Influential Woman · AuditingDCAA

Ami Eklou

Auditor, Defense Contract Audit Agency

Moline, IL

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Accounting degree

Her Story

About Ami

I've been working in my current position for almost a year now, with my anniversary coming up in June. I'm currently doing audits and I'm in a probationary period, working on progress payment audits. A typical day for me involves preparing for client meetings and reviewing audit reports. For example, I recently had an exit conference scheduled where I needed to meet with the client and provide explanations about the audit report and what we found. I spend time going through audit reports and focusing on my part so I can present findings to clients. Before this role, I worked at the Illinois Department of Revenue doing similar audit work, reviewing and auditing companies' revenue and tax compliance issues. I had to leave that position when my father died and I needed to travel for the funeral. I consider my current job my most notable professional achievement because I receive more appreciation here, I get to work more individually than mostly in groups, and the salary is better.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Ami

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my sister, because she is an accountant also. She was one of the reasons why I chose to major in accounting, because she gave me hope that I'd be able to find a job, and it's not easy since I'm not a native. So that's why I credit her with my success.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I ever received was from a career center counselor when I first got my degree and was having trouble finding a job. Every time I went to an interview and got rejected, she told me to keep applying and to not lose hope in finally finding a job. She advised me not to take the rejection personally and told me the best thing I could do was to keep on applying to jobs and continue practicing and gathering my skills to be able to land a position. That advice really helped me persist until I found the right opportunity.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would advise young women that if they don't like science, they should explore other options like accounting. Most people usually choose to major in science because they think it's easier to find a career in, but I want women to know that if they don't like science, there are many job and career opportunities in accounting as well. Don't feel limited to just science fields.

Keep Exploring