Johnathan Daniel

Vice President, Finance & Corporate Controller

ProAssurance

Birmingham, AL USA

“If you take a step back and observe, bring humility, come with a good heart every day, and come wanting to serve, things just have a way of working themselves out.”

Videos

By Roadtrip Nation

Johnathan Daniel

Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.

My parents divorced when I was seven and my dad gained custody of me—he repaired appliances as a side job, so I often went with him on jobs and learned how to work at a very young age.

I grew up in a small town, so career and mentorship options were very limited.

In high school, I spent my summers working with my dad on service calls for heating, cooling, and refrigeration—I also completed courses at a community college while still in high school.

Shortly after graduating high school, I got my HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) certification.

A man I was working for in my 20s convinced me to go to college for accounting, so I enrolled in the University of Alabama.

I thought I would just get my accounting degree and then go back to HVAC, but I was offered a position at the Big Four firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) after graduating, and decided to take the job.

I left PwC and joined another firm because I wanted to explore consulting and business valuation beyond auditing.

I am currently the vice president and corporate controller of ProAssurance—I also continue to make an effort to keep my HVAC certification current and valid.

Keep following my journey

Education

High School

Associate's Degree
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician
Gadsden State Community College

Bachelor
Accounting
University of Alabama

Certification/License
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certification/License
Certified Valuation Analyst

Career

Vice President, Finance & Corporate Controller

I review and interpret accounting guidance and financial information.

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

Business

Numbers

Working with Others

Day to Day

On most days, my typical responsibilities include coaching and cheering for my team, interfacing with other teams and leaders, and reviewing and interpreting accounting guidance and financial information.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for college students

The best way to pursue a career in accounting is to get a degree in accounting from an AACSB accredited university.

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Parents:

"You shouldn't leave home to go away for school."

My dad was my biggest supporter but he did not want me to leave our small town to go away for college. I believe that if you have a dream, go after it. You should still listen to those you love if they doubt you. Digest their views and reflect on their doubts. Then use those doubts as a way to sharpen and enhance your position. Then, proceed with faith in pursuit of your dreams. Today, my dad is proud of me for having followed my dreams.

Challenges I Overcame

First-Generation College Student

Career Change

Interviewed By

Making it Balance

Paths in accounting and auditing

Johnathan Daniel

Vice President, Finance & Corporate Controller

Videos

Johnathan Daniel

Milestones

Education

Career

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Business

Numbers

Working with Others

Day to Day

Advice for Getting Started

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Parents:

Challenges I Overcame

Interviewed By

Making it Balance

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