Baltimore Chief Financial Officer Shares His Path To Success
A credit union is distinguished from a bank in several ways. Banks are for profit institutions which have customers and distribute any profits or dividends to stockholders. On the other hand, credit unions have members rather than depositors who buy shares and become partial owners of the credit union in return for their deposits. As such, credit unions operate as not for profit cooperatives.
Adrian Johnson is senior vice president and chief financial officer of MECU Credit Union of Baltimore, Inc. Johnson has an A.A. degree in business administration from Catonsville Community College, a B.S. in accounting from the University of Baltimore, and an M.B.A. in business administration from Loyola University, Maryland. He also has numerous additional certificates in management updating his resume.
What initially led you to accounting?
"After I graduated from high school, I got a job in the coin counting room of a local bank and soon knew I needed to continue my education. I took an accounting class through the American Institute of Banking and liked it. After five years with the bank, I landed a position in the newly formed accounting department which lead me to get my associates degree. So, simply put, education exposed me to my career."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"All my education relates to what I do today. I had worked my way up in the accounting department for about ten years, going from clerk to accounting manager. I eventually transitioned to the finance side. That's when I decided to look at grad school. After graduating with my MBA, I came to MECU to form the Treasury Department. My education coupled with my hard work and networking paid off."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"There was a point where one of my bosses told me he could not promote me again until I received my degree. Having that degree, plus great work experience, and a network took me to new heights. I have always been open to continuing my education as well."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into accounting/finance?
"I would say go for it. You can take so many different paths in the accounting and finance fields. I would mention to those folks that are planning on obtaining an accounting degree to shoot for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) status, therefore, while you are taking your courses, you can prepare yourself for the CPA exam."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
