Young Professionals Welcome New Chair Andrea Medcalf

This fall, USI alumna Andrea Medcalf '17 accounting, moved into the role of Chair of the Accounting Circle's Young Professionals. Andrea is a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager at Traylor Bros., Inc. Take a moment to get to know Andrea and read her interview below. 

We would also like to thank outgoing Chair Jesse Reising '19, accounting and CIS, for his service to the Young Professionals.

What is your connection to USI?
I earned my undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Southern Indiana, and from day one, USI felt like home. As a freshman living in the Business Living Learning Center, I met some of my lifelong friends—and even my husband. The professors, the education, and the relationships I built during my time there played a pivotal role in shaping both my personal and professional journey. Thanks to USI, I secured multiple internships and ultimately launched my career in public accounting. I’m proud to support my alma mater and always enjoy staying connected to the community that helped me grow.

Tell us about your career path.
I began my career in public accounting with Forvis Mazars, where I spent six formative years growing both professionally and personally. In Spring 2025, I transitioned into a new chapter as the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager at Traylor Brothers Inc., after serving as an Audit Manager. I'm incredibly grateful for the experiences, mentorship, and lasting relationships I built during my time in public accounting. Now, I'm excited to embrace this new role and continue building my career with the team at Traylor Bros., Inc.

What attributes make a person successful in your industry?
Several key attributes contribute to success in the accounting profession:

• Problem-solving: Accountants often face complex issues or unexpected challenges. Strong problem-solving skills are essential for identifying root causes and developing effective solutions.
• Attention to detail: Precision is paramount when working with financial data. Even minor errors can have significant consequences, so a meticulous approach is critical.
• Organizational skills: Juggling multiple responsibilities—such as managing deadlines, preparing reports, and attending meetings—requires excellent time and task management.
• Team collaboration: Whether in public accounting or within a private-sector department, accountants frequently work in team environments. Clear communication and cooperation are vital to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

What topic could you spend hours talking about?
I could talk about my family for hours! I'm lucky to have a wonderfully supportive husband and two energetic little ones who keep life interesting. My 3-year-old son has a personality that could fill a stadium, and the things he says and does? Let’s just say I have a running list of stories that range from hilarious to 'did-that-really-just-happen?' He keeps us laughing, guessing, and occasionally questioning our parenting strategies—in the best way possible.

What is your favorite task or project at work? What is your least favorite?
One of my favorite aspects of work is being entrusted with open-ended problems that require independent thinking and creative problem-solving. I thrive when given the freedom to explore data without predefined instructions, using analytical techniques to uncover trends, patterns, and outliers. This process not only challenges me intellectually but also allows me to deliver meaningful insights that drive effective solutions. My least favorite days at work are those packed with back-to-back meetings. I find that I’m most productive and engaged when I have a balance of collaboration and independent work time. Having variety in my day helps me stay focused and energized.

Published October 30, 2025