Let's talk business

Summary

Ming Lu, an accounting professor at Santa Monica College and UCLA, introduces the diverse and exciting career opportunities in accounting. He emphasizes that accounting is accessible to anyone willing to learn, offering high demand, flexibility, and strong earning potential. Through testimonials from professionals like Sharon Onuma (EY), Pablo Vera (FBI), and Stacey Conaway (Winnebago), the video showcases how accountants play vital roles in industries ranging from entertainment to government and outdoor recreation. Each shares how accounting allowed them to shape rewarding careers and encourages viewers to explore the vast possibilities in the field.

Takeaways

• 📚 Accounting is fundamental to analyzing, verifying, and reporting financial data, essential in every business and industry.
• 🌍 A career in accounting can take you anywhere, with roles in various sectors like entertainment, fashion, sports, government, and nonprofits.
• 💼 Accountants have high demand, strong job security, flexibility, and earning potential, making it a stable and rewarding profession.
• 🔢 Accounting doesn’t require advanced math skills; basic math and computer proficiency are sufficient for success.
• 👥 Soft skills like communication and teamwork are just as important as technical expertise for accountants.
• 🚀 Accounting allows for specialization in diverse fields, such as forensic accounting, tax services, or corporate financial reporting.
• 🔍 Forensic accounting in law enforcement offers opportunities to solve criminal cases by tracing financial transactions.
• 🏕 Accountants can align their passion with their profession, as seen with those working in industries like outdoor adventure or travel.
• 🧑‍🏫 The profession offers diverse career paths, from academia to entrepreneurial ventures and corporate leadership.
• 🔑 Experience through internships, job shadowing, and networking is vital to shaping a successful accounting career.

Q & A

What is the main message that Ming Lu wants to convey about a career in accounting?

Ming Lu emphasizes that a career in accounting offers exciting possibilities, accessibility, and a wide range of roles across different industries. He highlights the financial benefits, job security, and flexibility the profession provides, making it a great career choice.

What are the key skills that accountants need according to Ming Lu?

According to Ming Lu, accountants need to be skilled in analyzing, verifying, and reporting financial data. While basic math and computer skills are essential, communication skills and the ability to work well with people are equally important.

How does Sharon Onuma describe her role at EY?

Sharon Onuma describes her role at EY as working primarily in the tax service line, helping clients with tax compliance and auditing the tax portion of financial statements for publicly traded companies. She enjoys adding value to her clients and colleagues and appreciates the flexibility to shape her own career.

What does Pablo Vera find most rewarding about his career as a forensic accountant for the FBI?

Pablo Vera finds the mission-oriented nature of his work in law enforcement highly rewarding. He enjoys tracing financial transactions to solve crimes and feels fulfilled knowing his work helps bring criminals to justice.

How does Stacey Conaway link her passion for the outdoors to her accounting career at Winnebago?

Stacey Conaway links her passion for the outdoors with her accounting career by working for Winnebago, a company that promotes outdoor adventures. She finds fulfillment in aligning her personal interests with her work, ensuring that her accounting career reflects her passions.

What surprised Sharon Onuma about her accounting career path?

Sharon Onuma was surprised by the ability to shape her own career in accounting. She discovered the flexibility to work in various industries, whether at a large firm, as an entrepreneur, or in a specific field of interest.

What advice does Stacey Conaway give about shaping one's accounting career?

Stacey Conaway advises taking advantage of every opportunity, such as internships and job shadowing, to explore different career options. She emphasizes that gaining experiences helps make informed decisions about career paths.

How does Pablo Vera’s background in the military influence his career choice?

Pablo Vera’s background in the military sparked his interest in law enforcement. His time in the Marine Corps helped him realize that accounting could be a path into federal law enforcement, leading to his current role as a forensic accountant with the FBI.

What are the benefits of a career in accounting mentioned in the script?

The script highlights several benefits of a career in accounting, including high demand for skills, high earning potential, strong job security, professional freedom, flexibility, and advancement opportunities.

What commonality do Ming, Sharon, Pablo, and Stacey share in their career journeys?

All four professionals—Ming, Sharon, Pablo, and Stacey—started with the same basic accounting education but eventually specialized in different roles. None of them initially planned to become accountants, but they each found success and fulfillment in the profession by exploring various opportunities.