Serving up advice for those working towards a career as a CPA.
June 2023
Gentiana Shabani, CPA
Internal Auditor
KyCPA member
What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite thing about my job is the ability to get to learn just about every aspect of the business. Being an internal auditor allows you to learn about all the different areas of the business and how they work together to achieve desired outcomes.
What is your job like on a day-to-day basis?
My day-to-day changes depending on the time of year. Currently our whole team is working to update our understanding of different key controls we have identified and how they are implemented. The other half of the year will be focused on actually testing those controls to make sure they are operating effectively. I also have audit projects and quarterly requirements I’m assigned throughout the year that take up a lot of my time.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a CPA?
Don’t wait too long to start studying. I knocked it out as soon as I graduated college. I couldn’t imagine trying to get back into the study mindset now that I’m 5 years out of college. It will also provide you with many career opportunities so might as well get it out of the way while you’re still use to studying.
What was your educational path?
I started college straight out of high school. I received my bachelors and masters degree in accounting from Western Kentucky University. They offer an accelerated masters program that allows you to graduate with both within 5 years. This gave me the 150 hours needed to sit for the CPA exam.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I came to the United States in 1999 as a refugee from Kosovo and the majority of my family still lives there. I love to visit as often as I can.