Natalie Kotlyar

Natalie Kotlyar

Partner


BDO USA, LLP

New York, NY USA


Most accountants do not like change, we tend to be very conservative. But, with change comes growth. You have to learn to embrace change and embrace growth as a result. This opens up the door to opportunities.

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By Roadtrip Nation

Natalie Kotlyar

Milestones

My road in life has been direct.
I was born in Ukraine, but immigrated with my family to the U.S. when I was young—ever since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of being a business woman.
In the ninth grade, I took a bookkeeping class that I really enjoyed, and I continued to take similar classes throughout high school.
Attended Queens College, where earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting.
While in college, I was the president of the Accountant Honors Society, which gave me an opening to develop relationships with the recruiters that would visit our campus.
After several interviews, I landed a job at BDO USA as an audit partner.
During my first year, I worked in a variety of industries, but I always had the goal of eventually working in national retail and consumer business.
During my second year, an opening came up and I started working full time in the national retail and consumer business space, which combined my love for accounting and fashion.
I’ve worked for BDO USA for over 24 years and am now a partner, as well as the National Retail & Consumer Business Industry Leader.
Keep following my journey

Education

High School
Bachelor
Accounting
Queens College
Certification/License
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Career

Partner

I am a partner at the fifth largest accounting and consulting firm worldwide.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Fashion
Accomplishing Goals

Day to Day

I specialize in providing assurance services including audits of financial statements and internal controls, business advisory consulting and other attestation services for both public and private companies. I am also the National Retail and Consumer Business industry leader. I have experience in the following industry market segments: licensing, apparel and footwear, skincare / cosmetics, jewelry, and bedding. I have extensive experience working with SEC reporting companies.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for college students

Get involved on campus. Join clubs, societies, and network as much as you can. Those connections will benefit you down the road. Don't blend in, stand out!

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Peers:

"We don't need anymore people on that job so you can't get it."

Challenges I Overcame

Gender Discrimination
First-Generation Immigrant
Working Parent