Jenifer West

About

Jenifer West ‘96 is originally from Texas but moved to Hillsboro, Ohio, when she was in eighth grade. Her interest in accounting started with a bookkeeping class she took in high school. After a visit to Miami during her senior year, she decided that Miami, with its “history of academic excellence” combined with the small-town feel of Oxford, was a perfect fit. “I was very resolute in my choice; Miami was my first and only college application!”

During her four years at Miami, Jenifer not only enjoyed her studies but was also active in Greek Life as a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She also worked as a student aide at the Department of Accountancy and served as a campus tour guide. “I loved having the opportunity to learn and share the rich history of the University, and I was very fortunate to have been a student of Dr. Phillip Shriver in his History of Miami course.”

After graduation, Jenifer took a position with the Auditor of State of Ohio as an assistant auditor, serving through four administrations as she advanced in her career, preparing financial statements for over twenty local governments throughout Southern Ohio.

After many long Ohio winters, she, with her husband and son, decided it was time to move south, and they returned to her home state of Texas. There, Jenifer worked as financial accountant in the City of Dallas Controller’s office, where she now serves as financial reporting manager. Her team prepares the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the city, as well as oversees all the accounting transactions of over 30 different departments.

“The complexity of our organization’s finances is what I enjoy the most, as I am constantly learning new topics and expanding my understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, while applying all of that information to real-world, difficult problems.”