Meet our tax season intern team at ShindelRock!
Caleb Burress, an accounting major at Western Michigan University, was drawn to ShindelRock after connecting with our team at Western’s Meet the Firms. With a strong interest in tax and accounting services, Caleb is excited to gain hands-on experience working on tax returns, end-of-year reconciliations, and other client-focused projects during this busy season, while expanding his technical knowledge and understanding of best practices in the profession.
Diana Dovbenko, an accounting major at Oakland University, chose ShindelRock for its firm environment and the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience. During her internship, she’s looking forward to working on a variety of tax returns—including 1099s and 1040s—while building familiarity with accounting software and tax season processes. Diana is a senior graduating after the upcoming fall semester and plans to begin studying for the CPA exams following graduation.
Anna Swisher, an accounting major at Eastern Michigan University, was drawn to ShindelRock after connecting with our team at a job fair, where the genuine interest, kindness, and motivation she experienced made a lasting impression. This season, she’s excited to learn a variety of tax forms, support team members with day-to-day tasks, and gain insight into life as a staff accountant while continuing to build a strong foundation in accounting.
Q: How did you choose ShindelRock, and what characteristics of a good place to intern did you see in ShindelRock?
A: Caleb: I have always wanted to live in the Metro Detroit area; when connecting with the recruiters at Western’s “Meet the Firms”, ShindelRock’s office location and staff sounded like the perfect place to further excel my professional aspirations in public accounting.
A: Diana: Shindelrock is a midsize firm; I wanted to do my internship somewhere that I wouldn’t get lost in and has a great location.
A: Anna: I chose ShindelRock because when meeting with Elena at the job fair, I felt like she was just as interested in me as I was in her. I really appreciate how kind and friendly everyone is. Everyone seems very motivated to do their best work and it is inspiring.
Q: What do you expect to work on during your internship at ShindelRock? What do you hope to come away with at the end of the season?
A: Caleb: I expect to work on various tax forms/returns, 2025 end-of-year reconciliations, and other accounting services. I am planning on finishing this tax season with further knowledge on the work I would be doing moving forward, deadlines to be knowledgeable on, compliance concerns, and best practices for the busy work ahead.
A: Diana: I expect to work on various tax returns. Such as 1099s, 1040s, and different projects on how accounting is done. I hope to come away with hands-on experience with different software and deeper knowledge about the tax season projects.
A: Anna: I expect to learn how to do a lot of different tax forms and assist employees with whatever they need. I hope to learn what it is like day-to-day as a staff accountant by observing others and helping them with tasks. I also hope to use new knowledge that can help me in my remaining college courses.
Q: What drew you to study accounting, and what makes you excited about the profession?
A: Caleb: My father was an accountant; being exposed to the work at a younger age allowed me to fall back in love with the profession in college when I switched my major from Economics to Accounting. I enjoy being reliable in terms of a client’s financials, making sense of various sets of data, and providing financial literacy to others.
A: Diana: Accounting is the center of business and extremely important. The degree and knowledge learned can be used in various fields, too.
A: Anna: I was drawn to accounting because I had always loved math and puzzles. It is exciting to be able to use these passions in my everyday activities. I also like the consistency that comes from accounting. There is also plenty to learn, which keeps it interesting.
Q: What is your background, college/major and graduation plans, etc.?
A: Caleb: I am from Grand Rapids, studying Accounting at Western Michigan University. I plan to pursue a master's degree in accounting to fulfill the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure and hope to begin my career in the Metro Detroit area, with plans to explore additional licensure opportunities later in his career.
A: Diana: I’m a senior and will be graduating after the coming fall semester. My major is Accounting, and I plan on studying for the CPA exams after I graduate.
A: Anna: I major in accounting, and I will graduate with my bachelor's and my master’s in 2027. After graduation, I hope to take the CPA exam and continue my profession as an accountant!
