Rising accounting star
In the 14 years since former Loyola men's basketball player Andrew Coombs (BBA '09) graduated with a Quinlan School of Business degree in accounting, he has become a force in the consulting industry.
After gaining experience across multiple accounting and auditing firms in the New York area, including time at Ernst and Young, Coombs created his own business, Coombs CPA, PC, in New Jersey. Since its creation in 2018, his firm has gained nearly 1,000 clients including individuals, nonprofits, real estate developers, private equity firms, and manufacturers. His efforts have brought him and his business numerous accolades, including being named the 6th most powerful CPA in the state by NJBiz Magazine in 2023.
Teammate to team leader
Student athletes have the unique challenge of balancing the demands of athletics and academics. It's a challenge that demands discipline and time management to succeed.
"It was hard because you'd have practice in the morning, classes, practice after, grab a coffee, and stay disciplined," Coombs said.
As the leader of a company, Coombs has found the same effort is needed to run a business.
"It's actually a lot harder than working a nine to five because you're always on," Coombs said. "A lot of people don't understand, because they think 'Oh, you're your own boss,' but really you have several bosses with your clients. However, you do have autonomy."
Business leadership is an area where Coombs has thrived. It's something he and his siblings have in common.
Family ties
Coombs comes from a family of entrepreneurs. His sister is a physician, and his brother is a dentist. Both started their own practices. He says the drive to become an entrepreneur comes from experiences he had as a child. He recalls seeing his father, an engineer, coming home after being laid off.
"You see that and you don't know that you're internalizing it, but you really are," Coombs said. "I need to build my own business, because I need that level of autonomy so somebody can't come and do that to me."
A standout aspect of being an entrepreneur for Coombs is seeing his work directly reflected in the success of his business.
"When you own your business, you directly see the numbers change," Coombs said.
Investing in communities
Coombs CPA, PC, is located south of Newark, about 20 minutes outside Manhattan. With his business located in an impoverished area, Coombs says he's made a point to help the families around him advance their financial knowledge.
"There's so many people who don't know what a mortgage is, who don't know how interest works," Coombs said. "We teach people about financial literacy; we hire in the community. Our mission is not just business but to give back."
That desire to give back to his community is something he ties directly to Loyola's mission of creating ethical leaders.
"Loyola had classes about ethics and community," Coombs said. "It all ropes into this because at the end of the day, it's not all about making money, it's about the impact you have on others and the impact you have on society."
