The Long Island Business News releases an annual list honoring the professionals under the age of 30 making an impact on their industry and their community. We are proud to have audit and assurance manager Cara McQuillan included on this year’s list! Her published profile is below:
As an audit and assurance manager at UHY LLP, Cara McQuillan is an accomplished accounting professional. She graduated from Siena College in 2017 and holds a master’s degree in Accounting as well as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
McQuillan joined the organization as an intern and transitioned into a full-time role upon graduation. Throughout her tenure at UHY, she has successfully engaged with a diverse range of clients and industries. With a primary focus on private company clients, she has also provided valuable services to publicly traded clients.
In addition to her contributions within the audit practice, McQuillan has made significant strides as a member of the transaction service team, lending her expertise to buy and sell-side financial due diligence processes.
She obtained her Certified Public Accountant designation in September 2020, and feels that this accomplishment has significantly contributed to her professional growth. “This achievement has been instrumental in propelling me forward and opening doors to various opportunities in the field of accounting,” she says. “Preparing for the CPA exam demanded immense dedication, discipline and perseverance. It required months of rigorous study, countless late nights and sacrifice of personal time. However, the process instilled in me a deep sense of commitment and strengthened my work ethic.”
McQuillan advocates for hiring young professionals, and believes, “By investing in the growth of young professionals, companies can create a dynamic and thriving workplace that attracts top talent, retains valuable employees and paves the way for a successful future.” To that end, she advises companies to prioritize investing in these employees’ growth, both professionally and personally.
One way to do that, she remarks, is to provide mentorship and guidance from experienced employees, establishing mentorship programs or pairing young professionals with seasoned mentors who can offer valuable insights, help set career goals and provide a supportive network for their professional development.
She also believes in fostering a culture that promotes continuous learning and growth. “Encourage young professionals to explore new ideas, experiment with innovative approaches and share their knowledge with others,” she suggests. “Emphasize the importance of staying updated with industry trends and advancements, and provide platforms for knowledge-sharing, such as regular team meetings, training or internal presentations.”
Positive reinforcement is another great motivator, so McQuillan reminds companies to acknowledge and reward the achievements of young professionals in the workplace. “This can be in the form of promotions, bonuses or public recognition. Celebrating their successes not only motivates and inspires them to excel further, but also demonstrates that their contributions are valued and appreciated.”
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