Jen Martin, a Manager at Maillie, didn’t set her sights on becoming a CPA. But one accounting class in high school, and a well-earned A, changed everything. That early spark led to a rewarding career and helped develop an approachable leadership style that fits right in at Maillie. In this Q&A, Jen opens up about what’s kept her in the field, how her leadership style came to be, and her love of a good ghost story.
Q: What originally drew you into accounting?
A: I took an accounting class in high school, got an A, and thought, “I think this is the career path for me, maybe I’ll stick with this.” I decided to follow what I was good at when I went off to college. I wasn’t cut out for medicine (I’m way too squeamish), and law didn’t appeal to me either. Accounting just felt right, and I can say that it’s worked out very well for me.
Q: And what made you stay in public accounting?
A: Definitely the people. The teams I’ve been a part of have made all the difference. My first job in the field was at a small firm in my hometown where I got to do a bit of everything. I did tax. I did audit. I worked with nonprofits and school districts. I stayed there for eight years and that well-rounded experience along with the people I worked with really shaped me right from the start.
Q: If you weren’t working in accounting, what do you think you’d be doing?
A: My husband and I are really into fitness. We’ve both been going to the gym for years. If I had taken a different path, I could absolutely see us opening a gym or working as trainers. Helping people with their fitness goals sounds really rewarding.
Q: What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
A: It wasn’t a piece of advice exactly. It was watching my former boss lead by example. He really cared about his clients and his employees. He was the best teacher and showed me the value of great client service and of truly being there for your team. I try to carry that forward in how I lead today.
Q: Has your definition of leadership changed over the years?
A: Definitely. At smaller firms, I mostly focused on doing the work myself. But at Maillie, I’ve realized how important it is to train others and pass on that knowledge. I am part of Maillie’s mentor program where I can spend a lot of time mentoring new staff. As a manager, I also spend much of my time reviewing staffs’ work and explaining not just the what, but the why behind what we do. I want them to understand the bigger picture, not just follow instructions.
Q: How has Maillie supported your professional development?
A: They really prioritize learning. There’s a ton of in-house training here, especially around new tax laws or audit procedures. We stay current on everything and are able to attend conferences across the country. I also appreciate that Maillie encourages the option of specialization for those that want to after a few years in. For me, it’s refreshing after years of being a generalist. Now I can focus on what I love doing the most which is auditing employee benefit plans.
Q: Is there something about you that people might find surprising?
A: I think people might be surprised by how much I love horror movies that are about the supernatural. My daughter and I watch them all the time. We love “The Conjuring” series and have seen them more times than I can count. I don’t do well with spiders (real ones totally freak me out), but ghosts and haunted house stories? I’m all in as long as it’s on screen! I grew up watching them with my sister and grandmother on HBO, then staying up late at night scared out of our minds. I can still hear my grandmother asking us, “Why do you do this to yourself?”
Q: Last question—what’s something people often misunderstand about accounting firms or accountants?
A: People think we’re all serious number crunchers. And while there’s a little truth to that, at Maillie we always have a lot fun. Whether it’s summer picnics, golf outings, or happy hours after deadlines, the culture here is social and supportive. We work hard, but we also laugh a lot and have fun. It’s a great place to be.
