Natalie Kotlyar
BDO USA, LLP
New York, NY USA
"Most accountants do not like change, we tend to be very conservative. But, with change comes growth. You have to learn to embrace change and embrace growth as a result. This opens up the door to opportunities."
Career Roadmap
Natalie's work combines: Business, Fashion, and Accomplishing Goals
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Accounting
Queens College
Certification
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was born in Ukraine, but immigrated with my family to the U.S. when I was young—ever since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of being a business woman.
2.
In the ninth grade, I took a bookkeeping class that I really enjoyed, and I continued to take similar classes throughout high school.
3.
Attended Queens College, where earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting.
4.
While in college, I was the president of the Accountant Honors Society, which gave me an opening to develop relationships with the recruiters that would visit our campus.
5.
After several interviews, I landed a job at BDO USA as an audit partner.
6.
During my first year, I worked in a variety of industries, but I always had the goal of eventually working in national retail and consumer business.
7.
During my second year, an opening came up and I started working full time in the national retail and consumer business space, which combined my love for accounting and fashion.
8.
I’ve worked for BDO USA for over 24 years and am now a partner, as well as the National Retail & Consumer Business Industry Leader.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
We don't need anymore people on that job so you can't get it.
How I responded:
When I was first starting out, I really wanted to work in the retail and consumer business space. There was a client that came up that I really wanted, but they wouldn't let anymore first-year partners on the case. I was disappointed, but I didn't give up. I worked in other industries until an opening came up and I eventually got it.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I've never felt direct discrimination, but back when I first started working, women had to wear skirts and the business attire allowed was really strict. The culture in the industry has really changed and has become more inclusive.
I was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the U.S. when I was young. When we first came to the U.S., I wanted to blend in. I even Americanized my name. Looking back, I think being different is a positive and it makes you who you are.
I am a working mom of three children. I've had all of my kids while I was working full time. The good thing about working in this field is that work-life balance is prioritized and I have flexibility in my schedule.