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 Navigator of the Profession – Amy M. Drouillard, CPA
What made you decide to go into the accounting profession? During my junior year in college, I decided to change my major from Hospitality Business to Accounting. I made the decision to change to accounting because I wanted to be a good business advisor and felt that accounting was the profession that would allow me to follow that desire. What makes going to work every day fun and exciting? It is the variety of projects that I have the opportunity to get involved with. Additionally, I work with a great group of people who make my job exciting. Explain any obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today. I think the obstacle that makes me the most appreciative of where I am today would be the fact that I was able to fully fund my own college education at MSU and only have student loans of $600 when I was done! I worked as a "car hop" during the summer months and then found myself working several jobs during the course of my undergrad studies in order to finance my education. I think that truly taught me the value of a dollar and made me who I am today. You have volunteered for the MACPA’s Tax Assistance Program and the Accounting Blitz in the past. What did those experiences mean to you? I have found that both provide me with an opportunity to give back to the community. It's very exciting and rewarding to be able to help low-income individuals who are not able to prepare their own returns in order to maximize the refund they receive by coming to the (MACPA Focus Hope) site to have their returns completed. The Accounting Blitz helps me to realize that making decisions starts in the early stages of learning. It's really exciting to go to the classrooms and have the children be excited about learning more about business. What interests or activities are you involved in outside of work? I am an active member in the Communications Task Force with the MACPA, along with being a member of the AICPA. I enjoy spending time with my family, running, yoga and, of course, being able to travel. How do you balance your personal and professional life? I try to keep things in perspective. I have to remind myself every day that it is not possible to control everything. I have a very supportive husband so it makes it easier to balance between personal and professional goals. I think it is important to have goals from a personal and professional standpoint and strive to achieve those. I try to balance both by being positive and enjoying each opportunity to the fullest. What has been your most meaningful accomplishment thus far (either professionally or personally)? As a professional, getting my CPA license and knowing I had reached a goal I had set out to achieve. From a personal standpoint, I have the ability to experience the joys that are associated with being a mom to my children, Jacob and Katie. What advice do you have for those considering the CPA profession? Welcome to the profession! What a great career choice you have decided to pursue. There are so many doors that will open up to you in this ever-changing profession. What do CPAs need now to be successful in the future? I think that to be a part of the solution, as well as helping your clients get the answer that best serves their business, is very rewarding. It leaves you with a sense of accomplishment. You must remind yourself that your clients and peers look to you as their trusted business advisor. |
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| PO Box 5068 Troy, MI 48007-5068 Phone: 248.267.3700 Fax: 248.267.3737 E-mail: macpa@michcpa.org | |
