Hayden Figueroa Moore’s Chapman University journey was one of impressive academic rigor balanced by a commitment to college athletics. Graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Hayden pushed himself to meet the 150-credit requirement to become CPA-eligible, taking full course loads year-round. His academic path included advanced coursework in cost accounting, audit, tax, and more, while also pursuing leadership education through Chapman’s Leadership Cluster.

Balance and Leadership

Hayden wasn’t just making waves in the classroom—he was a star on the court as well. As a two-time all-conference player and team captain for the men’s basketball team, Hayden helped lead the Panthers to a stellar 23-3 record in his final season. “Being part of Chapman’s men’s basketball program was one of the most defining experiences of my college life,” Hayden reflects. “It instilled a sense of discipline and teamwork that I carry with me every day.” His hard work earned him not only athletic honors but also the Don Perkins Leadership Award for his contributions on and off the court.

From Chapman to EY

Since graduating, Hayden has found his calling at Ernst & Young (EY), working as a CPA in their Financial Services Organization Assurance group. He credits Chapman’s Accounting Society and its faculty with providing the foundation for his career. “The people I met through the Accounting Society were instrumental in smoothing my journey from the classroom to the professional world,” Hayden says. Networking events, mentorship from upperclassmen, and recruiting opportunities helped him make connections that ultimately led to his current role at EY.

“The accounting faculty, especially Professor Willis, played a significant role in my post-graduate preparation,” said Hayden. “She continues to be an incredible mentor and is someone I still turn to for advice.”

The Impact of Athletics and Campus Involvement

Hayden’s time as a student-athlete shaped much of his personal and professional outlook. “Being a student-athlete isn’t just about playing games; it’s about teamwork, time management, and leadership,” Hayden notes. His experiences on the court translated directly into his career, where he continues to lead teams and manage multiple client portfolios.

Beyond athletics, Hayden’s involvement in the Accounting Society also played a crucial role in his career preparation. “The Accounting Society gave me practical skills that went beyond academics—things like networking, interviewing, and even socializing at professional events,” he shares. His involvement in both sports and accounting laid a solid foundation for his success in the demanding world of financial services.

Mentorship and Lessons from Chapman

For many students, internships provide that crucial bridge between academics and the professional world, and Hayden was no exception. He interned at Andersen during the summers of 2020 and 2021, gaining first-hand experience in financial services. “Those internships allowed me to take what I learned at Chapman and apply it in the real world,” Hayden recalls. “I left Andersen with a clearer understanding of what I wanted in my accounting career.”

Reflecting on his time at Chapman, Hayden highlights the Intermediate Financial Accounting course as a pivotal point in his education. “It was by far the toughest class I took, but it prepared me more than anything else for the CPA exam and my work at EY,” he notes.

Advice for Future Graduates: Go Above and Beyond

Hayden has a wealth of advice for current students and recent graduates entering the workforce: “Understand that the transition into the working world won’t be easy, but focus on what you can control: Don’t be late to meetings, follow up with your team, over-communicate, dress appropriately, make the effort to go into the office, network, and be readily available,” he advises. He also emphasizes the importance of networking and staying visible in the workplace. “Your team won’t expect you to know everything, and mistakes are part of the learning process, but it’s essential to demonstrate that you care, are learning every day, have the potential to grow within the company, and you get the simple things right.”

Looking back, Hayden says he wouldn’t change much about his time at Chapman, though he does wish he had explored more areas within business and finance. “If I could do things differently, I would have gotten more involved with other business or finance groups,” he reflects. “It’s a growing interest of mine now, and I wish I’d explored it more during my time at Chapman.”

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