Teaching
My motivation for teaching originates from my own experience in undergraduate introductory financial accounting. I entered the course with the singular goal of satisfying my degree requirements, but by the end of the course, I had decided to major in accounting and pursue a public accounting internship. This transformation was motivated by two complementary factors: feeling challenged by the most difficult subject matter I had encountered in the business school and being encouraged by a professor willing to enter into the confusion with me and help me make it to the other side. In a course with a large amount of complex content to master, the professor’s role is crucial to help prepare students to become effective and successful professionals.
I am enthusiastic about teaching the wide spectrum of students who enroll in accounting courses – from those taking their first and only accounting course to satisfy a degree requirement to those who aspire to successful public accounting careers. I have had wonderful professors in my own academic experience, and I am honored to be able to pay it forward to help the next generation of students achieve their goals.
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Instructor, BUAD 280 (USC) Fall 2023 - In-person class of 56 students
Teaching Assistant, Dr. Matthew Shaffer (USC) Spring 2023
Income Tax of Corporations and Shareholders
Teaching Assistant, Gregory Kling (USC) Summer 2024
Intermediate Financial Accounting & Reporting
Supplemental Instructor, Dr. David Hurtt (Baylor University) Spring 2016
Accounting Information Systems
Supplemental Instructor, Dr. Bradley Lail (Baylor University) Fall 2015
Excerpts from Student Comments
Introductory Financial Accounting (BUAD 280) Instructor, Fall 2023
“[She is] the most engaging and enthusiastic teacher I've had at USC.”
“I would gladly take any other class taught by [Prof. James because she offers her students] genuine care.”
“Dedicated [to] her student's learning development.”
“Knowledgeable and passionate about the topic.”
“[She] made me feel as though I could understand everything with just a little bit of effort.”
“ [She] went above and beyond.”
“Interactive and supportive, [she] really wanted students to succeed.”
“An absolutely great teacher who explains the concepts well and thoroughly prepares us for exams.”
“She is enthusiastic and patient with my questions.”
“The classes and material [are] structured and organized.”
“ [She] really pushed me to learn the material and understand it before class.”
“ [The business professional interviews were] helpful in showing me different options for my future.”
“Excel cases helped me understand our topics and become better prepared for real-world applications.”
“This was my favorite class this semester and the one that has made me feel most accomplished and proud of my work."
