Sydney Garmong
Partner, National Office
Crowe LLP
Washington, DC USA
“Take chances and just see how far you can go!”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
After I had my undergraduate degree in finance, I decided to spend an additional year in college to obtain enough credits to sit for the CPA exam.
After 10 years in public accounting in Indiana, I moved to Washington, DC for a 2-year fellowship at the AICPA. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
My firm joined another firm during my fellowship. AICPA extended an offer to stay which I accepted.
9/11 happened - I could see the smoke from the Pentagon from the AICPA's office in Washington, DC. It was one of the scariest days of my life.
Enron failed, World Com failed, Sweeping legislation, Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, was passed and regulatory rule-making ensued. The public company auditing profession was significantly enhanced.
I missed public accounting. In 2002, I joined Crowe Chizek (today Crowe) to serve in a national office role focused on financial institutions.
I worked out of my house until 2011 when Crowe formally opened our Washington, DC office.
Today, I lead our national office's regulatory area which is responsibility for interacting with the SEC and federal financial institution regulators, I lead our public policy area and serve as OMP.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Terre Haute South Vigo
Terre Haute South Vigo
Career
Partner, National Office
I lead Crowe's national office regulatory center, public policy and our Washington, DC office.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Numbers
Communicating / Sharing Stories
Day to Day
Like most people, my days can vary greatly. I present at conferences, mostly on financial reporting developments for financial institutions which takes me all over the United States. I serve on AICPA and CAQ committees with colleagues from other firms. I have the pleasure of working with audit committees. I serve on Crowe's Foundation where we provide grants the align with our people's passions. I have also served on advisory councils for the FASB and PCAOB as well as served as chair of FMS.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
If you want a dynamic career, explore becoming a CPA and public company auditor. An auditor serves the investing public, who relies on financial reporting information to make investing decisions. You'll need an accounting degree or at least enough hours to take the CPA exam. Join a public accounting firm and see how your journey unfolds!
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"After 10 years in public accounting, can I really leave my firm in Indianapolis, IN to serve in a 2-year fellowship at the AICPA in Washington, DC? "
