Influential Woman · Accounting and Finance

Karyna Maraghi

CPA, CFE

Audit Supervisor, Melton & Melton, LLP

Sugar Land, TX 77479

10Years experience

3Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Electronic Engineering Technologies degree Degree Master's degree in Finance Cert CPA Cert CFE Member AICPA Member ACFE Member Texas Board of Public Accountancy

Her Story

About Karyna

I'm currently a supervisor at a mid-sized public accounting firm, and this position is one of the most challenging since all the responsibilities are pushed down. I need to report to upper-level managers and partners while leading my team underneath me. Each day is unpredictable, which is the beauty of my work. I came from the corporate world only because it was too predictable, and I realized I was in a loop that I wanted to break. In public accounting, we are assigned to clients for engagements that vary from one-week audits to two-week engagements, and my team is constantly changing. I don't work with the same people, which allows me to expand my skills and learn from others within the team. Even when we take the same clients from year to year, the audit is never the same because operations expand and companies grow. During busy season, usually the first quarter of the year, it's very extensive with 10-plus billable hours per day. As a supervisor, I lead the rest of the audit engagement from planning through the end of field work until issuing the financial statements. The work is unpredictable and requires staying in contact with clients and maintaining proper communication to get to the finish line on time.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Karyna

01What do you attribute your success to?

I believe my partner, my spouse, has been the biggest factor in my success. He encouraged my wishes as I changed my career path multiple times. I studied to be a customs officer originally in Europe, and when I came to the United States, one of my family's requirements was that I enroll in school, which led to my degree in electronic engineering technologies. When we moved to Texas to find a state that is family-oriented where we can balance life and family, I was thinking about pursuing a master's degree in petroleum engineering. But my husband inspired and supported me through the path of going to college for finance, saying to take one semester, take two semesters, and see how I like it. He stayed with me till the end until I got my certifications. I don't think I could do it on my own. It's really hard to do anything on your own. Beyond that, I'm self-motivated. I do not wait for any approval, I do not wait for permission. I just get up, show up, and keep running. Hit the ground and running. That's what helped me.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I believe it's going to be having a curious mind. In the age of AI, you don't need to be the smartest person in the room. The only thing that you need to be is what most people are not, which is disciplined, consistent, and flexible. Make sure that you are adapted to the very high-speed change environment. That's what it is.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Since it's public accounting, many people get burned out really quickly, and I believe it's because of the lack of time management and balance. The balance between health becomes not a priority, but unfortunately, many people realize that they usually have 1,000 problems when they're healthy, but as soon as they get sick, they remain with one problem, a health problem. In my industry, people are missing the point of well-being, both mentally and just general health well-being. But I'm also leading by example. I am the person who goes to the gym twice a week, and they know I'm very particular in my diet. I'm encouraging healthy snacks and talking to people, because without managing this balance, you won't be able to proceed in your field.

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