Meet UBC Sauder’s new faculty – Barbara Wyntjes

At UBC Sauder, faculty members are more than just ‘professors.’ They conduct impactful research that is changing how society views the world while also inspiring students to pursue their academic passions and become the thoughtful, values-driven leaders the business world needs.

This year, UBC Sauder welcomes seven new full-time lecturers, tenured and tenure-track faculty to the school. In the sixth of this series, we introduce you to Barbara Wyntjes, Lecturer, Accounting and Information Systems Division, UBC Sauder School of Business.

What brought you to UBC Sauder?

In 2001, I was asked to teach an accounting designation course at UBC and that was it, I found my passion. I continued to teach these courses and then in 2009 I became a sessional lecturer in the UBC Diploma in Accounting Program (DAP). I am thrilled to now be a full-time lecturer in AIS and DAP.

What are your areas of studies?

My teaching area is financial reporting with the main focus on advanced financial issues of consolidation, foreign translation, hedging and not-for-profits.

What fuels your studies – what prompted you to study this area?

I learnt the importance of understanding the logic and connecting it to existing knowledge from my research during my first degree in psychology. My research focus was on effective memory and learning techniques which I incorporate into my teaching philosophy. This research along with my CPA, CGA and MBA, laid the foundation for my shift away from working in industry towards education.

What inspires you to teach?

I just love teaching. I seem to have this innate drive to impart understanding. I can assist students to obtain knowledge and motivate them to apply it. When they thrive and share their perspective, it inspires me to try harder and give more of myself. My goal is to empower students to become inspired and resourceful individuals who value diversity and work with others to lead us into the future.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve discovered through your studies?

During my 18 years of teaching, I discovered that when you teach others, you often learn more from them and about yourself. I am excited when a student asks a question that goes belong the course itself and illustrates their generalization of their new-found knowledge.

With COVID-19 and the recent transition to online delivery format, it reminded me how quickly life can change and how important it is to continually reassess your teaching strategy. I believe you can’t control everything that happens to you, but you can control how you respond. I encourage students to adapt and make the most of any situation they may come across.

What do you believe is the future of your industry?

The accounting field has always evolved to meet the changing needs of stakeholders and the environment. With the current unsettled political structure, move to cleaner energy and the pandemic, these factors will have a significant impact in the future of accounting standards.

What are you most looking forward to in Vancouver?

I moved to Vancouver over 30 years ago and I still enjoy kayaking, hiking and walking the beaches of our gorgeous coastline and enjoying the rich international culture and diversity.

I am looking forward to being part of the UBC Sauder team and learning and collaborating with other professionals with a common goal of delivering the best experience for our students – currently through Zoom, but soon back on campus.