|
|
|
Q & A with Lina:
Q: What attracted you to accounting and consulting?
While attending high school in the Philippines, I had the privilege of visiting the main office of the number-one-ranked accounting firm in the nation.
I was fascinated by everything I saw and learned that day. I remember thinking that every area of accounting and consulting they described was something I could see myself pursuing. The people were lovely and very professional, especially the one conducting the tour. Then, at the end of the tour, as I sat on the school bus I looked back at the tall-glass building and told myself, “Someday I will be a CPA and a part of that team.”
Although I am no longer in the Philippines, it still feels as if I kept that promise to myself. Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for up-and-coming accountants?
Set up your goals and then take the time on a regular basis to analyze your performance against the goals you established. The important thing to consider is whether or not your behavior supports attaining your goals. Sometimes it's hard to be that honest with yourself, so don't be afraid to seek out the advice of someone whose opinion you trust and who will be honest with you about what they observe.
Lastly, find a way to develop and enjoy a balanced life!
Q: What is one area of tax law you would like to see changed?
The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is a serious problem with the US tax code. In fact, I believe the AMT has become an unfair burden for the middle class. Because the AMT is not indexed to inflation and because of recent tax cuts, an increasing number of middle-income taxpayers have been finding themselves subject to this tax.
The AMT must be restructured to serve the original purpose it was intended to provide when it was introduced in 1969, or better yet - eliminated! |
|
|
"There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving... and that's your own self."
~ Aldous Huxley |
|
 Getting
personal...
Q: What was your first job?
My first job was as an accounting clerk at a Hotel and Restaurant chain in the Philippines. While I was there, I learned to apply my skills and became more proficient in all four phases of accounting from recording to interpreting. This job is also where I officially became a work- aholic. I remember one day the accounting staff reported to work even though there was a coup attempt taking place in the city!
We also had some fun. At the end of every month we would do an on-site inventory of a hotel… bed sheets, soaps, toothbrushes, bottles of wine, etc. Then, after the inventory count, we would feast on tons of food and pamper ourselves with many of the luxuries the hotel had to offer. The most exciting part for me though was meeting interesting and wonderful people who became my big brothers and sisters.
Q: What is your definition of happiness?...
This is very easy - happiness for me exists when my three children and my husband are happy.
Q: What is one of the main lessons you've learned in life?
One of the most important lessons that I have learned in life is summarized with the quote below:
Through this toilsome world, alas!
Once and only once I pass;
If a kindness I may show,
If a good deed I may do
To a suffering fellow man,
Let me do it while I can.
No delay, for it is plain
I shall not pass this way again. |
| |
