Accounting Alumnus Steven Fisher '21 Lands Auditor Role at S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. Alumni Profile
Meet Steven Fisher '21
- Job Title & Employer
- Associate External Auditor, Assurance Group, S.R. Snodgrass, P.C.
- Major/Program
- Accounting
- Scholarships
- Presidential Transfer Scholarship
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School
- Baldwin High School
- Now Living In
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
Going for long walks, spending time with friends and train watching
"Steven began his employment with our firm right at the beginning of the dreaded 'busy season' of public accounting. He was able to step right in and immediately be a contributor to the audit engagements he was assigned."
"The experienced professionals in the accounting program taught me all the skills I needed to succeed at being an auditor today. With Point Park's small class sizes, the professors are able to talk to you one-on-one if you need additional clarification of any topics. The knowledgeable faculty define the excellence of the Rowland School of Business."
How did you land your role at S.R. Snodgrass?
After completing my summer 2021 internship with Partner4Work Pittsburgh, the not-for-profit workforce development board for Allegheny County, I sought assistance from Point Park University’s Pathways to Professional Careers Program and program coordinator Michael Clarke to prepare for future opportunities within the accounting industry.
Last fall, Clarke and the rest of the staff in the Professional Career-Readiness Center encouraged me to participate in the Rowland School of Business Virtual Job Fair on Handshake to meet with several financial companies, such as First Commonwealth and First National Bank. S.R. Snodgrass was the last company I talked to at the event. Their human resources manager, Lenore Seifer, mentioned the firm had a not-for-profit division specific to offering external auditing services to nonprofit clients who need their financial operations examined. By the end of the day, I applied for the position. For my interview, I leaned on the tips I learned from the staff in the Professional Career-Readiness Center, and I was hired. I really enjoyed the work I did with Partner4Work Pittsburgh, so it was really exciting to land a job doing very similar work.
What does your job entail, and what do you enjoy about it?
On a basic level, I read, question and comprehend nonprofits’ financial statements and numbers and determine if their functions and goals are heading in the right direction and align with what they describe in their articles of incorporation. We use statistical tests and interviews to gain knowledge and test numbers to make sure everything lines up to begin establishing the audited financial statements and tax forms. I work in both the auditing and tax departments putting together financial statements for nonprofits.
How did Point Park and your internship experience prepare you for career success?
As president of Point Park's Student Accounting Association, I was able to learn how to prepare for the CPA exam, connect with other accountants and auditors in Pittsburgh and teach other students why accounting is such a strong industry to go into after college. During my internship with Partner4Work Pittsburgh, I analyzed activity for grants and tracked the balances to make sure money was being used properly for specific, restricted purposes. I gained knowledge in basic accounting and auditing principles for for-profit, governmental and nonprofit entities, resulting in a diverse skill set that sets me apart from most auditors.
Were there any specific faculty members who had a positive impact on your experience?
Rowland School of Business faculty Amy Cesario, Jayne Olshanski, Margaret Gilfillan, Richard Neish, Elaine Luther and Patrick Mulvihill, as well as Dean Stephen Tanzilli, helped me establish my career by providing the skills and knowledge needed to grow my horizons in the accounting industry. Point Park staff member Amanda Avampato helped me learn to practice self-care and effectively manage my disability in the workplace. I thank these individuals every day I wake up and start a new day at S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. Because of the faculty and staff that make the Point Park accounting community so strong, students leave the accounting program prepared to enter the field.
Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?
The experienced professionals in the accounting program taught me all the skills I needed to succeed at being an auditor today. With Point Park's small class sizes, the professors are able to talk to you one-on-one if you need clarification of any topics. The knowledgeable faculty define the excellence of the Rowland School of Business.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As a person who has a disability, one of my favorite quotes is, “Make your disability become your greatest ability.” Never let your disability hold you down from achieving greater opportunities. In the future, I look forward to completing my CPA certification in five years by completing the MBA program at Point Park, as well as studying hard with the S.R. Snodgrass team to help me grow continuously in the ever-changing environment of public accounting.