The Global CPA: Insights and Advice
At the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ), we are lucky to have Chris Alabi, CPA, ACA on our senior management team.
On loan to the CAQ from PwC, Chris is the CAQ's current Professional Practice Fellow. In that capacity, he helps guide the CAQ’s professional practice and public policy activities as part of an 18-month fellowship that began in July 2017. Chris also has an outstanding global perspective as a CPA, having spent his career thus far in the United Kingdom, France, and on both coasts of the United States. In many ways, he embodies how public company auditing is truly a global profession.
Chris graciously agreed to field my questions and to share his insights in this Q&A, which should interest CPAs, accounting students, or anyone considering a global career path.
Cindy Fornelli: Tell us about your path into the accounting and auditing profession.
Chris Alabi: My path certainly was not what one would call traditional. I graduated from university in the UK with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering and a master’s degree in air transport management. Having completed internship programs at both British Airways and Airbus Aeronautics, which exposed me to the world of finance and management, I knew I wanted to understand more about how successful businesses are run. My goal at the time was to return to British Airways at some point in the future as its CFO. I figured where better to begin that journey than in the accounting and auditing profession—a profession which is a great way to gain invaluable insights into the business world. By the way, more than 50 percent of Fortune 100 CFOs got their start in the profession.
Cindy: In the early stages of your auditing career, was it important for you to choose a global firm like PwC?
Chris: It was important for me to choose a firm that embraces a culture of training, teamwork and that invests heavily in the development of its people. The accounting and auditing profession and PwC offer these and much more. For me, the global footprint PwC offered as a network of firms was important particularly, as the business environment is evolving at such a fast pace and companies are increasingly becoming more global in terms of where they operate and their workforce.
Cindy: What has been the experience working at a global firm, both for you and your family? What have been the benefits? Challenges?
Chris: In one word, amazing! I’ve worked on multiple continents and regions of the US either for a week, months, or several years—and on engagements with companies in several industries. Each has been a learning and rewarding experience. My family and I are constantly developing our global acumen and have learned to appreciate the diversity of perspective of everyone we interact with both personally and in a professional setting. I truly believe that such diverse perspective is a great attribute for an accounting and auditing professional to possess in today’s business environment. Of course, the challenge is the actual move itself and anxiety and excitement that comes with exploring the unknown.
Cindy: What advice would you give to a young CPA or someone interested in a career in a global profession like public company auditing?
Chris: The accounting and auditing profession is at an inflection point, and the role of the CPA as a trusted advisor supporting the confidence and integrity of information in our financial markets has never been more critical. The profession offers great opportunities both domestically and globally. Be curious and open to new experiences. You never know where they might take you!
A securities lawyer, Cindy Fornelli has served as the Executive Director of the Center for Audit Quality since its establishment in 2007.
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6 年Many more accolades to come!super proud of you
Attended Delhi Public School, Ranchi
6 年Nice si
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6 年Very nice article on insights and advice of global CPA!