Most people think accounting is about numbers.
For Mike Medeiros, Accounting & Data Analytics Instructor, it is about truth.
Not just recording what happened, but understanding what it means and what decisions come next. Behind every spreadsheet is a story of risk, growth, failure, or opportunity.
That is what he teaches his students to recognize.
What Is Accounting Really?
One of the most persistent misconceptions is that accounting is simply about tracking money or doing taxes,
says Mike.
He explains that, in practice, the field goes far beyond that perception. Accounting involves interpretation, professional judgment, and constant decision making. The same data can lead to different, valid conclusions depending on how it is analyzed.
It also plays a forward-looking role. Financial information helps guide strategy, manage risk, and support better decisions across an organization. Ethics remain central, since even small choices can have meaningful consequences.
At its core, accounting is about understanding and communicating what financial information truly represents, he concludes.
From Curiosity to Career
Mike was consistently drawn to looking beneath the surface and connecting details into a broader picture. That mindset naturally led him into accounting and finance.
Over time, he built a career working with financial data and analysis. What stood out most was not the numbers themselves, but the ability to uncover insights and help others understand what was really happening within a business.
That focus on insight and meaning continues to shape his work today.
Bringing the Real World Into the Classroom
In his courses, Mike emphasizes application over memorization.
Students are encouraged to move beyond formulas and think critically about how information is used. Lessons are grounded in real-world scenarios so students can see how accounting supports decision making in actual organizations.
The goal is to help students build confidence in interpreting information and understanding its impact.
An Epic Fantasy
Outside the classroom, Mike steps into a completely different world. He writes epic fantasy. His series, The Chain Saga, is a long-form story shaped by memory, consequence, and the unseen connections that tie lives together over time.
It's a world where the past never fully disappears, small decisions can echo across generations, and stories unfold layer by layer, revealing deeper meaning.
For Mike, writing isn't an escape. It's another way of exploring the same idea that drives his work in accounting: That everything—numbers, decisions, people—tells a story.
What This Means for Students
Learning from faculty like Mike can mean more than gaining technical knowledge.
Students may develop the ability to think critically, interpret complex information, and apply what they learn in real-world situations.
Because education is not just about completing coursework.
It is about understanding what things mean and knowing what to do next.
Study from faculty who bring real-world insight and perspective into every course, supporting you as you pursue your degree. Apply today!
REQ2222431 05/2026