Manager Spotlight: Get to Know Shannon Champagne
Shannon Champagne, CPA, was recently promoted to manager. Let’s learn about Shannon and how her career has progressed since joining Yeo & Yeo.
Tell me about your career path.
I joined Yeo & Yeo as an intern during my last semester of college in January 2018. I was offered a full-time position shortly after. I blinked, and now I’ve been here for nearly five years. I passed the CPA exam and worked through the staff, senior, and now onto manager levels. It could not have been possible without my mentors here at Yeo & Yeo.
What do you enjoy most about your career with Yeo & Yeo?
The people are unmatched. I have built some great friendships with coworkers, and I have the best mentors. I truly feel cared about and know I can go into a partner’s office with a question or just to chat about the weekend. I have role models I trust who have set me up for success, and I know that I will be able to continue to succeed in my career because of that. As a member of the Assurance Service Line, I also enjoy meeting different clients and guiding them through the audit process.
How has the firm supported your work-life presence?
One of the best things about Yeo & Yeo is the culture that encourages a work-life balance. The flexibility is great and has allowed me to do the things I love, like traveling, golfing and spending time with my family and my pride and joy, a three-year-old golden retriever.
What advice would you give to an aspiring accountant progressing in their career?
Be willing to learn, soak up all the knowledge you can, listen to conversations around you and ask questions. Focus on your communication skills. I never thought that, as an accountant, I would be doing as much talking and communicating as I am. We interact with clients and colleagues daily, answering client questions, giving feedback on staff performance and much more, so it is crucial to know how to communicate effectively.
What makes being an accountant fun?
The people and the culture of Yeo & Yeo. Our audit department does several team-building events throughout the year, like golf leagues and axe throwing. It’s fun to build relationships with coworkers outside of a work setting.
Shannon is a member of the firm’s Nonprofit Services Group. Her areas of expertise include audits for nonprofits, school districts and healthcare organizations. She holds a Bachelor in Professional Accountancy from Saginaw Valley State University. Shannon is a member of the Saginaw Young Professionals Network and Women in Leadership Great Lakes Bay Region. She is based in the firm’s Saginaw office.