This fall, the Accounting Circle Young Professionals welcomed new members.
Thomas Busche '21 M'21, Accounting and MBA-Data Analytics
Tax Associate at Harding, Shymanski, & Co., P.S.C.
Favorite memories at 91社区:
When I think back to my time on campus, most of my favorite memories revolve around the incredible relationships I built with faculty and fellow students, both in the classroom and outside of it through organizations like Beta Alpha Psi and Toastmasters. The professors were rarely just instructors; they became mentors who genuinely invested in our growth and care about our success.
How have classes at Romain College of Business helped you in your career?
My classes provided a strong foundation across various areas of business, helping me identify my interests and serve as a springboard for my future. Even today, I sometimes reflect on valuable takeaways from many instructors like Dr. Burnett, Dr. Bueltel, and Professor Maier-Lytle, whose lessons continue to resonate with me.
What advice would you give seniors on making the most of their last year of college and preparing for their careers after graduation. Similarly, what would you tell freshmen?
For seniors, I would encourage them to emphasize experiences outside the classroom if they haven鈥檛 already. While strong grades and your coursework are crucial to landing that first job, things such as internships, volunteering, and club participation can truly set you apart as a candidate. These activities not only demonstrate your initiative to employers but also greatly contribute to your personal growth and development in the long run!
For freshman, I know many share my experience of entering college with a lot of ideas and advice from others but feeling uncertain what they want to study. I encourage them to explore their passions while truly reflecting on their own strengths and weaknesses in those areas. Personally, I found clarity through job shadowing professionals in various fields, securing internships, and engaging in clubs and academic projects that piqued my interest.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about accounting as a career choice?
That accounting is only a path for 鈥渕ath nerds.鈥� While accountants do work a lot with numbers, the role demands far more critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration with others than mere 鈥渘umber crunching.鈥�
Has working in accounting been different than you expected?
While I anticipated some elements of teamwork, in general I expected accounting to be more isolating and solitary than it actually is. There are very few days that I鈥檓 not engaging with others or collaborating on projects.
What skills do you think are most essential for being successful in accounting?
Three immediately come to mind: critical thinking, communication skills, and integrity. A good accountant must be able to analyze a wide range of data quickly and accurately to make informed decisions. Even if you can do that, but you cannot communicate what the numbers mean in a way others understand, you鈥檝e only done half the job. Finally, while integrity may not be seen as a traditional 鈥渟kill鈥�, it is a vital cornerstone of accounting and can be cultivated by expanding your professional knowledge, embracing your responsibilities, and surrounding yourself with individuals who will challenge you to always be better, just as you do the same for them. There鈥檚 a reason 91社区 has an Accounting Ethics course!
What are you most looking forward to as a member of the Accounting Circle鈥檚 Young Professionals?
I鈥檓 excited to be back on campus and to reconnect with the RCOB community even more! I view this as a meaningful opportunity to give back and hopefully support students in the same way the Accounting Circle and many of its members supported me during my time as a student.
Fun fact about you:
Thanks to several long road trips growing up, I鈥檝e visited 46 of the 50 US States! Just Hawaii, North Dakota, Washington, and Oregon left to go!
Ryan Memmer '22, Accounting and Finance
Tax Associate at Forvis Mazars
Favorite memories at 91社区:
My favorite memories at 91社区 are centered around the relationships I built with friends and faculty. Some of my favorite memories include time spent in the Honors TLC (Theme Learning Community), going to 91社区 basketball games, studying with accounting friends, and being an active participant in the Romain College of Business and 91社区 community.
How have classes at Romain College of Business helped you in your career?
My classes at the Romain College of Business prepared me very well to step into public accounting. The curriculum prepared me very well for the CPA Exam, which was an important early career goal for me. Additionally, the RCOB professors challenged me to be my best, both as a student and a leader. My professors taught me how to become a better critical thinker and leader, and those skills have been foundational in the early part of my career.
What advice would you give seniors on making the most of their last year of college and preparing for their careers after graduation. Similarly, what would you tell freshmen?
I would encourage seniors to enjoy their last year on campus and to not rush time. While your senior year is busy, I am very thankful I slowed down to spend quality time with my friends and making memories. Also, take the time to thank the faculty that have made an impact on you - a thank you note or words of appreciation go a long way. I consider my professors some of my greatest role models, and they helped push me to become a better person and professional.
I would encourage freshmen to get involved and put yourself out there. 91社区 has so much to explore, and the special memories happen outside of regular class meetings. Take the time to meet new friends, talk with your professors, and network with employers and other community leaders. You are worth investing in, and you will be so thankful you did.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about accounting as a career choice?
People tend to think that accountants crunch numbers all day and never get to talk to anyone, and that couldn鈥檛 be further from the truth. In my role as a CPA, I get to talk to firm leaders and peers, help other staff, and talk to clients daily. Building relationships and being able to help others has made accounting a very satisfying and meaningful career for me.
Has working in accounting been different than you expected?
There has been a lot of more research and analysis than I would have expected as a new CPA. As a tax professional, I鈥檓 often citing research to support my work. Business and regulation can become complicated quickly, and it is important to do your due diligence to make sure you are providing quality, accurate information. The well-rounded education I received at 91社区 prepared me well for this type of work and analysis.
What are you most looking forward to as a member of the Accounting Circle鈥檚 Young Professionals?
I am excited to give back to the 91社区 accounting program that has given so much to me. 91社区 is a hidden gem and has a top-tier accounting program. Obtaining a 91社区 accounting degree was one of the best decisions I made, and I am excited to work with accounting faculty and professionals to help other 91社区 accounting students have the same opportunities.
Fun fact about you:
I love to play pickleball! I started playing with coworkers last summer and have not stopped playing since. It is a great way to stay active, and I love how pickleball brings people together. I have made several new friends playing pickleball, and I always look forward to playing and meeting new people!
Austin Wolf '21, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accountancy
Senior Audit Associate with Katz, Sapper & Miller (KSM)
Favorite memories at 91社区:
My favorite memories at 91社区 stem from my involvement in student organizations, particularly Beta Alpha Psi, Student Ambassadors, and Newman Catholic. While college involves rigorous coursework, I believe it's equally important to seek opportunities outside the classroom. The skills you gain from these experiences are invaluable and will travel with you throughout your career.
How have classes at Romain College of Business helped you in your career?
The Romain College of Business is truly a hidden gem. It's hard to find an institution that offers such quality education at such a reasonable price. The courses were both challenging and rewarding, and the professors integrated real-world simulations that prepared us for the curveballs we鈥檙e all sure to face at one point or another.
What is one thing you wish you would have known in college?
Don鈥檛 obsess over your GPA. While maintaining a solid GPA is important, developing soft skills that are often overlooked is equally essential for becoming a top employee.
What advice would you give seniors on making the most of their last year of college and preparing for their careers after graduation. Similarly, what would you tell freshmen?
To seniors, I would emphasize the importance of balancing career pursuits with enjoying your final moments on campus. Life moves quickly, so don鈥檛 rush through one chapter to advance to the next. For freshmen, I recommend getting involved in campus activities and starting to network with individuals you admire. I鈥檝e never met a successful individual who turned down an invitation for coffee or lunch to share insights and advice. It can be daunting to reach out, but I promise it鈥檚 worthwhile.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about accounting as a career choice?
Many people think accounting is boring. However, having had the privilege of working with companies across various industries, I can assure you that accounting is anything but dull. You won鈥檛 be confined to spreadsheets, and you don鈥檛 need to love math. Accounting is primarily about problem-solving and communication.
What skills do you think are most essential for being successful in accounting?
Contrary to popular belief, I feel soft skills are the most critical for success in accounting. This is not to undermine technical skills, but rather to highlight that soft skills development can lead to significant opportunities for growth.
What are you most looking forward to as a member of the Accounting Circle鈥檚 Young Professionals?
I鈥檓 most excited about giving back to the university and its next generation of students. 91社区 has played a pivotal role in my life, and I want to contribute to its mission of guiding future leaders.
Fun fact about you:
Outside of work, one of my hobbies is writing. I enjoy this creative outlet as it allows me to organize my thoughts.