Meet Ian Fay, CPA, chief financial officer for Bruce's Super Body Shops

What college or university did you attend?
James Madison University, B.S. Finance, 1989.
Virginia Commonwealth University, M.S. Accounting, 1998.

When did you decide to major in accounting and to become a CPA?
After being out of college for several years, I decided to obtain my CPA. I went back for the accounting courses. I decided to do this in order to specialize in a recognized profession in which I was interested that provided financial stability. I should have majored in accounting as an undergraduate, but was scared off by the myths of intermediate accounting. It's tough, but it's not rocket science.

What is your current position and responsibilities?
Bruce's Super Body Shops, CFO/Controller
Ian S. Fay, CPA, PLC; President

What do you like most about your job?
At Bruce's Super Body Shops, I have total responsibility of financial management of a mid-sized corporation. For my tax/accounting practice, I enjoy forming and maintaining lasting relationships with clients that are mutually beneficial.

What is your most valuable lesson learned?
Persistence and hard work ultimately are rewarded. Lack of each will likely result in failure.

What piece of advice do you have for students about the "real world" of accounting?
Don't look at the profession as a restricted avenue for a career. The CPA will provide choices for a career that are almost limitless. Don't assume that a career in public accounting requires years of toil in a large public firm that only promises reward years down the road, or more recently, public scorn and loss of partnership investment.

What are some of your volunteer activities?
Youth baseball.

What do you do for fun? Hobbies?
Boating, working out, local sporting events and happy hour with friends.