Breaking the mold.

• Position: Finalentry - Interview

Greg Bennett is anything but a typical CPA. Instead Of accounting, he studied modern society and social thought in college. Regardless, he still ended up as a partner at the CPA firm G&J Seiberlich & Co., which has been in business for more than 60 years, has 25 employees and two offices. California CPA decided to pick the brain of this CPA and see what his unique education brought to the CPA profession's table.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

What did studying modern society and social thought teach you?

My undergraduate career was an opportunity to explore the liberal arts, read the classics and ponder western philosophic thought. Through the study of modern society and social thought, I was able to engage in critical thinking through discussion and writing, two skill sets that will serve me well throughout my life. I was required to read and assimilate a great quantity of books and variety of viewpoints.

How did you end up moving from a degree in modern society and social thought to becoming a CPA and running an accounting practice?

Throughout college 1 worked in public accounting: first in clerical positions, then performing bookkeeping fund ions, moving on to simple tax preparation. I had taken a few accounting courses in college. The studies came easily to me and 1 enjoyed it, but I was certain I was going to continue my studies toward law and become an attorney. Events conspired against that, and 1 decided to make public accounting my career choice. Alter graduation I. took undergraduate and graduate courses necessary lo sit for the CPA Exam., and then passed it. 1 had visited the Napa Valley often as a college student, and felt this region would be a great location to raise a family. I interviewed for a junior staff position at G&J Sciberlich & Co LLP in 1983 and by 1987 was offered partnership.

Where do the two disciplines intersect?

The two disciplines have merged in many ways during my career. Critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities require abstract, as well as technical menial applications. Spending countless hours reading and writing during my college career assisted my professional accounting career, allowing me to apply creative and efficient solutions to client's queries.

What is the most exciting thing people don't know about you?

I can't say there are a lot of "exciting" things about, me. especially lo others...