Ersa Jahja, MBA
Ersa Jahja, MBA, is a results-driven finance professional based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, specializing in accounts payable auditing, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), budgeting, and forecasting. With an MBA in Finance & Investing and a Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) certification from the Corporate Finance Institute, she brings a strong foundation in financial modeling, valuation, and data-driven decision-making. Ersa is passionate about translating complex financial data into actionable insights that drive organizational efficiency and growth.
Over the course of her career, Ersa has led compliance audits, reconciled multimillion-dollar transactions, and conducted vendor spend analyses that identified significant cost savings while strengthening internal controls. She has consistently applied her expertise in GAAP compliance, variance analysis, and Excel-based forecasting to improve reporting accuracy and operational efficiency. Her approach blends strategic thinking with technical proficiency, enabling leadership teams to make smarter, faster financial decisions.
Beyond her technical skills, Ersa is committed to collaboration and continuous improvement. She has held leadership roles in graduate student governance and association treasuries, advocating for transparency and accountability while fostering community engagement. Known for her extroverted and approachable personality, she values quality relationships, networking, and lifelong learning. Looking ahead, Ersa is pursuing a career in investment banking, working toward her SIE and Series 7 certifications to further expand her expertise and impact in the financial industry.
• Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®)
• The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
• EdX Verified Certificate for Introduction to Corporate Finance
• Regent University logo
Regent University - MBA
• Regent University
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family, mentors, and supporters who have stood by me throughout my journey, believing in my potential and encouraging me to pursue excellence with confidence and purpose.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from Dean Doris Gomez, the Dean of my master’s program. As an immigrant, she has been an inspiring example of overcoming adversity to build a successful career. She has been incredibly supportive of me, connecting me with influential networks and opening doors to opportunities that have shaped my professional growth. I am equally grateful to Arun Daniel, whose continued guidance has played a pivotal role in helping me define my career path and aspirations.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to stay determined, invest in building strong networks, continually develop their skills, and, most importantly, believe in themselves. These factors have been key to my own success and can help others navigate challenges and seize opportunities along their career journey.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Accounting and finance are highly competitive fields, but that very competition creates opportunity. The challenge is standing out in a crowded landscape; the opportunity lies in building resilience, continuously strengthening technical and leadership skills, and having the courage to pursue ambitious goals with confidence.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity and transparency. I take pride in the work I do each day and strive to stay humble in my successes, letting my results speak for themselves rather than talking about my accomplishments.