Meet Nora E. Thompson, CPA, audit program manager with NASA Office of Inspector General in Hampton

When did you decide to major in accounting and to become a CPA?
My decision to major in accounting was part of a decision to change careers. At the time of the decision, I had an undergraduate degree in psychology and was working as an employment interviewer with the Job Service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My job as an employment interviewer was great! It allowed me to interview all kinds of people, help them find suitable work and perform a public service. Unfortunately, my agency had budget cuts and I was low in seniority. The possibility of being laid off made me think about what my talents were, what I really wanted to do and the best career for me. Interviewing and meeting people of different backgrounds seemed natural. However, I also had strong analytical abilities that were not being developed in my current job. I researched the types of work that emphasized interviewing and analytical skills and identified auditing as the best choice for me.

Discussions with auditors, CPAs, and personnel officers gave me additional details and reinforced my decision to change from the personnel field to auditing. These discussions also showed me it was essential to become a CPA. First, the CPA license would give me a competitive advantage in getting an entry-level position. Firms recruited and hired individuals willing to study and pass the exam. Second, the CPA designation was recognized as a sign of integrity, competence and professionalism. The professionals I talked with described these attributes and cited them as reasons to seek the CPA designation. Third, CPAs found it easier to transfer from an entry-level position in public accounting to higher-level positions or other fields. Transfer was easy because the CPA license is a professional symbol that has value beyond public accounting.

Where did you start your career?
Since the job market in Pittsburgh had a high demand for auditors and CPAs, a local university offered a special program for a post-degree major in accounting. The program was designed to prepare you for a career in public accounting and the CPA Exam. After completing the program, my family and I relocated to Virginia without me taking the CPA Exam. In Virginia, positions in public accounting were not as readily available as in Pittsburgh. I was able to get a position in personnel management with the federal government at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. It was another two years before I could take the CPA Exam and begin my auditing career as a contract auditor with the Defense Contract Audit Agency at Newport News Shipyard.

What is your current position and responsibilities?
I am an audit program manager with NASA Office of Inspector General. My job requires me to manage from three to four audit teams performing audits of NASA's programs, contracts and operations. I manage the teams in a "virtual environment" with staff at Florida, Alabama, Texas, Maryland and Virginia. We communicate with each other through an automated workpaper system, e-mail, phone conferences, video and an occasional face-to-face meeting. Our audits require us to meet with NASA personnel at all levels with the idea of recommending program improvements that will save money.

Each audit is different. We have to think on our feet, be able to listen to other people's viewpoints and negotiate a solution with management. For example, one of my teams is currently evaluating the use of electronic commerce to transmit documents that government personnel need to administer NASA contracts. Another team is reviewing the performance measurement system and risk management process for a large NASA program. We also assist criminal investigations of white-collar crime and fraud. Our work in these investigations requires us to identify and trace the document trail, assemble evidence, prepare subpoenas, calculate the loss to the government and testify at trial.

The best part of my job is the ability to make a difference — both to the public we serve and to my staff. I can set the tone for my teams and establish a positive, team-oriented environment. It is a privilege to lead the people who work for me so that they can make sure taxpayer money is well spent while they become their best.

What is your most valuable lesson learned?
Focus on your destination. See the difficulties, but see past them to where you want to go. This concept enabled me to overcome disappointments in life and work. We all face upsets or problems. First, by focusing on the destination you remain open to new possibilities in dealing with problems. You may end up with a better solution or outcome than you initially planned. Second, you maintain a positive attitude and learn to withstand difficulty. The ability to work through problems builds your competence and self-esteem and makes you resilient. Third, you use your talents in dealing with those things over which you have control and learn to accept those things that you cannot control. You re-channel your energy to where it can be productive.

What are some of you volunteer activities?
My volunteer activities have involved a Postal Service union, a library group, church groups and the Virginia Society of CPAs. Also, the last two years, I tutored two adult undergraduate students. One student completed his degree. The other student has nearly completed her associate's degree. Subjects covered a broad range — accounting, financial management, quantitative analysis, writing, statistics, algebra, American history, psychology and public speaking. The experience allowed me to work one-on-one with each student and help the individuals reach their educational goals.

What do you do for fun? Hobbies?
In my spare time, I like to read, sew, make jellies, bake, garden, hike, attend plays and spend time outdoors.