Nancy Corrigan (ACC ’77) has built a distinguished career in public accounting defined by leadership, service, and a long-standing commitment to professional excellence. A partner and co-owner of Jeffery, Corrigan & Shaw LLP, Corrigan has spent decades working across public accounting, firm leadership, and professional regulation, while remaining actively engaged with the College of Business Administration at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and the accounting profession, both statewide and nationally.
Corrigan spoke with the College of Business Administration about her career path, how Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ prepared her for success, and her advice for aspiring professionals.
How did you become interested in accounting, and how did studying accounting at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ help you advance your career?
I took a bookkeeping class in high school and continued with accounting courses in community college, during which time I worked part time for a local CPA firm. I then furthered my education at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, earning my degree. I found accounting to be a very rewarding profession, with many options for my future, including working for a CPA firm, working in private industry or later owning my own company with an understanding of the business side of things. I also knew it would provide long-term stability and earning capacity throughout my career.
Studying at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ provided a quality degree, the ability to obtain my CPA license, and well-rounded exposure to the various facets of accounting, auditing, and taxation. I completed accounting practice sets and an internship program that allowed me to experience real-life aspects of the profession while attending Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.
You were appointed to the California Board of Accountancy in 2018 and again in 2022. What did your service on the board involve, and what did you enjoy most about it?
I was appointed by the governor both times after applying and being interviewed for the position. Prior to that, I served on all three advisory committees of the board for more than 15 years, including the Qualifications Committee, which reviews selected licensure applications; the Peer Review Oversight Committee, which reviews the peer review process for CPA firms; and the Enforcement Advisory Committee, which oversees the CBA’s enforcement division to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
As a board member, I served as secretary/treasurer in 2019 and president in 2020 and 2021, and I continue to serve on the board. The mission of the CBA is to protect consumers by ensuring that only qualified individuals and firms are licensed to practice public accountancy, while upholding high professional standards and public trust in the profession. This is accomplished by overseeing licensing, setting standards and promoting consumer awareness about quality accounting services.
I enjoy being involved in decision-making that impacts professional standards and helps maintain a high quality of practice in California. My involvement with the CBA has also allowed me to serve on committees and boards of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, both of which are important standard setters for the profession.
Nancy’s Top 5 Keys to Success in Accounting:
- Join an organization such as a local chapter of Cal Society of CPAs to be more involved even younger in the profession
- Take and pass the CPA exam as soon after graduation as possible, while the knowledge is still fresh
- Aim for the ‘A’ license - so full practice authority is available to you
- Become knowledgeable about the employment opportunities available once a CPA license is achieved.
- Take note of the many areas of specialization available in accounting and auditing, taxation, and consulting once a CPA license is achieved.
What motivated you to give back to Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ through the Accounting Department Advisory Council?
Being part of the Accounting Department Advisory Council provides the opportunity to inform both faculty and members of the profession about standards, regulations, and trends affecting the profession, so they remain current and understand that the CBA is there to assist them, rather than simply serve as a licensing and enforcement body. This also helps future candidates for the profession through faculty and coursework by making them aware of the path to licensure, including education, experience and examination requirements, as well as the opportunities available to them.
“It is important to recognize that hard work pays off through monetary rewards, job security and job satisfaction — along with many career options after achieving a CPA license, which makes you a valuable commodity in the employment marketplace.”
— Nancy J. Corrigan, (ACC ’77) CPA, Partner, Co-Owner Jeffery, Corrigan & Shaw, LLP
Why is participation in professional organizations important for accounting students?
Participation allows professionals to stay current with developments in the field and have a voice in a profession that has a significant impact on the public. It also helps shape you as a professional and greatly increases the value of your resume. I have seen this throughout my own career, and I am honored to provide input that helps maintain the mission of trust and reliability among CPAs and supports the future of the profession.
What has been the most enjoyable part of your career in accounting?
Working with clients and others who rely on CPAs’ services, such as banks, bonding companies and government agencies, has been especially rewarding. Public accounting, and accounting in general, is not only about the numbers; it is about providing service. As CPAs, we rise to challenges and solve problems for our clients, which has been very satisfying for me.
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