Danica Olson, CPA - WICPA

knew I wanted to go to Marquette (University),
and I knew they had a good accounting
program. Plus, I wanted to get my
master’s degree. I knew HR would be a good
fit with accounting.”
Olson graduated from Marquette with a
bachelor’s degree in business administration
with specialization in accounting and
a master’s in human resources in 1993. The
following year, she earned her CPA designation.
Her career includes accounting positions
at Rite-Hite Corp., Boston Store, and
the company that is now U.S. Bank. She also
worked at Dai Shin Technologies, where she
eventually became controller.
After leaving Dai Shin Technologies,
Olson took her current position with the
Bucks. There, she enjoys a variety of duties,
including calculating the amount of taxes to
withhold in the states and cities that require
professional athletes to pay income tax.
She also does general ledger reconciliation,
resume screenings and exit interviews.
“I think the thing that most people find
interesting about my job is that I do the
payroll for the staff, the basketball players,
and the coaches,” she said. “I have written a
million-dollar paycheck. I have seen literally
the amount of taxes taken out of one check
that’s more than my entire year’s earnings.
It’s surreal.”
Olson also teaches accounting at DeVry
University and University of Phoenix.
Although her schedule is busier than ever,
she finds time to spend with her family and
friends. She and her husband, Andy, enjoy
traveling and spending time with her two
cats, Chloe and Meg. She also plays in a
women’s tennis league.
Cynthia M. Hodnett is editor of On Balance
magazine. Contact her at 262-785-0445 ext.
3004 or cynthia@wicpa.org.
She epitomizes
what this
profession is
all about
“I can get all of my work done
and still do my volunteering
opportunities,” she said. “I’m
a really busy person. I thrive
on tasks, so adding one more
won’t be a problem.”
A TRUE MEMBER BENEFIT Providing quality insurance programs is just the beginning —
Group & Individual Health Insurance
our friendly, knowledgeable staff provides the kind of expertise,
Disability, Life & Long Term Care Insurance service and advice that you expect as a member of WICPA.
Auto, Homeowners
Professional Liability, Office Protection,
& Workers Compensation Insurance
wicpa.org
On Balance May|June 2012
9