Sean Daly

Retired EY Audit Partner

EY US was the only Big Four firm that agreed to hire 100% of our New Orleans office administrative staff, including file room personnel. That was probably the most rewarding moment of my career.
Sean Daly
Retired EY US Audit Partner
Photographic portrait of Sean Daly

How he made his way to Ernst & Young LLP (EY US)

In 2002, I was a managing partner at a major audit firm that was in a state of total collapse. I was in discussions with all the other Big Four firms, trying to help facilitate acquisitions that would keep as many people as possible employed. EY US was the only Big Four firm that agreed to hire 100% of our New Orleans office administrative staff, including file room personnel. That was probably the most rewarding moment of my career. I went on to enjoy a successful 14-year tenure with EY US as an audit partner, and I am very proud of the work I did for the firm.

What he remembers about his early days

Before the collapse of my previous firm, there was a block on spending, and I had to drive to a local store to buy paper so I could print reports. When my former colleagues and I walked into our first EY training session, there was a spread of food for everyone. One of my coworkers said, “We are back!” And we were.

How EY US helped him achieve his professional and personal goals

When I was ready to transfer back to Denver, EY US helped make that happen. I picked up a lot of new, interesting audit clients and was welcomed to the Denver office by a whole host of new colleagues. It was a great move for me and my family.

What he’s doing to enjoy retirement

Since retirement, my wife, Christie, and I have made it a goal to hike all the national parks in the western US. We have also taken several fantastic trips to Europe. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve found more to do close to home in Steamboat Springs, such as hiking, biking, back-country skiing and the Steamboat Gravel Race. I also keep up with my EY colleagues through alumni events and networking.