Leigh Nali

MS Taxation Class of 1992

Undergrad Bentley University

How did Bentley help you get to where you are today in your career?

Bentley laid the groundwork for my career in public accounting. From the start of my undergraduate studies, the classes allowed me to get background in all aspects of accounting. Through undergrad, my interest in taxation grew and led me to the MST program. Bentley always seems to be a leader and has created a tightknit community in the accounting world. From the time I started at Arthur Andersen to my current job at CBIZ Tofias, I have always been surrounded by Bentley graduates. Many of my mentors have been Bentley graduates and they have taught me to pay it forward. I love going out and interviewing candidates at Bentley and I know that I can count on them to help me grow the firm.

What are the top three skills you gained in your program at Bentley?

• Organization
• Time management
• Teamwork

“I became part of a global network of leading accountants.”

What would you tell someone considering your program at Bentley?

When I finished my undergraduate studies I knew at the time that I wanted to work for a high-profile accounting firm. The best way for me to get into that very competitive world was to have something that many people didn’t have at that time. I decided to continue on for my master’s and after finishing the program I had offers from five firms. It was a great feeling. I think the world is different now and I would (and have) tell someone to invest in yourself and challenge yourself in an area that you enjoy. Don’t just go to graduate school for another degree. Embrace it and get involved and network.