Stephen Botten
Class of 2020
Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD
Undergraduate University: Randolph-Macon College (VA)
Class Year: 2019
Major/Minor: Accounting
Employer: PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Position: Deals Senior Associate
What prompted you to return to school and earn a MAcc degree?
I knew that I wanted to further my career in accounting and promptly decided to pursue a MAcc degree primarily to satisfy the educational requirements to sit for the CPA licensure exam. I also wanted to dive deeper into complex accounting topics introduced at the undergraduate level. I was confident that the MAcc program would give me more depth and breadth and prepare me well for a career in this field.
Why did you choose the William & Mary MAcc program?
I chose William & Mary for the academic rigor and opportunity to network with proud alumni. W&M is a respected institution among top employers, and I knew that the program would provide a jump-start to my career and a lifelong network.
What were some highlights for you during the MAcc experience?
The Integrated Winter Field Experience (IWFE) was a highlight of my MAcc experience. MAcc students at W&M have the unique opportunity to intern during the busy season and preview working full-time. For me, this meant developing connections early at PwC, which proved immensely helpful during my transition to working life. In addition, the relationships I formed with my MAcc classmates are special and made my time in Williamsburg complete.
How have you applied what you learned in the program to work?
As part of the MAcc curriculum, I participated in "Sprint Week," which introduced data analytics and tools such as Tableau. Since starting with PwC, I've had the opportunity to leverage the knowledge and skills acquired during Sprint Week in a meaningful way. For example, I recently developed a reporting dashboard for a large multinational client, which summarized project status for all subsidiaries and communicated key developments to senior management, including the CFO. The deliverable ultimately led to the client identifying future needs and my team securing additional work.
What value has the MAcc degree had on your professional growth?
My time in Williamsburg prepared me for working at the Big Four and navigating complex accounting topics which are top of mind for clients. In addition, the numerous relationships and mentors I gained in the program have been invaluable to my transition to professional life and identifying opportunities for future growth. It made an impactful difference in my life and gave me an enviable foundation to build upon.
