I work for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service which is part of the Department of Defense. We're the world's largest finance and accounting organization with over a billion dollars in disbursements a day. DFAS provides the financial and accounting services for the Department of Defense: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and other Defense agencies. We're a multi-national organization, with offices in Germany and Japan as well as throughout the United States.

 

I provide guidance, leadership, direction, oversight and assistance to the Directorate's employees and supervisors to help ensure we accomplish our mission. My department provides responsive, professional financial management and accounting analyses and consulting services to customers. That means we analyze their data and prepare their financial statements.

 

Armed with my accounting degree, I took a CPA review course right out of college and, as a result of my DeVry University education and the review course, I was able to successfully pass the exam the first time. In addition, the "applied learning" curriculum at DeVry University and interactive format of the classes gave me the skills needed to start asking "why" from day one. This approach has been tremendously successful for me in my career advancement. As a supervisor, I've been able to develop process improvements throughout my career.

 

I began as an auditor and have since served in many other capacities including Disbursing Officer / Director, Disbursing Service, Executive Assistant to the Accounting Director, and more.

 

As a leader here at DFAS, I am involved in numerous activities to mentor, develop and grow others. In many ways, I get greater satisfaction out of helping others than I ever did from doing a great job on my own. I also have regularly recruited at DeVry University as well as given speeches there on Federal Government resume preparation. In addition, I spoke at a recent commencement ceremony. I was honored to be invited to join the DeVry Alumni Association Advisory Board. I look forward to continuing to reach out beyond my scope at DFAS and to continue to help other students at DeVry and in the community.

 

I think the Alumni Association can encourage prospective and current students to truly become a part of something greater than a "school" - a brotherhood or sisterhood that will continue. I think it allows graduates a way to give back and help others succeed. It also is a great pipeline for recruiting.