I had the pleasure of speaking with Sharon Onuma, CPA and Tax Senior Manager at EY, in Episode #66 & 67 of the CPA Career Paths podcast. Sharon’s journey is filled with wisdom, intentionality, and the kind of insight that every accounting professional—whether in school or already in the workforce—can learn from. From discovering accounting through a novel in high school to earning her CPA and becoming a leader at EY, Sharon’s path is a powerful example of what’s possible when you commit to growth.
She shared invaluable tips on preparing for the CPA exam, building strong professional relationships, and balancing a high-performing career with motherhood. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stay focused and inspired.
🎯 Highlights & Takeaways
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Sharon discovered her interest in accounting after reading The Firm by John Grisham—yes, a book about money laundering sparked her interest in tax!
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She completed all four sections of the CPA exam before starting full-time at EY.
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Time management and planning are the keys to her success—both professionally and personally.
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Sharon emphasizes that accounting isn’t just a job—it’s a long-term career filled with opportunities for impact and growth.
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She launched a YouTube channel, The CPA Experience, to help aspiring CPAs plan their study schedules and stay motivated.
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Work-life balance, trust-building, and mentorship are essential to her leadership approach.
Why Sharon Chose Accounting
Unlike the typical “I was always good at math” story, Sharon’s inspiration came from fiction. She laughed as she told me:
“I was reading The Firm by John Grisham, and there was a character who was a CPA and attorney working for the mob. I thought—wow, that’s intense. But instead of doing something illegal, maybe I could get my CPA and help businesses run better legally!”
That early curiosity turned into a focused plan. Sharon pursued a degree in Accounting and Information Systems at the University of Maryland, followed by her CPA, and went straight into public accounting with EY.
Building Connections Early On
While in college, Sharon made it a point to attend every EY recruiting event on campus.
“I just kept going to EY events, introducing myself, asking questions. That’s how I built organic relationships.”
Her advice?
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Show up consistently at firm-hosted events.
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Ask thoughtful questions about people’s careers.
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Keep in touch with those who invest time in you.
Sharon didn’t overextend herself across all Big Four firms. She found her fit at EY and focused her energy there—a decision that paid off.
Crushing the CPA Exam (Before Day One)
Sharon passed all four sections of the CPA exam before starting her full-time job.
“Someone at EY helped me map out my study plan right after graduation. I studied June through September and passed all four parts before October.”
Her tips for aspiring CPAs:
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Have a clear plan: “Know how many hours you’ll study each week. Break it down into chapters and exam dates.”
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Visual motivation: “I had a whiteboard with ‘Sharon Onuma, CPA’ written on it. I looked at it every day. That was the vision.”
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Don’t be discouraged by failure: “If you don’t pass, just reassess. Ask, what can I tweak to improve?”
She also created The CPA Experience on YouTube to share study tips and bring in other CPA voices to inspire future test-takers.
Thriving at EY: From Staff to Senior Manager
Over 11 years at EY, Sharon’s role evolved significantly—from staff to senior, to manager, and now senior manager. Each level came with new challenges:
As a Staff:
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Learned how the firm operates: “We serve clients and develop our people.”
As a Senior:
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Balanced managing a staff, reporting to a manager, and sometimes interfacing with clients.
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Gained a deep understanding of team dynamics.
As a Manager:
“Manager year was overwhelming at first. I had to coach seniors, serve clients, and deliver results across the board.”
She leaned heavily on her time management system:
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Plan tomorrow, today: “I write a list at the end of each day with priorities for the next.”
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Block focus time on your calendar: “No interruptions. That’s your thinking and technical development time.”
Building Trust and Leading with Intention
When I asked Sharon how she builds trust within her team, she kept it simple:
“Consistently deliver on your word. If you say you’ll get something done by Tuesday at 5 PM, make sure it’s there and it’s good.”
Her team knows she’s reliable, and that consistency builds her brand within the firm.
Balancing Work and Motherhood
Shortly after becoming a tax senior manager, Sharon also became a mom.
“When I returned from maternity leave, I knew I couldn’t work the same way. I had to be more intentional.”
EY’s parental support coaching program helped her navigate the new responsibilities. She now plans each week using a time audit—something she recommends everyone try.
How Sharon Manages Her 168 Hours/Week:
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8 hours of sleep/night
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30–60 minutes of daily workout
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2+ hours/day with her daughter
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Scheduled time for career growth, content creation, and self-care
“If you audit your time, you’ll see how much is wasted. Then you can prioritize what really matters.”
Advice to Her Younger Self
If she could go back 11 years, Sharon would tell herself:
“Take advantage of every opportunity this career offers. Build relationships, learn continuously, and invest in your development. The profession will pay you back as much as you pour into it.”
Final Thoughts & A Fun Fact
Outside of her tax role, Sharon is passionate about wellness. If she had extra free time, she’d spend it reading about health, skincare, or optimizing daily routines.
Oh—and her daughter? She’s already a frequent flyer. Sharon shared that she only tells her the night before a trip so she doesn’t get too excited too soon!
🔥 Ready to Elevate Your CPA Career?
Whether you’re prepping for the CPA exam, thinking about your next career step, or juggling it all like Sharon, remember: with focus, intentionality, and the right mindset, this profession can offer you everything you’re looking for.
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