Morgan Perry (MSA ’13) is an Audit Manager at Dixon Hughes Goodman (DHG) in High Point. Before advancing to her current position, she worked as an assurance associate and senior associate following her internship at DHG as an assurance intern while in graduate school.
Perry works with construction clients to provide the best possible service on audits and reviews, and provides support on tax and IT issues. A key part of her job is building relationships and she is often on site, working shoulder to shoulder with her clients. “I typically spend several weeks at the client office to understand what drives their business. No day or week is ever the same because we’re always working on different issues,” Perry explains.
The rigorous coursework at the Bryan School provided a solid foundation for the realities of the accounting profession. “The professors at the Bryan School are really knowledgeable and I’ve realized that the projects we worked on helped me to navigate and research various accounting issues and standards to better serve my clients,” she says. “The group projects in the MSA program were positive. I learned how to work with different personalities. For example, when working on an audit, you have to manage the audit while also motivating everyone to work together. Communication is essential for successful client relationships.”
Perry also worked as a graduate assistant 20 hours a week tutoring students in the accounting program. “You really learn how to manage your time while teaching and helping others with their classes,” Perry says. The relationships with the professors and fellow students helped her get through the heavy coursework. “Everyone was so dedicated. The Bryan School was like a second home,” she adds. “I learned how to find common ground with others during my undergraduate years and later in graduate school. Learning how to network and communicate is so important in a professional, real-world environment,” she emphasizes. She also gained leadership experience while participating in Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Future Finance Professionals. “Being part of these groups helped me to see my strengths and weaknesses and learn how to grow in those areas. We organized many activities, had to go out and make connections, engage in conversation and be willing to get out of our comfort zones.”
Now at DHG, she finds that community service continues to be an important part of her life through the firm’s Life Beyond Numbers initiative. “We’re encouraged to help out in our community. I love what I’m doing at DHG and plan to stay here for as long as possible, maybe eventually become senior manager or partner working with our construction clients. I’m working with top-of-the-line, top-notch professionals at DHG,” she says. “The team here gives you the opportunity to take on new challenges and supports you along the way.”
Perry says, “You may think that life is too busy or you’re going to be overwhelmed, but the truth is you’re not ever going to not be busy. Completing my MSA was the right choice. There are many seasons of life and you just have to find the right balance through drive and dedication.” She is an excellent example of how building relationships with professors, colleagues, and clients upon a solid foundation of knowledge can truly lead to a successful and satisfying career.
