There are so many directions you can go with an accounting degree, including being an entrepreneur!
To showcase this accounting career path, we recently hosted a virtual “Entrepreneurial Avenues in Accounting” event featuring 6 entrepreneurs in our Accounting Roadrunner Community. Our panelists talked about their own entrepreneurial journeys, specifically the why, how, when, what, and where of becoming an entrepreneur.
Below you can view a recording of the speaker portion of this event featuring all 6 of our speakers:
Best piece of advice for accounting students considering an entrepreneurial path:
Speaker Profiles:
Amy Cardillo, CPA
Amy Cardillo is a Colorado CPA and small business owner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Colorado State University in 1993 and her Master of Science in Finance from the University of Colorado at Denver in 2000. She completed her Masters of Professional Accountancy from MSU Denver in 2015. Mrs. Cardillo and her husband own a forensic consulting firm that specializes in building envelope failure. Additionally, Mrs. Cardillo provides tax preparation and accounting services for small business clients.
Jo Erven, CPA, CIA, CFE, CTQA
Amanda “Jo” Erven is a Colorado CPA, a CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), a CFE (Certificate Fraud Examiner), and an entrepreneur – owning her own consulting and training firm, Audit. Consulting. Education. LLC. Jo received her Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Georgia in 2004. She has authored three books, including one on Internal Audit, one on Personal Development, and the most recent one on Ethics. Jo has trained hundreds of clients and thousands of IIA and ACFE members on these three topics.
Lance Grothe, CPA/PFS, CFP
Lance is a self-employed CPA offering tax, accounting, and financial services to families and businesses. Grothe Financial Services P.C. is a team of four individuals that work together to provide these services. The work is interesting, very relational, and requires continual learning. The team has a strong sense of being a part of our community and they like that.
Cristina Kliesen
Cristina is a dedicated finance professional with extensive experience in the mining and energy sectors, progressing from accountant roles to corporate controller positions. After earning her Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) in 2021, she honed her expertise in full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, and implementing streamlined processes that drive efficiency and compliance. Now, as a fractional controller working on her own, Cristina specializes in delivering tailored financial solutions to energy-focused companies at all stages of growth. Fluent in English and Spanish, she thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments and is passionate about providing strategic insights that support business success.
Luis Paredes, CPA
Luis Paredes graduated from MSU Denver in December 2018 and started his career in public accounting in 2019. After gaining experience at several firms, Luis became the controller for a large construction business. Pursuing a growing passion for tax preparation, he began offering tax services on the side, specializing in construction and real estate. In July 2024, Luis acquired an existing accounting firm, which is now Paredes & Huffman CPAs, serving clients from a wide range of industries with comprehensive tax and accounting services.
Robert Persichitte, CPA/PFS, CFE, CFP
Robert Persichitte, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CFE has guided business leaders and individuals with financial and investment decisions for over a decade. He is an accountant using award-winning analytics to make sound decisions. He helps individuals and businesses avoid rip-offs, mistakes, and taxes.