California CPA September 2024 | Page 15

different geographic locales , different industries and different professional teams , both client and staff . It was challenging on multiple levels . There were bumps along the road , but I loved the constant change and the varied challenges of working with new people in a variety of business settings . It caused me to grow personally and professionally in a very short period . My time as an auditor provided a strong foundation for understanding businesses and how to work with and manage people . I learned so much . It was at the core of who I am today professionally . But foremost , the people that I met along the way are at the core at what made it such an amazing experience . Many of my these colleagues are still close friends to this day .
Q : What do you enjoy most about being a CPA ? The people . The profession allowed me to meet some of the brightest , kind , energetic , thoughtful , social and diverse minded people , many of whom still play an important role in my life . My career has provided me with a broad and dynamic array of professional and social experiences . My background has allowed me to gain experience and knowledge in a wide array of industries and companies . It has allowed me to travel and meet leading professionals in California , across the United States and internationally , specifically Asia . Mind you , I never got on an airplane until I was 21 years old .
Being a CPA has provided me with an opportunity to become an educator , a consultant , an expert witness , serve on multiple boards and to participate in various organizations that set policy and shape the accountancy profession . This includes serving on multiple boards and committees of CalCPA , AICPA , NASBA and the California Board of Accountancy that have helped shape our professional . This was and is a wonderful opportunity to learn and to give back to the profession that has given me so much . It has provided me with perspective and understanding that not everything looks , thinks or operates like Los Angeles or California or the United States .
I have taught for USC for over 40 years . I have a number of former accountancy students that have gone on to successful careers in the profession . Even more have gone on to satisfying and successful careers as entrepreneurs , CFOs , private equity , investment firms , private equity , venture capitalists and on and on . It is a wonderful gateway to a variety of avenues of professional success .
Accounting is about information . I tell my students it ’ s about scoreboard . Developing information about what happened , should happen and exploring why it did or did not happen .
Q : What attracted you to CalCPA and then CalCPA leadership ? It is an opportunity to give back to the profession that has given me so much . It is a wonderful opportunity to work with an amazing group of people at a key time in our profession when talking significant issues involving licensing requirements , accounting education , pipeline issues and mobility .
Q : What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the profession ? Facing CalCPA ? There are multiple challenges facing the accounting profession . This includes pipeline , regulatory oversight , outside competition in areas that have typically been thought of or reserved for CPAs . The way we develop our profession has not evolved in a manner that firmly addresses changes in the competitive landscape and that meets the current needs of those that might be interested in the profession . This includes providing a clearer picture of what a CPA does and the opportunity the accountancy profession provides .
Q : What ’ s one thing about accounting that people might not be aware of ? The possibilities and opportunities an accounting degree and CPA license provide . It is important to step back and see the big picture .
Accounting is about information . I tell my students it ’ s about scoreboard . Developing information about what happened , should happen and exploring why it did or did not happen . The key is understanding the information and its implications , and how to use them effectively when making or offering advice on business decisions .
Q : What advice do you have for younger professionals or those thinking of entering the CPA profession ? Step back and think of the big picture . Manage your career from the get-go . Keep an open mind as opportunities will present themselves . To see what is possible , what is probable as you pursue your career . Position yourself for the opportunities that fit your current and potential skills sets , professional interests and provide the lifestyle you want as you grow professionally . Be prepared to grow and evolve as the world changes . www . calcpa . org SEPTEMBER 2024 CALIFORNIA CPA 13