When Kirby Copper (MAcc ’22) graduated from Miami University with a double major in Accounting and Business Analytics, she took a bold leap by moving out west to join EY’s Denver office in technology risk auditing. She had initially set her sights on the traditional accounting milestone—the CPA exam—but after a few setbacks (including missing an exam due to a bout of strep throat), Copper took a step back to reevaluate her path.
Recognizing that her day-to-day work focused specifically on the IT systems driving financial statements rather than traditional audit or tax, she explored alternative credentials recognized by EY for managerial promotion. She pivoted to pursue the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification. The CISA exam directly aligned with her technical workload while holding equal weight to a CPA for promotion eligibility within EY’s technology risk practice.
Now four years into her career at EY, Copper leads IT audit engagements for global clients. Her CISA credential helped put her on an advancement track while building on the technology and business foundation she developed at Miami.
Assessing IT Infrastructure Across Time Zones
One of Copper’s clients is a Denver-based manufacturer of advanced power and control technologies used in several industries, including semiconductor equipment, industrial and manufacturing, telecommunications, data centers and medical applications. “I spend a lot of time working through their IT environment, testing controls to see if the accounting processes are working, and what technologies they’re using, and how susceptible they are to bad actors.”
Another major account Copper works with is a company with mines all over the world, including Suriname, Ghana, and Australia. “It’s been interesting to try and get everyone in all those different locations on the same page, not to mention the time zones,” she said. “It’s really fascinating to see the different ways that the mine processes work in each of those countries and how differently that impacts not only their financials, but also their IT systems as well.”
Balancing AI and Audit Judgment
Copper views artificial intelligence not as a replacement for auditors, but as a tool to enhance the quality of work. While her corporate audit clients remain cautious and slow to adopt AI technologies, EY has embraced using AI to handle routine, mundane tasks so professionals can focus on complex reviews. However, she emphasizes that technology can never replicate human judgment—a principle underscored by EY’s internal 85-page guide on auditing AI, which ultimately advises auditors to rely on their best judgment.
Mentoring Future Accountants
Copper actively contributes to EY’s recruiting efforts. While she mostly focuses on local Denver recruiting events, she traveled to a “Meet the Firms” event at Brigham Young University in Utah.
As a self-described “big fan” of Miami who “loved every part of being there” and misses it a lot, she welcomed the opportunity to mentor students who feel uncertain about navigating their path in the accounting world.
“I think it’s helpful to give them some insight on what the job actually looks like, what you’re actually doing. Realistically, starting at EY, I had no idea what my job was actually going to be day-to-day, but it’s helpful to get that kind of insight.”
When advising students facing career fair anxiety, Copper stresses that recruiters are not intimidating, but rather approachable professionals eager to have conversations and help them explore their options.
Looking Ahead: Managerial Leadership and Life in Colorado
Looking to the future, Copper is preparing for expanding leadership roles, serving on EY’s People Advisory Forum, and taking on incoming integrated audit accounts driven by SEC market capitalization regulations. Outside of her evolving leadership role in Denver, she balances her career by taking advantage of life in Colorado—spending her free time hiking sunny trails, baking, reading, camping, and traveling.
