Rich Cropper
Director, Assurance
PwC
Florham Park, NJ
“Whatever path you choose in life, you are rewarded for performing well in it, and it's easier to do well when you are fully invested and genuinely interested in it.”
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Originally wanted to study politics and philosophy at university, but teachers and family noted I had a natural aptitude for business and so encouraged me to follow that.
My college degree required me to work at a company for one year during my 4 year course, and so I ended up applying for graduate jobs at the age of 19. I joined PwC at 20.
Upon joining PwC I was told I needed to start my accountancy exams (I wasn't aware previously) and I ended up sitting for 9 exams in 12 months. I failed one and had to re-sit during busy season.
After finishing my year at PwC, I had to finish my college education. Once finished, I decided to travel SE Asia / Oceania for a year before returning to PwC to complete my exams and start work.
After completing my exams at PwC in London and gaining experience, I decided I wanted a change and got an opportunity to move internally to Charlotte, NC. Moving was challenging but very rewarding.
After nearly 5 years in the Charlotte, NC office, I got the opportunity to move Florham Park, NJ to work in our National Office and made the move.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Certification/License
Chartered Accountant
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Chartered Accountant
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Certification/License
CPA
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
CPA
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
Career
Director, Assurance
Accountant that works on external audits in the banking and capital markets. Currently working in our national office.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Numbers
Technology
Building Things
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Be certain you understand the industry, company, profession and the path that you are starting on and what it leads to. Whatever path you choose in life, you are rewarded for performing well in it, and it's easier to do well when you are fully invested and genuinely interested in it. Speak to lots of different people to get a balanced collection of views.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Certification/License
Chartered Accountant
Chartered Accountant
Certification/License
CPA
CPA
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Working in public accounting involves challenging hours, busy seasons, and time away from family and friends."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
