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Allison, SOX Specialist at Stripe: Advize Career Interview
A University of Arizona accounting graduate's journey from Ernst & Young and Deloitte to a SOX Specialist role at Stripe reveals a dynamic career path.
The interview details a day-to-day focus on identifying and mitigating accounting risks, emphasizing meticulous documentation and collaboration. Essential skills include problem-solving, data analysis, and effective communication.
The work offers rewarding teamwork, a deep understanding of financial processes, and the excitement of working in a constantly evolving FinTech environment.
Challenges include thorough fact-finding and navigating ambiguity, yet proactive problem-solving and authentic self-expression are highlighted as keys to success.
Aspiring professionals can explore entry-level positions in public accounting or industry roles, with networking crucial for discovering the ideal path.
The interview concludes with a strong recommendation to speak up early when facing problems and to thoroughly research career options.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Allison Minarcik
SOX Specialist
Stripe
University of Arizona, 2016
University of Arizona Masters of Accounting, 2017
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Accounting
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
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Career Path Of A SOX Manager At Stripe
Allison's career path began with an accounting major at the University of Arizona, fueled by a passion discovered through the accounting club and solidified by a master's degree. After an internship at Ernst & Young and passing the CPA exams, a six-year stint in public accounting at Ernst & Young and Deloitte led to their current role as a SOX manager at Stripe, a transition reflecting "a desire to specialize in SOX," a field focused on internal financial controls.
Main Responsibilities of a SOX Specialist at Stripe
Allison's main responsibilities as a SOX Specialist at Stripe involve identifying "accounting risks"—or "what could go wrong"—within the company's processes. This includes assessing existing internal controls, implementing new controls where necessary, testing their effectiveness, and reporting findings to upper management and the board of directors to ensure the company's internal control environment functions effectively.
A Day In The Life Of A SOX Manager At Stripe
A SOX manager's day at Stripe involves a hybrid work model, beginning with checking emails and Slack messages before collaborating with colleagues to identify risks and document controls; the role heavily emphasizes documentation— "if we don't document it, it didn't happen"—and working with both internal teams and external auditors to ensure compliance, with hours varying depending on deadlines and audit schedules.
Most Important Skills for a SOX Specialist at Stripe
For a SOX Specialist role, strong problem-solving skills combined with a meticulous approach to "diving into the details and fact-finding" are crucial. Data analysis skills, particularly using Excel to interpret, "read that data, share that data," are also essential for effectively communicating findings to various audiences.
Favorite Parts of Being a SOX Specialist at Stripe
Allison, a SOX Specialist at Stripe, finds the most rewarding aspects of her role to be "the people aspect," collaborative problem-solving, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of "how items or how do transactions make it to the financial statements." This process-oriented approach within the accounting function, combined with teamwork, fuels Allison's career enthusiasm.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a SOX Specialist at Stripe
Allison, a SOX Specialist at Stripe, identifies "fact finding" as the biggest challenge in her role, citing difficulty in locating the correct contact or information needed and subsequently translating it into accounting terminology. This highlights the importance of effective communication and information retrieval within a complex financial environment.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The FinTech Industry As A SOX Specialist
Allison, a SOX Specialist at Stripe, enjoys the dynamic nature of the accounting industry, noting that "new standards are coming out," requiring continuous adaptation. This is further enhanced by working in the innovative FinTech sector, where the "changing and growing" environment provides constant excitement.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Fintech Industry, According To A SOX Specialist At Stripe
To thrive in the industry, a SOX Specialist at Stripe needs to be a "self-motivator" and a "problem solver," actively developing their skills and knowledge through curiosity. These qualities are essential for success in the field.
What A SOX Specialist At Stripe Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Accounting
Allison, a SOX Specialist at Stripe, reflects on the unexpected ambiguity in the role, stating that "it's not always black and white," unlike the clear-cut nature of accounting principles learned in school. This highlights the frequent need for judgment and decision-making within a "gray area" of optionality, a crucial lesson for aspiring professionals in this field.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring SOX Specialists
For undergraduate students interested in accounting, Allison, a SOX Specialist at Stripe, suggests two main entry-level paths: "public accounting," encompassing audit, tax, or advisory staff roles, which involves "client service," or going directly "to industry" with positions like accounts receivable, accounts payable, or general ledger staff. These options provide a foundation for further career development in accounting.
Significant Career Lesson From A SOX Specialist At Stripe
Allison, a SOX Specialist at Stripe, emphasizes the importance of proactively addressing problems, advising that "speak[ing] up sooner" prevents issues from escalating. This allows for earlier resolution of "bad news or potential bad news," a crucial lesson learned throughout their career.
College Experiences That Helped a SOX Specialist at Stripe Succeed
Allison, a SOX Specialist at Stripe, emphasizes the importance of networking during undergraduate studies to discover a suitable career path, stating that "finding out the right career path really hinges on networking." The process involves "asking the right questions," such as "what is a day in the life look like?" to realistically weigh the positives and negatives of different career options.
How Identity Has Influenced a SOX Specialist at Stripe's Career
Navigating a male-dominated field like accounting, the SOX Specialist at Stripe found success by "really be[ing] authentic self" and being direct, combining this authenticity with thorough research and a willingness to share opinions. This approach helped build confidence and knowledge within their career.
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