Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Feature #58: Pamela Balentine, Internal Auditor

Name: Pamela Balentine
 
Current Job Position Title:  Internal Auditor

Company Name:
Meritor, Inc.

Contact Information:
Pam.Balentine1@gmail.com


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!

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.

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.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
 There is always hope! Never give up and don't be afraid to use your resources and the people around you!

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