Fall Convocation: Soldier Earns Master of Accounting Degree
By Lisa Gregoire
Peter Drogosiewicz will tell you that despite having three degrees, a diploma and roughly 60 university-level courses under his belt—an MBA among them—he’s still a soldier first.
Drogosiewicz, 42, a major in the Canadian Armed Forces, graduates this fall from the Sprott School of Business‘s Master of Accounting program. Then he will resume his job as a financial management officer with the Military Personnel Command helping the Department of National Defence manage a $7-billion budget and a workforce of 18,000.
The father of two young children is proud of his accomplishments at Carleton University and excited about applying new skills and knowledge to his job at DND. But he was also humbled and full of praise for the program and the instructors.
“The star of the show is Jacques Maurice,” he says.
Drogosiewicz met Prof. Maurice when he was earning courses toward a post-baccalaureate diploma in Accounting, a precursor to the MAcc. As a senior member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Drogosiewicz has taken, and taught, many courses during his career. He knows a good instructor when he sees one.
“It became evident very quickly that Jacques not only had knowledge but understanding of accounting—how to teach it, how to build the curriculum, the needs of the profession and the needs of the students.”
Drogosiewicz also singled out instructor Bijan Toufighi for praise, saying that he was “like a young Jacques,” a skilled and informed instructor wholly invested in making sure students succeed.
Drogosiewicz joined the CAF 19 years ago as a combat arms officer but soon after discovered it wasn’t his thing. He switched to logistics and became a finance officer and hasn’t looked back.
His military career includes a 10-month tour in Afghanistan where he was not only a financial officer but alternate commander of the rapid reaction force. It’s fair to say few accountants can claim that kind of dual skill set.
He’s good with numbers, of course, but is quick to add that bookkeeping is only one part of accounting. Financial management is big-picture analysis and complex problem solving and Carleton’s degree, which builds competency in the four areas of accounting—assurance, tax, finance and performance management—gives students ample tools to be good at whatever job they choose, he says.
While some accountants develop expertise in investing and revenue generation, Drogosiewicz’s job at DND is more about spending—stewardship of public funds and controlling expenditures.
It appears our tax dollars are in good hands.
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