WOMEN IN THE KNOW: Andrea Martina Bordallo Hofschneider

Author’s note: Saipan Tribune will be featuring leading women in higher education every week in its newest 10-part series, Women In The Know. Dora Ada was previously featured for , graduating from Northern Marianas College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Special Education.. This week’s Woman in the Know is Andrea Hofschneider.

Saipan lass Andrea Martina Bordallo Hofschneider is one of Saipan’s few Certified Public Accountants. She received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Santa Clara University in 2010 and a Master of Accountancy from Golden Gate University in 2013. After completing her master’s degree, she studied and passed all four sections of the CPA exam.

Andrea Martina Bordallo Hofschneider. (Contributed Photo)

The Grace Christian Academy alumna is currently working as an audit associate at Frank, Rimerman + Co, a CPA firm, in San Jose, California.

“I wanted to study finance at Santa Clara because my classes were interesting and professors were brilliant. I wanted to learn about the safest and riskiest investment vehicles,” she told Saipan Tribune in an email. “After graduating, I learned that accounting was a little more practical and jobs were high in demand.”

An accounting degree, she said, would give her the credentials to take CPA exam and later work at a CPA firm.

She explained that she had to narrow down her college choices to two Jesuit universities, after conducting preliminary research to determine what would be the best fit for her.

“I applied to Santa Clara early admission and learned by Christmas that I was accepted. I was accepted at Fordham University as well, but chose Santa Clara because I had previously visited the campus and knew that they had a well-respected business school,” she added.

The 27-year-old grew up on Saipan and attended Whispering Palms for elementary school, and Saipan International School for half of her high school, career. As an avid student athlete, scholar, and student leader, she said growing up on Saipan contributed to her appreciation of cultural diversity.

She added, “Because there are limited educational opportunities on Saipan, going off to college made me more appreciative of the wealth of resources available to help me achieve my goals.”

“Growing up on Saipan also taught me respect for other cultures since our community is very diverse. This translates well to working with people of different backgrounds at my current job,” she explained.

Hofschneider’s primary objective is to garner as much experience as she can at her current occupation. She also has her eyes set on becoming a partner and changing careers to become a professional entrepreneur.

“I am open to working in Hawaii, Guam, or Saipan in the next few years,” she added.

She advises teens to capitalize on things that they enjoy doing and turn it into a career.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help from others, but always stay true to your heart,” she said.