Member Spotlight: Liz Ackley

Name: Liz Ackley

Hometown: Des Moines

Education: B.B.A. in Accounting and Management Information Systems, University of Iowa

Job: Senior Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Q&A

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: I work in the Risk Assurance practice at PwC. We focus on processes, policies, systems and controls ranging from business processes supporting financial reporting, regulation, IT and other system related projects, internal audit and data integrity. No two days are alike and I get to work with a variety of clients from ranging from large multi-nationals to private companies.

Q: How are you involved in the community and YPC?

A: I joined YPC in July 2011. Over the past year, I have been active or regularly attend events for the YPC Professional Development Committee, Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Women in STEM, Technology Association of Iowa, and events at the Des Moines Social Club (so excited for the Firehouse!). 

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines (DSM)?

A: As self-proclaimed foodie, I enjoy the farmers market and trying any new local restaurants or the various food/wine festivals in Des Moines. I have recently started using the city's great bike trails and I always enjoy grilling out on my family's deck. By far, one of my favorite places in Des Moines is the Franklin Library and it has been since my first grade field trip to get our first library cards.

Q: What's something people don't know about you?

A: I am an avid traveler - for work and pleasure. I did a summer abroad in college (Italy) and every year, I go on an international trip with two friends from college.  In the past 2 years, I have been to London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Rome, Florence, Naples and the Amalfi coast and Taipei. I have my own herb garden (yes, even in an apartment!) and I love to cook. Two things on my bucket list that I intend to cross off in the next two years are RABGRAI and golf lessons.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: After living in Chicago, I moved back to Des Moines in July 2011 to help PwC establish our local office and to be closer to family. As our PwC office continues to grow, I have been the local welcoming committee in hopes that my colleagues (many of whom are relocating) will enjoy Des Moines as much as I do. I love that you can make an impact in Des Moines just by being involved. The past year in Des Moines has been an easy adjustment - I am excited to keep exploring Des Moines and meeting new people through YPC.