MSA Graduate Discusses Most Preferred Skillsets in Accounting

Steve Crowe, tax partner at Deloitte Tax LLP in Chicago, knows what to look for when recruiting students from Mendoza’s Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program. He looks for the same qualities he developed in the program that have helped him become a leader. 

Originally from Western New York, Crowe leveraged his diving experience from high school, along with his academics, to come to Notre Dame. After completing his B.S. in Accountancy in 2008, he stayed to earn his MSA the following year. He said his fifth year at ND allowed him to mature and gain an edge in his career. 

“It was a safe space to be vulnerable and ‘get uncomfortable’ to focus on what would help me succeed in the future,” he said. “I had access to electives, people from other schools, and MBA candidates that all helped mold me into a more seasoned candidate to enter the workforce.” 

Crowe said he gained skills beyond accounting that made him more well-rounded, including public speaking. “I learned the ability to story-tell, communicate concisely, and speak in front of an audience — skills that continue to pay dividends and allow me to advocate for my teams and Deloitte as well as effectively communicate with clients.” 

These skills allowed a smooth transition into Deloitte, letting him focus more on his career and forging lifelong relationships. 

The MSA program continues to educate students on current events, trends in accounting, and the ability to form perspectives, he said. In addition, the curriculum keeps evolving to help candidates meet the ever-changing demands of financial firms. 

While recruiting, Crowe says he focuses on interactions that showcase the, traits that we and other firms look for — strong communication skills, intellectual and emotional intelligence, curiosity, and a desire for deep experiences. 

“The Notre Dame MSA program nurtures those skills,” Crowe says. “It provides students opportunities to grow and become the kind of candidates accounting firms are demanding.” 

Learn more about how Mendoza’s Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program can help build your accounting toolkit.

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte Tax LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of our legal structure. Certain services may not be available to attest to clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.