Ghana native makes his mark in Virginia
VSCPA student member Jeffrey Kum is pursuing accounting and information systems degrees.
October 13, 2022
Jeffrey Kum, a Ghana native, is earning an accounting degree so his mother will listen to his financial advice.
As a child, Jeffrey would give financial guidance to his mother regarding her restaurant in Ghana — which she often ignored. The solution? Become the expert. In 2023, Jeffrey will graduate with a degree in accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
Although Jeffrey first earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and management from the Kwame Nkrumah' University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, he took a few accounting classes and enjoyed them. He decided to pivot and pursue accounting paired with a degree in information systems. In 2022, he was awarded with the YHB Scholarship from the VSCPA Educational Foundation.
One of Jeffrey’s goals after graduation is to work in public accounting. He also has an interest in becoming an auditor.
“I like to travel and all the opportunities that come with it,” Jeffrey said.
Jeffrey's largest goal is to go back to Ghana so he can help his mother’s restaurant and teach accounting in Ghana.
At VCU, Jeffrey is the president of accounting honor society Beta Alpha Psi, where he was instrumental in a community-based project that delivered school supplies to young students.
With that project and connection to the Virginia Society of CPAs, Jeffrey was able to secure a spot on the as a student member of the VSCPA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council.
“I am a part of this group because I know that I can give back more,” said Jeffrey. “I’ll know what I’m talking about and can tell others ‘I’ve been in your shoes.’”
Jeffrey has had a passion for business since a young age and he shows that with his fascination to help other people and their companies.
“I loved the way accountants were the heart of every business and that they were the persons behind the many key decisions of any organization,” Jeffrey wrote on his scholarship application.
Jeffrey wants other students that are in the same situation to know that they are not alone.
“Other kids that are like me from different countries, that are trying to find places for themselves and their families, it’s hard in the beginning,” said Jeffrey. “But making those connections and making your way through, it will give you the experience to advocate for this complex country that we live in.”