2014 Accounting Alumna Investigates IRS Fraud as Auditor for U.S. Treasury Inspector General Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Meet Paige Krivda
Job title: Auditor
Employer: U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
Degree earned: B.S. in Accounting with a minor in Broadcast Journalism
Graduated: December 2014
College activities: Honors Program, Student Accounting Association, accounting tutor and investigative reporter for Point Park Innocence Institute
Internships: Accounting intern for Goodwill Southwestern Pennsylvania and accounting and finance administrator for SnapRetail
Hometown: Elizabeth, Pa.
High school: Elizabeth Forward High School
Now living in: Baltimore, Md./Washington, D.C.
Hobbies/interests: Forensic accounting, law and kayaking
LinkedIn: Paige Krivda
How has Point Park prepared you for your current position?
I landed this position based on my strong background in accounting and communications gained through my studies at Point Park University. Specifically, the Treasury was impressed with my understanding of forensic accounting and my effective writing skills. I felt completely prepared for a career in this field because of my hands-on experience in investigative reporting for the Point Park University Innocence Institute as well as my accounting internships at Goodwill and SnapRetail.
What are your key job responsibilities?
I conduct audits and issue reports that provide independent oversight of IRS activities focused on the prevention and detections of fraud, waste and abuse within the IRS.
Why did you choose Point Park to study accounting?
I originally chose Point Park because of their outstanding journalism program, but ultimately chose to major in accounting and minor in journalism. The professors I had in both departments were exceptional and I felt fully prepared to work in either profession after graduation. In the end, I found a job that allowed me to utilize my skills in both areas and graduated with enough credits to be eligible to become a certified public accountant.
Who influenced you during your time at Point Park?
I had two professors who had a significant positive impact on my career during my time at Point Park. Professor Bill Moushey helped me to establish valuable skills in investigative research, interviewing and writing that are applicable to my audit reports. These reports are usually centered on fraud impacting taxpayer dollars and are ultimately read by Congress.
Accounting Professor Richard Neish went above and beyond his call of duty as an adjunct instructor by spending time outside the classroom offering resume and career help to accounting students looking for internships or jobs.
What advice do you have for our accounting students?
Make sure you complete at least one internship before graduation. Be aware of your strengths in areas outside of your major that are applicable to the jobs in which you are applying for positions. Having additional skills will set you apart from other applicants. I encourage participating in the Student Accounting Association to meet other students involved in accounting as well as professors and local professionals who work in the field.
What are your career goals?
My current career goals are to gain more knowledge about tax/accounting fraud working for TIGTA and achieve my C.P.A. My long-term goals include becoming a certified fraud examiner, completing law school and confronting fraud, waste and abuse in America's education system.
More About: Rowland School of Business, Honors Program, accounting, internships, success story, alumni, Elizabeth Forward High School, Student Accounting Association