Alumni Spotlight: Matthew McNeil
Recognizing the importance of a well rounded college curriculum, Matthew McNeil (2016) engaged in EKU's very first banking course. Throughout his accounting studies, he also worked as Internal Auditor and Staff Accountant for Central Bank & Trust Co., the largest privately held bank in Kentucky.
Matt earned his Bachelor’s in Accounting in 2016 with multiple offers from the Big Four accounting firms and ultimately accepted an offer from Crowe Horwath, LLP, the eighth largest accounting firm in the world. He is currently an auditor in their Financial Services Department in Nashville.
In reflecting on his experience with EKU's banking courses he said, “The trends and history we learned about in my banking class at EKU come up often as I work with bank presidents, CFO’s and controllers. I feel as though the class was a catalyst toward my greater interest in the economic issues that my clients grapple with and plan for on a weekly basis."
He continued, "My ability to have stimulating conversations with them about the 2008 credit crisis and other historical crises makes me a respected and memorable colleague in their eyes. Along with the fascinating study of the financial crises, we were able to go on site to a bank as well as a private consulting firm that helps banks prepare for regulatory and compliance issues. Given the chance to learn first-hand from industry leaders and having the opportunity to ask questions with their undivided attention added a very real element to the class’s value.”
Matt firmly believes that interested students should take an industry focus as it will aid them in specialization as they move forward in their careers.
In the nearly two years since graduation, Matt has married the love of his life, Laura, and built a home in the Nashville area. He looks forward to being able to give back to EKU as a successful alum and would love the opportunity to speak with and offer advice to current EKU students interested in a similar path.
Published on August 09, 2017