My first accounting job: Rob Warren
Rob is a career-changer! He worked in an industry that is crucial for public safety. We have "fire" in common.
I’d love to see more of you profiled here. Tell me about your first accounting job by answering the questions below. You can send, with a headshot, to TheDig@Substaack.com. See you soon!
What is your current job?
I am an Assurance Supervisor at Whittlesey PC in Hartford, CT, a top 200 regional firm. I just completed the CPA exam.
Did you major in accounting or come to it later? To CPA exam or not to CPA exam?
Accounting is a second career for me. I worked as a service technician in the firefighting equipment industry for 23 years before I discovered I was always destined to be an accountant.
What was your first job using your accounting skills and education?
My first job using accounting actually came before I started school, and is what led me down this path. I was given a problem to solve where physical inventory didn't agree to the accounting records. I saw these things called debits and credits, and had to go online and learn what they were. I discovered a new language that I really enjoyed and soon made the decision to go back to school and study accounting.
Shortly after starting my accounting degree journey I got a job doing the accounting for a family run motorcycle dealership with two stores, which was technically my first accounting job while in school.
How did you get it?
I got my first job in accounting and my current job through networking. I mentioned to a friend that I had gone back to school for accounting, and she was actually looking for an accountant, which led to my first job. I was in the right place at the right time. Networking is one thing everyone should be doing.
What advice do you have for people considering majoring in accounting, considering whether to take the CPA exam, and considering how to use accounting education and skills?
My advice to people entering the field, whether students or career changers, is to do it! I have nothing but positives to say about accounting. If you are looking for a relatively stable career path with diverse career options that can afford you a decent living, look no further. As someone who worked 2 or 3 jobs at the same time for most of my adult life, accounting has afforded me the ability to have only one job. I worked many more hours for far longer periods of time working all those jobs than I am now.
Passing the CPA is a daunting challenge, but one that is surmountable with enough perseverance and determination. Once you have completed the exams, many more doors open for you and you can chart your own path to whatever future you want. Whether that is Partner in a public accounting firm, CFO, not-for-profit accounting, or maybe starting your own firm. There is the tax route, or assurance work, or industry accounting. The CPA path has made me a well-rounded business advisor with knowledge of so many different aspects of business, and it can do that for you, too!
© Francine McKenna, The Digging Company LLC, 2025