Women’s History Month Q&A With Veronica Garzon

Each Tuesday throughout Women’s History Month, I’m highlighting women CPAs that have inspired me and have made a difference across the profession! 

First up is Veronica Garzon. 

What’s your title at PwC? Manager 

Where are you based? New York, NY 

What’s your favorite way to unwind? Running and long walks with friends

What technology can’t you live without? Easy! TV

What’s your leadership style in three words: Empathetic, Authentic, Resourceful

I LOVE being a CPA, yet enrollment in college accounting majors and the total number of accountants and auditors has decreased over the past several years. I want to help fix that! Tell me, why did you become a CPA?

As a first-gen college grad, I greatly valued job stability and financial security when evaluating career paths. Growing up with my mom who worked as an accountant at a small non-profit for over 30 years, I was able to see how the accounting industry allowed for both - while also providing so many opportunities to learn and grow. I ultimately chose to become a CPA because I knew that the career would equip me with valuable skills and knowledge to succeed both professionally and personally.

What’s one of your most memorable professional moments? Why is it important to you?

One of my most memorable professional moments was when I was a Senior Associate in Banking and Capital Markets (BCM) interested in applying for a two-year, internal firm opportunity and my team fully believed in me and supported me throughout the process. Although the team would be losing me, they still took the extra time and went the extra mile to help prepare me and best position me for the next phase of my career.

What’s the one thing that has surprised you most about the accounting profession that you never would have expected?

The people I’ve met throughout my career have made the profession so much more fun than I ever thought possible. Some of my closest friends today are individuals I’ve shared a lot of time auditing alongside with!

What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?

I would tell 22-year-old me to lean into opportunities that are outside of my comfort zone - I’ve learned and grown the most when challenged to think differently.