Name: Pamela Balentine
Current Job Position Title: Internal Auditor
Company Name:
Meritor, Inc.
Special skills:
Auditing, Microsoft Office, Oracle, Hyperion, Communication, Risk Assessment
Describe your job story:
After graduating from Michigan State University in 2007 with a BA in Accounting, I continued my education by obtaining my Masters of Science in Accounting with focuses on Financial Reporting and Assurance Service and Information Systems. During my college tenure, I interned at one of the Big 4 Accounting Firms, Ernst & Young, LLP. After receiving my Masters, I started full time at Ernst & Young where I spent 2.5 year of my career as an External Auditor. After making a choice to leave public accounting, I started with ArvinMeritor (now known as Meritor) in the Internal Audit department in November 2010 and have been there ever since!
After graduating from Michigan State University in 2007 with a BA in Accounting, I continued my education by obtaining my Masters of Science in Accounting with focuses on Financial Reporting and Assurance Service and Information Systems. During my college tenure, I interned at one of the Big 4 Accounting Firms, Ernst & Young, LLP. After receiving my Masters, I started full time at Ernst & Young where I spent 2.5 year of my career as an External Auditor. After making a choice to leave public accounting, I started with ArvinMeritor (now known as Meritor) in the Internal Audit department in November 2010 and have been there ever since!
What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
When I was a child/teenager I wanted to do something with numbers. I had no idea what it would be until I was a senior in highschool (Flint Northern High School) when I took my first accounting class that I knew that is what I wanted to do for my career.
Are doing your dream job?
For now...I enjoy what I do. But dreams do change everyday!!
What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?
What I like most about being an Internal Auditor is that I get to see every aspect of the company - from financial to operational processes. I perform high quality risk assessments and add value to the entire company everyday.
The part that I like the least....that's a hard one. I'd probably say the traveling. I enjoy going to different places in the world but traveling can take a toll on you. And being in the automotive industry does not allow you to travel to the most glamorous places!
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I see myself as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working at a manager level (or higher) in a financial field. Not sure if that will be Audit or not....I keep my options open.
Are you happy with where you are in life?
Once I pass this CPA exam that I am currently studying for...I will be happy!!! But until then, I'm pleased with how things have been unfolding.
What more do you want to do with your life?
I really want to teach on a collegiate level!! Once I obtain my certification, I believe that is one thing I will work on doing.
What drives/motivates you?
I have, for the most part, been a self motivator. You will never reach a point where you stop learning or gaining knowledge about your craft/field. However, I have a great group of people around me that believe in me and encourage me to keep pushing forward.
I have, for the most part, been a self motivator. You will never reach a point where you stop learning or gaining knowledge about your craft/field. However, I have a great group of people around me that believe in me and encourage me to keep pushing forward.
What else do you do?
I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy volunteering and encouraging younger kids. I'm a self-diagnosed shop-a-holic. I just love to have fun.
There is always hope! Never give up and don't be afraid to use your resources and the people around you!
