Helen Lopez
Partner / Quality Implementation Leader, LatAm South
EY
São Paulo, Brazil
“Take your career in your hands and make sure that you're willing to take on more challenging assignments.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I did an internship at EY the summer of my senior year in high school. It made me realize I wanted to do accounting and auditing. And it gave me exposure to a firm where I felt at home.
I moved from the Audit group to Audit Methodology, which took me away from client-facing work and focused me on auditing standards. It was pivotal in that I realized I liked to help teams.
My move to South America was tough – a new culture and language, and a role that didn't exist before. Three years later, it’s been the most amazing experience professionally and personally.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
La Inmaculada High School (Ecuador), Walt Whitman High School (Long Island)
La Inmaculada High School (Ecuador), Walt Whitman High School (Long Island)
Bachelor
Nassau Community College
Nassau Community College
Certification/License
CPA
AICPA
CPA
AICPA
Career
Partner / Quality Implementation Leader, LatAm South
I work with our Region’s Assurance Leader in driving and sustaining audit quality.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Entrepreneurship
Writing
Helping People
Day to Day
On a daily basis I’m in several meetings and calls, but no matter who’s involved or the purpose of the meeting, it always goes back to helping people and teams. I could be providing my perspective on an audit or helping to figure out what strategy to take on a challenging situation. But I’m always focused on helping others.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Get your education. After that, be willing to open yourself up to learning, listening and working as a team. Take your career in your hands and make sure that you're willing to take on more challenging assignments. Don't stay in your comfort zone. Connect with those who are doing what you might see yourself doing.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Accounting is a male-dominated industry especially in Latin America. I have years of professional experience and do well in my role. Yet, I’ve heard indirect critical comments, which is something that women may experience in this part of the world."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
