Faculty Spotlight: Carla Moha

What characterizes the accounting program at Clatsop Community College?

When students complete the accounting program at Clatsop Community College, they know that there are local job opportunities readily available in the field that can allow them to stay in our small community or give them opportunities wherever they go. Since Clatsop is in a small town, employers in the area know that they will have quality graduates as employees out of this program.

What are you noticing about your students this year compared to previous years?

Many of the students are more small business/entrepreneurial focused. I also find that the students like the idea of knowing that what they are learning has practical application out in the real world. They are guarded with how they spend their time and want to be sure they are gaining from class time.

What are your students seeking professionally?

Students are seeking opportunities to grow and learn new skills, but are also seeking opportunities for flexibility and life balance. Many of the students are wanting to be entrepreneurs to have more control over their professional life.

How has your approach to teaching changed over time?

My teaching approach has most definitely changed over time. When I first taught, the lessons were mostly lecture based and I used the overhead machine a lot to do problems along with the students for practice. Over time, the lectures started to be on PowerPoint and we were doing practice problems together in the computer lab. Now, I have transitioned into less lecture based class time and spend more time doing hands on activities, simulations and using AI that directly relates to what they will be doing once they get out into the workforce.

What will this next generation of accountants bring to the profession?

I believe that with the increased usage of AI, the next generation of accountants will continue to bring new ideas of how to accomplish/streamline certain accounting tasks/procedures.  They will also have new and creative ideas outside of AI to add to the professional environment.