Meet Amanda Jagello, CPA – CTCPA Women's Awards Winner – Experienced Leader
Amanda Jagello, CPA
Whittlesey, PC
Amanda is a Senior Assurance Manager at Whittlesey, where she specializes in audits for nonprofit organizations and credit unions. She also serves as a member of the firm’s Quality Control Program, helping to uphold the highest standards of excellence across the assurance practice. Beyond client work, she finds great fulfillment in mentoring staff, helping them grow in their technical knowledge and confidence as professionals.
What inspired you to pursue the CPA career path?
“Donuts with Dad” was a Saturday tradition when I was young. My dad was a CPA and a tax partner, and I’d occasionally go with him to work on weekends. There would be a platter of donuts for breakfast and KFC for lunch. These simple moments made a lasting impression. In high school, I took my first accounting class, and everything just clicked. My dad and I bonded over debits and credits, and although he later proved far more helpful with tax software than with my audit questions, those early experiences sparked my love for the profession and the pride that comes with being a CPA.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of passing the CPA Exam. So many people told me, “If I can do it, you can too,” but it wasn’t until I opened that envelope – hands shaking, heart racing – and saw that I had passed, that it truly sank in. I remember sitting on the floor, crying tears of relief and joy. It was a defining moment and proof that persistence pays off. To this day, I remind others pursuing their CPA license that if I could do it, they can too.
What is your next major goal?
My next major goal, as I continue to kick cancer in the you-know-what, is to return to the office and see all my coworkers in person. In an instant, my life changed forever. Now, it’s one day, one treatment at a time – a very different rhythm for someone who has always been a planner. This journey has taught me to slow down, appreciate the present, and focus on what truly matters. I look forward to the day I can walk back into the office, healthy and strong, surrounded by the people who have supported me every step of the way.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I absolutely love watching my daughter play volleyball and work her magic at the net. I never realized how exciting the game could be until I started cheering her on from the sidelines. Now that her senior year is here, I’m soaking in every moment, capturing photos of the team in action and sharing them afterward. Seeing the players’ faces light up when they see those photos reminds me how important it is to celebrate life’s small joys. Those moments – the laughter, the teamwork, the shared pride – mean everything.