Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
When Amrita Choudhary enrolled at Bentley University for her MBA and Master’s in Financial Analytics, she knew the program’s balanced approach of “world-class teaching and real-world preparation” would be key to her professional success stories.
Her foresight proved prescient. Despite graduating in 2020 amidst economic devastation from the pandemic, Choudhary’s unique educational path set her apart. Over the next year, she landed four coveted job offers. Choudhary credited Bentley for “being instrumental in developing the technical knowledge and leadership abilities that gave me an edge.”
As a graduate ambassador, she also built connections beyond the classroom, forging over 350 relationships with prospective students. “Mentoring people through that journey was the best experience of my career,” she noted. “It helped me enhance my leadership and communication skills.”
Weathering the storm
Before Bentley, Choudhary immigrated to Boston from India in 2016. Her background included nearly a decade in financial management across accounting, advisory, and auditing roles. Upon graduating, she brought this experience, complemented by her strengthened analytical and strategic skills, into a shrinking market.
Unemployment topped a staggering 15% nationwide in the finance industry. “Bentley job support made all the difference,” Choudhary said. “They connected me to professionals across corporate finance, auditor, and advisory functions.” Within months, she joined CVS Health as a senior audit consultant.
Coursework honing data tools like SQL and R gave her a needed edge. Additionally, projects such as a comparative analysis that reimagined individual skills for team goals mirrored her adeptness in organizational change management, preparing her to take on increasing challenges.
Pioneering change
After proudly leading initiatives in CVS Health, Choudhary joined tech startup Wasabi Technologies in early 2022. As its senior accountant, she spearheads lease accounting functions that underpin expanding operations essential for scaling its hot cloud storage model.
“My job requires navigating the intersections of accounting standards, technology, and people management,” said Choudhary. “I gained the confidence to connect and drive change from experiences at Bentley, especially leading teams to accomplish ambitious goals.”
In just months, she innovated automated tracking and accelerated reporting processes to cut month-end closing by 67% – from fifteen days to five. This efficiency bolstered Wasabi’s compliance capability while enhancing planning and risk mitigation amidst hypergrowth – an Eagle Eye Award-worthy contribution.
Giving back by spotlighting accounting heroes
Though her job is demanding, she is committed to empowering the next generation, even founding community outreach programs that provide networking and skill-building opportunities for hundreds of accountants. As a co-founding member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Seattle chapter, she facilitates networking events connecting over 500 finance leaders.
Choudhary has also recently launched a personal passion project called Narratives of Numbers. Its goal is to showcase the essential and often unseen contributions of accountants globally. Choudhary commented, “Behind every successful company are unsung accounting heroes. I want to enlighten people on how numbers-focused folks are moving businesses and our economy forward.”
Choudhary’s own potential ahead remains the brightest – a catalyst for continued change, now undaunted by the toughest circumstances.
