Erin Hackett
Senior audit manager
Crowe
Personal bio: I’m a native Vermonter, but I’ve also lived in Boston and still love visiting the city. I’m an avid runner and love to run in the early morning when I can enjoy how peaceful and quiet everything is around me. When I’m not running, I’m spending time with family.
Professional profile: I attended Saint Michaels College in Vermont for my undergraduate degree where I double majored in accounting and business administration. Upon graduation, I joined a large regional accounting firm in Boston and gained experience auditing many industries. After three years, I was looking to try working in the private industry and joined a large investment firm in its financial reporting department. The experience I was fortunate enough to gain both in the public accounting and private industry has given me the opportunity to see many perspectives of a problem or discussion.
How did you end up in the captive industry?
After spending five years working for a public accounting firm and private investment management firm in Boston, I made the decision to relocate back to Vermont. In looking for my next career opportunity in Vermont, I was exposed to the vibrant captive insurance industry.
I made the decision to join Saslow, Lufkin & Buggy (SLB), a boutique public accounting firm specialising in captive insurance. Shortly after joining SLB, the firm combined with Crowe LLP giving our insurance practice the unique ability to specialise in this niche industry and benefit from large firm resources.
What has been your highlight in the captive industry so far?
I’m not sure I can pick one highlight from my time in the captive industry, but when I think about the most memorable moments since joining the industry, it is always the times I’m connecting with other professionals.
Whether within my own firm, connecting with clients regarding accounting issues, or meeting professionals at industry events, I’m always thankful to be working in an industry where everyone is engaged by the work they’re doing and willing to share their knowledge and story.
What/who have been your influences in the captive industry?
I’ve worked very closely with Glenn Saslow, one of the cofounders of SLB. He’s extremely generous with his time and helped me as I entered the industry to explain the complexities and nuances of the specific type of work we are engaged to complete. Seeing first hand the long-lasting relationships he’s built and his attention to having up-front conversations with clients has been very influential to me.
What is your impression of the industry?
I find the industry to be unique in that as an auditor, I’m not only building a relationship with my client but also with the other service providers and regulators. There is a very collaborative and innovative feeling that I’ve not experienced before.
What are your aspirations for your career in the captive industry?
To never stop learning and growing as a professional. As I mentioned, the industry feels very collaborative and innovative and if I continue to participate in the industry, I think the learning process will also continue, which can only benefit my career and the clients that I work with. I want to provide the highest quality of service to my clients and I can only do that if I continue to learn.
What advice do you have for someone considering a role in the industry?
You’ll truly get out of the industry exactly what you put in. If you take the time to get to know the people that make up this close-knit community of professional service providers and captive owners, they’ll take the time to share their knowledge and experiences which are extremely valuable.
Joe Pieksza, Insurance audit partner, Crowe “Erin’s dedication to providing our clients with exceptional service and her commitment to developing our team members exemplifies her proactive leadership. She consistently exceeds expectations and serves as a role model within Crowe in expanding our captive practice. Erin’s commitment to the captive industry is also evident in her volunteerism within the industry and the community. We look forward to supporting her as she continues to advance her career and enhance the captive community”
