Meet Lisa Brown, CPA, controller at Virginia Baptist Mission Board in Richmond

Where I started:
In high school I always enjoyed math, but science was not my subject. When choosing my major in college, accounting seemed like a good choice. I knew the job possibilities would be good and that was important! In 1993, I earned my bachelor's of science in business degree with a major in accounting from Virginia Tech.

I spent the next two and a half years working for Ernst & Young, LLP. While employed with Ernst & Young, I passed the Uniform CPA Exam, receiving my certification in August of 1994.

What I do now:
For the last four years, I have been the controller for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board in Richmond. My company is a nonprofit religious organization. We work with Virginia Baptist churches, providing a variety of services that benefit them. My responsibilities include month-end accounting functions, coordination of our annual external audit, tracking our investments, managing the budget process, assisting our member churches with financial questions and needs as necessary, and other duties as required. The biggest challenge I encounter is keeping up with technology.

I work with wonderful people in a very flexible company. My job is unique because of the flexibility it allows. The responsibilities I have are easily performed from home or office. I am currently on a flex schedule, working 25 hours in the office and 10 hours at home. That is a wonderful benefit that some accounting jobs offer!

Most valuable lesson:
More than numbers, college teaches you to be flexible and to be a team player. The business world requires certain technical skills today, but success also requires a winning personality. The experiences of college help to mold individuals for success in the real world. Virginia Tech did an excellent job of exposing me to various facets of the real world and giving me opportunities to grow and learn tools for success.

The "real world" of accounting is exciting and challenging, and the opportunities abound! There are many available paths for new accounting majors to choose. Explore the possibilities and find a place that you can be happy. Your happiness will help ensure your continued success! My dad always told me to be myself. No matter what you are doing, I believe that is good advice.

My dad also told me when I graduated from high school that I should consider an information systems major. That combination with accounting would have been awesome. Accounting majors need to take every opportunity to develop sound technical skills.

Volunteer activities:
Along with my regular work responsibilites, I also assist with several responsibilities at church.

What may surprise you:
I am very people-oriented and outgoing. Accountants are often thought of as being quiet and reserved, sometimes not friendly. I am often told that I don't fit the common stereotype of accountants. However, it has been my experience that the accounting profession really is more suited to those who can interact and get along with people. Outside of the office, I enjoy swimming, walking and spending time with my family. My little girl is three years old, and I don't regret any of the time I spend with her! The most recent book I read and really enjoyed was John Grisham's "The Brethren."