Gabrielle Carter

Technology Assurance Associate – KPMG
INCPAS Scholar Indianapolis 2016–17
Attended Purdue University

We have shared several stories about our INCPAS Scholars throughout the years. Since many of them have now graduated college, are beginning to pass the CPA Exam, enter the profession and earn their license, we thought it would be fun to follow up with them and see how they are doing.

Gabrielle was part of the 2016–17 INCPAS Scholars program. In the fall of 2019, she had completed the Scholars program and was a sophomore at Purdue University and majoring in accounting. We asked her to share her thoughts on the importance of continuing education once she becomes a CPA in the CPA IN Perspective magazine article “Ask the Alumni.” She shared with us that the best way to learn new things is to experience them hands-on.

Gabrielle is now working in Los Angeles as a technology assurance associate at KPMG. She updated us on how her job is going and what she has been up to since she graduated.

INCPAS: In the fall of 2016 as a Scholar, you told us you were excited to learn from your mentor what it was like to work as a CPA. What are some of the best takeaways your mentor taught you?

Gabrielle: One of the most helpful takeaways I learned from my INCPAS Scholars mentor was to find the best work environment for oneself. She worked at a mid-size auditing firm and chose to work there because it met her specific criteria.

She also reminded me that to truly succeed in the CPA profession and specifically in the public auditing sector, I should constantly develop my interpersonal skills.

INCPAS: You are currently working at KPMG as a technology assurance associate. What is your favorite part of your job?

Gabrielle: My favorite part of my job has been my learning journey and working with my teams. I have collaborated with incredible teams that aid in my learning experience and provide additional assistance with client work.

INCPAS: In the fall of 2019, we asked how you planned to learn and obtain knowledge in the future since CPAs are lifelong learners. You shared that learning things through hands-on experiences was the best way to put yourself ahead of your peers. Are there any specific experiences you’ve had that have helped you develop the skillsets you needed to succeed as a future CPA?

Gabrielle: Before beginning my career at KPMG, I had to choose which role I wanted to pursue. I chose to pursue a role as an IT auditor for KPMG and I had zero IT experience. The role sounded interesting to me and I knew it would be challenging in the best way. I didn’t have a how-to guide to assist me, but I knew I would be able to ask questions and learn on the job.

Flashback to Scholars College Night in 2016: Gabi and her mom.

INCPAS: What was the biggest takeaway you learned during your time in the INCPAS Scholars program?

Gabrielle: That there are many roles within the accounting world. In addition, during my time in the Scholars program, I learned how important it was to ask questions. Since then, I try my best to ask any question that comes to mind for the tasks I am assigned to make sure I understand the procedures and policy that apply to my role and work.

Graduation from Purdue University.

INCPAS: You were part of the Business Opportunities Program (BOP) at Purdue. How did it help you determine your career path?

Gabrielle: My time in BOP was amazing. The program provided me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue a business-related role in the corporate world as a minority. Darren Henry, the director of BOP, strives to give each student important resources and networking opportunities to ensure their success post-graduation. Because of the BOP program, I am a full-time associate at KPMG.

INCPAS: You’ve had a variety of internships with KPMG in different parts of the country. Why was it important to you to have those experiences?

Gabrielle: I had the opportunity to participate in a few KPMG events and internships that increased my chances of earning a full-time role within the company. KPMG values those who have interned and/or attended KPMG events; they interview these individuals early on. With the many locations KPMG has around the country, I was able to choose where I wanted to work. I ultimately chose Los Angeles because they specifically needed a technology assurance associate… and because it was Los Angeles! If one day I no longer had interest in residing in LA, I like that I have the option to choose from their many locations around the country.