Academics
Mathematics Alumni in Accounting/Tax Services Careers
Lauren Remmes '07
I am an associate for the Transfer Pricing group at Ernst & Young, LLP (EY) in Boston, MA. EY is one of the big-four accounting firms. The Transfer Pricing group is a small group that focuses on economic consulting and business planning for global companies. We study intercompany transactions and test the transfer price of tangible goods, intellectual property, and services. I assist with engagement pursuits including drafting client proposals, reports, presentations and memos to meet global transfer pricing requirements. I also participate in client interviews with senior level operations management. I conduct financial statement and economic benchmarking analyses.
I am currently applying for part-time MBA programs in the Boston area. I plan to take a couple classes a semester while I work. I am still deciding on a concentration.
The mathematics education gave me the ability to have an analytical mind. It is really important to think about things analytically when testing intercompany transactions. But the liberal arts program at Saint Michael's College also gives you a well-rounded education that can be applied to many different jobs. Many of the intercompany transactions that we look at requires a mind to solve problems, like many math problems. Although I don't use advanced math in my job today, there is potential in the future for me to use it in this industry when more complicated situations arise with clients and as I gain more experience. I think my mathematics degree will also give me a good foundation for when I attend graduate school.
Julie Brownell '02
I am a Staff Accountant at Nicholas J. Marchese & Co., CPA's P.C. We are a small firm, so I see every aspect of our profession; personal and corporate taxes, bookkeeping, auditing and preparation of financial statements. I would consider becoming partner some day.
I have taken all of the classes I need for the CPA exam. I took classes at SUNY Albany, Business Law at Hudson Valley Community College, and met my finance requirements online at Empire State College. I had to go to different places based on what was offered when. They require 120 semester hours with a certain number of credits for core accounting classes, business, and economics. Starting in 2009, they are requiring a minimum of 150 semester hours to sit for the exam, and you may have to have a degree in an approved course in order to apply. This is all for NYS of course, but I think MA has the 150 hour rule as well.
My mathematics degree has helped me a lot, especially in the areas of problem solving and organization. Accounting is mostly plusses and minuses, and just like when solving an equation, everything has to balance. A minus/plus on one side has to have a minus/plus on the other. This knowledge has helped me a lot in understanding how a balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows are related.
Patti Bodkin Martucci '04
I'm working as the Accounting Supervisor at HarborOne Credit Union where I use my math analytical skills almost daily. I've found myself using them in problem-solving approaches to finding discrepancies or recognizing trends in expenses.
I have always had a "knack" for numbers. When I was younger my parents bought me a game called "Smath," which was essentially Scrabble with numerical equations instead of words. Friends will tease about how easily I remember phone numbers and birth dates and recognize license plates, but it all comes from my love for numbers.
After my first two semesters at Saint Michael's, I recognized that majoring in Math was the right decision for me. Around that same time I took an Intro to Business course and really liked the accounting portion of the class. The following summer I was fortunate to get a seasonal job in the accounting department of a local bank. Since I was only working for the summer, I covered for almost everyone in the department, which enabled me to understand how the department functioned. My experience there led me to minoring in Accounting at Saint Michael's, which, to this day, continues to complement the technical and analytical skills I learned in my advanced math classes at the college.
As part of my career growth, I have decided to further my education by pursuing a Master's in Science of Management focused in Accounting. My math skills have given me a solid base to build from and this degree will better equip me to handle day-to-day decisions and to develop a more thorough knowledge of the business world.
See Patti's profile on the Mathematics Association of America Web site.
Karen P. Robinson '99
I am a Senior Tax Manager for BISYS Hedge Fund Services. BHFS as a whole provides financial services, including accounting, record keeping, shareholder servicing and tax consulting, to Hedge Funds and Investment Partnerships. Within the tax department, my responsibilities include: assisting clients with tax issues and planning, calculation and review of all applicable tax adjustments, preparation of tax allocations and IRS Forms 1065 and K-1s, development and review of new tax software applications and functionality, and managing and training our group of 20 individuals.
My experience at Saint Michael’s as a math major taught me to think analytically and to visualize a project by its many parts rather than as a whole; both of these mindsets have been key to my success as a tax consultant. Having the ability to think analytically is crucial when working within the tax profession. The logic and reasoning skills learned through mathematical problem solving have certainly added to my success and ability to work with our IT department developing new tax applications and functionality. My ability to communicate and work well within a team was also valued at Saint Michael's and has proven to be an indispensable trait in life as well as my career.