Where does success lie?



David M. Walker

Experience in accounting is very important  to be successful, but what does it take to make you stand out from others? Donald Tidrick discusses in his interview with David M. Walker the reasons he was so liked by members of his discourse. David explained in the interview that working in the private and public sector of accounting and maintaining a nonpartisan approach gave him popularity by all factions of the discourse (Tidrick 61).  He explained he was favored by the republicans and democrats when he was appointed as the Comptroller of the United States because the Republicans wanted someone from outside of the government to transform and the Democrats wanted someone with experience in the public sector who was nonpartisan and non-ideological (Tidrick 61). Walker prioritized working in a professional manner, and any belief or value he had would not cloud his judgment. Accounting leadership positions highly favor those with the ability to work in both the public and private sectors and that show nonpartisan judgments in their work towards clients and investors. These qualities show that members of the accounting discourse are knowledgeable in their work and can be dependable in leadership positions because they understand that professionalism is the primary concern when dealing with clients. To be successful in this field, you must show professionalism which will eventually result in becoming a leader like Walker. Once Walker presented himself in a professional manner, he ensured the engine to his organization was properly running through employee satisfaction.

 

Accountants are required to point out unethical decisions, but questioning central authority concerning imperfections within the system is what leaders persist on changing. David M. Walker discusses the need for truth in “America at a Crossroads” by accusing the federal government of providing financial information that misleads investors to false statements of financial health of the United States. An example of these imperfections includes how a ten year budget projection failed to include the long-term retirement costs of the Baby Boomers (Walker 759). David Walker also points out that the common idea of military costs is the primary reason for the federal budget deficit, when in fact it only accounts for a small portion (759).

Walker’s professionalism and the way he questions the federal government is why he is favored by most accountants. His persistence to make change in the GAO and questioning greater authority resembles that he is fully proficient in the accounting discourse and is the reason he became successful. If accounting is the profession for you then you must present yourself in a professional manner. Do not let emotions get the better of you and cloud judgment. Accountants favor professionalism and its the only way to succeed.