When Neetu Sharma was an undergraduate student, accounting was not her favourite subject. The 2023 Early Career Excellence Teaching Award winner uses that experience – and her years of work in the finance and accounting sectors – to ensure her students enjoy their accounting courses and know how what they are learning matters outside the classroom. 

Tell us a bit more about your early accounting experiences. I spent most of my career in industry – my bachelor’s degree was in finance and I worked as a finance professional in California for the first part of my career, dealing with equity portfolios of North American and international stock indices. In my day-to-day work, I would come across instances where it was important to understand the accounting principles underlying financial information, and over time, I found myself drawn more and more toward the field of accounting. 

Around the same time, I had also started my own part-time small business and was seeing the practical impacts of accounting for small businesses. When I moved to Canada about 15 years ago, I took the opportunity to go back to school to take accounting classes, pursued a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation and changed careers from finance to accounting.

What drew you to teaching? I took a year off work to pursue an MBA, and as I was finishing my graduate studies, one of my professors offered me the opportunity to teach a bachelor’s-level accounting course. I took it on as a challenge – I wanted to see if I could teach accounting in a way that students found interesting. They did, and I did too! I spent a couple of semesters teaching part-time before transitioning to full-time teaching about five years ago. I have loved every moment!

How do you approach students with the preconceived notion that accounting is dry or that they “aren’t a numbers person?” I tell my students that accounting is not just for accountants: no matter what profession they eventually choose, understanding the financial workings of their business and industry is like learning the language of business. It gives you the confidence to be part of the conversation and decision-making process. My former students love coming back as guest speakers to share how they use the learnings in their careers, pursuing graduate degrees or even serving non-profits and charities. With the right energy and a clear view of where what we’re covering in class can lead, learning accounting can be fun.

What do you love most about teaching? My favourite part of teaching is definitely interacting with students. Making connections with students, watching them become comfortable with “numbers,” and coming back and reflecting on their growth is very fulfilling. I also enjoy presenting materials in new and applicable ways that get students talking in class and having fun learning the study material.

Your reaction to receiving this award? It is very affirming and encouraging to me that my students nominated me for this award. I was still new to teaching when I came to MacEwan, and my progression as an instructor owes much to the mentorship and support of my peers.

We’re equipping the next generation with the ideas and tools they need. I know they are going to do great things with it!