{"id":515651,"date":"2026-05-04T16:43:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T20:43:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/?p=515651"},"modified":"2026-05-04T16:45:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T20:45:13","slug":"redefining-accounting-careers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/redefining-accounting-careers\/","title":{"rendered":"Redefining Accounting Careers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

From FBI Aspirations to CFO of SAS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Matt Parson (MAC \u201898)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When Matt Parson started studying accounting, his sights weren\u2019t set on the corporate world<\/strong> \u2013 they were on the FBI. \u201cThey told me the best ways to get in were either with an accounting or law degree,\u201d he says. \u201cAccounting because they deal with so much white-collar crime.\u201d While his career ultimately took a different direction, the choice clicked. Parson found himself drawn to the profession, setting his sights on earning his CPA license and launching a career with the \u201cBig Four\u201d (the four largest professional services networks in the world: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and KPMG). To reach those goals, he knew a MAC degree was essential.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cThey told me the best ways to get in were either with an accounting or law degree.\u201d <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

NC State was a natural fit. Already completing his undergraduate degree there, Parson valued the faculty, high CPA exam success rates and strong ties to Big Four firms in Raleigh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Parson is in his newest role: chief financial officer at SAS. The position is both exciting and humbling. \u201cSAS has NC State roots and has been a pillar of the community,\u201d he says. \u201cData and analytics have never been more important \u2013 especially with the explosion of AI \u2013 and there\u2019s massive opportunity for SAS to lead and grow in this space.\u201d He\u2019s already seen firsthand the company\u2019s global impact, including a recent visit to Singapore where a client used SAS software to predict flooding and save lives.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cThe program provided many opportunities to meet and network with other students, faculty, and professionals, which is as important as the work you do throughout your career.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Looking back, Parson credits the Jenkins MAC program<\/a> for shaping key career skills: learning how to learn, networking and passing the CPA exam. \u201cThe program provided many opportunities to meet and network with other students, faculty, and professionals, which is as important as the work you do throughout your career.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Five<\/figure>\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cPeople think accounting is boring or only for nerds, but an accounting degree provides such a solid base with which you can do almost anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s also quick to dispel the old stereotypes about accounting. \u201cPeople think accounting is boring or only for nerds,\u201d he says. \u201cBut an accounting degree provides such a solid base with which you can do almost anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultivating Change Through Regenerative Farming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rodney Machokoto (MAC \u201912)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not many people would associate a Master of Accounting degree with a farm<\/strong> in the Arizona desert. Yet for Rodney Machokoto, the Jenkins MAC program was the foundation that allowed him to launch a social enterprise dedicated to transforming food systems, improving community health and advocating for sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Machokoto\u2019s global journey began as a teenager, when he earned a scholarship to finish high school in the United Kingdom. Surrounded by peers from nearly 80 countries, he developed a passion for solving complex global challenges \u2013 particularly those facing Africa. \u201cI could see that traditional aid had its limits,\u201d he recalls. \u201cI wanted to understand how business and finance could be part of a new model for change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That mindset carried him to the United States, where he initially studied financial economics and global studies at Methodist University. There, he discovered a love for accounting. \u201cI realized accounting wasn\u2019t just about numbers \u2013 it was about understanding the backbone of business. If I wanted to lead or create change, I needed that foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cI realized accounting wasn\u2019t just about numbers \u2013 it was about understanding the backbone of business. If I wanted to lead or create change, I needed that foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

His next step was the Jenkins MAC program at NC State, where he found the comprehensive, forward-looking curriculum he had been seeking. \u201cMany master\u2019s programs felt plain vanilla \u2013 just audit or tax. NC State was different. With enterprise risk management and exposure to Fortune 500 companies, I could see myself becoming a top executive. The faculty weren\u2019t just academics \u2013 they were practitioners shaping the field, and they were incredibly accessible. Professors like Mark Beasley, Bonnie Hancock and Kathy Krawczyk were extremely impactful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

“NC State was different. With enterprise risk management and exposure to Fortune 500 companies, I could see myself becoming a top executive.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

After graduating, Machokoto joined EY in Atlanta, where he gained rapid exposure to a wide range of industries and executives. He then pursued a Ph.D. at Arizona State University, focused on community development and social enterprises. Alongside his doctoral work, he and his wife launched a regenerative farm in Phoenix \u2013 starting as a backyard garden and growing into a thriving business supplying produce for food banks, Native American communities and statewide nutrition initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Machokoto\u2019s days are split between academic research and hands-on farming, but the throughline is clear: creating systemic change. His farm partners with city and state programs to improve access to fresh produce, pilot carbon farming techniques and advance food security. He also serves as a voice for farmers at the federal, state and local levels.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n\n
\"Family<\/figure>\n\n\n
\n \n\n
\"Family<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Farm<\/figure>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cAccounting opens doors. Every organization needs it, and it gives you insight into how businesses and systems really work. That foundation has allowed me to pivot, lead and build something that makes an impact.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Through it all, he credits his MAC training for giving him the confidence and versatility to succeed. \u201cAccounting opens doors. Every organization needs it, and it gives you insight into how businesses and systems really work. That foundation has allowed me to pivot, lead and build something that makes an impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using Accounting to Serve Others \u2013 and Chart a New Path<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Molly Robinson (MAC \u201811)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For Molly Robinson, accounting has never been just about debits and credits<\/strong> \u2013 it\u2019s been a way to serve. After starting her career at Ernst & Young, Robinson spent 13 years at Samaritan\u2019s Purse, a global humanitarian organization. As assistant director of insurance and finance programs, she managed corporate insurance and risk management and supported the finances of major initiatives and international affiliate offices. Her work spanned budgeting, reporting, consolidations and presenting financials to leadership \u2013 skills she used to help ensure donor dollars were stewarded effectively and critical relief programs could reach people in need.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cWorking in the nonprofit world let me pair my accounting expertise with something personally meaningful.\u201d <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWorking in the nonprofit world let me pair my accounting expertise with something personally meaningful.\u201d She points to disaster response, medical programs in underserved areas and rapid-deployment relief efforts as some of the most impactful experiences of her tenure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her time at Samaritan\u2019s Purse also gave Robinson a front-row seat to the variety of ways accounting intersects with strategy. Beyond financial reporting, she helped determine insurance coverage gaps, evaluated whether to self-insure or purchase policies, and analyzed financial exposure across programs. \u201cIt broadened my perspective far beyond traditional accounting roles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n \n\n
\"One<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Now Robinson is taking that expertise into the private sector. She recently accepted a position with Lockton Brokers in alternative risk consulting. In her new role, she\u2019ll advise organizations on risk mitigation strategies and captives, blending her deep knowledge of finance and insurance with her passion for problem-solving.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cIt was rigorous, but it prepared me for the CPA exam, opened doors into the Big Four, and taught me perseverance and resilience. Those experiences launched me into everything I\u2019ve done since.\u201d <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Robinson credits the Jenkins MAC program with giving her the foundation and credentials to move confidently between sectors. \u201cIt was rigorous,\u201d she says. \u201cBut it prepared me for the CPA exam, opened doors into the Big Four, and taught me perseverance and resilience. Those experiences launched me into everything I\u2019ve done since.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n

\n

More from Poole Business: Spring 2026<\/h2>\n

At Poole College, we create impact by preparing students for meaningful careers, generating knowledge that informs practice, and engaging with organizations and communities in ways that make a difference.<\/p>\n \n

\n \n \n
\n
\n "Poole\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n

From the Dean: Impact in Action<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

At Poole College, we create impact by preparing students for meaningful careers, generating knowledge that informs practice, and engaging with organizations and communities in ways that make a difference.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t \t \n <\/div>\n\n <\/a>\n\n \n

\n
\n "sculpture\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n

Stats and Strengths: Spring 2026<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

New graduate certificates, a slew of top rankings, and noteworthy awards are among the college’s recent highlights. <\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t \t \n <\/div>\n\n <\/a>\n\n \n

\n
\n "Students\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n

Shining on the Global Stage<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

A team of NC State students earned the college’s first-ever podium finish at an international case competition.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t \t \n <\/div>\n\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n See all in current issue<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n

From FBI Aspirations to CFO of SAS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Matt Parson (MAC \u201898)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When Matt Parson started studying accounting, his sights weren\u2019t set on the corporate world<\/strong> \u2013 they were on the FBI. \u201cThey told me the best ways to get in were either with an accounting or law degree,\u201d he says. \u201cAccounting because they deal with so much white-collar crime.\u201d While his career ultimately took a different direction, the choice clicked. Parson found himself drawn to the profession, setting his sights on earning his CPA license and launching a career with the \u201cBig Four\u201d (the four largest professional services networks in the world: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and KPMG). To reach those goals, he knew a MAC degree was essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

NC State was a natural fit. Already completing his undergraduate degree there, Parson valued the faculty, high CPA exam success rates and strong ties to Big Four firms in Raleigh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Parson is in his newest role: chief financial officer at SAS. The position is both exciting and humbling. \u201cSAS has NC State roots and has been a pillar of the community,\u201d he says. \u201cData and analytics have never been more important \u2013 especially with the explosion of AI \u2013 and there\u2019s massive opportunity for SAS to lead and grow in this space.\u201d He\u2019s already seen firsthand the company\u2019s global impact, including a recent visit to Singapore where a client used SAS software to predict flooding and save lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Looking back, Parson credits the Jenkins MAC program<\/a> for shaping key career skills: learning how to learn, networking and passing the CPA exam. \u201cThe program provided many opportunities to meet and network with other students, faculty, and professionals, which is as important as the work you do throughout your career.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Five<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s also quick to dispel the old stereotypes about accounting. \u201cPeople think accounting is boring or only for nerds,\u201d he says. \u201cBut an accounting degree provides such a solid base with which you can do almost anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultivating Change Through Regenerative Farming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rodney Machokoto (MAC \u201912)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not many people would associate a Master of Accounting degree with a farm<\/strong> in the Arizona desert. Yet for Rodney Machokoto, the Jenkins MAC program was the foundation that allowed him to launch a social enterprise dedicated to transforming food systems, improving community health and advocating for sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Machokoto\u2019s global journey began as a teenager, when he earned a scholarship to finish high school in the United Kingdom. Surrounded by peers from nearly 80 countries, he developed a passion for solving complex global challenges \u2013 particularly those facing Africa. \u201cI could see that traditional aid had its limits,\u201d he recalls. \u201cI wanted to understand how business and finance could be part of a new model for change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That mindset carried him to the United States, where he initially studied financial economics and global studies at Methodist University. There, he discovered a love for accounting. \u201cI realized accounting wasn\u2019t just about numbers \u2013 it was about understanding the backbone of business. If I wanted to lead or create change, I needed that foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

His next step was the Jenkins MAC program at NC State, where he found the comprehensive, forward-looking curriculum he had been seeking. \u201cMany master\u2019s programs felt plain vanilla \u2013 just audit or tax. NC State was different. With enterprise risk management and exposure to Fortune 500 companies, I could see myself becoming a top executive. The faculty weren\u2019t just academics \u2013 they were practitioners shaping the field, and they were incredibly accessible. Professors like Mark Beasley, Bonnie Hancock and Kathy Krawczyk were extremely impactful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

After graduating, Machokoto joined EY in Atlanta, where he gained rapid exposure to a wide range of industries and executives. He then pursued a Ph.D. at Arizona State University, focused on community development and social enterprises. Alongside his doctoral work, he and his wife launched a regenerative farm in Phoenix \u2013 starting as a backyard garden and growing into a thriving business supplying produce for food banks, Native American communities and statewide nutrition initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Machokoto\u2019s days are split between academic research and hands-on farming, but the throughline is clear: creating systemic change. His farm partners with city and state programs to improve access to fresh produce, pilot carbon farming techniques and advance food security. He also serves as a voice for farmers at the federal, state and local levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\"Family<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
\"Family<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Farm<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Through it all, he credits his MAC training for giving him the confidence and versatility to succeed. \u201cAccounting opens doors. Every organization needs it, and it gives you insight into how businesses and systems really work. That foundation has allowed me to pivot, lead and build something that makes an impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using Accounting to Serve Others \u2013 and Chart a New Path<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Molly Robinson (MAC \u201811)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For Molly Robinson, accounting has never been just about debits and credits<\/strong> \u2013 it\u2019s been a way to serve. After starting her career at Ernst & Young, Robinson spent 13 years at Samaritan\u2019s Purse, a global humanitarian organization. As assistant director of insurance and finance programs, she managed corporate insurance and risk management and supported the finances of major initiatives and international affiliate offices. Her work spanned budgeting, reporting, consolidations and presenting financials to leadership \u2013 skills she used to help ensure donor dollars were stewarded effectively and critical relief programs could reach people in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u201cWorking in the nonprofit world let me pair my accounting expertise with something personally meaningful.\u201d She points to disaster response, medical programs in underserved areas and rapid-deployment relief efforts as some of the most impactful experiences of her tenure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her time at Samaritan\u2019s Purse also gave Robinson a front-row seat to the variety of ways accounting intersects with strategy. Beyond financial reporting, she helped determine insurance coverage gaps, evaluated whether to self-insure or purchase policies, and analyzed financial exposure across programs. \u201cIt broadened my perspective far beyond traditional accounting roles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"One<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Now Robinson is taking that expertise into the private sector. She recently accepted a position with Lockton Brokers in alternative risk consulting. In her new role, she\u2019ll advise organizations on risk mitigation strategies and captives, blending her deep knowledge of finance and insurance with her passion for problem-solving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Robinson credits the Jenkins MAC program with giving her the foundation and credentials to move confidently between sectors. \u201cIt was rigorous,\u201d she says. \u201cBut it prepared me for the CPA exam, opened doors into the Big Four, and taught me perseverance and resilience. Those experiences launched me into everything I\u2019ve done since.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jenkins MAC alumni are breaking stereotypes, turning accounting expertise into careers that drive innovation, leadership and social impact.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52483,"featured_media":515656,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"views\/single-immersive.blade.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"Caroline Barnhill","ncst_show_custom_author":true,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/side-by-side-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"custombg_four\",\"caption\":\"Photos of Rodney Machokoto by Deanna Dent \/ Arizona State University\u00a0 \u00a0\",\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"subtitle\":\"Jenkins MAC alumni are breaking stereotypes, turning accounting expertise into careers that drive innovation, leadership and social impact.
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