Meet Chris Alfieri, diehard Red Sox Fan and former MSPCA Student Member, who met his employer Kevin P. Martin & Associates PC at an MSCPA Career Fair!
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where you grew up? Attended school?
I grew up in Springfield, MA, attended undergrad at Westfield State University and graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s in Accounting.
2. You currently work in audit at Kevin P Martin & Associates PC (KPM) in Braintree. Can you describe your role there and what your job entails?
I work mostly with Real Estate, Non-Profit, and Film Tax Credit clients throughout the year. Specializing in HUD and A-133 audits. In the process of being promoted to Audit Senior, which has given me more opportunities and responsibilities, going well so far!
3. What do you like most about your job & why?
The ability to work across different industries on a variety of engagements from start to finish. KPM is a mid size firm, which allows me to work on the planning to the financial statement prep. It has been a great learning experience and keeps every day interesting. It’s also been a great help studying for the CPA exam, which I plan to take after completing my master’s program.
4. You were a Student Member of the MSPCA. How did your student membership help you prepare for your career?
I became a student member of the MSCPA my sophomore year of college after attending a MSCPA sponsored meet and greet with a local CPA firm at Westfield State. The student membership allowed me access to MSCPA special events geared towards undergrads, CPA review study information/tips, current events through SumNews, and most importantly access to the MSCPA Career Fair, where I met up with my current firm KPM.
5. I also understand while you were a student at Westfield you studied abroad, would you recommend this to current accounting students?
Absolutely. Majoring in Accounting allowed me the flexibility to be able to spend my junior semester in London, England at Westminster University. I was able to take two business related classes and two UK history classes. Learning about the London economy and even doing some accounting with British pounds was a great learning experience and I recommend everyone at least look into the possibility of spending a semester abroad.
6. You are currently enrolled in an interesting Master’s program; can you describe it to us?
I am currently taking classes in the Master of Science in Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship program at Umass-Lowell. The goal of the program is to provide engineers, business majors and scientists with the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation in today’s collaborative, global workforce. My upcoming summer class that starts next week is how to appropriately value and finance technology innovations and new ventures, looking forward to it!
7. What advice would you give current student members for success in their career?
Attend the MSCPA career fair with as many copies of your resume in hand. It only takes one firm to give you the opportunity to show them what you have to offer. Attend as many accounting related info sessions and networking events as possible. It is a great way to gain insight on the industry and hear firsthand what the accounting profession has to offer.
8. Outside of accounting what could we find you up to?
Traveling the USA, visiting friends and exploring new places. My normal week of living in Charlestown includes at least one round of golf and a tennis match.
9. I know you’re a huge Red Sox fan…will they turn it around this season?
Without a doubt the Sox are going to turn it around. They have too much veteran experience and young talent to stay in the basement of the AL East all year. Mookie Betts and Rusney Castillo will be the heroes in the end.
10. Any parting words?
Find the firm that fits best for your interests. I fell into the trap of thinking the Big 4 was the only way to go before meeting up with the MSCPA. After learning more about the industry and speaking to partners and associates from Big 4 to sole practitioners, I found a great firm that fit my skills the best. Any questions about anything give me a shout at CAlfieri@kpm-us.com!
On The CPA Track 