Ashley Flanagan, CPA

I attribute my success to curiosity, a willingness to explore, and the support of people who believed in me. When I entered college, I did not have a clear vision for my career. A required early-morning accounting class unexpectedly introduced me to the field, and the encouragement of my professors and mentors gave me the confidence to declare accounting as my major. I approached my Big Four internship as a chance to learn rather than a commitment to a set path, and it led to a full-time offer. After completing my undergraduate degree, I continued my education to meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam before beginning my career in audit.

Eight years in, I have grown from an intern into an experienced manager in PwC's Private Assurance practice. While the technical side of my work has evolved, client service, collaboration, and strong relationships have remained constant. Today, I continue to challenge myself professionally, staying open to unexpected opportunities and allowing my values and priorities to shape the next chapter of my career.

Mentorship has played a defining role in my journey. Early in college, a professor recognized potential in me before I recognized it in myself. When I was questioning whether accounting was the right path, he took the time to meet with me, listen to my concerns, and encourage me to stay the course. His belief in me changed the trajectory of my career.

That experience shaped my appreciation for mentorship, and I have continued to benefit from mentors and advocates who have supported my growth, challenged my perspective, and encouraged me to recognize my own capabilities. Tara Satalango began as a formal mentor and remains an important mentor to me even after leaving the firm, and colleagues such as Ryan Reit have been strong advocates throughout my career. I have learned that mentors do not always stay in the same workplace or follow the same path, but their impact can last. To me, mentorship is about having someone recognize possibility during moments of uncertainty and helping you see what you may not yet see for yourself.

Believe in yourself. You were hired for a reason. You have a seat at the table, and you have just as much of a voice to add as anyone else. Listen and ask as many questions as possible.

My career has been shaped by moments when the path forward was not obvious, from questioning my choice of major to navigating the many possibilities within accounting. I have learned to treat uncertainty as part of the process rather than a reason to stop. My internship was one of those defining opportunities. I entered without knowing whether a large professional services firm was right for me, but I allowed myself to experience it before making a judgment. That willingness to try something without needing certainty opened the door to my professional career.

Today, I am at another point of transition. My professional ambitions remain strong, but my understanding of what matters most has expanded. Advancement remains important, but so do time, relationships, personal growth, and openness to unexpected possibilities. This balance reflects the philosophy of a modern professional services career: understanding the individual behind the work, building trust through relationships, and helping people and organizations move toward their goals at a pace and scale that fits them. My career has been built not on a perfectly mapped plan but on curiosity, mentorship, resilience, relationships, and the courage to take the next step even when the destination is unclear. A meaningful career does not have to follow a straight line, and sometimes the most important opportunities come from taking a chance, listening to those who believe in you, and redefining what success means along the way.

Family, relationships, and being present for the people who matter most are central to my values. Being close to the people I care about has shaped my perspective and the choices I make, encouraging me to think intentionally about the opportunities I pursue, the relationships I prioritize, and the life I want to build.

For me, success is not limited to professional advancement. It also means having the freedom to make meaningful memories and to define a life that reflects my own values. Career ambition and personal fulfillment do not have to exist separately; they can inform and strengthen one another.

Outside of work, I intentionally make space for life beyond technology and professional demands. Hobbies such as gardening remind me of the value of slowing down and nurturing something over time. I also challenge myself to explore activities outside my comfort zone, embracing the chance to try something unfamiliar, meet new people, and give myself permission to be a beginner.