Accountants are using their skills outside the office to strengthen their communities. By helping young students build financial confidence, curiosity, and decision-making skills, they show that accounting is more than math. It is a tool for empowerment, independence, and positive change.
Learn more below about the three PwC accountants who brought this mission to life.
👩🏼Name:
Sarah S., CPA
💼Title:
Assurance Manager (⬅️ What does this mean? They make sure a company’s work meets high-quality standards by overseeing the processes that keep everything accurate and reliable.)
📍Location:
Hartford
Ever since her college years at the University of Connecticut, Sarah has been passionate about giving students the tools to understand money and explore future careers. After joining PwC in 2020, she has continued that work by helping to lead financial literacy efforts in the Hartford office.
For years, Sarah has volunteered with an educational organization to introduce future leaders to business fundamentals, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and the many paths within accounting. She enjoys using hands-on activities to demystify accounting — showing students that the profession isn’t just about numbers but about strategy, problem-solving, and meaningful impact.
During her workshops, Sarah creates space for students to share their ideas, ask questions, and connect what they are learning to everyday life. Those conversations often spark confidence, and Sarah hopes that confidence helps students begin to see themselves as leaders.
“Helping students discover that a career in accounting can be creative, strategic, and influential has been one of the most meaningful parts of my volunteer journey,” she reflected. “I hope to show future leaders that their ideas and ambitions can shape the future of business and that they, too, can lead.”
🤵🏽Name:
Gavin M., CPA
💼Title:
Assurance Associate (⬅️ What does this mean? They help make sure a company’s financial information is accurate, trustworthy, and follows the rules.)
📍Location:
San Jose
Gavin brought financial literacy skills to students at San Jose Elementary School through games, team challenges, and guided discussion – including a round of bingo that demonstrated how non-profit community organizations make an impact through donations that they distribute to those in need.
“The students were energetic, curious, and eager to participate. It was rewarding to spend time with them and help make important concepts more approachable,” Gavin said about his experience. "I left feeling confident that they had gained some practical tools to start making thoughtful choices.”
Gavin walked the students through more practical activities that they could relate to, such as teaching them to separate “needs” from “wants” by comparing purchases of groceries to buying toys. These real-life examples reinforced the importance of making good decisions with their money and saving for their futures.
As an accountant working with PwC, Gavin found meaning in sharing practical financial literacy with the young students. “The activities provided them with tools they can use to support themselves, their families, and their dreams,” he went on to say. “I hope to spark confidence and responsibility in these potential future leaders—the kind of individuals who will budget wisely, give back, and make informed choices that strengthen their communities.”
👩🏻Name:
Fenglin L., CPA
💼Title:
Assurance Senior Associate (⬅️ What does this mean? They review and analyze a company’s financial information to make sure it is accurate, trustworthy, and follows required standards.)
📍Location:
San Jose
Fenglin helped make money concepts easy to understand and relatable for 3rd and 4th graders as she explained how credit cards are actually loans, why interest rates reflect borrowing risk, and what precarious borrowing looks like.
“As an auditor, it was energizing to translate accounting ideas into everyday skills. I was proud to help expand access to financial education and spark curiosity in future leaders,” Fenglin shared.
Fenglin volunteered at a local elementary school to lead two sessions, Borrowing Basics and Deciding Where to Live. During the housing session, students jumped into discussions about the pros and cons of renting versus buying. Fenglin recalled how fun it was to see students debate trade-offs like cost, commute, and community—and how confidently they explained that a choice might cost more upfront but save money in the long run.
She found meaning in the experience because it turned “money talk” into moments of discovery. “This experience helped students understand that asking questions and weighing risks can empower informed decision-making,” she reflected. “And it was a great reminder of why I love the accounting profession.”
