Catherine Ide
Sr. Managing Director Professional Practice
Center for Audit Quality
Washington, D.C. USA
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Having a father in the business world influenced my career aspirations.
I was lucky enough that my parents paid for my college education, so I wanted to show my appreciation by being gainfully employed upon graduation.
To get a job right out of college, my choices in the business school were finance or accounting. I hated finance, so accounting it was. I got an internship with the Big 4, and got a full time job
I had trouble passing the CPA exam, and my promotion to manager was delayed because of it.
I wanted to do something different than client service. So I applied and got the opportunity to work in a Big 4 National Office.
Instead of going back to client service, I wanted to move up the ranks as a National Office contributor, but this would not be the partner track, which was okay.
Education
High School
Midlothian High School
Midlothian High School
Certification/License
Certified Public Accountant
Virginia Society of CPAs
Certified Public Accountant
Virginia Society of CPAs
Career
Sr. Managing Director Professional Practice
I lead initiatives centered on the practice and promotion of public company audit quality.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Education
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
I lead complex initiatives centered on the practice and promotion of public company audit quality and the resulting benefits to audit professionals and all those who rely upon their work. I work with stakeholders in the financial reporting supply chain including audit committees, investors, preparers and senior leaders in the audit profession to advance dialogue around critical issues facing the capital markets.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
If you are still in college, take advantage of the career center and alumni networks. These are great assets.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Certification/License
Certified Public Accountant
Certified Public Accountant
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"CPAs at big accounting firms work all the time"
Challenges I Overcame
Physical Issues
