CPA with 20+ years of experience| Accounting & Corporate Finance Tutor | Personal Finance & SMB Adviser | Helping students, professionals, and small business owners confidently navigate accountin

Find out more about Adrienne

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I fell in love with accounting as an undergrad. Initially, I aimed to be a high school English teacher and principal, majoring in English Literature and Business Economics. Two required accounting classes revealed my true passion for numbers and systems, steering me towards becoming a CPA.
  
  I didn't have to give up on my teaching aspirations however, since working at a CPA firm and then in private industry both involved training and mentoring team members. Helping others master complex concepts and witnessing their light bulb moments is incredibly rewarding.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach accounting and corporate finance to undergraduates and MBA students, as well as work with business professionals, helping them structure their financial accounting systems and solve specific challenges. I thrive on the interconnectedness of all topics and enjoy piecing together the larger financial puzzle. I love linking theory with real-world applications. As a podcast enthusiast, I dive into various financial and economic podcasts for fun and frequently recommend relevant episodes to my students based on their subject matter. Understanding how these topics connect to our daily lives as well as the larger world around us makes them truly relevant and engaging.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I've been fortunate to have many inspiring and influential teachers throughout my academic and professional journey. My accounting professors at university were exceptional, transforming potentially dry material into captivating lessons through their real-world experiences. During my six-plus years working at a CPA firm, I was also mentored by some outstanding professionals who further shaped my understanding and passion for the field.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A great tutor embodies patience, empathy, adaptability, and enthusiasm:
  
  
  - Patience is vital, as students learn at different paces and have diverse knowledge backgrounds.
  
  - Empathy helps in understanding their challenges and building their confidence.
  
  - Adaptability allows the tutor to tailor teaching methods to each student's unique learning style.
  
  - Enthusiasm brings energy to each lesson, which is especially important for students who aren't naturally drawn to accounting or finance.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Early in my career as a financial statement auditor, I had the thrill of working with a groundbreaking client who was building a global network of telescopes. They were pioneers, doing something entirely new. Figuring out how to apply standard accounting concepts to such an innovative project was an absolute blast!

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  One of the main challenges in tutoring accounting and finance is overcoming the misconception that it's all about complex math. The math is straightforward; it's understanding the underlying systems that makes everything click. Another challenge in accounting itself is simply keeping up with constantly evolving regulations and standards, which demands continuous learning and adaptation. This ongoing evolution is challenging (but also part of what keeps it fun).

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion lies in learning and making connections between topics. Discovering how each facet fits into the bigger picture is an exhilarating intellectual experience. Whenever I encounter a challenging concept, I remind myself that the joy of mastering something new is just beyond the frustration. It's always worth pushing through the difficulty to reach that rewarding moment of understanding. Helping others achieve that intellectual high is equally fulfilling.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P)?

  What makes me a Superprof is my commitment to my students' success and enthusiasm for the subject matter. I go beyond just teaching the material; I mentor my students and provide them with the tools they need to succeed independently. My ability to simplify complex concepts, my personalized approach to tutoring, and my dedication to continuous improvement set me apart. I believe in fostering a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel supported and motivated to achieve their best.