Paul Gilroy

Current employer: Bank of America

Position: Corporate Audit Analyst

Favorite Place in Charlotte: NoDa

Hometown: Locust Valley, NY

Undergraduate Education: Union College, B.A. in History

Dream Job: Business Manager/CFO for a secondary school

Alumnus
Master of Accountancy (MACC)
What degree did you pursue and why?

I pursued a Masters in Accountancy, with the goals of learning more about financial reporting and preparing me to pass the CPA exam.

Why did you choose the Belk College of Business over others?

After having completed an MBA at the Belk College of Business, I was already familiar with the accounting program. I knew that the faculty were excellent and extremely committed to helping their students succeed. This program has a very strong alumni presence in Charlotte, which was a tremendous help in networking, and throughout the recruiting process.  In addition, the Center City Building is an amazing facility. It’s right in the heart of uptown Charlotte, so it’s easily accessible and located within walking distance of many attractions and workplaces in Charlotte.

What activities are you involved in when not working/studying?

I currently work for Press Ganey, a healthcare data and consulting firm, but will begin working at Bank of America in June.  When not studying, I am an avid home brewer and enjoy cooking. I also enjoy traveling, and was even able to participate in a trip to Istanbul as part of an elective while completing my course of study.

What was the best part of your academic experience?

The faculty of the program have been the best part of my experience, by far. Coming from a small liberal arts undergraduate college, I was concerned about getting “lost in the crowd” at a larger university, but the faculty go out of their way to give you the assistance and attention you need to succeed. The faculty’s commitment to their students is really unmatched.

How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone considering a master’s program?

The MACC program is demanding, but definitely worth it. You’re able to complete a master’s degree and fulfill the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in less than 16 months, even if you don’t have an undergraduate degree in accounting. This accelerated time frame requires a large time commitment, but this program, and especially its faculty, make sure that you are prepared to succeed both in the classroom and in your professional career.

Learn more about the Master of Accountancy Program.

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