Bronco Spotlight: Hayden Guild
BBA in accounting, 2018; Master of Science in accountancy, 2020
Senior Accountant at Hungerford Nichols CPAs and Advisors in Grand Rapids
I specialize in closely-held business both federal and multi-state compliance. I provide tax advisory, compliance, and assurance services to help companies navigate the complex issues they face and enable them to focus on their strategic goals and growth.
If you had a campus job or internship, how did they impact your career development?
I worked for the WMU accounting department, which exposed me to the various levels of academia and helped forge connections I plan to last a lifetime. It helped me not only get through school but get close insight from former professionals and academics. Subsequently, I held an internship which lead to a full-time position while completing my MSA with Seber Tans, PLC in Kalamazoo. It felt not only great to work in the community that helped me begin my career but was instrumental in my growth as a professional. I still owe so much to Beta Alpha Psi, which got my foot in the door and introduced me to so many amazing individuals, and Seber Tans, who supported and enabled me to develop and grow.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
Sunday Bonifas, Dr. Burke, Dr. Smith, and the rest of the accounting department provided me with invaluable insight and guidance from within WMU. Additionally, every single other professor and staff member at WMU and KVCC who made every part of my academic journey what it was. Outside of WMU, I would have to credit a lot of my success to Erin Gallagher and Dan Redmond of Seber Tans, Jen Holder of BDO – Kalamazoo, Tom Cavanaugh formerly of Sterling and Stein Financial, Jack and Linda Bennett, and Capt. (Ret.) R. John Paul and Maria Brennan of the Victorian Bakery.
Which of your skills had the biggest impact on your success?
Perseverance, patience, and kindness. Not everything came easy or went exactly according to plan but never giving up on the goal and taking setbacks in stride were instrumental. However, none of that matters if you don’t make lasting connections through true kindness to your fellow humans. Simply make genuine connections , support others, and lean in when the going gets tough.
What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?
Accounting is more than numbers, tax law, or spreadsheets. The profession is so vast and requires every type of person. Don’t think you need to be a cookie cutter accountant to be successful or happy in accounting. For people beginning their careers, I would suggest you learn to set boundaries, strive to achieve your greatest potential, go for the job that will give you pride in what you do, and always elevate others around you. A successful career begins within yourself.