Marissa Santacruz
Audit Senior Manager
KPMG
Los Angeles, CA USA
“Hard work pays off.”
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
A high school teacher told me to push myself, apply to a prestigious university, and not to settle for a nearby state school.
Traveled from Wisconsin to attend the University of Southern California and graduated in 2011.
Started my full-time career with KPMG in the Los Angeles Office in August 2011.
Became a KPMG National Audit Instructor - 2015.
Promoted to Audit Manager - 2016.
Became a co-lead for our KPMG LA Chapter Hispanic Latino Business Resource Group (HL BRG) - 2017.
Promoted to Audit Senior Manager - 2018.
Sponsored by KPMG for ALPFA National Conventions and attended the HL BRG Manager Leadership Development Program.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Rufus King International High School
Rufus King International High School
Career
Audit Senior Manager
I provide financial statement audit services to public and private companies.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Numbers
Business
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
My day-to-day can look quite different. As it relates to audit services, I am typically in meetings with my clients or engagement team members, reviewing work papers, researching accounting literature, and providing coaching to staff. I may also be involved with recruiting events, instructing or attending trainings, as well as planning or attending events put on by the KPMG Hispanic Latino Business Resource Group.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Attend as many recruiting events as you can in order to get to know the various public accounting firms. Get your face out there and remember to stay genuine and true to yourself.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"Working in public accounting is a lot of hours and doesn't seem to be worth it. "
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
