As a partner with Deloitte and leader of the firm’s Washington National Tax Accounting for Income Taxes group, Patrice Mano loves the fact that her position provides opportunities to work with intelligent people and dynamic organizations.
The 1998 BYU Marriott MAcc grad has been with Deloitte since 2002 and consults with clients on financial reporting related to the tax aspects of complex transactions. As a leader in her industry, Mano frequently interacts with standard setters, regulators, and other industry leaders. “My role never gets boring because the tax law, accounting standards, regulatory environment, and way companies do business is constantly changing,” she says.
Mano especially enjoys being part of a team of thought leaders. High-performing and senior managers apply to be on the team and, if accepted, are invited to do a two-year rotation. “Working with these talented individuals challenges me to be better,” says Mano, one of the team leads. The group develops technical positions and publishes an accounting manual providing guidance and interpretations used by tax and finance professionals across all industries. And don’t forget her speaking engagements—she’s recognized as an expert in her field and is a featured speaker at conferences around the country.
Not bad for someone who didn’t even decide to major in accounting until the end of her sophomore year in college. Mano spent a year at BYU Hawaii then enrolled at the University of Utah after a semester at the BYU Jerusalem Center. Once she decided her major, she transferred to BYU.
That decision paid off. “At my first job, there was a noticeable difference in the knowledge and skill set I brought with me,” she observes. “I think that came from the knowledgeable and experienced faculty and the forward-thinking accounting program, which effectively combines technical instruction with opportunities to build interpersonal skills by working in teams.”
A member of BYU Marriott’s National Advisory Council, Mano feels honored to be involved with the school and hopes to be a positive influence and even move the needle on potential stereotypes. “I don’t fit the image that some people have of a typical female BYU graduate,” she says. “I want the world to see all BYU students—male and female—for what they are: smart, talented, and unique individuals and leaders. It’s important for women at BYU to feel empowered to reach their potential and goals, whatever those may be, and know that they have the support of the school, faculty, and alumni.”
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This alumni story was featured in BYU Marriott's 2018 Annual Report.
