Never stop learning, there is always a better way!

James D.

I have trained many co-workers and others in high school math, accounting (15+ years), Microsoft Excel (20+ years) and other subjects. These skills are fundamental to the work I have done throughout my career as a Financial and Reporting Analyst. At work I have learned to perfect my training skill by creating "Desk Procedures" with visuals, "screen capture", and narrative. (I like to think of them as mini user manuals). When done correctly, the novice can follow them as well as the person perusing, needing a refresher. I realize that this stems from being taught to "show my work" and being thorough.

I earned my Masters of Management Information Systems online which had its advantages and challenges. With my Master's Degree I specialized in Databases and during one of my assignments, I discovered MS Excel tools that automate data sourcing and reporting. These Excel tools replace what previous Excel users, used Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPS for; actually, these tools can replace most of what VBA can achieve. My latest project was creating Dashboards and creating a custom analysis tool that did side-by-side comparisons of two vehicles down to the part level.

What do I love most about tutoring? When you teach something to someone else you are giving of yourself and teaching is the last perspective of knowledge on a subject. What does "last perspective" mean? Most people learn visually, audibly, or by experience, but when you teach, your students sometimes ask questions you never thought of, so it is like learning the subject from their perspective, and I find that really interesting. Teaching solidifies and brings new light to my understanding of the subject.

I was an excellent math student up to and including Trigonometry. Until my college sophomore year I was an pre-Engineering student and then switched over to Finance. With my Bachelor's degree I have a minor in Finance, schooled in Accounting, 15 years of experience "closing the (departmental) books" and developing Managerial Accounting and Reporting.