Embracing a New Path: Suzanne Bongiovanni Finds Her Calling as an Auditor

In today’s dynamic professional landscape, the notion of a linear career trajectory has become increasingly rare. After spending 10 years working in the public school system with special needs 4th and 5th graders, Suzanne Bongiovanni craved the opportunity to make an impact on a larger scale. Having successfully transitioned into a rewarding second career in audit, her journey proves that it is never too late to pursue passions and make a meaningful difference.

Educational Foundation

Suzanne Bongiovanni, Audit Associate

Suzanne’s journey began at DeSales University, where she achieved a 3.96 GPA while she earned a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting. This academic foundation equipped her with the critical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of financial investigations and audits. Her commitment to excellence shone through her achievement of the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Certificate, further solidifying her expertise in the field. Graduating in May 2020, just as widespread COVID-19 shutdowns began, Suzanne seized the opportunity to master the work-from-home model, developing skills that proved invaluable in an increasingly remote work environment.

Early Career Experience

After completing her education, Suzanne accepted a work-from-home position as a retainer accountant, serving as a controller for an iconic restaurant group in Washington, DC. This role provided her with invaluable experience in financial management and operational oversight. She quickly began supervising another accountant assigned to assist her with clients. Selected for participation in the firm’s pilot internship program, Suzanne took on responsibilities that included supervising, mentoring, and training her assignee. Her guidance proved crucial, as only two of the original twelve interns received full-time positions afterward, including the one she mentored.

However, as she reflected on her career goals, Suzanne recognized her desire for a role that offered greater societal value, opportunities for employee growth, and a more varied daily routine. This realization prompted her to seek a position that better aligned with her evolving aspirations.

Finding the Right Fit

Suzanne searched for a firm that would be a good fit and found Williams Adley, deciding that our firm epitomizes her aspirations. As a first-year audit associate on Williams Adley’s recent engagement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), she discovered an environment that resonates with her professional and personal values. Williams Adley prioritizes employee growth and well-being while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing Suzanne the support she needs to progress in her desired career.

At Williams Adley, Suzanne receives encouragement to expand her knowledge through access to both in-house and external training opportunities. Her performance management coach has provided invaluable assistance in helping her map out her career path and identify the steps needed to achieve her professional goals.

Suzanne was also drawn to Williams Adley because of our company’s four core values: Excellence, Teamwork, Diversity, and Integrity. These values are embodied by our management, and with a strong “trickle-down” effect, the behavior and attitude set by senior leadership has influenced the company culture at all levels. Suzanne has witnessed firsthand how excellence is pursued at Williams Adley and how each team prioritizes clients’ needs to help them fulfill their strategic objectives. Through teamwork across multiple levels of supervision, the quality of working papers is continuously improved. The phrase “good enough” is never uttered; instead, deliverables improve until they meet the highest standards.

The diversity of age, experience, educational background, nationality, and culture among team members fosters a collaborative environment where everyone teaches and learns from one another. Each team member holds themselves to the highest level of integrity, creating a workplace culture that Suzanne deeply values.

A Day in the Life

In her current role as a first-year audit associate, Suzanne enjoys the variety that each day brings. As a government contractor, the engagement she is working on involves establishing consistent and effective communication with both government agency representatives and auditee representatives. Navigating layers of security and confidentiality requires a strong foundation of trust between auditor, client, and auditee. With the professionalism and guidance of her supervisors, she has improved her business acumen, communication skills, and gained confidence in conveying information effectively.

One moment, she may be engaged in detailed test work, and the next, she could be reaching out to the auditee's representatives to request additional supporting documents. Suzanne finds great satisfaction in researching ambiguous or difficult-to-understand rules, laws, and terms and conditions. Deciphering these guidelines and understanding their implications within the context of the audits and assessments she conducts keeps her intellectually stimulated while honing her skills in real time.

Being one of the first few audit associates hired for this new engagement has allowed Suzanne to be involved in every phase of the project. From initial client and auditee contact to creating vital work papers and reporting on test work performed, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of each step that must be thoroughly documented. Her favorite mantra is, “We’re auditors; we document everything.”

The personal attention provided by audit seniors, supervisors, and managers has proven instrumental in Suzanne’s rapid professional development. Their mentorship has enabled her to acquire a broad range of competencies essential for conducting audits and assessments, particularly in the context of government contracting. Suzanne appreciates knowing she can reach out to higher-level team members, confident that they will provide her with the guidance and answers she needs to succeed.

Professional and Educational Pursuits

Suzanne is making significant strides in her professional development within the field of fraud examination and audit. By earning her Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential and engaging with both the National and local chapters of the ACFE, she is positioning herself for networking opportunities that will foster her learning.

Additionally, her involvement with the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) reflects her commitment to financial management in the public sector as she works towards obtaining the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification. Her ambition to complete a master's in forensic accounting and prepare for the CPA exams further demonstrates her dedication to advancing her career and expanding her skill set in forensic accounting and financial management. With such a solid plan in place and with Williams Adley’s support, Suzanne is well on her way to becoming a leader in her field.

Conclusion

Suzanne Bongiovanni’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and the pursuit of meaningful work. At Williams Adley, Suzanne has found her professional “home” in a firm that prioritizes its employees, clients, and the community, emphasizing work-life balance, community engagement, and investment in its workforce. As she continues to thrive in her career, she serves as an inspiring example for those contemplating a career change, proving that it is never too late to follow your passions and make a difference.