In my previous career, I was an Assistant Professor of Accounting at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business. I used to start every lecture with “let’s get started” and I think that’s an excellent way to kick off my first blog post!
Currently, I work as a Financial Counsellor for undergraduate medical students at the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. I hold a PhD in Accounting from the Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree from the University of Manitoba, and am a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA). Prior to joining the University of Manitoba, I worked in public accounting, providing assurance, accounting, tax, and consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses, individuals, and not-for-profit organizations.
In Fall 2018, I taught Introductory Financial Accounting, a required course in the Bachelor of Commerce program. Ninety percent of the students enrolled have no interest in studying accounting – tough crowd! I introduced an ice-breaker concept, Life Lessons, and began each lecture with a real-life story that students could relate to, which linked back to a foundational lesson on accounting specifically, or life in general. It was, perhaps, the most successful teaching intervention that I have ever used. Students were engaged, and could, perhaps, see the relevance of accounting in their non-accountant future lives.
I will be sharing life lessons, financial literacy education, and advice, relevant to medical students and others who are interested in learning more about their finances.
Life Lessons 