Rising stars.

• Position: Spotlight on Emerging Professionals - Interview

Young and emerging professionals are making a name for themselves in CalCPA. Recently, Nikolya Serdyuk, CPA/ABV was awarded the first Fresno Chapter YEP of the Year Award for Excellence; the annual statewide YEP Conference presented in conjunction with the Education Foundation grows in popularity every year; and our YEP professional networking website, http://calcpayeps.ning.com, continues to attract members. Spotlighted here are a few standouts.

Nikolya Serdyuk

Firm: Baker, Peterson & Franklin, CPA, LLP

Position: Senior Accountant

Are you a CPA: Yes. Since childhood, but California recognized that only April 14, 2007.

What's the most important thing you've learned so far in your career?

When I meet a person for the first time and they ask me what I do, my response is simple: "I am a CPA." Instantly the person grants me a high level of trust, free of charge. However, I learned that to maintain and solidify that trust is hard work. The CPA community talks a lot about "quality work." It's hard to learn about this term from books, so you have to see it to understand. Through my walk and work with my peer accountants I learned the meaning of "quality work." I am blessed to have people who set the level high and lead by example.

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What surprises have you encountered on your career path?

Through school, I heard that accounting is a profession that sits inside of a box and looks at the world through thick glasses. From the start of my career, every engagement has shattered this stereotype. I was fortunate to become a member of a great team at Baker, Peterson & Franklin and have turned work into a fun process and an interesting quest. Together we have to innovate, think through and create to get the work done. So I am surprised every time someone shares about their experience about accounting and calls it boring.

How has CalCPA helped you along your career path?

Some fish need a pond to learn how to swim and grow up in before launching into deep waters. CalCPA is that pond for me. I enjoy participating in the CalCPA networking events, which provide access to other professionals with many years of valuable experience.

What do you bring that is unique to your job?

Ukrainian sense of humor.

What is essential to you in a job and employer? What do you think other emerging professionals look for in jobs?

I have desires, dreams and goals like all those who were impacted by youth. If you want to hire me, I want to make sure you take...