As a senior manager of state and local tax at RSM US LLP, Erica Cline, BS Accounting ’02, thrives in the firm’s inclusive and collaborative culture.
Erica Cline. Photo provided by Erica Cline.
She values the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds and enjoys the daily interactions that foster a strong sense of community. To Cline, RSM feels like a true family. After seven years in her role, she’s found that many of the qualities she appreciates about the firm mirror what she loves about her alma mater.
“Around the country, you read accounting graduates are dwindling, and the percentages are decreasing,” says Michael Griggs, assurance partner at RSM. “But at George Mason, they’re not only holding flat, they’re continuing to increase enrollment, which I think, again, is just a testament to the program itself, but also all the hard work that goes into recruiting kids to come on campus.” Griggs represents RSM on the Accounting Advisory Council at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, working with his industry peers to help prepare students to be successful in an increasingly global accounting profession.
“At George Mason, our commitment to engaging and experiential learning continues to drive growth in both enrollment and student success,” says Long Chen, accounting area chair and associate professor of accounting. “This momentum also reflects the shared dedication of the college, the accounting area, and our Accounting Advisory Council firms—such as RSM—to career readiness; that is, preparing the next generation of leaders in the accounting field.”
The Costello College of Business played a pivotal role in both Cline’s professional and personal journey. It’s where she met her husband, Brady Cline, BS Marketing ’04, during their Marketing 301 course. “He actually proposed to me in Lot K, and with all of the expansion that we’ve seen over the past 25 years, Lot K is still there, which is kind of nostalgic for us,” she says.
At Costello, Cline felt both motivated and challenged, which inspired her to keep striving and ultimately pursue the CPA exam. “It makes me excited to see and meet new people that join RSM that come from George Mason, so that also makes me proud,” she says. “I like to tell my story and meet new people. There’s a diverse group of people that George Mason helps get them to the next level.” Cline frequently returns to campus for alumni gatherings and events at EagleBank Arena.
“It makes me excited to see and meet new people that join RSM that come from George Mason, so that also makes me proud. I like to tell my story and meet new people. There’s a diverse group of people that George Mason helps get them to the next level."
— Erica Cline, BS Accounting ’02
The strong parallels between RSM and Costello make the campus an ideal recruiting ground for the firm. “We like the people who come in and want to work hard from day one and don’t expect things to be given to them,” says Griggs. “And I think there’s just been a really good connection, and the people we’ve been able to identify and recruit from George Mason have fit in perfectly with our teams.” With shared core values, the partnership continues to flourish.
Erica Cline’s journey—from her formative years at the Costello College of Business to her successful career at RSM US LLP—illustrates the powerful impact of a values-driven education and workplace culture. The connection between Costello and RSM continues to foster a pipeline of talented, hardworking professionals who are prepared to lead in a dynamic and diverse industry. As alumni like Cline return to campus and share their stories, they not only celebrate their personal milestones but also inspire the next generation of Costello graduates to pursue excellence and build meaningful relationships.