Accounting ‘puzzle’ drives upcoming graduate

Leonel Avalos earns dual business administration bachelor’s degrees in finance, accounting

By California State University, Bakersfield

December 2^nd, 2024

When Leonel Avalos first came to California State University, Bakersfield in 2021 as a business administration major focused on finance, he knew he wanted to work with money but wasn’t sure what type of job would be the best fit for him.

It wasn’t until he attended an event on campus the following year with representatives from the Internal Revenue Service that Avalos discovered what truly inspired him: investigating financial transactions, also known as forensic accounting.

“It’s like a puzzle. You’re using your analytical skills to figure out if there’s been a crime,” he said. “You’re looking through bank statements, looking at where money is going, how it’s coming in and going out. That really caught my attention.”

Avalos, a Florida native who moved to Bakersfield with his family when he was 15 years old, decided to pursue an accounting concentration in addition to finance and is now set to graduate later this month with two business administration bachelor’s degrees.

“I have mixed emotions about it. I’m nervous but mostly excited to start a new journey,” he said.

When Avalos first arrived at CSUB, he was intent on taking advantage of the fresh start that college provided him. He said he was very introverted in high school and didn’t participate in any clubs, something he was determined to change during his time on campus.

After learning about CSUB’s University Accounting Association, Avalos decided to give it a try and found that he really enjoyed it. He went on to become an officer in the club and is serving as its president this semester.

“It’s stressful because I never thought I could live up to the previous presidents. They did such a great job,” he said. “I actually surprised myself. I’m proud with what me and my board have been able to do. We’ve been able to provide a lot of fun experiences for students.”

Avalos didn’t stop with UAA. He has been involved in several other clubs and organizations on campus, including the CSUB chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants and the Financial Management Association. He was able to help organize an FMA student trip to New York City last year that he also took part in.

Avalos has also been a part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for the past two years, in which accounting students provide free tax preparation services to members in the community.

“I’ve gotten to do so many things I wouldn’t have thought I’d ever be doing,” he said. “It’s really been a really great experience learning and doing all these things I never imaged I could do in college.”

Assistant Professor of Accounting Dr. Jooanne Choi said Avalos is ‘a quiet panther in the classroom, a motivating leader and mentor to fellow students on campus. I am proud of what (he has) accomplished at CSUB.”

Dr. Di Wu, chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance, credited Avalos for being a great role model for other students in the program.

“As the (department) extends its heartfelt farewell to its graduates of fall 2024, we proudly recognize Leonel for his exceptional leadership and academic excellence,” Dr. Wu said. “Serving as president of UAA, Leonel demonstrated unwavering dedication, serving his peers and fostering a collaborative spirit that significantly elevated the organization. His hard work, discipline and passion for the accounting profession have set a high standard, and we look forward to his future accomplishments.”

A bright future ahead

As if he didn’t have enough on his plate, Avalos has also made time to work as a tutor on campus, although it took some convincing from a friend who had previously been a tutor.

“I would come to him for help and we would sometimes get help together. After a while, he said I should do tutoring since I was improving and was doing really doing well,” he said. “I never thought I would be helping other students like that. I would sometimes help my friends, but it was different.”

Avalos said he felt intimidated at first but that over time he became more comfortable with assisting students and giving them advice.

“I was more nervous to help the student than they were about seeking help, but I’ve enjoyed connecting with them,” he said. “In the end, it’s always exciting to hear them talk about how I really helped them.”

Outside of CSUB, Avalos has honed his accounting and finance skills through several summer internships. The most impactful of these happened last year at nationwide public accounting firm CBIZ, which holds an office in Bakersfield.

It was during this paid internship that Avalos got real hands-on experience with forensic accounting. He helped research and investigate financial transactions relating to divorce settlements, alimony payments, fraud and other cases.

“I felt extremely nervous about the internship. I felt like I wasn’t ready, that I was underprepared,” Avalos said. “I found myself having fun, enjoying all my peers. I really fell in love with forensic accounting.”

The firm liked Avalos’ work enough that he was told he should apply for an open full-time forensic accountant position. After applying last year, Avalos found out that he got the job and that he could start after graduation.

“My face lit up. I was screaming with joy,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it. It felt so surreal at that moment.”

Avalos is scheduled to start his new position in January. He also soon plans to pursue his Certified Public Accountant license.

“I hope it will open up more doors, more opportunities,” he said. “I know there’s so much you can do once you become a CPA.”

While Avalos has a lot to look forward to after this month’s graduation, he said it wouldn’t have been possible without the experience he’s had at CSUB.

“I’m proud of my involvement overall in the school. It has had such a big impact on me,” he said. “I will miss my time here at CSUB. I really enjoyed it.”