Career Roadmap
Wes's work combines: Business, Law, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Graduate Degree
Accounting
Elizabethtown College
Doctorate
Juris Doctor (JD)
American University
Certification
Licensed in Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Certified Public Accountant
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Accountants and Auditors:
Graduate Degree: Accounting
Doctorate: Juris Doctor (JD)
Certification: Licensed in Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Internship in the Assurance and the Tax practices of PwC, ahead of graduation with an accounting degree.
2.
Started as a new Associate, focused on private, middle-market clients.
3.
Turned down for international tour of duty—didn’t have the right experience for the assignment.
4.
Enrolled in law school and graduated just over three years later with a J.D., while keeping full time role as a manager at PwC.
5.
Completed a rotation with PwC’s public policy team and then an assignment in PwC’s national office, early days in the financial crisis.
6.
Selected for a Professional Accounting Fellowship by the SEC’s Chief Accountant—completed that experience two years later—and then accepted direct admission as a partner at PwC.
7.
Lead engagement partner for audit and assurance engagements. Also took on responsibilities for our people, including diversity and inclusion.
8.
Named as the SEC’s Chief Accountant, after returning to the SEC as a Deputy Chief Accountant.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
The job is too stressful, leading to health concerns.
How I responded:
You can be well and work well in this position—both are possible! I dealt with the noise by asking about what resources were available to me that could help me make healthy choices and manage the requirements of the position.