Jessica Mainwaring
Managing Director - Assurance Services
EY
“Push the noise to the side!”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Studying abroad in college opened my eyes to living internationally and influenced my decision to work for a global firm.
During my senior year of college, I decided I didn't want a career in finance (my major). I began applying to graduate programs in accounting and was accepted to a joint UVA and EY graduate program.
After five years in audit, I applied for (and got) a three year rotation with EY in London.
My first daughter was born at 25 weeks. EY allowed me to work from the NICU and save my maternity leave for when my baby came home. Since, I've joined the March of Dimes Board.
I took a chance and joined a "working group" for a new project at EY in 2012. This "project" turned into the team of 20 EY professionals that I now oversee.
I was the 1st Managing Director appointed to our department's management committee AND the 1st Managing Director to lead my team.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Miami Sunset Senior High
Miami Sunset Senior High
Career
Managing Director - Assurance Services
I'm an auditor leading a team that uses advanced analytics to proactively improve audit quality.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Numbers
Problem Solving
Day to Day
No day is the same! Some days I spend time mentoring our team members, other days are spent working with our stakeholders through their challenges. I also spend time expanding my skills through training (whether it's focused on my technical accounting skills or my leadership skills).
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Ask your family and friends if they know any auditors. Also, feel free to reach out to auditors on LinkedIn, and express your interest in the area.
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:
"Being a CPA is boring; you'll be stuck in one place and really busy in 'tax season.'"
