Finding Community and Purpose: Mariella Bosquez’s Journey in Accounting and TXCPA Houston

For many, the path to a career in accounting is linear – declared as a major early, followed by internships and then a steady progression into the profession. For Mariella Bosquez, a student at the University of Houston and an active member of TXCPA Houston, the journey has been anything but traditional. Her story is one of reinvention, community engagement and a growing passion for the accounting profession. Through her involvement in the Houston chapter, Mariella has found not only professional direction but also a sense of belonging and purpose.

A Nontraditional Start

Mariella’s academic journey began far from the world of debits and credits. She initially graduated with a degree in psychology and Spanish, fields that shaped her worldview but were not directly related to business or accounting. It was only after taking an accounting assistant position at the Houston Museum of Natural Science that she discovered a new passion.

“My trajectory may not be as traditional as other students. But either way, we all kind of find our footing into the accounting industry.”

This realization prompted her to return to school, this time to pursue accounting with the goal of sitting for the CPA Exam. Mariella’s story is a testament to the value of exploring new opportunities, even if it means starting over.

Discovering the Houston Chapter

Mariella’s introduction to TXCPA Houston came through a casual mention by a professor, who noted that student membership was free. Intrigued, she reached out and was quickly welcomed by the chapter’s leadership.

“I reached out to – I think it was Carol, actually. I didn’t know who she was at that point in time, but she gladly put me in contact with some of the other chapter leaders and committee chairs.”

Her first event was an open house, where she was able to meet committee members and learn about the various ways students could get involved. Mariella chose a couple of committees and began attending meetings, quickly realizing that the chapter was more than just a professional organization – it was a supportive community.

Embracing Leadership and Engagement

Despite being a student and relatively new to the field, Mariella did not hesitate to get involved. Her willingness to jump in, take on responsibilities and contribute ideas was quickly noticed by chapter leaders.

“I have a knack for it a little bit. I think I’m a little bit like others in that sense where you see a great group, a great community, and you want to help.”

Mariella credits the approachable and encouraging nature of the chapter’s leaders – people like Carol, Kristie, Nicole, and Mark – for making it easy to participate. She was often handed opportunities to lead or contribute, and she embraced them, seeing each as a chance to grow and make connections in the profession.

“If you want to be part of something, sometimes you do have to just jump right in and see what happens.”

Her active participation has not only helped her develop leadership skills but has also given her a sense of belonging within the accounting community.

Overcoming Challenges as a Nontraditional Student

Transitioning from psychology and Spanish to accounting came with its own set of challenges. Mariella found herself lacking the industry contacts and specialized knowledge that many of her peers had developed during their undergraduate years.

“The contacts and knowledge that I had acquired during my undergrad were specified for a different industry.”

To bridge this gap, she leaned into her involvement with the Houston chapter. The organization provided a platform to meet professionals from all branches of accounting and related business fields, from HR to consulting.

“What I like about TXCPA Houston is that it brings together the entire accounting industry community. It’s not barring anyone from connecting and it even spreads out to people in the business industry who aren’t accountants.”

This inclusive environment helped Mariella overcome feelings of intimidation and isolation, making her transition into the business sector smoother and more enjoyable.

Insights on the Accounting Profession and the Pipeline

As someone who entered accounting from another field, Mariella offers a unique perspective on how the profession can attract and retain talent. She acknowledges the ongoing efforts by organizations like TXCPA to engage younger generations and promote the CPA track, but she also recognizes the challenges in reaching today’s students.

“It’s difficult to come up with strategies to reach younger generations, because they have different priorities and interests.”

Mariella points out that social media and digital platforms play a crucial role in engaging younger audiences. She cites the chapter’s use of Meetup and discussions about launching a TikTok channel as smart moves to meet students where they are.

“Integrating [apps and social media] was actually a very smart method to try and gain some of that traction we’re trying to go for.”

She also emphasizes the importance of exposing students to the variety of career paths within accounting beyond the traditional audit and tax roles. By showcasing the breadth of the profession, organizations can help students see the many opportunities available.

The Value of Community and Diverse Backgrounds

Mariella’s background in psychology and Spanish has not gone to waste. She finds that her skills in understanding people and communicating across cultures are directly applicable to her work in accounting and business. She currently works as an accountant at a private bookkeeping firm, Dette Bookkeeping & More LLC, which specializes in accounting services to small to medium business owners in the greater Houston area.

“It’s directly applicable to the business industry and people that I connect with every day.”

Her journey demonstrates the value of diverse experiences and the importance of welcoming non-traditional students into the profession. The Houston chapter’s inclusive and supportive culture has been instrumental in her success, providing both professional development and a sense of community.

From Newcomer to Leader

Mariella Bosquez’s journey from psychology to accounting, and from newcomer to active chapter member, highlights the power of community, mentorship and open-mindedness in shaping a fulfilling career. Her story is a reminder that the accounting profession thrives when it welcomes diverse backgrounds and adapts to the changing needs of new generations.

Through her involvement in the Houston chapter, Mariella has not only found her place in the profession but is helping to shape its future for others who may follow unconventional paths.

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