Florencia Ferreira, a certified public accountant, explained why she chose her profession and shared her experiences as a student and a professional.
-How did you decide to study accounting?
-I always knew I wanted to be an accountant. I was 15 years old and I was sure that was what I wanted to study. When I was 17, I went to Germany as an exchange student, and all my friends there were in their senior year of high school, trying to decide what to study, but I was already set on it, and accounting was one of the classes I chose.
When I returned and finished high school, my favorite subject had been accounting, so I didn't hesitate to pursue that path.
-How did you discover your calling?
-I don't know how I ended up choosing this career path. There were no accountants in my family, but I've always liked numbers; I also enjoyed reading and studying law, history, and so on.
There’s no doubt that accounting involves a lot of numbers. But above all, it also involves a lot of logic and the humanities.
-Why did you choose to pursue a degree at the university?
-I hadn’t planned on pursuing a degree at a private university until I read in the newspaper that Universidad ORT Uruguay among the top 500 universities in the world. The fact that such a great university was actually within reach, right here in Uruguay, convinced me to at least look into it. When I learned how highly regarded the accounting program at ORT was, even within our community, I didn’t hesitate to do everything I could to enroll.
When thinking about a career, it’s very important that what you want to study aligns with your interests, but where you study is just as important. Your professional future depends on it.
It’s important to keep in mind that pursuing a degree at a university that is well-regarded both within and outside of Uruguay can open doors for you not only here, but also at universities abroad, if you’re interested in pursuing a graduate degree.
-What did you find appealing about the university's offer?
-The teachers are always willing to help you. The classes are small, which gives you the chance to ask questions if you're unsure about anything.
The program isn't easy. You learn everything you need to know to become an accountant, which takes a lot of hard work—there are assignments, exams, and midterms, and you'll have to spend many sleepless nights studying. But you have the advantage that the information is readily available, the library is well-stocked, and you always have a guide on how and where to find the information you need, which is especially crucial in the early years.
Another advantage is that while the program involves a lot of theory, it also has a strong practical component. Starting in the first semester, you’re constantly engaged in real-world accounting tasks, such as preparing reports and meeting deadlines. You learn not only by reading and studying, but also by doing the work and applying the theoretical concepts you’re learning.
Finally, when I started studying, I was already working, and the university’s schedule allowed me to work and study at the same time. The schedule at ORT means you don’t have to give up either one.
-What is your assessment of the race?
-It’s definitely a well-rounded degree program. Upon graduation, you’ll not only be qualified to prepare financial statements and submit reports, but you’ll also be ready to run a business—not just handle the accounting side of things.
As for the university, I’m glad I decided to study there. During the five years it took me to complete my degree, I went through a lot on a personal level. The professors and staff in general—including psychologists and members of the student support fund, among others—make the university a very caring place and support students during their toughest times.
-What has your career path been like?
-I worked throughout my entire degree program. I started out in the finance department, but when the bank I worked for was sold, I moved to the accounting department. Of course, I started as an assistant, but by the time I graduated, I was already working at a major company in Zonamerica, where I had a very interesting opportunity.
I would have stayed there to work if it hadn't been for a family situation that forced me to move to the countryside. However, within a month of moving to the countryside, I was already working as an accountant at a medium-sized company there.
During my studies, I changed jobs several times and even switched fields (auditing, finance, and accounting). It was never difficult to find work, but above all, I never felt that I wasn’t prepared for the job I was doing. I always felt that the knowledge I was gaining during my studies helped me perform well at work.
The professors are professionals who work at top companies, so they have confidence in the education the university’s students receive and don’t hesitate to hire them.
-What is your current role?
-I’m currently working in-house as an accountant at a construction company. The company is relatively new and has grown significantly since it opened; in fact, it didn’t even have an accountant when it first started. It’s been a challenge, but it’s certainly very rewarding to see the changes taking place as the company takes shape and grows.
Interview published in 2013.