Accelerated success: How accounting alumna Kelsey Farrell ‘21, MBA ‘22 found her footing at one of the region’s top accounting firms
Photo by Lee Ferris
Mount Saint Mary College alumna Kelsey Farrell isn’t a fan of the slow lane.
While the traditional route to earning both a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) takes a steady five years, Farrell looked at that timeline and decided she could do better. She completed the entire track in just four years, transitioning seamlessly from the classroom into a high-powered role as a Senior Associate at PKF O’Connor Davies.
Interestingly, Farrell’s fast track didn’t start on the accounting path at all.
“I wasn’t originally an Accounting major,” she revealed. “But after taking Intro to Accounting with Professor Neirouz Watad, the way she connected with us and explained the material made me realize this was something I truly enjoyed.”
That single introductory class flipped a switch, setting off a chain reaction of academic mentorship that defined her time at the Mount. From there, Farrell credit-loaded and pushed through advanced coursework with the help of a dedicated faculty network.
“Professor Tracey Niemotko helped strengthen my understanding of advanced accounting and shared her knowledge and real-world stories,” Farrell noted. “And Professor Michael Fox [Law, Acting Dean and Chair of the School of Business] guided me along the way and made business law both understandable and enjoyable. They were all instrumental in helping shape my career path and truly care about their students' success both inside and outside the classroom.”
The real-world payoff of the Mount’s business network materialized before Farrell even walked across the graduation stage. During graduate school, she secured an internship with PKF O’Connor Davies. That opportunity quickly translated into a full-time career offer, and she has been climbing the ranks at the firm ever since.
Stepping into a major professional environment, however, brought its own set of challenges for the young accounting prodigy.
“One of the most rewarding challenges has been seeing how much I’ve grown from my internship to where I am now,” Farrell said. “When I first started, I was a shy 21-year-old who didn’t know much about working in a professional environment, which I’m sure many can relate to. Since then, I’ve learned more than I ever expected, gained confidence in myself and my abilities, and continue to grow every day.”
She also didn’t have to look far for inspiration within her new office walls. The Mount’s footprint at PKF O’Connor Davies runs deep, providing a built-in support system of familiar faces.
“It’s been great to see that a number of partners and coworkers here are fellow Mount alumni – shout out Miranda Fennessy and Kylie Shaefer,” Farrell said. “Seeing how successful they’ve been really shows how strong and supportive the Mount community is.”
Now established in her role and mentoring newer team members, Farrell finds herself echoing the same leadership styles she absorbed in Aquinas Hall.
“The professors at the Mount genuinely care about mentoring their students and helping them grow into successful professionals,” she said. “When you see that every day, it sticks with you and makes you want to share your knowledge and motivate others around you.”
That collaborative spirit wasn’t restricted to faculty: “My classmates also challenged me to think critically, ask questions, and value different perspectives, which taught me that learning is something that never stops.”
“The transition from college student to full-time professional can be intimidating, but having the right mentorship and support makes all the difference.”
For students currently sitting in intro-level business courses wondering if they have what it takes to pursue a CPA or an accelerated degree, Farrell offers a blend of grit and perspective.
“Always stay curious and be willing to learn,” she advised. “Ask tough questions, take initiative, and be open to new challenges. Having a strong work ethic and being willing to step outside your comfort zone can really set you apart.”
And while the grind of the CPA exam and a compressed schedule requires immense sacrifice, she emphasizes the importance of balancing the hustle with the human experience.
“For anyone thinking about pursuing the CPA or any challenging goal, don’t give up,” she said. “The process isn’t easy, but pushing through challenges makes you stronger and you will be so proud of yourself for accomplishing something that once seemed impossible. Also, don’t forget to enjoy your college experience. Trust yourself, trust your professors, take advantage of every opportunity, and enjoy the view.”
