Spotlight on CPAs: Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy, CPA-Houston, CA

A CPA’s Journey to Industry Leadership

TXCPA member Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy is an accounting leader with over 15 years of professional experience and a proven track record of delivering complex solutions across diverse industries. Recognized for her expertise in navigating intricate accounting standards, Shilpa focuses on lease accounting, segment reporting, derivatives and hedging, controllership, and digital finance transformations. Her work ensures regulatory compliance while driving operational efficiency. Today's CPA recently had the opportunity to connect with Shilpa to learn more about her career path and what inspired her to pursue the CPA license.

Tell us a little about your background, education and career. Have you always worked in industry accounting?

I’m originally from Bangalore, known as the Silicon Valley of India. During my undergrad, I started to develop a passion for accounting. While I explored different career paths, I ultimately gravitated toward accounting because of the trust and credibility it has, plus the global opportunities it offers. I went on to complete the rigorous Chartered Accountancy from ICAI and Cost and Management Accountancy courses in India, securing an All India rank.

I started my career at Deloitte India in the Audit division, where I built a strong foundation, gaining exposure to end-to-end audit procedures. I later joined Caterpillar India, where I worked on complex accounting topics related to manufacturing entities and financial statement analysis.

Driven by my passion to broaden my global outlook, I pursued my Master's degree in Accountancy from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Proud to be an Aggie! – and CPA to ensure I had the credentials to thrive in a dynamic, international environment.

I then joined Deloitte’s Advisory group in Houston, where I gained extensive experience in technical accounting, system implementations, financial statement carve-outs, and SOX compliance. After five years at Deloitte, I decided to join the technology giant Amazon, where I worked in the global lease accounting team, managing a portfolio of leases for Amazon's rapidly expanding business unit and serving as a lease technical accounting advisor for global lease accounting teams. Having built a strong foundation at Amazon, I was excited to take on a new challenge and joined DoorDash’s accounting team to make a meaningful impact on this rapidly growing company.

I have had the opportunity to work in both public accounting and industry accounting. This diverse experience provided me with a well-rounded skill set and a broad perspective.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible colleagues, mentors and leaders who have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey and supporting my growth. Their guidance has been invaluable and I’m deeply grateful for their influence on my career.

What are some of your key responsibilities as a Senior Manager in Accounting at DoorDash?

DoorDash is a fast-growing company, providing numerous career growth and learning opportunities. I joined in January 2022 as a Senior Manager in Accounting, where I initially led the global lease accounting team and the implementation of lease accounting software.

Later, I transitioned to the international controllership and consolidations team, where I oversee the financial statements for some of DoorDash’s international subsidiaries, including our joint venture with a retail partner in Canada. I focus on critical projects and initiatives, such as implementing consolidation tools, ensuring financial reporting readiness for different lines of business and for potential U.S. GAAP financial statement disclosures.

How does working in industry accounting differ from other areas within the accounting profession?

With over 15 years of experience, as I look back, I have spent an equal amount of time in both public accounting and industry. From my perspective, here’s how the two compare.

Public accounting offers a broad range of opportunities and exposure to complex accounting areas across different industries, new trends and evolving regulations. At Deloitte, I worked with clients in the energy sector, gaining expertise in derivatives and hedge accounting, which are particularly prevalent in that industry. When FASB introduced ASC 842, the new lease accounting standard, I had the opportunity to work on the implementation process for clients.

In public accounting, the focus is on addressing clients’ needs and solving their challenges, which creates continuous opportunities for learning. For instance, while working on implementation of ASC 842 for a major oil and gas company, the client encountered delays in the lease accounting software’s reporting capabilities. As a result, the client needed an alternative solution. This presented me with the opportunity to design and implement custom lease reports for ASC 842 compliance and internal analysis.

In contrast, industry accounting shifts the focus to developing deep knowledge of one organization. The work revolves around supporting internal stakeholders, ensuring regulatory compliance and driving operational efficiencies. While I worked on lease accounting in public accounting, the complexity of the transactions I worked on at Amazon was much more involved.

Working in industry also allows you to take ownership of key initiatives within the company. At DoorDash, I’ve had the opportunity to work on critical projects that directly impact the growth, strategy and operational efficiencies for the company.

In terms of workload, public accounting can be demanding, often requiring long hours during deadlines and urgent client requests. Industry roles typically have peak periods – such as month-end, quarter-end and year-end close – along with project deadlines, which are generally predictable.

Both paths offer valuable learning and growth opportunities, but in different ways. Public accounting provides broad exposure to a variety of industries and clients, while industry offers deeper knowledge and the chance to contribute directly to an organization’s success.

You are actively serving on two committees for TXCPA. Why is being involved in committee service important to you?

I currently serve as an Editorial Board member for Today's CPA magazine and as a member of the TXCPA Awards Committee. Staying engaged with my fellow professionals and contributing to the growth of the profession is important to me because I believe in the power of collaboration and continuous learning. The accounting profession is ever-evolving and by connecting with others in the field, I can stay at the forefront of changes while also contributing to the development of future leaders. It’s a way for me to give back to a profession that has given me so much and to help ensure its continued strength and relevance.

Being part of the Editorial Board has not only given me the opportunity to share my insights but also to stay updated on the latest industry developments and trends through research and learning. Today’s CPA magazine is full of valuable insights.

Being a part of the Awards Committee is especially dear to me, as it allows me to celebrate the achievements of my fellow professionals and acknowledge those who have made a meaningful impact in the field, thereby encouraging young CPAs to achieve and make their own mark in the profession.

Tell us about your family.

I have a young family with two energetic boys who keep us on our toes. My husband is a petroleum engineer and works for an engineering services company in Houston. Balancing family life, my professional commitments and community involvement gives me a strong sense of purpose.

My mother, sisters and in-laws have been a constant source of inspiration, motivating me to pursue my goals and stay committed to both my professional and personal aspirations. My family has been my pillar of support throughout my journey and I am deeply grateful for them.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy running to stay fit and maintain both my physical and mental well-being. I’m also passionate about reading, as it helps me unwind and continues to expand my knowledge outside of my professional life.

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