At the Institute of Internal Auditors Global Student Conference Case Competition, held April 21, 2026, Jamey Amador achieved an impressive fourth-place finish among more than 160 students representing 86 universities from 19 countries.
The competition challenged students to think beyond theory, applying real-world problem solving to complex business scenarios. Amador and her team delivered a comprehensive analysis of key internal controls related to passenger pickup and verification processes for Waymo—an industry leader in fully driverless, AI-powered ride-hailing services operating in major U.S. cities, including Miami and Orlando.
For Amador, the experience was as meaningful as it was competitive.
"I am honored to have had the opportunity to attend the conference, gain valuable insight, and share my presentation with others," Amador said. "Getting to speak with students, educators, and companies from all around the world was such a surreal experience. This experience has motivated me to continue improving and take on even bigger opportunities in the future, maybe even sitting for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)."
The Certified Internal Auditor credential, offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors, is the only globally recognized certification for internal auditors and is considered the premier certification in the profession.
Amador, who is pursuing a double major in accounting and finance, plans to enter public accounting following graduation. Her academic and professional ambitions are matched by strong campus involvement. She serves as vice president-elect of Flagler College’s Student Accounting Society, helping to connect students with the profession through networking events, firm visits, resume workshops, and LinkedIn training.
Her commitment extends beyond campus as well. Amador is an active student member of several professional organizations, including the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Institute of Management Accountants, and the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Faculty say her success reflects both individual drive and the strength of the program supporting her.
"Jamey's accomplishment is a testament to her dedication and the strength of our accounting program," said Dr. Ryan Parris, accounting faculty member at Flagler College. "We are incredibly proud of her and all of our students who represented Flagler College at this prestigious international event."
This year marked the first time Flagler College students attended and competed in the IIA Global Student Conference and case competition. In total, six accounting students participated in the conference, which is designed to bridge academic knowledge with professional practice while emphasizing career readiness, emerging trends in auditing, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.
For Amador, the experience signals more than a strong finish—it marks the beginning of what’s next.
