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I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto and hold the Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Once I graduated from university, I started working as an accountant in the public sector. In the earlier stages of my career, I gained experience in management and financial accounting. During that time, I developed a strong foundation in budgeting and financial planning. As my career progressed, I took on roles with increasing responsibility. Now, I work in a senior accounting role for the Federal Government, advising senior management on efficiently using departmental resources and providing solutions to meet the financial needs of various internal client groups.
I became an accountant because I have always enjoyed working with numbers and solving problems. Accounting allows me to combine my analytical skills with attention to detail, helping organizations make informed financial decisions. I was also drawn to the stability and versatility of the profession – accounting skills are valuable in almost any industry, and there are always opportunities to grow and learn. Ultimately, I find satisfaction in supporting the growth of organizations and ensuring they stay financially healthy.
What I'm most passionate about in my accounting career is the opportunity for teamwork and collaboration across different departments. Because accounting serves as the central hub where all financial information is accumulated, analyzed, and disseminated, it naturally requires close collaboration with various parts of the organization. I enjoy working with different teams to brainstorm new ideas, particularly when it comes to strategic projects, solving problems, and improving processes. This collaboration not only helps the organization run smoothly but also allows me to gain a deeper understanding of how different operational units function. It’s not just about the numbers; it's about working together to support the organization’s success.
I was drawn to Ashton College’s emphasis on providing students with a career-ready education. Ashton’s goal is for students to begin seeing the benefits of their training immediately upon completing the Certificate in Accounting program. This enables them to succeed in the Canadian job market. Ashton emphasizes programs that teach practical skills directly applicable to the job market. This aligns perfectly with my own teaching philosophy, where I focus on the practical application of concepts to enhance the traditional classroom experience.
I am most satisfied when students tell me, sometimes long after their studies, how useful what they learned in my class is to their current work.
My teaching style is very hands-on and focused on practical learning. I believe that the best way to truly understand accounting concepts is through practice and real-world application of concepts. I incorporate a lot of practice problems into my lessons, which helps students apply what they've learned and build their confidence. I also emphasize the relevance of accounting in everyday business situations, so I often use real-world examples from business cases, news stories and case studies to show how the concepts we're studying are used in the professional world.
Winning the Outstanding Faculty Award is a tremendous honour and a profoundly gratifying recognition of my efforts as an educator. It means a lot to know that my commitment to helping students succeed and my focus on practical learning have made a positive impact. I see it as a reflection of the strong relationships I've built with my students and the collaborative environment we've created in the classroom.
I am very honoured! This award motivates me to continue striving for excellence in teaching, always looking for new ways to engage and inspire my students. Ultimately, it reminds me of why I love teaching—helping others grow and achieve their potential.
A successful instructor needs to be able to answer questions like “What do my students need to know about x topic? How do I get them there based on what they already know? How can I make it fun or, at least, interesting and worthwhile for them to learn?” Showing a commitment to making learning enjoyable, engaging, and relevant is what standout instructors have in common.
Always be curious and stay updated with industry changes as accounting standards and practices evolve. Developing good communication and interpersonal skills is also crucial, as accountants often work in teams and need to convey complex information clearly. For aspiring instructors, I recommend understanding your student's needs and finding ways to make the material accessible and engaging. Use real-world examples and practical applications to make concepts more relatable, and always be open to feedback from your students and peers. Teaching is not just about delivering content; it's about inspiring and guiding others to reach their potential.
One of the challenges I've faced, especially early in my career, was figuring out the next steps forward. When you're just starting, the path isn't always clear, and it can be challenging to know which direction to take or which opportunities to pursue. There were times when I felt uncertain about my choices, and it took a lot of self-reflection and perseverance to navigate those moments. I learned that it's okay not to have everything figured out right away. What helped me was staying open to new experiences, seeking advice from mentors, and trusting that each step, even if it wasn't part of a clear plan, would contribute to my growth. Over time, I realized that the journey itself, with its twists and turns, helps you develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed.
Certainly! I’ve been fortunate to have some outstanding mentors in my industry, and their guidance has been invaluable to my professional development, especially in people management. One of my role models is my former manager from when I was working at the University of Toronto. She was an inspiring leader who motivated the team by setting a positive example and fostering a sense of purpose. I also learned a lot about handling difficult work situations and the importance of diplomatic conflict resolution.
The accounting field has seen significant changes with the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, which have increased efficiency and accuracy in tasks like data entry and reconciliations. Cloud-based accounting systems are now more common, offering real-time data access and flexibility. Additionally, there's a greater focus on cybersecurity due to the digital handling of sensitive financial information. These advancements have shifted the skills needed in accounting, emphasizing technology proficiency and data protection.
I’d like to emphasize the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in this profession. As technology and industry standards evolve, staying updated helps us remain effective and relevant. Additionally, maintaining a passion for our work not only enhances our own satisfaction but also positively impacts those we interact with.
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