2024 Accounting Alumnus of the Year: Jody Steel '97

Jody Steel, Audit & Assurance Partner, joined Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte) immediately after she graduated from the Isenberg School of Management in 1997 and has built an impressive career with the organization ever since. For the past six years, she has served as partner-in-charge of Deloitte’s financial service Audit & Assurance business for New England, spearheading client service efforts and managing service quality, growth, operations, professional development, and overall performance. Steel also serves as the lead client service partner for multiple clients, overseeing the coordination and delivery of services.

Steel points to her Isenberg education as the foundation for her success.

“When thinking back on moments that truly mattered throughout my career, and which got me to where I am today, my Isenberg education is certainly on the top of the list,” she says. “If it weren’t for the mentors, the professors, the lessons learned, and the guidance I received, I don’t know where I would have ended up. Isenberg provided me with what I needed to start my career from a place of confidence.”

It’s the real-world experiences of the Isenberg faculty that—in Steel’s opinion—made the most impact on her. Having professors with public accounting experience gave her an introduction to the field from seasoned professionals who could convey its compelling and exciting aspects. Essential, too, were the opportunities to meet Deloitte and other accounting firm employees while a student—thanks to recruiters and professionals visiting campus.

“When I was weighing offers from different firms,” she explains, “my decision came down to the people I’d already met from Deloitte. To this day, it’s the people who make it a special place to be.”

The impact recruiters and professional speakers had on Steel as a student has always inspired her to be very hands-on and active on campus. “I’ve spent a lot of time trying to give back and provide that same experience to students,” she says. “I interview candidates, speak in classrooms and on panels, and attend alumni events.”

Steel sits on the Accounting Alumni Advisory Council, a group of professionals who meet regularly to provide insight and feedback to Isenberg accounting faculty on matters affecting the accounting profession.

“In my experience, the school seeks out perspectives on what recruiting firms are looking for in job candidates, and factors those perspectives into their program development,” Steel says. “They seek out our advice about changes to the recruiting process and curriculum to adapt to the ever-changing professional environment. It’s been a privilege to be a part of it.”

Steel says she is feeling “shocked and humbled” to receive the 2024 Accounting Alumnus of the Year Award. She is also excited to be sharing the night with this year’s Young Alumnus of the Year, Nick Markey (class of 2013), whom she has worked with at Deloitte for the past ten years.

“I think it’s great that we’re both being recognized on the same night because I certainly couldn’t have the same impact on campus without him and the rest of the Deloitte that make up our amazing recruiting team,” says Steel. “It’s a team award and feels extra special that we will be recognized on the same evening.”