For the last month of 2011, our Community Spotlight series will feature our newest board member: René Peña. He joined the team earlier this year and it is time for our community to know more about René. With more than seven years of experience, René is an expert in public accounting and has focused on audit and management consulting services. He has experience in both the private and public sector, and is currently working at The OSG Corp., a private lending company. René also recently received his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
You might have met René back in the summer when TBKC hosted a barbecue event, or at TBKC’s second annual benefit, On Top of Success (OToS) 2011, or you may have even attended the Accounting Industry Workshop René hosts for our alumni and participants in the Advanced Semester of DISCOVERBOOKKEEPING. For a chance to meet and network with René, come to our next event. The following is our interview with René.
1. How did you hear about TBKC?
René Peña - Newest Board Member of TBKC, "Accounting Industry" Workshop Leader
I heard about TBKC through a friend. As soon as I heard the mission statement and saw the passion behind it, I was immediately drawn in and wanted to learn how I could help.
2. Why do you think DISCOVERBOOKKEEPING is an important program in New York City’s workforce?
I’ve lived in NYC all my life and I’ve seen firsthand that jobs are available to the skilled. After the recession it has become more evident than ever that without the right set of skills, attaining a job can seem impossible. I feel that the DISCOVERBOOKKEEPING course provides the participants with the necessary skills to join the job market and create a new path for them.
3. What do you think is the most important thing a new accountant should know?
Accounting is not just debits and credits and the field of accounting is growing every day. Careers in accounting can differ from those that will have you traveling all over the world, working late nights, and where you are guaranteed to be home at a certain time to spend it with family plugging away numbers.
4. What was your experience hosting the “Accounting Industry” workshop on December 3rd?
The experience hosting the Accounting Industry is a great way to get to know participants of the program and a firsthand experience at how much enthusiasm and ambition the participants have.
5. What do you like best about being a board member of TBKC’s Board of Directors?
The best thing about being a board member of TBKC is being able to help out, whether it is giving the workshops or any other way I can in order to help those who are as hungry for knowledge as our participants.
6. How do you envision TBKC in 2012 and beyond?
I envision the word spreading about the wonderful work TBKC does and the classes getting bigger.
René contributes to the success of TBKC by sharing his knowledge of the accounting industry and engaging in the governance of the organization. TBKC would like to thank René for being such a dedicated board member. We also want to say to René: Congratulations on passing the CPA!
