Welcome to Braden Taylor '19 M'21, one of the new members of the USI Accounting Circle's Young Professionals. The Accounting Circle is an advisory group for the Accounting and Professional Services Program made up of high-level accounting professionals from public accounting firms and from for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Braden Taylor '19, M'21
Senior Fund Accountant
Apex Group
Some favorite memories at USI:
My favorite memories at USI revolve around Beta Alpha Psi. It was such an amazing experience and honor to serve as the president. Everything from networking to helping the younger classes find out what they wanted with their education, travelling, etc.
How have classes at Romain College of Business helped you in your career?
My classes were instrumental to my current successes in life. USI has such an amazing program that prepares students for the real world. Each class was challenging, rewarding, and memorable. The big push for internships is also an amazing thing.
What is one thing you wish you would have known in college?
I wish I would have known more about the other organizations on the campus as a whole. I spent most of my time in the Romain College of Business and rarely branched out. Since then, I’ve come to realize how many organizations are on campus and wish I would have been more involved with them.
What advice would you give seniors on making the most of their last year of college and preparing for their careers after graduation?
I would stress the importance of an internship if they have not obtained one already. You couldn’t ask for a better gateway to a full-time job. I would also mention to not stress so much about finding the “perfect job” and emphasize the fact that you should get your feet wet first and see where life takes you!
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about accounting as a career choice? Has working in accounting been different than you expected?
I think the largest misconception is that accounting is all about math. True, there is math involved, but accounting is more organization and problem solving than anything.
Generally speaking, what are some of your favorite, and least favorite, accounting-related duties at work?
My favorite accounting duties are working through large, tough tasks because it is all the more rewarding when said tasks are complete. My least favorite tasks would be tasks such as A/P and A/R.
What skills do you think are most essential for being successful in accounting?
I think the MOST important skill to possess is endurance. Accounting is challenging at times and to be able to sit down, figure out a problem, and put a plan into action to solve a problem without giving up will make you more valuable than anything.
What are you most looking forward to as a member of the Accounting Circle’s Young Professionals?
I am looking forward to being able to assist with events that the Accounting Circle/Young Professionals put on and just being involved with the ROCB. I feel that I owe USI for my success and in return, I love to give back my time.
If you could do one thing and knew you wouldn’t fail, what would it be?
I would travel to every country without going bankrupt!
A fun fact about you:
I am currently in process of obtaining my pilots license!
Published: November 21, 2023