In this episode of Life In Accounting: The Where Accountants Go podcast, we speak with Edie Cogdell, CPA and Comptroller at the University of Incarnate Word. Edie will address questions such as which certifications are most valuable in accounting, and whether to consider first pursuing public accounting or industry early in your career.
Education and Early Career
Edie obtained a double major – Accounting and Finance from Baylor. Her first position after graduation was working as an Auditor for Arthur Anderson in Houston (one of the big eight at the time). She was offered this position because of her participation in mock interviews that were set up through the college.
Edie had the opportunity to explore many different roles and types of organizations as her husband was transferred frequently in his job with the State of Texas. These public accounting roles provided a great foundation for her current role as Comptroller at University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), a role which she has held for almost 20 years.
Life at UIW
A unique aspect of UIW’s accounting group is that they manage multiple entities and divisions within the university system, including two schools in Mexico! A key accounting skillset that is used at UIW is fund accounting, which is different than typical commercial, for-profit accounting. Fortunately, Edie’s background had provided ample opportunities to work in fund accounting. Although Edie is the Comptroller, accounting is only a part of her job. Managing people is a larger aspect of her role.
Managing People
Edie manages a large staff. She found that volunteering, specifically with the Texas Society of CPAs and the San Antonio CPA Society, provided her with invaluable leadership experience. She has served in a variety of roles including serving as the President of the San Antonio TSCPA Chapter as well as being on the Executive Board at the state level.
Additional Volunteer Work
In addition to her volunteer work with the Society, including projects like Blue Santa and the Fun Olympics programs, Edie is passionate about and enjoys her volunteer time with Por Vida Academy.
(Other podcasts referenced in this episode include: Bobby Rios, CFO – Success in Work and Community)
Are you considering pursuing a certification?? Find more information here!
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