I had the pleasure of speaking with Angie, an Audit Director at AAFCPAs, on Episode #118 of the CPA Career Paths podcast. Angie’s story is one of resilience, clarity, and intentional growth—starting as an international student from Shanghai and building a thriving career in public accounting.
Interview Summary: Highlights & Takeaways
In this episode, Angie shared how she navigated language barriers, passed the CPA exams efficiently, chose audit with confidence, and grew from associate to director at one firm. Her journey highlights the importance of mentorship, communication, and soft skills—alongside technical expertise.
Key highlights include:
- Choosing accounting for career stability and long-term growth
- Passing all four CPA exams before starting full-time work
- Learning to communicate expectations early in her career
- Developing soft skills as a differentiator in leadership roles
From Shanghai to the U.S.: Finding Confidence Abroad
Angie moved to the U.S. in 2014 to pursue a Master’s in Accounting at Suffolk University. Early on, language and confidence were real challenges.
“It was definitely not all rainbows and unicorns in the beginning.”
What made the difference was a supportive work environment. Colleagues helped her with professional writing, client calls, and gradually building confidence to lead conversations herself.
Takeaway: Growth accelerates when you lean into support and give yourself permission to learn out loud.
Why Accounting—and Why the CPA—Was the Right Choice
Although Angie studied international politics as an undergraduate, accounting was always close to home. Both of her parents were accountants, and her mother’s unfulfilled dream of becoming a CPA became a powerful motivator.
“If you don’t have the credential, it’s different to work as an accountant without it.”
Following her mother’s advice, Angie deferred her start date to study full time and passed all four CPA sections by August after graduation.
Actionable advice:
- If possible, study for the CPA exams right after school
- Keep exam schedules compact to avoid relearning material
- Treat master’s coursework as CPA exam preparation, not separate silos
Choosing Audit—and Growing Into Leadership
Internships helped Angie realize that audit was a better fit than tax. Early staff work felt repetitive, but everything changed as her role evolved.
“When I progressed into a senior role, there was more problem-solving and direct client-facing work. That felt rewarding.”
As she advanced, communication became critical—especially understanding expectations and managing time under tight deadlines.
Career lessons Angie emphasized:
- Ask questions at every level—titles don’t equal knowing everything
- Clarify expectations early to avoid rework
- Technical skills matter, but soft skills drive leadership impact
The Power of Soft Skills
One of the most honest moments in our conversation was Angie’s reflection on emotional intelligence.
“Soft skills are so important… to understand another person’s perspective and find the best resolution.”
Professional coaching and continuous self-awareness helped her grow into a director role—and continue growing.
Final Thoughts
Angie’s journey proves that confidence is built, not born—and that communication, curiosity, and empathy are career accelerators in public accounting.
👉 Want more real stories and practical advice like this?
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