Accountant

Melissa Portelli, 29, Islip Terrace. CPA with Holtz, Rubenstein, Reminick

Why did you go into this field?

I wanted to work as a trusted professional and work with a variety of industries. I like the business environment. There are a lot of different aspects to it beside math, although I was very good at math, actually.

What would you say to someone considering this career?

I think it's a great profession. Once they choose accounting, there are different career paths to choose within the profession, from taxes to audits to finance to advising small businesses. I chose auditing. I go to meetings, I meet with clients, I do marketing and training. I don't do the same thing day after day. You don't need to be good at math; the computer does the math for you. You have to have a certain number of college credits to sit for the exam to be a certified public accountant, but it's possible to be in the field without certification.