Faculty Spotlight: Nathan Goldman

What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting?

I wanted to get a PhD in accounting to focus on academic research and teach students. Both main aspects of the job are both challenging and rewarding, and no day is ever the same.

What are the highlights of your experience teaching in the MAC program?

I enjoy the excitement and energy that comes with teaching in the MAC program. There is no longer a “pass/fail” mentality at this stage in the students’ academic careers. Every student has already achieved success, and they have the educational acumen to succeed even through difficult coursework. Instead, the students come to class every day ready to learn the material because they want to learn and because what they learn in the classroom will ultimately pay dividends once they begin their professional careers.

How do you stay current in your field and bring that knowledge into the classroom?

A great thing about teaching and researching taxation is that it is always in the news. Whether it is candidate platforms for an upcoming election or changes in the North Carolina tax laws, the possibilities to learn and engage in taxation are endless. I check the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times websites multiple times a day, and I am always looking to learn more about what is happening in our world of taxation.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing a career in accounting?

The advice I give to my students is to stay marketable. There will always be opportunities to work in accounting with an undergraduate degree in accounting. However, having a master’s degree, working in public accounting, and obtaining a CPA license will open up endless doors of opportunities in their career. 

Outside of teaching and research, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

I can be found mostly spending time with my wife and our two boys: Thomas (7) and James (3). I also enjoy spending time on my Peloton bike, watching sports, and playing golf.