Nina Shen (MSA, ‘14), CPA, is a Tax Manager at Ernst & Young (EY) and a proud alumna of DePaul University’s Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program. With a Bachelor of International Accounting from Soochow University (2012) and her MSA from DePaul, Shen's educational journey is a testament to her commitment to excellence in the accounting field.
As she reflects on her academic journey, Shen says, “The Master’s in Accountancy offers a deep dive into accounting, which is ideal for someone who wants to focus specifically on becoming an expert in this field.”
Read on to discover how Shen leveraged her DePaul MSA degree and adaptability to become a successful tax manager at EY, a global leader recognized for its expertise in audit, tax and consulting.
Why DePaul? A Pathway to Success
For Shen, the decision to attend DePaul was clear. Located in Chicago, DePaul offers students valuable opportunities for internships and networking with leading accounting firms and companies.
She was attracted by the university’s strong relationships with the Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)—which are renowned for their extensive auditing, tax, consulting and advisory services. DePaul’s MSA program stood out as a strategic choice for advancing her career. “Being in Chicago provides opportunities for internships and networking with top accounting firms and companies,” she says. “Many DePaul graduates go on to work at these firms.”
The DePaul Experience: Learning Beyond the Books
Shen’s time in the Master of Accountancy program was extremely transformative. For her, the academic experience offered a rich blend of technical knowledge and practical skills.
Offering a rigorous blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, DePaul’s Master of Accountancy courses focus on career readiness, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific professional aspirations—whether they are entering the field for the first time or looking to advance their careers.
“The learning experience was incredibly valuable,” she shared. “I appreciated the balance between technical coursework and interactive learning, which included case studies, team projects and exposure to industry practices.”
While earning her degree, one of the most impactful moments for Shen came during a group project focused on corporate and partnership taxation. “This project involved analyzing real-world scenarios for tax implications, and it was through this experience that I discovered my passion for corporate and partnership taxation,” she says. “It was the first time I found tax genuinely interesting, and it’s the area I now aim to specialize in for my career.”
Alongside her coursework, Shen truly appreciated the mentorship she received at DePaul.
She says the university's career center became a vital resource for her, offering support through resume services, mock interviews and internship opportunities. This guidance played a crucial role in helping her navigate her career journey.
Navigating the Professional Landscape
The role of a tax manager is characterized by a complex blend of responsibilities that demand both precision and adaptability. Each day presents new challenges, from navigating intricate tax regulations to overseeing the preparation of tax returns. However, the role also offers the excitement of strategic problem-solving and the opportunity to provide significant value to clients.
Tax managers like Shen play a crucial part in helping businesses make informed decisions, while also leading and mentoring a team of professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional service.
As a Tax Manager at EY, Shen’s day-to-day responsibilities involve reviewing and supervising tax work papers and returns, providing high-value tax advice to major clients and managing a team of tax professionals
“I have a lot of support from our team when needed, and my coworkers are very nice and friendly,” she says, highlighting the collaborative environment at EY.
Shen’s role requires a deep understanding of evolving tax laws and regulations. She stays current through a variety of tools and resources, including webinars, in-person training and professional platforms like BNA Portfolio and Westlaw.
Looking to the Future
The future of the accountancy industry excites Shen, particularly with the advent of technology.
“One of the most exciting aspects of the future of the accountancy industry is AI,” she notes. This technology not only streamlines routine, manual tasks but also empowers professionals to focus on strategic and analytical roles that drive greater value for their clients.
With AI handling data analysis, reporting, and compliance checks, accountants can dedicate more time to interpreting insights and providing personalized advisory services. As the industry evolves, this shift will enable accountants to become trusted advisors, leveraging technology to enhance decision-making and foster deeper client relationships.
Shen believes that DePaul’s Master of Accountancy program has equipped her to handle industry changes, including the rise of AI, effectively.
“Through case studies and projects, the program encourages students to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios,” she says. “This approach taught me how to analyze and respond to new challenges, such as changes in tax legislation.”
Advice for Prospective Students
Embarking on a Master’s in Accountancy is a significant step that can shape your career in profound ways.
Those with a Master’s in Accountancy can enjoy more career opportunities, a stronger skill foundation, greater adaptability and increased experience. Additionally, they often have access to advanced roles that require specialized knowledge, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the accounting landscape confidently.
An advanced accountancy degree not only equips graduates with the technical expertise necessary for success, it also fosters critical thinking and strategic decision-making abilities, making them valuable assets to employers in an ever-evolving industry.
Shen offers valuable advice for those considering a Master’s in Accountancy, emphasizing the importance of preparation and engagement.
Here are some key takeaways from her experience:
- Set up career goals: Establish clear objectives for your professional journey.
- Prepare for the program: Be ready for the coursework and the commitment required.
- Learn accounting-related skills: Skills such as Excel query and Power BI can be crucial.
- Engage with faculty and mentors: Building relationships with faculty and peers can enhance your learning experience.
- Utilize career services: Take full advantage of the career center’s resources.
- Pursue CPA exam preparation early: Start preparing for the CPA exam as soon as possible to set yourself up for success.
Chart Your Path to Success Like Nina Shen with DePaul’s Master of Science in Accountancy
Shen’s journey from student to tax manager at Ernst & Young is a testament to the strength of DePaul’s online Master of Science in Accountancy program. From the comprehensive curriculum to the hands-on mentorship and career support, DePaul provided her with the tools to excel in a competitive field. “DePaul helped me build the foundation I needed to succeed, not just in passing the CPA, but in thriving as a professional,” she reflects.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your own accounting career, DePaul’s online MSA program is designed to equip you with the same skills, mentorship and industry connections that helped Shen reach her goals. Whether you aim to pursue a CPA certification, work with a top accounting firm or lead in the ever-evolving world of accountancy, DePaul offers the resources to support your journey.
Start your path to success today with DePaul's online MSA program.