May 05, 2025
Spotlight on the Accounting Profession: Jessica Rodriguez Reyes
Inspiring and Paving the Way for First-Generation Accounting Students
Jessica Rodriguez Reyes is an exceptional undergraduate accounting student in the BS/MS program at the University of North Texas. As a first-generation college student, she is not only excelling academically but also paving the way for others. With multiple internships across a variety of firms, she has been gaining extensive experience in the profession.
After speaking on campus panels and becoming the youngest panelist at TXCPA’s 2024 Women’s Leadership Symposium, she recognized her ability to make an impact in her community. This led to her becoming involved in UNT’s mentoring program, where she now helps guide and support fellow students. Today’s CPA reached out to Jessica to learn more about her professional journey and path to becoming a CPA.
What inspired you to pursue accounting and what led you to the BS/MS program?
During my senior year of high school, I found myself staring at the FAFSA form, unsure of where to begin. I had no idea what “gross income” even meant and thinking about it now, I can’t help but laugh at how far I’ve come. But in that moment, I felt paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake on such an important form.
As a first-generation student, I lacked the resources and guidance to navigate the initial steps toward college. It was then that I realized I was financially illiterate and it made me feel helpless.
This experience sparked my decision to pursue a career in accounting, a field that not only addresses these personal challenges but also offers vast opportunities. From internal and public audit to forensic accounting, consulting and various tax areas, accounting provides an abundance of career paths. I chose accounting because it’s a skill set that is both practical and versatile, valuable in and out of the classroom.
I decided to join the BS/MS program at the University of North Texas after learning about the importance of the CPA license. The program’s robust curriculum and clear pathway towards the CPA license were exactly what I needed to achieve my professional goals.
How have your multiple internships shaped your perspective on the accounting profession and what have you learned from working at both large firms and smaller firms?
Through my various internships in tax, internal audit and public accounting, I realized that I had only begun to scratch the surface of what the accounting profession truly offers. The field is incredibly diverse and every area - whether it’s tax, audit or consulting - plays a vital role in the success of any business. When I first started my journey as an accounting major, I had no idea how expansive and essential the profession really is.
What I’ve come to appreciate most is the value of hands-on experience. Being able to apply the concepts I learn in the classroom to real-world situations has made a world of difference. There’s a clear distinction between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and the latter has made my learning far more meaningful and impactful. While anyone can graduate with an accounting degree through hard work and dedication, I believe true experience is something that can’t be taught – it must be earned.
My internships at both large and smaller firms have allowed me to observe the distinct differences in work culture. In my experience, I believe it’s easier to gain handson exposure and experience more quickly at smaller firms.
That’s not to say large firms don’t offer excellent learning opportunities. They absolutely do. However, the work environment varies greatly depending on the firm, with differences in training, software used and client portfolios. Ultimately, I’ve come to understand that both large and small firms provide valuable, complementary experiences, each with its own unique benefits.
What are your thoughts on Texas Senate Bill 262 and House Bill 1757 introducing an additional pathway to CPA licensure? Do you think this new pathway makes CPA licensure more accessible for students?
Texas Senate Bill 262 offers a promising opportunity for first-generation and non-traditional students to obtain their CPA license in the state. These communities often face barriers to pursuing further education, especially when it comes to meeting the 150-hour requirement, due to the financial cost and time commitment involved. For many, focusing solely on academics can feel like a luxury and the current licensure requirements can unintentionally filter out capable candidates who are eager to pursue a CPA license.
Another key change in the bill is that individuals with a bachelor’s degree can now pursue their CPA license as long as they have two years of experience. This is especially beneficial, as it allows future applicants to gain experience. As someone who values real-world experience, I believe this change is an excellent step forward. Gaining hands-on experience is invaluable, timeless and crucial for career growth, and this additional pathway creates opportunities for more students to succeed and enter the profession.
Tell us about your family.
My family comes from a small homestead in Querétaro, Mexico. My parents are small business owners who have taught me the values of hard work and honesty. Growing up, I was told that education wasn’t a necessity to succeed; instead, it was seen as a luxury. This mindset was shaped by the fact that I am the first in my entire family to have the privilege of graduating from high school and pursuing a career. For decades, my family thrived on what they could achieve with a 4th and 8th grade education.
Today, I see education as a powerful opportunity. Because of this, I actively mentor first-generation students locally, helping guide them through their educational journeys. I am deeply grateful for the strong work ethic my family instilled in me. They taught me that while starting something new takes courage and can be intimidating, the greater regret is not knowing what could have happened if you never tried.
What motivated you to start mentoring other students and what impact have you seen so far?
I wanted to provide first-generation students with a reliable resource for guidance, advice and answers to their questions. By the end of my junior year, I realized I had come close to achieving my goals – but I couldn’t help but wonder how much faster I might have reached them if I had someone to guide me, help me avoid mistakes or encourage me to explore opportunities earlier.
I also noticed that many students in my community, especially upperclassmen, hadn’t fully explored internship opportunities. The common barriers I observed were fear, uncertainty about where to start and feeling overwhelmed. I wanted to make a difference, even if it was just for one person at a time.
While universities offer a wealth of resources, many students don’t know where to find them. I saw an opportunity to act as a bridge between students and these invaluable resources. Currently, I mentor a small group of first-generation freshmen in the DFW area, both through the UNT mentoring program and on my own time. Beyond serving as a “resource library,” I help with resume building, interview skills, networking strategies, and more.
Though this is only my second semester of mentoring, the most noticeable change I’ve observed is the increase in confidence among my mentees. Confidence is a powerful tool for success – it’s the foundation for building a strong personal brand. I’m proud that my mentees are already seeking out internship opportunities, attending career fairs as freshmen, getting involved on campus and, most importantly, networking effectively.
Some might think it’s too early for freshmen to dive into these activities, but I believe the more exposure they get, the more familiar and comfortable they become. The earlier they start, the sooner they can build confidence, which ultimately prepares them for greater success.
One of my favorite quotes is from Brian Tracy: “Focus and fail fast to learn quickly ... if you want to increase your rate of success, you must double your rate of failure"
Thanks to the Sponsors of Today's CPA Magazine
This content was made possible by the sponsors of this issue of Today's CPA Magazine:
