Alumnus Always Heeded Opportunity’s Call

Michael Monahan, C.P.A. ’91CBA initially decided to attend St. John’s University to follow in the footsteps of his brother, a fellow alumnus. Today, he could not have envisaged a better decision. 

“I would not have gotten my first job at Arthur Andersen LLP, and had the career success that I have been lucky to have,” he stressed.

After more than 30 years in the accounting field, Mr. Monahan is CohnReznick’s Office Managing Partner, Long Island, and has served almost three terms as a member of the firm’s Executive Board.

A native of Deer Park, NY, Mr. Monahan hoped to go away to school, as many of his friends did but he  several scholarships that offset the cost of tuition at St. John’s University. Initially, he planned to attend law school after college and thought majoring in Accounting would provide him with a solid foundation for that eventual leap.

A rabid Men’s Basketball fan, Mr. Monahan used to be first in line for season tickets and sat in the front row during the heyday of former Head Coach Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON (he even enjoyed a fortuitous run-in with the legendary icon, who recognized him as an ardent supporter). 

The managing partner at Arthur Andersen was also a St. John’s alumnus with season tickets, who recognized Mr. Monahan from games. “I think we talked 25 minutes about basketball and the team—and nothing about accounting,” he said. “Two weeks later, I had a job offer.” 

Mr. Monahan enjoyed the profession so much that he became a Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) and never looked back.

He noted that the love of Men’s Basketball and college sports in general was a great bonding exercise for students. “It brought everybody together, the whole community. I went to games with all my friends. Everybody rooted for St. John’s.”

When he looks back on his life, Mr. Monahan explains it all started at St. John’s. “The Department of Accounting and the recruiting department presented me with great opportunities for career advancement, and then I met an alumnus who recognized me from basketball games—go figure,” he laughed.

Mr. Monahan described himself as competitive, “but in a healthy way,” and someone who took advantage of every opportunity. “I’m still doing what I did in 1991, but at a much higher level. Back then, I worked hard, kept my head down, and listened. You took opportunities when they were presented. My dad was instrumental in telling me to be the first one in and the last to leave.”

Mr. Monahan stressed that the proudest moments of his career have come when someone he has mentored or shepherded has been promoted or made partner. “It’s like a proud papa moment at the end of the day when I see somebody I guided and  advised  succeed. They have done the hard work, but I showed them the path and sponsored them to be a partner.”

He added, “Watching people grow and getting to know their goals and families, and helping them on their journey—that’s the best.”

Mr. Monahan has been on the Board of Advisors for the Department of Accounting for 13 years and has recruited on campus for more than 30 years. “St. John’s always holds a meaningful place in my heart, and any way I can assist a student in starting their career during school and after graduation is just a small way to give back.”

He advises current students to be aware of opportunities. “My parents didn’t go to college, but they worked hard. They put me and my brother through college, bought a house, and paid off that house. My dad was very active in the church and charities. They gave back. My parents instilled that in me, and St. John’s amplified that. Give your time, energy, and resources—whatever you can.”