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 “Aviator” of the Profession - Kristine Volk, CPA
What made you decide to go into the accounting profession? Speaking to accounting alumni while at Michigan State University convinced me that the accounting profession offered endless opportunities. Whether or not you have an accounting job throughout your entire career, having a solid foundation in accounting will help you in any position. What do you enjoy most about being a CPA? There’s never a shortage of exciting projects to work on. CPAs are trusted advisors and can truly have a positive impact on individuals and the business community. We have extremely competent people leading our profession that are very passionate about safeguarding the public. I’m proud to be associated with such a terrific industry. It feels great to be a CPA! Explain any obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today. My career path is very non-traditional, which shows that it’s never too late to change directions. After graduating from MSU, I worked in industry for six years in various accounting roles. Passing the CPA and CMA exams and getting my MST from Walsh College while in industry were critical to securing a public accounting job. I then moved to the tax department of an international CPA firm for four years, became a tax manager and then went to a big four CPA firm. Since 2001, I’ve focused on executive search and business development for our profession. It’s been an exciting journey that’s allowed me to reinvent myself along the way. You are about to begin your commission with the Navy Reserve. What will be your role in the Navy Reserve and what does it require of your time? The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will swear me into the Navy as a Public Affairs Officer during the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ll work for the Pacific Fleet and travel to San Diego one weekend a month. Two weeks a year I’ll also receive intense public affairs training that will benefit me as a CPA too. Military service is quite a commitment for anyone. What made you choose to join the Navy Reserve? A breakfast with Admiral Braun, Deputy Commander of the Command Navy Recruiting Center, ultimately convinced me to go for it. I love doing volunteer work as the Distinguished Visitor Coordinator for USS Theodore Roosevelt (an active aircraft carrier) and Navy aviation demonstration teams like the Blue Angels. Admiral Braun encouraged me to think about joining the Reserves to make the relationship official. A few weeks later, my recruiter told me I had been formally accepted for one of the extremely competitive slots. There were so many people that jumped through hoops for me to make it happen. It will be an honor to serve my country and make everyone proud. Describe your involvement in the National Cherry Festival Air Show in Traverse City. In 2005, the NCF selected me as the Air Show Director. I was responsible for everything related to the air show – from coordinating pilots, crew and acts; dealing with the authorities such as the FAA, police, Coast Guard, fire; managing a budget and leading the volunteers. Fortunately, I had a terrific team during my rookie year that I relied upon heavily. Everyone came together to produce a great air show. Since then, I’ve partnered with the Navy on several events held primarily in Southeastern Michigan, which works better with living in Northville. What was your role with the Red Bull Air Race in Detroit? This was the first time the race was ever held in the Midwest and shows Detroit among an impressive line-up of cities around the world. Jon Rimanelli, CEO of Detroit Air Racing, asked me to help make the pitch to both Red Bull Air Race from Austria and Detroit stakeholders to bring the international race here in 2008. We spent many weekends drafting the proposal and scouting out race course sites and a temporary runway. In December of 2007, Jon and I were in a helicopter flying over the Detroit River selling our city to the Red Bull Air Race team. Everything came together. The air race drew 750,000 spectators and was extremely successful. Everyone loved it! The economic impact for the city was predicted to be $64 million boosting the area too. It was televised in 130 countries around the world so it was great advertising for the city. Detroit looked fantastic and seeing the spectacular skyline plus energized crowds will hopefully change the minds of many that might have a negative impression of our community. It’s a great feeling to know that a few unknown aviators like us could help rally the support needed. It was definitely a team effort that involved many people. How do you balance your personal and professional life? Balance? What’s that? I love what I do professionally and as a volunteer. To be honest, I spend endless hours between everything and rarely have much free time. There are lots of Friday/Saturday nights spent at home catching up. It’s so rewarding though, and I have met so many incredible people as a result. It doesn’t feel like work. The best part of my volunteer position is seeing the smiles on people (including many MACPA members) that join me on the aircraft carrier while interacting with sailors or watching a child’s eyes get big when they meet a pilot at an air show. Hopefully I’ve inspired a few people along the way to give back to their community too. What has been your most meaningful accomplishment thus far (either professionally or personally)? Passing the CPA exam meant the world to me. All of those long hours studying paid off and opened so many doors. Learning how to fly a plane is at the top of the list for personal accomplishments. There’s nothing quite like flying solo for the first time! I’m also excited about starting a non-profit company geared to take care of enlisted Navy personnel (rather than officers) where we’ll be able to brighten their days. USNL - Support Our Services only got off the ground in February and has already helped many sailors and their families. What advice do you have for those considering entering the CPA profession? Study, study, study! Never underestimate the value of having impressive grades. Internships are also key. They pay extremely well and provide unmatched experience that will help secure an awesome full-time position. I would encourage everyone to get really involved in the MACPA as early as possible. It’s the perfect way to meet CPAs and learn more about the terrific opportunities available. It will help land a dream job too! What do CPAs need now to be successful in the future? The CPA profession is constantly evolving. CPAs must be able to embrace change and work with their clients to understand new rules/regulations. Having a positive attitude is critical in tough times. Network now to build your team of alliances for the future. You never know when you’ll need to tap into your network for help and will appreciate it more than ever. The MACPA offers so many ways to get involved – from the Race for the Cure to joining a task force. There’s a way for everyone to have fun plus make a difference – if they want to. |
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| PO Box 5068 Troy, MI 48007-5068 Phone: 248.267.3700 Fax: 248.267.3737 E-mail: macpa@michcpa.org | |
