This accountant skated into a new career
Molly Sytz used what she learned in the MAC program to crunch numbers for the Stanley Cup champions Carolina Hurricanes.
For Molly Sytz ’23, ’24 (MAC), a career in accounting was never a question of if, but where. Inspired by an early interest a high school class, Sytz is on a path for a dynamic career path to the center of professional sports as a staff accountant for the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, the newly crowned Stanley Cup champions.
As an Undergraduate Business Program student at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, she built a strong foundation in finance and accounting. She continued it after graduating, when she enrolled in the on-campus Master of Accounting Program.
During her time in the MAC Program, Sytz found both challenge and support, particularly in the classroom. She credits Courtney Knoll, clinical professor of accounting and the associate dean of the MAC program, as one of the most influential figures. As a tax concentration student, Sytz took multiple courses with Knoll, developing technical knowledge and a strong mentorship connection.
Knoll later served as a recommender for her current role and a moral character reference for her CPA application.
The MAC program allowed Sytz to build relationships through networking opportunities provided by the curriculum. These relationships became the foundation of her professional network that continues to support her today.
“My professional network has always been supportive, especially when I wanted to change jobs and industries,” Sytz said. “It’s important to surround yourself with people who will support you no matter what.”
Like many MAC graduates, Sytz started in public accounting, joining PricewaterhouseCoopers after graduation. Her time there provided valuable experience and exposure to the fast- paced environment of a Big Four accounting firm.
While she had initially envisioned a long term path in tax accounting, she realized that the traditional route might not be the right fit. This realization 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 OK to realize something isn’t a good fit.”
A lifelong sports fan, Sytz never set out to work in the sports industry, but that changed when she found a position with the Carolina Hurricanes. Recognizing the chance to apply her accounting skills in a new context, she took the leap and hasn’t looked back.
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 arena 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.”
The journey from classroom to arena has been defined by both preparation and adaptability. The 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.
