Meet Angela Simpson, CPA, controller for Rutherford Controls, Inc.

What college or university did you attend?
William and Mary, B.A. Accounting, 1989.

When did you decide to major in accounting and to become a CPA?
I knew I wanted to major in business by the time I was a sophomore, but I decided to concentrate in accounting because it provided the most opportunity. I also had a great counselor who pointed out that I could always declare accounting and switch from that later and still graduate on time. If I were to declare another business field and then later decide on accounting, I would have been in school longer to get all of the required classes.

What is your current position and responsibilities?
I am a controller with Rutherford Controls, Inc. that has an office in Virginia Beach that covers the U.S. and Latin America. We also have a company in Canada, that I am also the controller for, which covers Canada and the Middle East. I am fortunate enough to be involved in strategic planning and many corporate projects. It goes to show the accounting profession is much more than transaction-oriented!

What do you like most about your job?
The variety of experiences that it has offered me.

What is your most valuable lesson learned?
To be an advisor — not just an accountant.

What piece of advice do you have for students about the "real world" of accounting?
Debits and credits are the basis, but there is so much more that you want to be in the "real world." The more you see yourself as a trusted advisor on corporate and business issues, the more the rest of the world will accept you that way.

What are some of your volunteer activities?
I haven't been as active since our son arrived, but I've always enjoyed supporting the Junior League and the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters.

What do you do for fun? Hobbies?
My favorite (and most time-consuming activity) is spending time with my 19-month-old son and my husband. We recently purchased a home built in the 1920s that we are fixing up. I also enjoy golf, boating and any other outdoor activity that takes advantage of the water that surrounds us!