Suzanne Bongiovanni
In the world of government auditing, where precision, accountability, and integrity shape every decision, Suzanne has quickly emerged as a standout professional. A Senior Associate at Williams Adley, she plays a key role in the firm’s advisory department, working to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used exactly as intended. Her work centers on detecting fraud, waste, and abuse, and she approaches each engagement with a calm diligence and sharp analytical eye that colleagues have come to rely on.
Suzanne's journey into auditing began in 2020, after graduating Summa Cum Laude from DeSales University with her bachelor's degree in forensic accounting. After starting her career in a staff accounting role, she soon discovered her affinity for government oversight after transitioning into audit, a move that would ignite her professional momentum. Within a relatively short time, she rose to the position of Senior Associate, a progression driven by her technical strength, strong judgment, and natural leadership.
Her credentials reflect that same commitment to excellence. Suzanne holds three respected certifications: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA), and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), and is currently a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) candidate. Each designation reinforces her dedication to ethical practice, strong internal controls, and the rigorous standards expected of those entrusted with safeguarding public funds.
She is also one of the firm’s select participants in the Future Leaders Program, an initiative pairing high potential professionals with senior leadership for one-on-one mentorship. Under the guidance of a firm partner, Suzanne is actively shaping her long-term career vision while deepening the skills that will carry her into future leadership roles.
But Suzanne’s story is also one of resilience and reinvention. After devoting nearly twenty years to raising her children before embarking on her accounting career, she brings a perspective grounded in maturity, empathy, and purpose. Her approach to her work is shaped by faith, integrity, and enduring curiosity, all qualities that drive her commitment not only to continuous learning, but also to mentoring and uplifting others.
In every chapter of her career, Suzanne strives to combine technical skills with meaningful service—building a professional life defined by excellence, authenticity, and a deep sense of responsibility.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certified Internal Controls Auditor
• Certified Government Financial Manager
• DeSales University
• Future Leaders Program
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
• Institute for Internal Controls (IIC)
• Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
• Volunteer Accounting Services for Local Fire Company
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, which has been my compass, guiding my decisions and grounding me in every season of life. When my children were young, I wanted to lead by example—showing them kindness, patience, and the importance of healthy boundaries. As they grew older and began to take less time, I made the decision to return to school as a non‑traditional student.
There were moments when I questioned whether I had taken on more than I could handle. Balancing schoolwork with the needs of my family felt overwhelming at times, and I wondered if quitting would be the easier path. But whenever doubt crept in, something always arrived right on time: a kind email from a professor, a message from a classmate thanking me for offering a new perspective, or even an unexpectedly high grade on a challenging assignment. Those small but meaningful affirmations reminded me that I was exactly where I needed to be. They became nudges forward—quiet confirmations that I was on the right path and capable of continuing the journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning and never stop growing. That mindset became especially important when I graduated from DeSales University in May 2020, right in the middle of a global shutdown. With the job market paused and so much uncertainty everywhere, I knew I wouldn’t be able to step into a position immediately. But I also didn’t want to lose momentum.
Instead of waiting passively, I chose to keep moving forward. Pursuing my CFE certification felt like a natural next step, almost like an extension of my college studies. I threw myself into exam prep, using that time to strengthen my skills and stay focused on my long‑term goals. By the time I completed the exams, the hiring landscape had begun to open again, and I was able to secure an accounting position quickly.
That experience taught me an important truth: growth doesn’t pause just because circumstances do. Continuing to learn, especially when the path ahead feels uncertain, is often what opens the next door.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the accounting or audit field is to get involved in professional organizations within your chosen niche. Join the associations that align with your interests and your long-term goals and make the effort to be an active participant. Committees, volunteer roles, networking events, and even simple engagement on professional platforms like LinkedIn can open doors you might never expect.
The connections you build through these organizations can lead to opportunities that would otherwise pass you by. They can introduce you to mentors, expose you to new areas of the profession, and help you develop the confidence that comes from being part of a community. In a field that values integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning, these relationships can be instrumental in your career growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, one of the biggest opportunities in our field is the shift many states are making toward allowing CPA licensure with 120 credits instead of requiring 150 or a master’s degree. This is a game changer for new graduates. It means they can step right into their careers, start gaining real experience, and prepare for the CPA exams without the extra financial burden or delay of graduate school. With CPAs in such high demand, this creates a much smoother and more accessible path into the profession.
Another opportunity lies in broadening the understanding of what CPAs actually do. A lot of people still believe that becoming a CPA means spending your life doing tax returns. That could not be farther from the truth. CPAs are needed in so many areas, including audit, forensic accounting, corporate management, consulting, risk management, and even executive leadership positions like Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CPA credential opens doors to a wide variety of careers, many of them complex, impactful, and incredibly rewarding.
For anyone entering the field, this is a great moment. There is strong demand, greater flexibility, and a lot more awareness of the diverse paths available in accounting and audit.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the value I hold most closely, both in my work as an auditor and in my personal life. For me, it starts with being honest with myself about what I want, what I am capable of, and where I need to grow. It also means being straightforward and transparent with others in every interaction. That commitment to honesty is what guides my decisions and keeps me grounded.
Integrity is equally important. I believe that what you choose to do when no one is watching says more about your character than anything else. It is how trust is built, whether you are working with a team, supporting your family, or serving a client. Integrity creates a foundation for strong relationships in every part of life.
Empathy is another core value for me. I try to stay mindful that everyone has something they are carrying, even if they never say it out loud. Taking the time to understand that and validate someone’s experience can make a real difference. It helps me build stronger connections, approach challenges with compassion, and create a more supportive environment at work and at home.