Firm Fellow – Zach Floss – EY

Zach Floss
Ernst & Young (EY) Firm Fellow
FSO Tax at EY

“My time in the MSA program at Notre Dame has evolved my work ethic and my ability to learn that I will use for the rest of my career.”

The Path

Zach Floss completed his undergraduate degree in accounting at the University of Dubuque, where he was also a student-athlete on the soccer team. Coming from a smaller program with only about 10–15 students, he valued the close-knit environment but knew he wanted to expand his network and seek new challenges. “Coming from a smaller accounting program, I wanted to seek an opportunity to be a part of a larger alumni network and build more relationships with students who would be accounting professionals in the future.”

While considering his next step, Zach wasn’t solely focused on CPA preparation. Instead, he prioritized finding a program that would challenge him academically while building meaningful connections. “I wanted a program that would touch on CPA exam topics, but also teach me how to strengthen my ability to learn.” Growing up in the Chicagoland area, he recognized Notre Dame’s reputation and quickly felt it was the right fit. “The love that current students or future alumni have for Notre Dame is very special… having the opportunity to experience that love and passion made the decision easy.”

The Fellowship Experience

Being selected as an EY Fellow shaped Zach’s experience before he even arrived on campus.

“The EY Fellow opportunity was massive for me, as I felt like I had built connections before I even arrived at Notre Dame.”  Through early conversations with EY professionals, including firm leadership and recruiters, Zach gained confidence in both his decision and his future path. “This call was a sign to me that I made the right decision in choosing Notre Dame before I even set foot on campus.”

A key part of that experience was his mentorship. “My EY mentor has had a huge impact on my career decisions so far and will continue to be a strong relationship that I will have for years to come.”  With guidance from a Notre Dame MSA alumnus at EY, Zach developed a clearer understanding of the profession, the recruiting process, and how to prepare for his transition after graduation.

Career Readiness & Growth

Through his time at Mendoza, Zach developed both the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in his career. “Mendoza has helped prepare me well for my role, as the classes have challenged me to solve new problems… and find new ways to learn and figure things out to have success.”  The program’s emphasis on adaptability and problem-solving helped him build confidence heading into his role.

His connection with EY further reinforced that readiness. “My confidence has grown immensely to start my role with EY, as I have already established so many connections within the firm.”  Through networking, mentorship, and classroom experiences, Zach gained valuable insight into the skills and mindset needed to succeed in public accounting.

Community & Experience

One of the most unexpected aspects of Zach’s experience was how quickly his cohort became close. “By the time we were halfway through the year, I realized I had established some amazing friendships in such a short amount of time.” Through shared classes, long study sessions, and program events, he built strong relationships with both classmates and faculty, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.

Looking Ahead

Zach will be joining EY in Raleigh, North Carolina, working in tax within the 360 Careers diversified staff group. He is especially excited about the opportunity to explore different areas early in his career. “It’s hard as a student to know exactly what you want to do after graduation, so being able to work on a variety of different engagements… will be helpful in finding what areas of tax I enjoy most.”  With a strong foundation and network behind him, he is well-positioned for long-term success.

“For someone considering an MSA but unsure if it’s the right move, I would say it’s about long-term growth. It’s not just about your first job—it’s about all the opportunities down the road and all of the connections you can make.”