A Lens Into Opportunity

While she enjoyed being a tax accountant, she felt the pull to gain experience in other areas in accounting and finance to round out her resume. She joined Elevate knowing Brillect would help guide her through different work experiences beyond tax that were suited to her needs.

Her first assignment maintained her close ties to tax accounting, but this time for a small CPA firm – a role where she thrived. “I loved working with smaller clients in the same sector,” said Catherine. “I really got to know my clients on a whole new level. And while the work was the same, I discovered the environment at a smaller firm really suited me.”

Next up, Catherine was given an assignment on the opposite end of the size spectrum – a subsidiary of a Fortune 500 company. She worked in accounting operations, helping to integrate the accounts payable function following an acquisition.

“I learned what I like and what I don’t,” said Catherine. “I’ve always wondered what it was like to be part of a big corporation, and it was very valuable to have that experience.”

Her third assignment took her inside the accounting and finance function of a professional services firm, giving her insight into what it is like to work in the “internal nitty gritty” of a business. She credits this role with offering a fresh and valuable perspective that she can apply in the future.

“Elevate has helped me strategically narrow the funnel on my career opportunities,” said Catherine. “It provided a lens into all the opportunities and then allowed me to try them out with the safety net of employment throughout the experience.”

Thanks to Elevate, Catherine discovered a passion for consulting, drawn to its dynamic, flexible career path. She plans to keep one foot in her first love, tax accounting, by working at a smaller firm during the busy tax season, and then rotating to other opportunities throughout the year to provide the variety she
craves.

“If you’re unsure about the next step in your career, I highly recommend the Elevate program,” said Catherine. “You will have a great support system with people who are always available to talk, advocate for you and create a path to achieve your goals.”