A new arena for accounting

For Molly Sytz (BSBA ’23, MAC ’24), a career in accounting was never a question of if, but where. What began as an early interest shaped by family influence and a high school class has evolved into a dynamic career path to the center of professional sports as a staff accountant for the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. 

Sytz entered college already certain of her direction. As an Undergraduate Business Program (UBP) student at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, she built a strong foundation in finance and accounting. She added on to it after graduating, when she enrolled in the on-campus Master of Accounting (MAC) Program. 

During her time in the MAC Program, Sytz found both challenge and support, particularly in the classroom. She credits Professor Courtney Knoll, MAC’s associate dean, as one of the most influential figures in her experience. As a tax concentration student, Sytz took multiple courses with Knoll, developing technical knowledge and a strong mentorship connection.  

“She cares about the students and helping them figure out what they want to do,” Sytz says.  

Knoll later served as a recommender for her current role and a moral character reference for her CPA application.  

Sytz made the most of the MAC Program’s networking opportunities. The relationships formed the foundation of her professional network that continues to support her today, particularly during times of transition.  

“My professional network has always been supportive of my career, especially when I wanted to change jobs and industries,” Molly says. “It’s important to surround yourself with people who will support you no matter what.” 

Like many campus MAC graduates, Sytz began her career in public accounting, joining PwC after completing her degree. Her time there provided valuable experience and exposure to the fast-paced environment of a Big Four accounting firm.  

As she progressed, she reassessed what she wanted from her career. While she had initially envisioned a long-term path in tax accounting, she realized that the traditional route might not be the right fit. 

She decided to step away from public accounting to explore new possibilities, a move that required both self-awareness and confidence.  

“I was very nervous to accept that tax and Big Four weren’t for me,” she says. “But it is okay to realize something isn’t a good fit.”  

She didn’t anticipated the opportunity that followed. A lifelong sports fan, Sytz  never set out to work in the sports industry, but changed when she came across a position with the Carolina Hurricanes. Recognizing the chance to apply her accounting skills in a new and exciting context, she took the leap and hasn’t looked back. 

Today, as a staff accountant for the Hurricanes and Lenovo Center, Sytz plays a key role in the financial operations behind major events, from NHL games to concerts and college basketball matchups. While the setting might be unique, the core of her work remains grounded in the fundamentals she learned at UNC Kenan-Flagler.  

“I apply all the normal accounting skills I learned in the UBP and MAC Program to my role,” Sytz says. “I’m doing what I learned in the classroom, but in a way that is applicable to sports and entertainment.” 

Her responsibilities span a wide range of functions. She manages concert settlements with promoters, handles sections of the accounts payable processes, and tracks daily ticket sales. Each month, she completes bank reconciliations, journal entries, balance-sheet reconciliations, and variance analyses — core accounting tasks that ensure financial accuracy and performance tracking.  

The journey from classroom to arena has been defined by both preparation and adaptability. The technical skills Sytz developed at UNC Kenan-Flagler provided a strong foundation, while her willingness to reassess and pursue new opportunities led her to a role that aligns with both her interests and strengths.