get my internship that I didn’t focus on what my job description was. I want to make sure that the tasks that are listed in my job description are actually things that I’m interested in. I want to make sure that I have a passion for, or connection to, my job.

THE IRISH CULTURE What was the culture like in Dublin? Share a little bit about the history, the people and their customs.

Everyone is extremely nice in Ireland. When they would see me or hear my American accent, they’d ask me if there was anything they could do to help. In fact,

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several people approached me and asked if I needed directions. It was amazing. Some people would stop what they were doing and walk you to where you needed to go.

Also, I learned that Dublin is international. I was surprised with the hustle and bustle of the city. It reminded me of New York City because there were so many people there and they were from all over the world.

My favorite part of Irish culture was their storytelling.

Stories are passed down from generation to generation.

Everyone had a story or riddle to share. So, if you’d go have a pint at the pub, someone would tell you a story.

I experienced good, real conversation with the locals.

The Irish people were friendly. They were happy people.

What were your accommodations like?

I stayed in international student housing near Dublin’s City Centre. My apartment was centrally located and close to restaurants, pubs, daily live music and street performers.

I was fortunate because I roomed with the 12 students from the U.S. program. In my apartment, I had my own bedroom and bathroom and shared a common area with two other Edgewood College students as well as students from Nebraska and North Dakota.

Did you have a chance to do some sightseeing?

I traveled all around Ireland. My favorite spot was Giant’s Causeway, which is located in Northern Ireland.

When you go there, it doesn’t seem real. There are hexagon-shaped rocks as far as the eye can see. I also traveled to Scotland for a weekend and to the Isle of Man, a tiny island located between Ireland and the U.K. It was amazing! Scotland was just as green and beautiful as Ireland.

What was your favorite food?

Everyone in Ireland says you can’t find traditional Irish cuisine at a restaurant. Traditional Irish food is made by grandma. It’s made with so much love, and you can’t get that at a restaurant. So, the typical Irish

food is Guinness stew and fish and chips. I liked the Guinness stew; it’s made with dark beer and a crust like a pot pie.

What was most surprising when you returned to the U.S.? How do you think your internship changed your perspective about life, work and the world?

I had a lot of time to self-reflect. When I returned home, I experienced culture shock. It was hard to go back to the same routine that I was in before I left. I felt like I changed, but nothing here had changed. I learned a lot about myself, what I valued and what I’m interested in.

Amy Gaeth is the former vice president of communications at the WICPA.

Kassel Gill tours the Old Jameson Distillery, an Irish whiskey tourist attraction located just off Smithfield Square in Dublin.

Interested? Contact Tammy Hofstede at tammy@wicpa.org or 262-785-0445 ext. 4518.

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educated | internship tips

Making the most of your

accounting internship

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f you’re an accounting student, chances are you’re probably thinking about an internship. Internships are a valuable way to gain real-world skills and learn what it’s like to work in a professional office environment.

By Sara Shoys

Some of SVA’s former interns, now full-time staff, shared their thoughts with me regarding their internship experiences.

Make sure you read to the end … I saved the best tip for last!

Connections and networking are essential.

How can I make connections as an intern and develop a professional network?

Start networking while on campus: Look for opportunities to meet representatives from different companies at career fairs, on-campus events and company visits. Even if you’re a few years away from your internship, companies want to meet you now. Network with your fellow students and professors, ask faculty about how they stay active in the accounting community, and talk to other students about their internship experiences.

Connect with recruiters or company representatives on LinkedIn. Contact companies you’re interested in about office visits and summer events to stay connected with them throughout the summer and school year.

How can I know what is appropriate dress for the office?

The best way to know is to ask—every company is different.

At SVA, we send new employees a copy of our “Dress for Your Day” policy prior to their start date, but questions about dress code and other aspects of a company culture are great things to discuss at career fairs or during your on-campus or on-site interviews. While you might feel awkward asking ahead of time, it’s an absolutely appropriate question, and the company representative would much rather talk to you about the dress code early rather than after you start working.

How can I be successful in my internship?

Molly Bannan, senior accountant, says to ask questions.

“Everyone knows that you won’t know the answer to everything and that internships are learning experiences. It’s better to take the time to ask a question and prepare what you’re working on correctly the first time instead of taking up more time correcting your work later on.”

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educated | internship tips

Hannah Kaeser, staff accountant, says what helped her become successful was listening to and absorbing all the advice and expectations given by the staff.

“It was emphasized during my internship to group questions together. I listened to this advice and wrote down all my questions throughout the audit and tax return process, completing what I could before I asked my list of questions. Many in-charges expressed their appreciation for this, and it set me apart from others.”

If I make a mistake, how should I handle it?

If you know you’ve made a mistake, immediately bring it to the attention of the person you’re working with, and ask how to correct it. When you have more time for a conversation, ask what you could have done to prevent the mistake.

Jenna Krahmer, senior staff accountant, stresses that you’re going to make mistakes. “The key is to not make the same mistake twice. Listen and take notes on the feedback you receive. Everyone wants you to succeed, so paying attention and applying feedback will help you immensely for success in your internship and beyond.”

Once my internship is over, how should I keep in touch with the contacts already established?

Keep in touch by following the company on LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media sites.

Connect with individual employees and partners on LinkedIn. Ask the full-time employees at the firm if there are other ways to stay connected with the company after tax season is over. Some companies might look for ways to engage you back on campus as an ambassador for future interns or invite you to summer office visits to share your experience.

What other advice would you share as I start my internship?

Bannan says to enjoy the experience. “You will get as much out of your internship as you’re willing to put into it. Tax season can be busy, hectic and stressful, but you will learn so much along the way. Take advantage of fun events and perks throughout tax season to connect with others, relieve stress and have some fun, too.”

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Kaeser emphasizes the importance of self-care. “I enjoyed working out when I could. When you’re sitting in front of your computer 60-plus hours a week, it’s really important to stay active. Being motivated to work out is a challenge because it’s the last thing you feel like doing after a long day or week. However, it generates more energy and can promote a positive attitude.”

Finally, when I asked Krahmer to share something she never expected to learn, she said, “I learned to like coffee! Before beginning my internship, I would have coffee as a social thing but never relied on it. SVA offers coffee to their employees and, with working long hours, I figured I would try it out. Sure enough, by the end of my internship I was drinking it every day. I never expected to learn that coffee tastes good and can do wonders for your day.”

Sara Shoys is the talent acquisition & development director at SVA CPAs in Madison. Contact her at 608-826-2781 or shoyss@sva.com.

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School District Audit CPAs in Industry Spring Thursday, March 22 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee

CPAs in Industry Spring

Wednesday, May 23 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee

CPAs in Industry Fall Thursday, Sept. 20 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee

Tuesday, April 24 Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, Green Bay

Not-for-Profit Accounting

Financial Institutions

CPAs in Industry Fall

Tuesday, May 8 Sheraton Hotel, Brookfield

School District Audit

Wednesday, Sept. 26 Sheraton Hotel, Brookfield Thursday, Oct. 18 Glacier Canyon Lodge, Wisconsin Dells

Tax Thursday–Friday, Nov. 1–2 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee

Accounting & Auditing Thursday, Nov. 15 Sheraton Hotel, Brookfield

Technology Thursday–Friday, Dec. 6–7 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee

Tuesday, May 22 Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point

As a student, you can attend these WICPA conferences for only $30!

Registration will open approximately eight weeks prior to each conference.

To learn more and register, visit wicpa.org/conferences.

CPA2b

| wicpa.org

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prepared | CPA Exam

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CONQUER CPA EXAM STUDYING U

p to this point, you’ve probably spent a lot of time in college working toward earning your degree for your chosen career path. Now it’s time to take your first step into your professional life— the CPA Exam. The choices

By Rachel Stave you make surrounding the CPA Exam have a direct impact on your career, which is both exciting and a little daunting. As you begin the journey, here are a handful of tips from my experience:

1. Commit the time when it’s available. If you find yourself with a lighter course load during your last semester of college or a free summer before you start working, it’s best to commit to studying when you have the time. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t have fun your last semester or take that post-grad trip to Europe, but it’s important to make a plan and commit the time when you have it. Now that I've started my career, I’m able to put all my focus into adjusting to work, and I can truly enjoy the nights and weekends.

2. Be willing to give up things. No one wants to hear it, but you have to be OK with saying “no” sometimes in order to spend time studying.

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prepared | CPA Exam

To achieve anything difficult like passing the CPA Exam, you need to be willing to give up other things in return. There will always be better things to do than study, so it needs to be taken seriously. You will still have plenty of fun opportunities to say “yes” to when your exams are done, and trust me, you will be able to enjoy them a lot more.

3. Set realistic goals. Study plans are huge. It’s easier to stay committed to studying when you have a clear plan to follow. Consider scheduling your exam far enough out to keep yourself accountable. With the deadline in the distance and lots of material to learn, you’re more likely to stay motivated. That being said, make sure your goals are realistic. Don’t set out to get through the whole book in one week. If you give yourself enough time and important things come up, you’re still able to readjust your schedule and stay on track for the approaching exam day. Also, I recommend leaving time at the end to revisit every topic and make sense out of it all to see the whole picture.

4. Keep up with old study habits. At this point, you have spent a lot of time in school. If you’re preparing to take the CPA Exam, you know how to study, and you probably know what works best for you. These exams are no different. Do you focus best at the library, a coffee shop, or your desk at home?

Decide if you need to reread the book, make flash cards, or take endless pages of notes (perhaps all three). A few days before each exam, I liked to read through my notes and talk about the topics out loud with myself. It might sound weird, and it wasn’t fun, but it got lots of my senses involved—and it worked.

Since you have prepared for countless exams, approach this one as just a handful of tough college exams combined into one.

5. Find a friend. Studying is always more fun with other people. If you know anyone else in a similar position, try studying together sometimes.

Even if you’re working on different sections of the exam, you can motivate each other and talk through difficult topics. Also, it’s always nice to have someone to vent with who truly understands your pain.

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"To achieve anything difficult like passing the CPA Exam, you need to be willing to give up other things in return."

6. Do all the practice problems. Take full advantage of your study materials. If you go through all of the topics, questions, simulations and practice exams until you understand them, you will be prepared. If you get something wrong, read the answers and try it again a little bit later. If you understand your mistakes, you probably won’t repeat them. Remember, each topic is included in the study materials because it has been seen on the exam before, so it’s important to go through everything.

7. Trust yourself on exam day. I don’t know anyone who feels like they are 100 percent ready come exam day. I also don’t know anyone who left the exam feeling like they passed with flying colors.

However, you have to trust all the work you put in, not only during the last couple of weeks or months but during the years of college courses as well.

To sum up, my best advice is to put in the time and effort. If you’re in a position to be taking the CPA Exam, I believe you have the ability to pass. It just requires the commitment of many hours that can get tedious and overwhelming at times, but it will be well worth it. Come exam day, give it your best for those four hours, and you will probably be one-quarter closer to becoming a CPA! Good luck!

Rachel Stave is an assurance associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Milwaukee. Contact her at 414-625-9628 or rachel.stave@pwc.com.

CHANGES COMING TO THE CPA EXAM IN 2018

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ith launch anticipated for April 2018, the AICPA will update the CPA Exam with changes that will make the testing process easier for candidates. These changes include the integration of Excel into the exam, a new design for the user interface and modifications to exam content.

EXCEL INTEGRATION The desktop version of Microsoft Excel will replace the generic spreadsheet tool currently found within the CPA Exam. Furthermore, Excel will be available for candidates to use in all MCQ and TBS testlets.

With the addition of Excel, the exam will more accurately imitate real-world accounting scenarios, as Excel is the most widely used spreadsheet tool in the accounting industry. The presence of Excel gives candidates already familiar with this resource one less thing to worry about when they sit for the exam and offers candidates who are not yet skilled with Excel even more relevant preparation for their future career in accounting. The CPA Exam will not be directly testing candidates on their Excel capabilities, so candidates only need to use this tool to the extent it is required to answer a question.

the 2018 blueprints for the AUD CPA Exam section feature revisions to one content group and 12 representative tasks. These changes reflect the terminology updates of SAS 130, An Audit of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. The FAR content experienced significant updates due to revenue recognition changes in Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic 606 (IFRS 15). AUD also received some key content changes. The content of BEC and REG did not change.

If you'd like to learn more about the changes coming to the 2018 CPA Exam, you can visit this comprehensive web page covering all of the details provided by Gleim CPA. Just go to gleim.com/CPAchangesWICPA.

NEW USER INTERFACE DESIGN The 2018 CPA Exam changes will update the look and layout of the entire exam. The new design will be clean and uncluttered as the icons, fonts, and buttons all receive a modern makeover. The exam screens will also be much wider as they will be optimized for the 23� HD monitors coming to the Prometric testing centers in 2018. The layouts and functionality of various exam screens will also be modified to provide an improved user experience. Prior to the launch of the new exam version, the AICPA will release sample tests revealing the new interface so candidates have time to acclimate themselves.

CONTENT CHANGES While the 2018 blueprints for the BEC, FAR, and REG CPA Exam sections received only minor edits,

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in the know | CPA Exam application

Applying for the

CPA Exam: A step-by-step process

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s an account manager for Becker, one of the most frequently asked questions I receive from students is, “How do I apply for the CPA Exam?”

There’s more to By applying for the exam Adriana Coopman than submitting an application. The application process can be overwhelming at first, but once broken down step by step, it's manageable.

After deciding you would like to sit for the CPA Exam, the first step is to ensure you’re meeting your state’s educational requirements.

Although the CPA Exam is a uniform exam, educational requirements are unique to each state. Many states require a specific number of accounting and general business credit hours to be eligible to sit, along with either 120 or 150 total credit hours. If you take the exam in a state that requires 120 credit hours to sit, you may still need to obtain 150 total credit hours

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to apply for your CPA license. State educational requirements can be found on the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website, www.nasba.org.

Once you have determined that you meet your state’s specific educational requirements, it’s time to submit your application and pay your exam fees. You should only apply for the sections of the CPA Exam that you plan to take in the next six months since what you're applying for is a Notice to Schedule that is active for six months in most states. It can take anywhere from four to six weeks for your application to be processed. Once your application is approved, you will receive a document called the Notice to Schedule (NTS). This is a critical component— you can’t schedule your exam sections at a Prometric Testing Center without it.

In addition to submitting your application and paying the exam fees, you will need to submit official original transcripts from all the colleges and universities you have received credit from towards your degree or the 150 credit requirement. If your transcripts aren’t received within 45 days after you submit your application, NASBA will mark your application incomplete, and it won’t be processed. Therefore, I always advise students to submit official transcripts before completing the application. For most states, including Wisconsin, you will apply through NASBA’s CPA Central website.

Now that you have successfully submitted your application, the next step is to begin

studying for the exam. When creating your study plan, it’s important to note that you must pass all four exam sections within an 18-month rolling window. You can take the exam sections in any order, but once you pass the first section, you must pass the other three sections within 18 months. Your window starts the day you took the first section you ultimately passed, not the day you found out that you passed. If you don’t pass a section, you can’t retake it in the same quarter or what is referred to as a testing window.

In addition, there are several months throughout the year when you can’t sit for the CPA Exam. These months are the third month of each testing window—March, June, September and December. Although these are closed months, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) recently announced that candidates can sit within the first 10 days of each month in 2018 with the exception of Sundays; Prometric is open Monday through Saturday for testing.

The final step in the process is scheduling your exam dates. Once your application has been approved by NASBA, you will receive your NTS and can begin scheduling your exams at a Prometric Testing Center. We recommend that you try to schedule your exam sections at least 45 days before the date you plan to sit. There will be information from your NTS that you need to use to schedule your exams. Prometric is the only testing site where you can sit for the CPA Exam, and all scheduling goes through prometric.com. On the site, search “CPA” and it will take you to where you can schedule your exam and find your closest testing center.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time, and bring your NTS and two forms of identification with you. Be prepared to go through a security check, including being screened by a metal detector and fingerprinted.

Although you can’t bring outside items with you into the exam room, the Prometric center will provide a locker for your personal belongings.

You can take the CPA Exam at any Prometric Testing Center. So, if your preferred center is full on the date you would like, you can choose to take your exam at a different Prometric site, even if it’s in another state. To help you feel more comfortable about what to expect on exam day, Prometric offers test drives for a small fee to familiarize yourself with the atmosphere of the center before your scheduled exam date.

Although the application process for the CPA Exam looks intimidating at first glance, breaking it down helps make the process much easier to understand. Passing the CPA Exam is a huge accomplishment for your career and will provide you with many benefits and opportunities throughout your life.

Adriana Coopman is an account manager with Becker Professional Education. Contact her at 920-360-0635 or acoopman@becker.com.

Be Becker Prepared When you choose Becker Professional Education to help prepare you to pass the CPA Exam, you gain access to a fully integrated CPA Exam Review course that mirrors the exam.

Our LiveOnline format provides you the guidance of Becker instruction wherever you choose to study.

For more information, contact Adriana Coopman at acoopman@becker.com or visit becker.com/cpa.

The Becker Difference Pre-assessment to make better use of your study time Track your progress Tools to help you develop higher-order skills thinking, moving beyond memorization Choose from 3 flexible course formats: Self-Study, LiveOnline and Live

© 2017 Becker Professional Education, Corporation. All rights reserved.

Becker Professional Education 3005 Highland Parkway, Downers Grove, IL 60515-5799

CPA2b | wicpa.org

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hired | resume

Writing a resume th W

riting a resume is tough.

You have worked hard on your education and skills, and here we are as hiring professionals asking you to summarize that hard work, skill development, personality and ambition within the boundaries of one page. The truth is, most new

By Melissa graduate resumes are relatively Olsen, PHR/ similar. For traditional students, there hasn’t been enough time or SHRM-CP opportunity to have developed the unique skillsets and experiences that stand out on a resume. However, there are some ways new graduates can give themselves an edge over their competition.

GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING Use boring formatting: Hiring managers look at hundreds, sometimes thousands, of resumes each year.

Their eyes are trained to find information on traditional format templates. Start with a clean, easy-to-read layout to increase the likelihood that the hiring manager can quickly locate the information he or she is seeking. There are dozens of template options available to download from Microsoft Office Online.

Font: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman and Verdana are some of the most readable fonts. Unless you’re applying to be an accountant at DisneyWorld, it’s best to leave the Comic Sans font alone.

File name: Save your resume with a file name of “[First Name] [Last Name] Resume” — this makes it easier for the hiring manager to locate your information when it’s downloaded, saved or stored within the applicant tracking system or email program.

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Delete the resume objective: Submit a well-written cover letter instead that will allow you more room to define your goals and showcase your knowledge of the company.

Remove “references upon request”: It’s rare for hiring managers to check references at this stage of the process.

Save that space for more important things. The company will ask for references if and when they’re needed.

Page length and editing: One page in length should be your goal at this stage in your career. Recruit volunteers to review the document for spelling, grammar and formatting.

Social media: Review your security settings for your personal social media pages. Maximize your privacy settings and remove (or hide) any photos or posts that show you in an unprofessional light. All of your social media profiles should have appropriate cover photos and profile pictures. Assume that a company representative will search your online presence during this process. Your email address should be professional and appropriate.

THE RESUME Credit load and CPA eligibility: Let the hiring manager know if you’re eligible to sit for the CPA Exam and when you plan to begin testing. This information should be included with your educational information and be front and center on your resume.

Quantify, quantify, quantify: Hiring managers want to hire accountants who understand the value of time and efficiency. Find ways to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. (Numbers don’t need to be exact as long as they’re truthful estimates.) I recently received a resume from a new graduate who worked through school loading delivery trucks. He included a bullet point on his resume outlining an accomplishment of cutting his

hat gets you noticed Research: Every resume and cover letter you send should be tailored to the individual company. Review the company’s website, look online for Glassdoor reviews, and Google the firm name for recent press releases and announcements. Include a nod to company milestones or accomplishments in your cover letter.

Cover letter: New graduates should include a cover letter if the application process allows for it. A cover letter provides a platform to give us more insight into who you are and where you want to go. Use this opportunity to showcase your knowledge of the company and explain why you want to work for them. personal best loading time from 30 to 15 minutes per truck. The actual job duties didn’t make an impact on my hiring decision; however, his inclination to quantify and improve upon his performance surely did.

Values and skills alignment: Make a list of the values and strengths that make you unique and valuable to an employer. As you write, make a conscious effort to compose your resume in a way that demonstrates these traits. Think of an accomplishment in a past position that showcases a particular trait and include it in a bullet point underneath that job position.

Hyperlinks: In place of the references, include a hyperlink to your LinkedIn page and any other social media pages that show you in a professional light.

Keywords: Most online applications end up in one of two places: an applicant tracking system or an email inbox. Applicant tracking systems work similarly to internet search engines by the use of keywords or phrases. Unsure of what keywords to use? Print several postings for jobs that interest you. Copy the text of the ads, dump them into a Word doc and use an app such as Wordle to create a word cloud. Incorporate the prominent words into your resume wherever it makes sense to do so.

Network, network, network: Once you have completed your resume, upload the document to LinkedIn and create a professional profile. As you’re submitting applications, identify key decision makers at the company and connect with them. A quick introductory message such as, “Good afternoon, I recently applied for XYZ position with your company and want to introduce myself….”, is an impactful way to network with industry leaders. The same principle goes for job fairs. Use these opportunities to begin building your professional network in the local market.

Resumes should have content that’s easily readable, clear and concise. A great resume is written in such a way that allows hiring managers to locate the information they need quickly and efficiently. Don’t over-complicate the process. A great resume can get you the interview.

It’s the interview that will get you the job.

Melissa Olsen, PHR/SHRM-CP, is the human resources manager for KerberRose SC. Contact her at 715-526-4595 ext. 1122 or melissa.olsen@kerberrose.com.

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hired | interview tips

Preparing for 6 types of interview questions

By Robert Half ®

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our goal is to land a great first accounting job. But first, you have to ace the interview, which is where many candidates new to the workforce stumble. You may not be used to talking about yourself or might worry about coming off as arrogant. Yet showing off your smarts is exactly what you need to do during job interviews.

Preparation is key before you sit face to face with potential employers. The variety of interview questions you might encounter can feel intimidating, but they all essentially break down into six types. Prepare for these, and you’ll be ready for almost anything the hiring manager may ask.

1. GETTING-TO-KNOW-YOU QUESTIONS These come early in the interview. Different organizations have different workplace cultures, and hiring managers want to ensure new hires fit with their work environment. They’re also gauging your enthusiasm for the job. Typical questions include: • Tell me about yourself.

• What led you to apply for this position?

• Why do you want to work for our company?

How to answer: Prepare an elevator speech. Keep it short—about 30 seconds—and interesting. Then thoroughly research the company where you’ve been invited to interview.

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Find out about their products or services, past performance and pain points. This information will help you speak knowledgeably about their business.

2. BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS Managers want to find out about your soft skills— things like work ethic, collegiality, communication, leadership and empathy. That’s why they likely will ask interview questions like:

• Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision.

• When have you faced extreme stress, and how did you deal with it?

• Give me an example of when you’ve made a mistake and how you resolved it.

How to answer: To prepare, come up with a few stories from your classes, clubs or internships. Keep the anecdotes professional and avoid talking about your personal problems or conflicts. After you introduce the situation, be truthful but choose your words carefully.

Explain what you learned from the situation and, if applicable, what you would have done differently.

3. SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS These questions get at what you would do in a hypothetical yet realistic scenario. You may face queries such as: • What would you do if a major client asked you to fudge a few figures?

• Your coworker just took credit for your innovative idea. How do you react?

• Your boss asks you to perform a financial analysis that would take you all weekend.

What’s your response?

How to answer: Be truthful, fair and kind. These are moments when your ethics and diplomacy skills get to shine. In your preparation, think of all the common situations a junior accountant or auditor could face.

Your responses should demonstrate that you’re a team player but not a pushover.

4. TECHNICAL QUESTIONS Potential employers want to ensure you have the accounting knowledge you say you do. You could face technical questions such as: • Is it easier to perpetrate fraud using a ledger or journal entry system?

• How do you estimate bad debt?

• What are some common mistakes made during double entries?

How to answer: These are the basic skills you should have acquired during the course of your college career.

Prepare for technical questions as you would an oral exam.

Review what you know and practice articulating potential responses. Reviewing the job listing can give you a clue as to which accounting questions you should expect.

5. CURVEBALL QUESTIONS These are the wacky queries that come from left field. They run the gamut and can cover any subject: • You’re stranded on Mars. What genre of music would you want with you?

• What is your spirit animal?

• What are your feelings on professional bowling?

How to answer: The key is to remember that the only wrong answer is one where you don’t play along.

Interviewers don’t really care whether you identify with a dolphin or dung beetle. They’re testing your sense of humor and ability to perform under pressure, while learning more about your personality.

6. OFF-LIMITS QUESTIONS Hiring managers can ask about practically anything— except for queries that might lead to discrimination on their part. Troublesome questions include: • Do you plan on having children soon?

• Are you a Democrat or Republican?

• Do you have any medical issues we should know about?

How to answer: If you’re asked about your marital or family status, politics, religion, ethnicity or health, politely steer the conversation toward your qualifications and reinforce your enthusiasm for the position. Don’t scold, get upset or answer the question.

Knowledge is power, and preparation is key.

Before heading into any job interview, study for it as you would any exam—this one could come with an attractive job offer if you do well.

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. For career and management advice, follow our blog at blog.roberthalf.com.

CPA2b | wicpa.org

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digital | tech trends

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By Michael Senkbeil, CISSP, CISA

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ew technologies are poised to fundamentally impact the global economy, and our clients will be directly affected. That’s why it is critical for today’s CPA to stay informed about the challenges and potential opportunities of several key technologies. Let’s review four major technologies that are likely to be important, and potentially transformative, to the profession.

MOBILITY AND CLOUD technologies are already transforming the economy, as evidenced by the pervasiveness of

CPA2b | wicpa.org

smartphones and the restructuring of the retail sales economy. Availability of ondemand, cloud-based computing power has enabled startup companies with increasingly complex business models and service offerings. Existing businesses are benefiting from cloud technologies in their traditional IT infrastructures as well, adopting virtualization and private cloud models to reduce operating costs.

The dispersion of business and personal data among so many internet-connected companies is also contributing to an

explosion of fraud and theft. Hacking is perpetrated from foreign and domestic individuals and crime rings, and by company insiders with multiple motivations. A cybersecurity program including a controls framework, awareness training and technical expertise should be part of all businesses' operations.

The CPA profession is well-suited to champion these efforts at firms, with its aptitude for risk management expertise and control procedure design skills.

AUDIT AUTOMATION technologies continue to evolve, facilitated by XML and other mature technologies, but can be hindered by dispersion of client financial data among multiple cloud vendors.

Outsourced accounting services are enhanced by cloud-based software as a service (SaaS), allowing increased collaboration between CPA firms and clients.

The promise of a highly automated financial audit process may remain the domain of the larger CPA firms, as artificial intelligence technologies may be part and parcel of realizing the dream of audit automation.

BLOCKCHAIN technology promises to disrupt financial and contract transaction processing, posing both threats and opportunities to banking, legal and finance sectors. Blockchain is the technology behind cryptocurrency, effectively a crowdsourced means of exchanging value from peer to peer, without banks or governments being involved. Bitcoin is the marketleading cryptocurrency at this time. Its volatility and lack of regulatory control have proven challenging to early adopters choosing to accept this currency as means of payment. In the longer term, blockchain technology is expected to disrupt the transaction processing industries that are foundational services in the business model of some organizations. Navigating this evolving landscape may present the accounting industry a great opportunity to advise business owners, who may struggle to understand the risks and implications of utilizing or avoiding the new applications of blockchain.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE is simultaneously the most powerful and the most unclear in its potential impacts on the accounting industry, the economy and, moreover, on global society. Imminent impacts include self-driving cars and trucks, retail customer service automation and cloud-based virtual assistants.

Medium-term impacts will include data analysis,

"It is critical for today’s CPA to stay informed about the challenges and potential opportunities of several key technologies." processing and research, possibly pressuring many aspects of the professional services sector. In the longer term, it’s unclear whether artificial intelligence will compete with human intelligence or enhance and augment it. This distinction is the key to whether artificial intelligence will be a destabilizing threat to global social structure or the basis of a stabilizing renaissance of new human potential.

The pace of technological change is relentless, providing diverse challenges and opportunities to businesses and individuals. Historically, the CPA is in a unique position of trusted advisor to businesses and individuals. In order to maintain that role, it’s important that CPAs build expertise in the transformative technologies that are in development now as well as those on the horizon.

Michael Senkbeil, CISSP, CISA, is a partner at Chortek LLP in Waukesha.

Contact him at 262-522-8248 or msenkbeil@chortek.com.

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versatile | soft skills

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5 THINGS

MILLENNIALS SHOULDN’T SAY TO THEIR LEADERS

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By Aleta Norris

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rustration can often lead many of us down a wrong path relative to word choice and inappropriate control of human emotion. Can you think of a time (or several times) when you said something during a moment of frustration that you wish you could take back? If you’re further along in your professional career, you may even reflect back on your younger self, cringing just a bit at how you conducted yourself in certain situations. Human nature puts us at risk of saying things under pressure that we might not otherwise say. Additionally,

most people pick up bad habits along the way, using certain words or phrases that are unprofessional.

For most of us, we learn, over time, the importance of thinking things over and choosing the right words. It would be fair to say that professionals of all generations have opportunities to be more mindful of words and phrases. So, while the nature of this article is to support the professionalism of millennials, others also may benefit by reading these suggestions.

Below are five suggestions for millennials for what not to say when interacting with a direct leader. As I share some of the things you might want to avoid, I’ve also shared what you can do instead.

1

“I disagree!”

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“Yeah, but ...”

Often when I hear this phrase, the thought that comes to my mind is, “Well, good for you.” It may be helpful to keep in mind that differences of opinion are common and, actually, should be expected.

We all have different backgrounds, experiences, knowledge and ways of thinking. Instead of stating overt disagreement, take a moment to explore the opinion of your leader (or of others) by asking for examples or further elaboration. Next, you can offer your opinion by saying, “Let me offer another idea.”

This often-used phrase has some similarity to “I disagree.” It suggests disagreement and combines it with pushback. This phrase might sound like, “Yeah, but I think ....” or “Yeah, but I don’t think ....” or “Yeah, but it’s not ....” You might try replacing the word “but” with the word “and.” “Yes, and I think ....” This approach acknowledges the contribution of your leader, then adds yours to the mix. You can also insert a pause. “OK (pause), here’s another way to look at it.”

3

“I don’t know.”

To be fair, it’s perfectly acceptable, and even humble, to admit that you don’t know something. The difference between right and wrong here will be determined by what follows that statement. If you essentially put a period at the end of this phrase, you’re not taking responsibility. “I don’t know (period).” Inserting a comma and continuing your thought will demonstrate ownership. “I don’t know, so I will delve into this further and get an answer by the end of the day.” Or you may need to lean on your leader. You could say, “I don’t know; is this something you could help me with?”

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“I can’t take on any more work. I’m completely overwhelmed already.”

I am actually seeing more of this transparency than in past decades. Millennials are advocating for their comfort, so to speak, in their jobs. With greater attention being given to an overall enjoyment of life during the journey (and not waiting until retirement), many millennials are not interested in working beyond 40 or 45 hours. It is, of course, important to know, going into your role, the expectation of your employer and, in this case, of your profession. I’ve never met a public CPA who doesn’t have a grueling tax season. Regardless of the broader scenario, you can get at this issue without using this phrase and putting a period at the end of it. This is an opportunity to reach out to your leader and ask to sit down and have a conversation about your workload and perhaps do some brainstorming around priorities. In fairness, leaders don’t always have the clearest sense of your to-do list.

5

“I just assumed that ...”

Assumptions are often very innocent.

Your leader has an idea in her mind, and she chooses words to make a request of you. You hear the words, then process these within your mind. It’s possible that you’re comfortable that you have received the message. In an area where you might not be sure, you make your best guess. After all, you don’t want to look “stupid” to your leader. It’s always a good idea to ask questions where you might not be certain. “I want to make sure I understand clearly. Can I ask a couple of questions?”

Certainly, there are many other words and phrases to consider. Day in and day out, keep in mind, “How can I be impactful, get my point across, communicate with honesty and, all the while, show regard for others and remain my best professional self?”

“Communicate intentionally” is what you’re after!

Aleta Norris is partner and co-founder of Living as a Leader in Brookfield. Norris is an expert leadership coach and trainer with more than 25 years of experience developing leaders. Contact her at 414-708-1472 or anorris@livingasaleader.com.

CPA2b | wicpa.org

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strategic | career planning

Destination CPA

By Amy Gaeth

Destination CPA is a feature profiling how young professionals got their start in the profession, the resources that helped them along the way and misconceptions they had about being a CPA.

NICHES

• Industry • Public • Nonprofit accounting • Government

RESOURCES • Job board • People • Resume • WICPA workshop

LAW

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CPA2b | wicpa.org

BLOGS

Erika Brink, CPA Job title: Controller l Employer: Monona Bank, Monona

How did you find your first job?

I worked part-time in banking while I was in college. Therefore, I was able to transition to a personal banker position after graduation when I moved to Madison. I found my first job in the accounting industry via online job search engines.

Fortunately, my internal control experience in the banking industry is what they were looking for in the internal audit role I was applying for.

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you had known before starting your first job?

I wish I knew that the job skills and knowledge that I would eventually have would all be obtained through experience within each role. I remember being nervous to start the internal audit role and questioning if I had the appropriate background and knowledge for the job.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

The best advice I received was to go back to school to get my MBA and additional accounting credits. When I got my first accounting job, my manager was very supportive and challenged me to pursue further education. At 25, I went back to school while working full time. My mentors supported me and told me it would be worth it.

What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs? One myth that I have heard is that the accounting profession is boring with little interaction. The roles that I’ve had include internal auditor, accounting manager and controller. I have never felt that these roles are boring. Each job has required me to interact with internal and external individuals on a regular basis. Every day seems to provide new challenges, which keeps the job interesting.

What myths about CPAs are actually true?

For some individuals the idea that accountants are good at math may be true. However, accountants are not mathematicians. Depending on the level of math that’s being considered, this myth may be wrong. In my experience, many accountants are good at basic math and can do some quick calculations in their head.

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession?

I’ve been fortunate to have many great mentors in the profession, from both my current and previous jobs. The greatest lesson that I’ve learned is to try new things. Each job has required me to take on new challenges. Fortunately, mentors have provided me with these additional opportunities and challenged me because they believed in my abilities. Without these individuals, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

CPA2b | wicpa.org

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strategic | career planning

Tenisha Grimmer, CPA Job title: Accounting supervisor l Employer: Access Community Health Centers

How did you find your first job?

I found my first job after graduation by taking a college course taught by the president of the company I eventually worked for. I was also referred by a student in that class who was already working for him.

The student recommendation plus doing well in the course helped me get the job.

Which resource was the most helpful in your job-search efforts?

My professors were the greatest help in my job search efforts. Many companies are accustomed to recruiting from local schools and have relationships with professors, so a good reference from a professor can help quite a bit.

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you had known before starting your first job?

I wish I had known how important experience and patience are. Few things at work are textbook problems with quick answers, which can be frustrating when you’re starting out. It’s important to relax and enjoy the learning process while looking for opportunities to grow and take on new challenges.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

I can be an intense individual; my husband always reminds me to maintain perspective. It’s easy to let work become your whole identity, but it’s also important to maintain some separation and focus on your family, your health and other nonwork priorities.

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CPA2b | wicpa.org

What’s one thing they didn’t tell you about the profession in college?

During college, it wasn’t clear to me just how involved accounting departments can be in the overall direction of an organization. Good accountants don’t just compile information; they find ways to make it useful and insightful for others.

What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs? Many people assume that all CPAs focus on is taxes, but there are CPAs in countless roles at various organizations. I work for Access Community Health Centers, a nonprofit health care organization, and my background has given me the ability to assist senior management with analyzing strategic goals and opportunities. I take pride in helping Access to efficiently and effectively use its resources to fulfill its mission.

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession?

Over the past few years, I’ve had an opportunity to be mentored more formally and have learned about what makes a strong leader and employee.

My biggest takeaway from my experiences has been how important it is to be honest with yourself and others about what you want your life to look like, both professionally and personally, and to continually look for opportunities that are aligned with that vision.

Vincent Jankiewicz, CPA Job title: Controller l Employer: Fine Point Consulting LLC, Madison

How did you find your first job?

My accounting professor helped me find an internship, which led to my first job.

Which resource was the most helpful in your job-search efforts?

Reaching out to my professors was a huge help, as many of them know local accounting firms and accounting professionals.

They also have good knowledge of who might be looking for a new hire. In addition, they may even be able to provide a recommendation for you.

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you had known before starting your first job?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. As an intern, you should never be in a situation to make an egregious error. You need to make sure that you learn from the errors that you make.

What’s the best career advice you have received?

People gave me advice to continue pursuing my CPA certification. I had failed the exam five times and was considering giving up taking it, but several people at the firm where I was working shared the benefits of having a CPA license.

What’s the worst career advice you have received?

What’s one thing they didn’t tell you about the profession in college?

How much we would have to pay attention and rely on the government for changes to the tax code. The government is constantly changing the tax law, from Section 179 deductible to simplifying the tax code.

What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs? That CPAs are dull and boring. TV and movies have portrayed CPAs as boring “bean counters,” but I can tell you that some of the most interesting and fun people are CPAs. Another one would be that CPAs know everything about accounting and tax. People assume that since you have your CPA certification you know everything about the income tax code, but you may be an internal auditor. People outside of accounting do not understand that there are so many areas of accounting, it is difficult to be an expert in every aspect.

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession?

I’ve learned how important it is to be organized.

Being organized will help make sure you stay on task during busy, stressful times. It will also help when clients have questions—you will be more likely to give the client help and answer their question when asked on the spot.

I can’t recall any bad advice I have received.

If it was bad advice, I most likely forgot it and never acted on it.

Amy Gaeth is the former vice president of communications at the WICPA.

CPA2b | wicpa.org

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CAREER START YOUR JOB SEARCH HERE! FEATURED FIRMS

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At CLA, we strive to provide a variety of work experiences that develop skills, knowledge, and expertise. Our industry-driven approach, seamless delivery of services, and focus on not just private businesses and community organizations but also the people who own and lead them, all give our team the chance to grow as professionals and create personalized career paths.

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Sikich LLP, founded in 1982 with roots as a CPA firm, now specializes in accounting, advisory, technology and managed services. Sikich ranks as the country’s 27th largest certified public accounting firm and is among the top 1% of all enterprise resource planning solution partners in the world. From auditing to technology solutions that help put a business on the map, Sikich offers professional services and entrepreneurial insights to strengthen every aspect of a business.

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| wicpa.org IFCPA2b YOUR FIRM WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED IN THE FIRM SPOTLIGHT, PLEASE CONTACT TERRY FELKER AT 800-772-6939 EXT. 4516 OR TERRY@WICPA.ORG.

SPOTLIGHT START YOUR JOB SEARCH HERE!

FEATURED FIRMS

FEATURED INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

www.sgcpa.com

www.actuant.com

Angela Hildestad, PHR, HR Manager, 608-836-7500

Tyler Olson, Tyler.Olson@Actuant.com

Smith & Gesteland, LLP is a local CPA firm that was voted #1 accounting firm by Madison business leaders! We value work-life balance and provide a culture and environment where people want to stay. People stay because they feel appreciated, are challenged and know they are the future leaders of our firm.

www.sva.com Sara Shoys, Talent Acquisition & Development Director, 608-826-2781 SVA Certified Public Accountants, headquartered in Madison since 1974, provides professional accounting services for individuals and businesses.

Services include: all accounting services, small business accounting software, audits, tax planning and reporting, strategy sessions, and business consulting. With offices in Brookfield, Appleton and Rockford, our goal is to be a trusted advisor to our clients.

www.wkmr.com Andrew Bainbridge, Firm Administrator, 262-797-9050 Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp was founded in 1968. As a full-service CPA firm, we have been named a Top Workplace by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for the past five years and have received special recognition for our dedication to ethical practices. We are committed to providing our employees with a “work-life balance� culture and the tools to succeed, grow and become leaders of our firm.

Actuant Corporation is a diversified industrial company serving customers from operations in more than 30 countries. The Actuant businesses are leaders in a broad array of niche markets including branded hydraulic tools and solutions, specialized products and services for energy markets and highly engineered position and motion control systems. The company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Wisconsin.

FIRM LISTING KerberRose SC

Strohm Ballweg, LLP

www.kerberrose.com Contact: Melissa Olsen, PHR, Human Resources Manager, 715-526-9400

www.strohmballweg.com Contacts: Gary Strohm, CPA, Managing Partner and Heather Hafeman, CPA, Partner, 608-821-0600

Reilly, Penner & Benton, LLP

Wegner CPAS

www.rpb.biz Contacts: Brian Mechenich, CPA, Partner, and Laurie Olson, Human Resources Manager, 414-271-7800

www.wegnercpas.com Contact: Kari Nichols, Human Resources Manager, 608-274-4020

RitzHolman CPAS

Wipfli LLP

www.ritzholman.com Contact: Brian Wilson, CPA, Senior Manager, brianw@ritzholman.com

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IF YOUR FIRM WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED IN THE FIRM SPOTLIGHT, PLEASE CONTACT TERRY FELKER AT 800-772-6939 EXT. 4516 OR TERRY@WICPA.ORG. CPA2b | wicpa.org

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