After having taught both Accounting and Finance courses at the undergraduate level, I have realized that I have a deep passion for teaching and thoroughly enjoy interacting with students of all ages. It gives me immense satisfaction that I have explained a difficult concept to those who struggle with accounting. I have taught both Financial and Managerial Accounting at UTSA, St. Mary's University and Trinity University.
My style of teaching encompasses power points which outline the succinct concepts, followed by plenty of worksheets, problem sets and discussions. I find that relating real-world problems to the text keeps students focused. As an instructor, my role is to create and manage a comfortable environment so that every student feels at ease to voice their thoughts and ask questions for further clarity.
My goals are twofold; firstly, I want students to have a deep understanding of the subject material, and secondly, they can now put this newfound knowledge to "real world" situations. It encourages me when students tell them that they have started reconciling their bank statements, and that they are now maintaining the accounting books of their family business! Empowering students with knowledge is far more beneficial than acquiring "As" in my course, and I constantly tell them this.
Besides earning an MBA in International Business & Finance from McGill University, Canada, and a BSc Hons in Economics from the London School of Economics, London, U.K., I am also a licensed member with the Texas Board of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. I have extensive financial experience, and besides teaching graduate-level courses, I also manage equity portfolio investments. My work experience is with in the financial and audit divisions of American Express, Deloitte & Company in London and New York City, and for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in Nairobi, Kenya.
Besides teaching, I have engaged in several outreach programs as part of my role as a member on various non-profit Boards and the Rotary Foundation. Through these institutions, I have conducted several workshops on the understanding of accounting and finance, especially educating the under privileged members of the community. I am also on the Board of the Center for Victims of Torture which addresses the plight of marginalized communities in the Middle East and Africa, providing healing of both physically and psychologically tortured victims, and on the board of the Humane Society from Jan. 2021. Needless to say, my passion is for animals and I have a home with 4 pets.
I enjoy reading, keeping up with international news, articles and watching CNBC and MSNBC. Before the pandemic I was a regular at the gym but now enjoy long walks with my dogs.