The Freedom to Create Meaningful Change | Why I Joined Ampla

Before joining Ampla

Before joining Ampla, I worked at a large firm in the financial services audit practice. As a highly goal-orientated workhorse, I genuinely thrived in the public audit environment and enjoyed working with my peers. I started out as an audit associate, and by my second season, I was managing staff and tackling complex accounting topics.

While working my way up the ladder at my company, I was also working towards finishing my education. With the support of my firm, I was able to pass all of my CPA exams and obtain a Master's degree in Accounting and Data Analytics, and build a knowledge base that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I was truly excited for my future at this company.

Re-evaluation

By my third busy season, I was in-charging a public audit and had the opportunity to work with and learn from so many talented valuation, taxation, and information technology professionals. I had always felt I would work my way up to making partner. However, following every audit’s annual crowning achievement, the issuance of the 10K, I took a deep breath and realized that I should consider reevaluating my next career move.

Understanding my goals and professional desires

Though I will always be the first person to say empathically, “yes, public accounting is always a great place to start,” I found myself searching for more. In public accounting, the function of the auditor is to review and test financial information to ensure it is fairly stated and presented for the use of stakeholders and market participants (the keywords being review and test). Accounting firms are constantly evolving with respect to technology to drive innovation and efficiencies in the audit practice.

However, these innovations take time. There are many hurdles to applying efficiencies and innovation to an audit engagement because, at the end of the day, the subject is the client’s financial data, which can create limitations. As I learned more about our clients, their financials, revenue streams, and IT environment, I became more and more interested in the way they operated, as opposed to testing for existence, completeness, or accuracy of financial results.

Auditing provides a fantastic environment to learn about business. However, as an outsider looking in, I always found myself contemplating how organizations could improve the structure or organization of financial processes and data. I not only wanted to innovate, but also take action within an organization to bring more meaningful change.

Opportunity to join Ampla

When I was presented the opportunity to work for Ampla, I was given the chance to join a company full of innovators striving to create and run a unique, nimble, and exciting business. Joining Ampla would provide me the flexibility and autonomy to make the change and impact I had been craving, so it was the clear choice for my next career move.

My career at Ampla

At Ampla, I am no longer an outsider looking in. I am effecting change, implementing policy, managing financial data, and advising on operational efficiencies. As the second member of the accounting and finance team, my responsibilities have challenged me to grow tremendously. I have been able to tap into my full range of knowledge and skill set daily to focus my efforts on creating an effective and efficient foundation for financial reporting and internal controls.

Leadership has always been accessible and willing to listen to my ideas and adapt to change. Within my first month, I was able to lead policy implementation discussions and planning. Currently,  I am working closely with and learning from members of the product, engineering, and credit teams to create a revenue sub-ledger inclusive of cash reconciliation to reduce time spent on month-end close.

I am incredibly proud to be part of such an exciting and dynamic team where I feel heard, supported, and empowered. Ampla was the right choice for my career progression and professional fulfillment, and I am grateful for my decision to join every day I walk into work!

Ampla is growing! If you want to work alongside Kate, please apply here!