Globalization has caused an unprecedented explosion of multinational corporations. This has brought immense opportunities and challenges in the field of accounting. For one to be a diligent accountant, he or she has to embrace new principles and methodologies in accounting. This is the reason why I want to pursue a postgraduate degree in accounting. This will allow me to gain additional knowledge, skills, and expertise in the field of accountancy.
I was born and brought up in Nigeria. In February 2006, I moved with my family to the United State where I enrolled in the 9th grade at Rio Linda High School. The new learning environment was intimidating because I was the only African student in the class. I found it difficult to interact and make friends because of my Nigerian accent. My fellow students used to make fun of me, which irritated me immensely. In addition, my mother was a single mother, so she struggled to pay my school fees. Although I was affected emotionally, I could not allow it to compromise my academic performance. Through hard work, I always topped my class. I was rewarded several times for outstanding performances in academics. These awards encouraged me to work harder.
I graduated with a score of 3.6 in 2008, and my academic and career dream did not end with this achievement. I always liked mathematics and fancied computations. In addition, I had always dreamt of pursuing a course that would enable me to use my mathematical and analytical skills. This is the right time to make my dream come true. I applied for an undergraduate degree in accountancy at the Sac States University. To my delight, I gained admission to join the university.
However, I thought that the transition from high school to the university was going to be a free fall. I was wrong. The results of my first semester were discouraging. I scored 2.0 GPA. This did not stop me from putting in an extra effort to improve. I managed to recollect myself in the subsequent semesters. I slowly found the tune of the university academic requirements. Since then, I have been ranked among the top performing students on the dean’s list of academic honor. I am at 3.4 GPA presently.
The undergraduate accounting course has always fascinated me since I started the course two years ago. I am enjoying studying accounting since it is a discipline that requires analytical, mathematical, and problem solving skills that I possess. I am anxious to combine the knowledge and aptitude of these skills with a master’s degree in accounting. The undergraduate degree in accounting has prepared me to adequately pursue a master’s degree in the same field.
In addition, I have had opportunities to interact with accountancy scholars and professionals. More so, my penchant for the accounting career stems from the fact that my uncle, who has supported us since my father left us, is an accountant. I have always loved his professionalism and enigma. He has been instrumental in influencing my decision to enroll for a postgraduate degree in accounting.
Furthermore, I believe that there are other key skills that I possess that will make me become a professional accountant in the near future. I possess good interpersonal skills, and I understand how to relate with people. I am a good rapport maker, a skill that will assist me to create good working relationships and interaction with students and colleagues at the workplace. I am also an honest and diligent worker. I realize that these would be of great importance in making me a professional accountant.
Globalization has made the field of accounting more complex and challenging. I am motivated to advance in the accounting field so that I can upgrade my expertise to enable me work in the complex modern business environment. I want to acquire professional skills and abilities that would enable me to contribute to the economic development of my country. Nigeria is among the emerging economies in Africa and therefore, requires professionals who can unlock its economic and development potential. A postgraduate qualification in accounting will enable me to develop a successful career in accounting. In doing so, I will participate actively in the economic development of my native country.
My career plan is to understand the broader accounting concepts and acquire in-depth knowledge in accounting techniques. I want to enhance my accounting skills with additional knowledge in corporate financial reporting, accounting measurements and disclosures, strategic cost management, accounting decision making, and accounting ethics and principles. In addition, I want to be acquainted with different taxation regimes, auditing, international accounting standards, and international business laws.
This will help me to perform in a rigorous and demanding accounting position in the future. The acquired knowledge and skills will leverage my short-term goals in the management of company funds and other financial transactions. In the long-run, my contribution will enable the company to become financially stable. In addition, the acquired knowledge and skills will be critical to enhancing accounting professionalism in Nigeria. Finally, I would also be able to make sound financial decisions that will make me prosper as an individual.
The Sac States University is a multicultural institution with people from different walks of life. Undertaking a postgraduate degree at this university will enable me to interact with different people. Therefore, I will enhance my interpersonal skills. In addition, it is an ideal place for pursuing my master’s degree. This is because of the ample facilities and the invigorating scholarly environment. More so, the Sac States University is a reputable institution that has produced renowned scholars in Nigeria and Africa.
Beside the above academic and career interests, I also have diverse extra-curricular experience. I have participated in several community activities. For instance, I have worked with Dorcas Pantry for one year. My core duties were cleaning of homeless shelters in the neighborhood and the distribution of food to the homeless shelters within the municipality. This enabled me to gain teamwork, networking, and interpersonal skills. From time to time, I assisted in bookkeeping and billing assignments. Secondly, I have also worked as a secretary and publicity officer at the RCCG Redemption Parish for one year. During my time at the RCCG Redemption Parish, I used to perform some accounting jobs.
Furthermore, I was an intern at Remax Real Estates from June to August 2012, where I gained knowledge and exposure in the business world. I have also worked as a sales associate at Kohlas for a period of one year. My duties included the direct sale of company products, customer care, and operation of the cash registers. Lastly, I have been working as a peer advisor at the Sac States University since the beginning of 2013.