Point Park Accounting Alumna Travels the World as Risk Manager for Schneider Downs Monday, November 28, 2016
Meet Rosemary Mazzeo (Coombs)
Job title: Manager, Risk Advisory Services
Employer: Schneider Downs
Degree earned: Bachelor of Science in Accounting with minors in Business Management and Information Technology
Graduated: Spring 2010
College activities: Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Becker CPA Review Campus Representative, Student Accounting Association
Scholarship from Point Park: Academic scholarship
Awards and honors: Graduated Magna Cum Laude, Dean's List every semester, recipient of the Living the Point Park Mission Award for Academic Excellence and recipient of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs Outstanding Senior Award
Hometown: Green Tree (Pittsburgh), Pa.
High school: Keystone Oaks High School
Now living in: Canonsburg, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: President of the Institute of Internal Auditor Pittsburgh Chapter, soccer, camping, running and volunteering at local animal rescues and the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department
LinkedIn: Rosemary Coombs Mazzeo
-- Jim Yard, Shareholder, Schneider Downs
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"With the small class sizes at Point Park, I was able to build close relationships with all of my professors. The faculty had a vested interest in my success, both inside and outside of the classroom."
-- Rosemary Mazzeo (Coombs)
Check out Rosemary's Point Park alumni profile from 2011, when she began working for Schneider Downs as an internal auditor.
Tell us about your recent promotion to manager at Schneider Downs.
Hard work pays off!
How did Point Park prepare to you become a certified public accountant?
As an accounting major, I was involved with the Student Accounting Association throughout my time at Point Park. I was president of the Association my senior year and was awarded the Becker CPA Exam scholarship - and received a FREE Becker CPA Exam review course. This review course was instrumental in obtaining my CPA license.
With the small class sizes at Point Park, I was able to build close relationships with all of my professors. The faculty had a vested interest in my success, both inside and outside of the classroom, and always made time to discuss job opportunities, internships and their experience in the industry.
Tell us about the work you do as a manager of risk advisory services.
I plan, manage and execute internal audit engagements for local and multinational companies. I have had the opportunity to travel the world. I have been to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia; Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; New Castle, London, York and Sheffield in the United Kingdom; and Scotland.
Some projects I have worked on include Sarbanes Oxley 404 readiness assessments and management testing, SSAE 16/SOC reports and various audits including regulatory, operational, data analytics and process improvement reviews.
During my tenure at Schneider Downs, I have worked across multiple industries such as manufacturing, retail, logistics, higher education, construction and investment banking.
One of my favorite parts the job is training internal audit staff. It is rewarding to provide guidance and teach new colleagues about the internal audit profession and our firm. I enjoy watching as they develop as professionals in this fast-paced industry.
What were the advantages of going to college in Downtown Pittsburgh?
The urban campus location, strong culture and diversity of the student body.
You've reached your career goal of becoming a CPA since we last profiled you. What are your current goals?
I would like to continue my education by obtaining additional certifications to help strengthen my knowledge of the industry.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Get involved!! It will help you build a network! It's great to have friends in (and outside) of the accounting profession. You never know what type of audit request might come across your desk.
Photo by Olivia Ruk, a senior mass communication major