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In the Spotlight: Sarah Heitker, CPA

Meet Sarah Heitker, CPA, audit associate, Harry Potter aficionado, beach bum. Only two years out of college and it’s clear that this Xavier grad is on the path to success.

You’re an audit associate at Grant Thornton. What do you like best about working there?

Grant was one of several firms that I interviewed with, and it came down to the people – who I felt most comfortable with. The thing about auditing is that you have constant interaction with people every day, your co-workers and your clients. So you may as well really like the people you're working with! Not only do I enjoy the people at Grant, but I also value the experience I’m getting. I have been exposed to many different types of businesses and I have learned so much in the past year and half. The experience has built a great foundation for future opportunities.

You recently passed the CPA exam – congratulations! Why was it important to you to get your CPA?

Well, in public accounting having your CPA is pretty essential. It gives you a lot of credibility with your clients. Also, being so young in a professional setting, anything you have to add to your credibility helps.

As a young professional, have you had time for any type of volunteer activities?

Yes, Grant Thornton actually encourages participation in volunteer activities. Each year we set a goal to participate in at least one community activity. I've participated in things like Cincinnati's Paint the Town, Xavier's Accounting Graduates Panel and Dress for Success events.

If you could go back to the beginning of college and give yourself advice, what is one thing you’d tell yourself?

I probably wouldn't stress out so much... everything always got done somehow!

What is one of your best memories of college?

One of my favorite memories is from my sophomore year when Xavier's basketball team went to the Elite Eight (in 2004). A bunch of my friends and I went down to Atlanta for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games. There's a lot of good stories from that weekend – with a dozen college students wandering around Atlanta, you're bound to find some fun!

What was your first job?

Receptionist at a hair salon.

What was the first music concert you ever went to?

I'm kind of embarrassed to admit this, but I'm pretty sure it was either the Backstreet Boys or N'Sync. Yes, I was one of those screaming pre-teens or tweens or whatever they're called now...