Marie Marquardt
Audit Managing Director
KPMG
Lakeville, MN USA
“I overcame the discouragement by believing in myself and surrounding myself with energetic people who see no barriers or bias in others by promoting team work and transparency.”
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 14 and given a 5 year life expectancy prognosis. I was wheelchair-bound for several years and was homeschooled for 2 years in high school.
I went into renal failure for the 2nd time and reluctantly left KPMG to receive medical care and work for a client.
I went on dialysis at the age of 19. Despite discouragement from my family and doctors, I went to college to become a CPA. At 19 I went on dialysis from renal failure.
I received my 2nd kidney transplant in 2011 under research protocol and returned to KPMG.
I received a kidney transplant, graduated from college, and went to work for KPMG.
I celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary in 2019 and went to London, France, and Italy on a trip of a lifetime to celebrate my anniversary and life.
I met my husband, gave birth to my son, and adopted a baby girl from China.
I made Audit Managing Director in 2019. My children are both in college. I have a wonderful family who is my support system and motivates me to love life and be appreciative for everything.
Education
High School
Career
Audit Managing Director
I audit financial statements by gathering information from a company's financial and internal control systems.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Action Sports
Education
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
I work with my audit teams by providing oversight and reviews on audit procedures performed. I help my client by providing audit services that gives the objective and independent audit reports they need on their financial statements.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I would recommend that in addition to getting good grades, make connections. People skills are just as important as the auditing itself.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"Because of my disability, you will never have a successful career as a CPA in public accounting."
Challenges I Overcame
Physical Issues
