‘Oh, so you're both good with numbers!’ I'm an accountant and my twin sister is a math teacher and I can't tell you how many times I've heard that statement. Although the comment considerably understates the nature, diversity, and complexity of both accounting and mathematics, there is some truth behind it. The skill set that I developed in my math degree has been extremely useful as I have pursued a career as an accountant.

In my role as a project manager at the International Accounting Standards Board, I spend the majority of my time researching complex accounting issues and writing papers with my related analyses and proposed solutions. Without even realizing it, I find myself applying the same approach to my work as I would to a mathematical proof—laying out all of the known relevant information, fitting it together in a logical order, and ending up with an understandable solution to a complex problem.

My mathematical background also has been useful in studying academic research related to accounting. While I have seen some people's eyes glaze over when they flip through the pages of statistical analyses, I am able to approach the research with confidence and with a passion for understanding the mathematical tests performed as well as the accounting implications. My mathematical background has given me a great foundation should I decide to pursue a PhD in accounting.