November 2022: Melissa Beckett Gilroy — accountant, wife, mom to two daughters, world traveler

About Melissa Beckett Gilroy: Melissa began her career as an accountant with the national accounting firm of Laventhol & Horwath in 1988. She sharpened her accounting skills in various industry positions, including internal auditor, controller, and Chief Financial Officer. Melissa gained experience and expertise through her employment with the International accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, where she reached the level of Manager. She honed her expertise in non-profit organizations while employed at a mid-sized local firm providing audit and review services to non-profits, including those requiring a “yellow book” and Uniform Guidance audit. Additionally, Melissa acted as the Quality Control reviewer for the firm’s assurance practice.

She is active in several professional organizations, including the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, where she volunteers in her appointed position on the Peer Review Report Acceptance Body (RAB).  Melissa is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the AICPA’s Government Audit Quality Control Center, and the Non-profit Resource Center. Melissa treats every client with respect and integrity.  Outside of the office, Melissa enjoys ballet, kickboxing, and traveling.

Scroll down for our Q&A with Melissa!

PW Class of 1982: What do you do now for work?

Melissa: I am a CPA and run my own practice. When I finished college, I wanted to be a restaurant manager. My first job was doing just that, but I realized I hated it. I got a job at a bank in Plymouth Meeting as an accountant and never looked back. I went back to school at night to take accounting courses so that I could sit for the CPA exam. I passed the exam and ended up working for PriceWaterhouse (PwC).

PW Class of 1982: Are you married? Kids?

Melissa: Yes. We met after my divorce in 1994, and have been married to my husband since 1998. We have two daughters, Rachael and Reilly. My oldest was born 10 weeks early and weighed only 2 pounds. She spent 8 weeks in the NICU but miraculously came away with no medical issues. Rachael is now 23 and in graduate school. She will be an elementary school teacher, likely in Connecticut, where she currently is a student teacher.  Reilly is 20 and a sophomore at Boston College, about 20 minutes from our home. She is majoring in applied psychology and minoring in marketing.  She is strong-willed and determined and has gained a love of travel through our trips.

PW Class of 1982: What did you dream of becoming in high school?

Melissa: Many of you probably remember that I was a dancer for most of my younger years, so in high school, I wanted to be a ballerina, but my height held me back.  I had always wanted to be my own boss, so I have fulfilled that dream.

PW Class of 1982: Where did you go to college, grad school, etc.?

Melissa: I went to the University of Miami and graduated in 1986. Go canes! We won two national football championships while I was there. For all the football fans at PW, I was in class with Bernie Kosar. I did not go to grad school, I decided to get my CPA license instead.

PW Class of 1982: What advice would you give to your high school self?

Melissa: Get more involved in activities, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

PW Class of 1982: What advice do you have for others about creating your best life?

Melissa: Don’t waste time with the small stuff; try to enjoy every minute since you only have a limited time on this earth. During COVID, I think that became abundantly clear. Try to get the most out of your life every day. If you want to travel, do it.  Go everywhere you are interested in.  Be positive, and don’t get caught up in negativity or pettiness; it only causes unhappiness. We love to travel and have crossed places off our bucket list (Italy, Greece, Ireland, England, Iceland, and Hawaii) but have many more places to go!

PW Class of 1982: What would you like to say to all of your classmates today?

Melissa: Enjoy life; it’s  is truly too short.

Also, thought I would share a fun fact: My daughter won a contest when she was younger and played hockey and got to be the “kid” captain for the day with the Boston Bruins. Check out this photo with Chara and Bergeron!

Contact Melissa: