This spring we welcomed Amanda Bingemer '13, Director of Operations at Pettinga Financial Advisors, as chair of the USI Accounting Circle. She earned bachelor's degrees in accounting and CIS from Romain College of Business, and she was a member of the Young Professionals prior to becoming a member of the Accounting Circle. The Accounting Circle is an advisory group for the Accounting & Professional Services program made up of high-level accounting professionals from public accounting firms and from for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Get to know more about Amanda and her accounting background as well as her advice for USI students.
Tell us about your career path in accounting.
I interned with Brown, Smith & Settle for two tax seasons, but ultimately decided I wanted to go into the private sector. Through my years of networking and leadership opportunities on campus, I was able to network and build connections that provided me with the opportunity to start with Pettinga Financial Advisors right after graduating. While my roles have evolved over the years, I have consistently stayed in accounting and internal audit.
As a Romain College of Business graduate, what were some of your favorite classes, professors, experiences at USI and Romain College?
One of my favorite classes was Business Communications with Dr. Mark McKnight, Professor of Accounting. I always enjoyed going to Beta Alpha Psi meetings/activities to network with other students and professionals. When attending USI Speaking Eagles Toastmasters meetings, I was always pushed out of my comfort zone (in a good way).
What are some challenges you see the accounting industry facing in the short term and in the future?
Cybersecurity is a big challenge right now and will continue to be in the future. One example I experience personally is that all software systems are different, requiring password changes often and some even require two-factor authentication. End users always want to have secure logins, so they do not risk being compromised.
What's one misconception people seem to have about accounting as a profession?
That accounting is just debits and credits, but rather it is much more than entering numbers all day.
What is an average work day like for you?
I work part time with internal audits, client agreements, and client billing being focuses for me.
What is a favorite task or project at work?
When the result of my assigned tasks reconcile, it makes it my favorite to have that successful moment.
What are some of your goals for the USI Accounting Circle board?
- Increase scholarship funds
- Increase participation of circle members across Circle events
What is one thing you wish you would have known when you were in college?
I wish I would have understood how important communication skills are. We use various methods of communication each day to interact with peers, management, and clients, and you must learn to balance professionalism in each situation.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen at USI? For seniors in their last year of college?
Freshmen – Get involved early with campus activities both related to your major and not.
Seniors – Keep pursuing all your education immediately as not to fall out of routine as life gets busier and busier in the years to come.
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?
I wish I could play the piano.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my two children (ages 7 and 4). I like shopping at the local area boutiques.
What's a hidden gem in the tri-state area you think everyone should know about?
Really enjoy a nice meal at City Walk in Owensboro, KY.
A fun fact about you.
I like to craft, especially making chunky yarn blankets and using my Cricut.
Published September 4, 2024