Aubrey Tabaco ‘14, graduated from Fairfield University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Information Systems, and continued her education at Hofstra University, graduating in 2019 with a Master of Science in Accounting. Aubrey worked for over five years in public accounting at Deloitte & Touche, specializing in media and technology industries. Utilizing those skills and expertise, she began the next journey of her career in November 2024, working at the New York Times as Financial Manager, Revenue & General Accounting. Aubrey also serves as a member of the Kellenberg Memorial Alumni Board and currently resides in Manhattan, NY.
What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting?
My father, who also had a career in accounting for over 40 years, played a large part in my initial interest to pursue this field. I grew up hearing my dad talk about complex-sounding accounting terms like “depreciation” and “amortization” and knew that someday I wanted to know what those words actually meant. As I got older, I continued to develop a stronger appreciation for the field. Accounting is integral to all business and provides access to any industry one could possibly imagine. I have been fortunate in my short career to work with companies ranging anywhere from healthcare and aviation, to technology and media, where I ultimately found interest that led me to my new position at the New York Times!
How do you think your time at Kellenberg Memorial helped to prepare you for your success in your academic and professional pursuits?
When people hear that I am an accountant, one of the first things they ask is whether I am good at numbers. While there is a level of math involved in understanding accounting, a significant portion of my daily work includes writing. Kellenberg helped cultivate those writing skills that I still use to this day.
Additionally, Kellenberg created a network for me that lasted far beyond my years in high school. During the process of my most recent career transition, I included that I currently serve on the Kellenberg Alumni Committee on platforms like my resume and LinkedIn. I thought this might highlight my commitment to my communities and perhaps draw the attention of professionals with a tie to Long Island who would recognize the name. At the time, I honestly didn’t put too much stock in this truly impacting my job search.
During the competitive process of applying for my position as Financial Manager at the New York Times, they conducted rounds of interviews with various individuals at the company. At the start of not one but TWO panels, the interviewers began their questions to me highlighting that they noticed my connection to Kellenberg. Through our conversation, I discovered those two NYT professionals also shared a Kellenberg bond through family, children, or other personal connections. They each said knowing my young adult education started at Kellenberg spoke to my character, discipline, and beliefs. They were more confident in my ability to take on this role based on the foundation they knew I held rooted in this great institution. I am very fortunate to say that a few weeks later, I received the news that I was hired amongst other applicants! Kellenberg provided me with that network of opportunity I never thought possible.
Do you have any advice for current students or young alumni who are interested in pursuing a career in accounting?
My first piece of advice would be to encourage you to utilize your Kellenberg and other life connections no matter what profession you’re looking to pursue! Our Kellenberg family reaches far beyond our high school walls, and you never know when that little bond can make all the difference! My advice to those pursuing a career in accounting would be to keep an open mind and always advocate for yourself and your accomplishments. During my time in public accounting, I was fortunate to not only experience many industries, but also have the chance to travel both nationally and internationally for my work. I have been to unforgettable parts of the world because I did not limit what my accounting career path could accomplish!
Do you have any favorite teachers, coaches, or club moderators from your time at Kellenberg Memorial?
All of the teachers and faculty truly contributed to the supportive and inspiring environment that made my time at Kellenberg so memorable. I would love to give a special shoutout to Mr. O’Brien who, as my teacher, Sodality moderator, and guidance counselor, always encouraged me and helped cultivate my leadership skills from a young age. Additionally, while I did not have him as a teacher in high school, I would like to thank Mr. Huggard for keeping my connection to the Kellenberg community strong and for providing guidance and support in my professional career to this day.
