About Zerek
Previous University: UMass Boston
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's in Business Administration
Q: Tell us about your background.
A: I've always been drawn to accounting, which is why I chose to study business administration with an accounting concentration in undergrad. While I was in school, I interned with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where I got my first real hands-on experience in the field.
Right now, I'm a Tax and Audit Intern at Miller Wachman LLP in Boston. I've worked on audits for 401(k) plans, non-profits, and corporations, completed reviews for partnerships and trusts, and prepared tax returns for individuals, non-profits, partnerships, trusts, and both S-Corps and C-Corps.
As I work toward becoming a CPA, I realized that an accelerated master's program is the most efficient way to deepen my knowledge and get a strong start in my career.
Q: Why did you choose D'Amore-McKim?
A: When I started planning my next steps, I knew passing the CPA exam would be critical for my career. I wanted a program that would not only prepare me for the exam but also help me build the advanced accounting skills I needed to succeed.
D'Amore-McKim stood out right away. The MS in Accounting seven-month timeline means that I'll graduate in December, right before accounting's busy season. On top of that, the program offers exceptional faculty, an ideal Boston location, and strong industry connections making D'Amore-McKim the perfect place to launch my career.
Q: How has the accounting community supported you?
A: I've been really lucky to have such strong support from the accounting community throughout my journey. In undergrad, I received a scholarship from MassCPAs, and for my master's, Deloitte awarded me a full-tuition scholarship.
That support truly lifted a huge financial weight off my shoulders. It allowed me to focus on my classes and my long-term goal of earning my CPA, rather than worrying about how to make everything work. It's given me the space to really build the skills I need for a successful career in accounting.
Q: How have you applied what you've learned in class?
A: One of the rewarding parts of this program has been the ability to immediately apply what I'm learning in class to my work. My coursework has given me a deeper grasp of tax fundamentals and how they apply in practice.
I'm working part-time at Miller Wachman LLP, doing both tax and audit depending on the season. Being in the Tax track has really helped me connect my coursework to my day-to-day work.
I no longer see numbers as entries on a schedule, I now understand the purpose behind them. That shift in perspective has transformed my efficiency and boosted my confidence in my role.
Q: Why did you choose a tax concentration?
A: I was interested in tax early on, but my Business Entity Taxation course confirmed it was the right direction for me. That class went beyond mechanics and helped me understand the reasoning behind key concepts, which made the work feel more meaningful. When you look at individual taxes, you see how they directly affect people, the money coming out of their pockets, and the choices they make.
I've always been fascinated by the political and economic side of taxation, especially the inequities that exist between large corporations and everyday taxpayers. Doing tax work allows me to see these dynamics up close, which makes the work even more meaningful to me.
The Partners & Partnerships course was also influential. It introduced me to the partnership side of taxation and helped me understand the types of clients, transactions, and broader implications involved. Together, these courses provided me with a clearer understanding of the field and solidified my decision to pursue a career in taxation.
Q: What are your career plans after graduation?
A: I will be starting at PwC in January as a tax associate in January. My immediate focus is building my career there while continuing on the CPA path. I have been balancing work and school for years, so I feel confident managing my study habits. I plan to take the first CPA exam before starting at PwC.
D'Amore-McKim's coursework has prepared me well, especially on the tax side, where many topics align directly with the CPA exam and give me a strong foundation as I continue studying.
Q: What advice would you share with future students?
A: Commitment and consistency are key. In an accelerated program, it's easy to fall behind if you are not proactive, especially since many assignments are optional. The more you show up, stay engaged, and put in effort, the more you will get out of the experience. This program moves fast, but if you stay focused and take advantage of every opportunity, it will absolutely pay off.
