In episode #70, 71 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jasmine A. Mitchell, CPA, Assistant Director of Campus Recruiting at Crowe. Jasmine’s journey is anything but conventional—and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.
Originally aiming for a career in law, Jasmine pivoted to accounting thanks to her sister’s advice. She started in private industry, navigated a challenging job market, passed all four sections of the CPA exam in just eight months, and took a life-changing sabbatical sailing around the Caribbean before returning to the profession to help shape the next generation of CPAs.
Takeaways from this episode:
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Jasmine started in private accounting, not public.
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She overcame early CPA exam failures to pass all sections on the first try later.
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Mentorship and sponsorship played major roles in her growth.
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Her CPA license created career flexibility—even after taking a sabbatical.
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She now inspires future accountants through campus recruiting.
💼 From Law School Dreams to Accounting Reality
Jasmine was initially set on becoming a lawyer.
“I thought I wanted to be an attorney… but my sister asked, ‘What’s your fallback?’ That’s what sparked my interest in accounting.”
That conversation led her to double major in finance and accounting—laying the foundation for her career.
📉 Starting in Private Industry During a Crisis
Graduating in 2010 during the financial crisis, Jasmine chose private accounting because public wasn’t the right fit—or as available.
“There were no jobs. I didn’t want a cutthroat environment. I wanted something that matched my values.”
Through a staffing agency, she landed in restaurant accounting, where she learned foundational skills like:
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Month-end close
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Accounts payable
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Journal entries
“I learned how to be an accountant before I became an auditor.”
👩🏫 The Mentor Who Sparked Her CPA Journey
One of Jasmine’s biggest career turning points came when her mentor—a former Crowe audit manager—encouraged her to pursue the CPA license and helped her land an interview at Crowe.
“She saw my potential. That changed everything.”
🧠 Failing Forward: How She Crushed the CPA Exam
Jasmine failed her first CPA exam attempt—then passed all four sections within 8 months.
Her study strategy included:
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Becker CPA Review + Ninja CPA
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Flashcards and focused note-taking
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Blocking distractions (yes, even Netflix!)
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Studying at night and weekends while working full time
“I studied too hard… but it was worth it. Every score was over 80.”
🔄 Finding Her Audit Niche
Jasmine’s first public audit clients were banks—but it didn’t click.
“Bank accounting is totally different from restaurant accounting. I had to relearn everything.”
Eventually, she found her sweet spot in retail dealership audits, where her previous experience and passion for variety aligned perfectly.
⛵ Taking a Sabbatical: Life on a Sailboat
In 2019, Jasmine and her husband took a career break to live on a 40-foot sailboat and explore the Caribbean. They returned early due to the pandemic, but the experience reshaped her outlook on life and work.
“In Australia, people work to live—not live to work. That stuck with me.”
👩💼 Returning to Work—This Time as a Recruiter
After her sabbatical, Jasmine returned to Crowe—this time in a campus recruiting role.
“A sponsor put my name in the hat. I never saw myself in HR, but it was a way to give back.”
She now brings opportunities to students while continuing to hold her active CPA license.
🧑🤝🧑 Mentors vs. Sponsors: Know the Difference
Mentor: Helps guide your growth
Sponsor: Advocates for your promotion—when you’re not in the room
“Mentors give advice. Sponsors make moves for you. You earn that by showing up and delivering.”
Jasmine also emphasized being intentional about staying in touch:
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Check in quarterly or as needed
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Keep it personal and professional
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Diversify your network (don’t just connect with CPAs!)
💡 Jasmine’s 3 Career & Mental Health Tips
1. Prioritize Mental Health
“Therapy changed everything. It helped me fine-tune who I am—outside of my job.”
2. Try a ‘Do Nothing Day’
“Once a month, I turn off my phone, stay in bed, watch trash TV, and recharge.”
3. Make Room for Joy
“My thing is music festivals. Find yours. Have fun—it can’t all be work.”
✅ Actionable Advice for CPA Candidates
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Failing isn’t the end—use it as a learning moment.
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Study smart, not just hard—good materials make a difference.
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Build real relationships—mentors and sponsors matter.
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Stay open to pivots—you don’t have to follow a straight line.
🔁 Final Thoughts
Jasmine Mitchell’s story is a reminder that success in accounting isn’t about sticking to one path—it’s about exploring, adjusting, and growing. Whether you’re considering public accounting, debating a career pivot, or thinking of sailing away for a year—Jasmine proves that it’s all possible with the right mindset, support, and credentials.
“I had no idea where my career would go. But becoming a CPA opened every door.”
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