Sofia Volkov is an Accounting and Finance Student, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland

Future Leader highlights future accounting and finance leaders in Maryland as they share their inspirations, challenges, opportunities, and lessons they’ve learned about leadership and our profession along the way.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting?

Originally, I wanted to go into marketing. As an enthusiastic individual, I felt that career would suit my personality best. I didn't know much about accounting beyond the basic stereotypes: that it's mundane and boring. That said, I was doing exceptionally well in my required intro to accounting classes and started questioning my original decision to pursue marketing. Luckily, I was taking personal finance at the time at Anne Arundel Community College, and my professor encouraged me to make the switch to accounting.

I then talked to MACPA member Tim Samuel about my growing interest in accounting, and he guided me toward MACPA's Student Leadership Academy. At that event, I learned even more about the accounting profession and the different paths it has to offer. For example, I became particularly interested in nonprofit accounting, and I met my mentor, Joy Mowbray, who helped me understand the possibilities of accounting for nonprofit clients.

Later, I met GRF Partner Andreas Alexandrou at a separate MACPA event, where I was introduced to GRF CPAs and Advisors, a full-service accounting firm. What interested me most was their specialty in auditing nonprofit clients.