By the numbers
by Nathaniel Miller
Leo Muñoz analyzes numbers the same way people read books.
The digits in each line and row tell a story. There’s a beginning, a middle and an end. The figures, like those in a checkbook register close to the end of the month, show how something started, where it was going and its conclusion.
That storytelling comes in handy when Muñoz (B.B.A. ’89), with more than 30 years of experience, does work as a forensic accountant — someone who combines accounting and auditing to help uncover financial crimes, such as embezzlement, corruption or kickbacks.
That means not only does he and his team work an accounting book like a mystery thriller, his expertise also allows him to offer litigation support to help legal teams during a lawsuit.
Call it the numbers left at the scene of the crime.
“Numbers tell a story, especially when my team and I are involved in any type of internal investigation of financial fraud,” he said.
From stat sheets to spreadsheets
Originally from Brownsville, Muñoz grew up in Corpus Christi and was a baseball standout in high school. Recruited by numerous universities, he decided to attend St. Mary’s after a visit to campus and discussions with coaches.
He played shortstop and found himself, as a student-athlete, balancing time between practices, games and schoolwork.
Becoming an Accounting major was an easy decision. Munoz’s father worked in finance and banking. He cannot recall what specifically drove him toward accounting, but studying at the Greehey School of Business was a factor in his decision.
“Not only was St. Mary’s top on my list for a baseball program, but it has a good reputation from a business school standpoint as well,” Muñoz said.
The small class sizes and ease in ability to communicate with professors made for a positive learning environment. As he was getting ready to graduate, the University’s relationships with the business community meant he was already interviewing for jobs.
“Not only was St. Mary’s top on my list for a baseball program, but it has a good reputation from a business school standpoint as well.”
— Leo Muñoz
His first job was with the global accounting firm Arthur Andersen. He has worked in various finance and accounting roles throughout his career, including his current job as a managing director at GlassRatner.
Jurica Professor of Accounting Kent Royalty, J.D., LL.M., remembers Muñoz standing out as an exceptional student.
“Even years ago, Leo stood out as a hardworking student and dedicated athlete,” Royalty said. “It has been rewarding to watch him flourish and achieve such success in his career.”
Giving back to the University
Muñoz’s family has also founded the Dora Elizabeth Muñoz Memorial Scholarship in honor of his sister, who graduated from the University in 1990 with a degree in Accounting. The scholarship is available for Accounting majors.
Calling it one of the most informative times of his life, Muñoz said picking a university needs to be about what fits your personality best. The closeness of the campus, his teammates and the support of faculty helped give him the best opportunity to succeed.
“It was a great time in my life,” he said. “Coming into a smaller environment, making friends and playing baseball was just an enjoyable experience.”
