From Film Marketing to Forensic Accounting: A Tax Professional's Journey
If you had told me five years ago that I'd be pursuing a career in forensic accounting, I wouldn't have believed you. My path here has been anything but linear, and honestly, that's what makes it interesting.
I started in film marketing in South Korea a world away from spreadsheets and tax codes. But something clicked when I realized that accounting is, in many ways, the language of business. It tells a story. It reveals patterns. It uncovers truth. That realization led me to pack up and move to the United States to pursue an Accounting major, first at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), then transferring to Purdue University.
While in Chicago, I worked at the university student center handling basic bookkeeping tasks. It was there that I first understood that numbers aren't just numbers they represent real transactions, real people, real businesses. Later, during a short internship at JC Company, I learned something crucial: tax accounting requires not only technical expertise but also strong client centered service. Effective communication within a team is essential—it's much like a team sport, where everyone needs to understand the playbook and execute together.
The Connection Between Police Science and Accounting
Before coming to the U.S., I studied Police Science in Korea. At first glance, that might seem completely unrelated to accounting. But the more I learned, the more I noticed surprising parallels. Investigative methods, legal frameworks, the process of gathering evidence and building a case these skills translate directly to accounting and auditing.
This connection sparked my interest in forensic accounting. I love the process of tracing financial activity, uncovering evidence through detailed analysis, and following the money trail. There's something satisfying about taking a jumble of transactions and turning them into a clear narrative that reveals what actually happened.
Next year, I'll begin a Command Center Internship at Dean Dorton in Indianapolis, and I'm excited to apply these investigative skills in a real world setting.
The "Clever" Parts of the Tax Code
When someone recently asked me about specific areas of the tax code or forensic cases that I find particularly "clever" or misunderstood, it got me thinking. The tax code isn't just a set of rules, it's a living document that evolves, and the way it's interpreted can have profound implications.
Recently, I've been particularly interested in how the "One Big Beautiful Bill/Act" may impact the tax code, especially in terms of how those changes could affect the CPA exam and the way future accountants are trained and tested. This isn't just academic curiosity, it's about understanding how the next generation of accountants will be prepared for a rapidly changing landscape.
Tax law changes ripple through everything. When the rules shift, it doesn't just affect how we file returns it changes how we're educated, how we're tested, and how we serve clients. The CPA exam itself may need to evolve to reflect new tax provisions, and that's something I'm watching closely.
AI in Accounting: Promise and Peril
At the same time, I've been closely following how accounting firms are adopting AI technologies. There's no question that AI offers significant efficiency and analytical benefits. It can process vast amounts of data quickly, identify patterns humans might miss, and automate routine tasks that used to consume hours of manual work.
But I have concerns. Real concerns.
Data confidentiality is paramount in our field. When we're handling sensitive financial information, the risk of information leakage becomes a critical issue. AI systems need data to learn and improve, but where does that data go? Who has access to it? How is it protected?
More troubling, perhaps, is the risk that AI assisted processes could unintentionally bypass traditional audit procedures. If not properly governed, this could create new vulnerabilities in assurance and compliance. We've built decades of audit methodology for good reasons to catch errors, prevent fraud, and ensure accuracy. If AI shortcuts these processes without proper oversight, we might miss things that human auditors would have caught.
I'm not anti AI. Far from it. But I believe we need to be thoughtful about how we integrate it. Technology should enhance our capabilities, not replace our judgment. It should make us better accountants, not lazier ones.
Looking Forward
As I prepare for my internship at Dean Dorton, I'm thinking about these big picture questions. How will the tax code evolve? How will AI change our profession? How do we maintain the integrity of our work while embracing new tools?
These aren't just theoretical questions for me. They're practical concerns that will shape my career and the careers of everyone entering this field. The accounting profession is at an inflection point, and I want to be part of the conversation about how we move forward responsibly.
Forensic accounting, in particular, requires a careful balance of technical skill, investigative thinking, and ethical judgment. As AI becomes more sophisticated, we'll need to ensure that these human qualities remain central to our work. The machines can crunch numbers, but they can't replace the intuition, the skepticism, and the commitment to truth that makes forensic accounting so valuable.
My journey from film marketing to forensic accounting might seem unusual, but I think it's given me a unique perspective. I've learned to see connections where others might not, to question assumptions, and to appreciate that every field has its own language and logic. In accounting, as in film, the story matters. And in forensic accounting, finding the true story even when someone is trying to hide it is the whole point.
I'm excited to see where this path leads, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these thoughts. The tax code will continue to evolve. AI will continue to advance. But the fundamental principles of accounting accuracy, integrity, and service to clients those should remain constant.
About the Author: Jeong Uk Seo is an accounting student who transferred from the University of Illinois at Chicago to Purdue University. With a background in film marketing and Police Science, he brings a unique perspective to forensic accounting. He will begin a Command Center Internship at Dean Dorton in Indianapolis next year. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
