Adriano Lima e Silva, M.B.A., C.P.A

Although he initially studied Engineering in his home country of Brazil, Adriano Lima e Silva found his calling in Accounting. He is a certified public accountant (CPA), earned a Master of Accountancy from George Washington University and earned Cybersecurity and Business Data Analysis certificates from the Master of Information Technology program at Virginia Tech. “I’m excited to teach Principles of Accounting, the foundation of the field. It can challenge students, but it’s where they start to understand key concepts that will be crucial throughout their careers,” he says.

My experience in corporate finance provided me with valuable insights and skills, and I felt a strong desire to give back by sharing this knowledge. I wanted to bring real-world perspectives into the classroom to prepare the next generation of finance professionals. Teaching allows me to contribute to their growth by bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. I hope to inspire my students to approach problems with a strategic, analytical perspective, and to appreciate the evolving nature of the accounting profession, especially in the digital age.

Modern accountancy professionals increasingly need expertise in the digital realm, including cybersecurity and blockchain. The CPA Evolution initiative, a joint effort between the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants recognizes this shift, requiring CPAs to understand these subjects, along with data analytics, to remain relevant and effective. As businesses become more digitized, the need to protect sensitive financial data from cyber threats has never been more critical. Blockchain technology is also revolutionizing how transactions are recorded and verified, offering greater transparency and security. Accountants with knowledge in these areas are better equipped to manage and safeguard financial information in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, making them invaluable assets to their organizations.

Accounting embodies liberal arts principles, such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication. While it is often viewed as a technical field, it requires a deep understanding of social, economic, and ethical contexts in which businesses operate. In a liberal arts environment, Accounting students learn to think holistically, considering the broader implications of financial decisions on society. Accounting’s interdisciplinary approach — with Economics, Sociology, and Philosophy — enriches students’ understanding, making them better accountants and thoughtful, informed professionals. By studying Accounting within the liberal arts, students gain a well-rounded education that prepares them to contribute meaningfully to any organization or community they serve.