Ohio State controller takes seat on Ohio's Accountancy Board.

Greta Russell knows that many roads lead to success. But The Ohio State University (OSU) controller never guessed when she entered college that her path would lead her to become a CPA--let alone to sit on the Accountancy Board of Ohio. Today, she's excited and honored to be taking on the challenges of both important roles.

You were appointed to the Accountancy Board of Ohio by Governor Taft in November. What do you hope to help accomplish during your term on the Board?

I hope that I will represent the profession well. For me, it is a great honor to be appointed to the Board. I wasn't a traditional student and was not able to take the traditional career path, but I still have this great opportunity to represent the profession.

What attracted you to the CPA profession?

I never thought of myself as being proficient in math. I just knew that I enjoyed solving problems. When I applied for a teller position at a finance company, my reference told the company recruiter that I was a "math whiz," so I was given a position in the accounting department. One year, a woman on the audit team shared some of her positive experiences and suggested that I consider a career in the accounting profession. Being a wife and mother of two, I wanted a profession that would provide career opportunities in a variety of industries and flexibility to balance my work and family obligations. Since accounting offered that, I changed my major from social work to accounting.

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What's exciting about your role as controller at OSU?

I truly enjoy being a controller, and being at OSU makes it even better. In simple terms, I pay the obligations and report the financial position of the university, but my job is more than that. In my role, different opportunities and challenges seem to arise every second. From redirecting the parent who believes the controller should know every detail of her child's financial aid, to convincing skeptical faculty and staff that the best practices in Sarbanes-Oxley are relevant to public entities, I find myself dealing with an incredible range of issues.

With this excitement, however, come some significant challenges. In particular, audits at Ohio State are much stricter now than they were before Sarbanes-Oxley. Whether it is materiality or exceptions in control testing, there seems to be a much lower threshold for management letter comments and federal audit findings. It is a challenge communicating to our colleagues within the institution that we must adapt to the changing regulatory environment and that we are not trying to drive them crazy with overly conservative rules.

What do you see as the top issues on the horizon for the Accountancy Board?

I have attended two Accountancy Board meetings. What has impressed me and given me a sense of pride is that our profession has put in place effective systems that allow us to discipline ourselves, thereby ensuring the public of our integrity, objectivity and independence. The three top issues I see on the horizon for the Board:

* Strengthening the peer review process in collaboration with The Ohio Society, which will allow for proper corrective action

* Monitoring the CPA examination and education requirements

* Promoting education assistance and accounting awareness programs.

What issues impacting the profession do you think The Ohio Society and its members need to monitor?

We must continue to build public confidence in our profession and in our profession's ability to regulate itself. Additionally, we must attract students are choosing to study accounting. However, with all the different professional designations that are offered today, we must promote the idea that the CPA is still the premier designation.

You have an impressive background. Is there any one accomplishment that you're particularly proud of?

I'm not sure there is any single accomplishment, but I have been amazed at how well the profession has served me. From the national president of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), to assistant vice president of Buckeye Federal Saving and Loan, to comptroller for the State of Ohio Treasurer's Office, to controller for The Ohio State University, to the first female trustee at the Union Grove Baptist Church, my CPA certificate has been invaluable.

What issues impacting the profession do you think The Ohio Society and its members need to monitor?

We must continue to build public confidence in our profession and in our profession's ability to regulate itself. Additionally, we must attract students into the profession. In recent years, studies have shown that more students are choosing to study accounting. However, with all the different professional designations that are offered today, we must promote the idea that the CPA is still the premier designation.

Have you read anything recently that has made an impact on you?

For the last year Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D: has been my choice. It has allowed me to turn my talents into strengths and helped me to understand what elements I need in any situation to make me happy. The book has given me an opportunity to know myself.

What kinds of opportunities are out there for women and minorities in accounting?

There was a slogan that said "Accounting--for all the seasons of your life." I believe that for women and minorities this still holds true. Accounting is the foundation for any business. As long as there are exchange transactions, there is a need for an accountant. I recall attending a meeting where I said that more needed to be done to encourage minorities to enter the accounting profession, and a wise man said "when there are more minority businesses there will be more minority accountants." In other words, as we grow minority businesses, students will see a need for more minority accountants. As more women grow into leadership roles, students will see the need for more female accountants. Accounting is a profession of service--sometimes we need to "connect the dots" for individuals to help them see how they can be of service.

How has being a member of The Ohio Society of CPAs benefited you?

From the day I received my notification that I was a CPA, I have been a member of The Ohio Society. The Society has provided me with continuing education, networking and the means to pursue my passion--building awareness in minority high school students of the opportunities offered by the accounting profession. When I was the president of NABA, I had the opportunity to talk with students across the country. Later, I had the good fortune to work with NABA, The Ohio Society and The Accountancy Board of Ohio to jointly sponsor the Accounting Careers Awareness Program (ACAP) program, which is a program that demonstrates the opportunities for minorities in business. It has been very satisfying to me, both personally and professionally, to participate in the ACAP program and nurture future generations of accounting professionals.

Do you have any advice for members looking to get more involved in the CPA profession?

"Just Do It." Whatever your interest, there is a need for your talent. You can serve on community boards. You can work with The Ohio Society, your industry association, your church, your children's Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop, As a CPA, people believe you to be trustworthy, ethical and intelligent--and they need your help!

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Erin O'Donoghue is executive assistant to the president and CEO at The Ohio Society of CPAs. She can be reached at eodonoghue@ohio-cpa.com or 800.686.2727, ext.343.