Education is king.

• Position: Finalentry - Interview

Charles Osaki has been in public accounting for 28 years as an audit professional and then a human resources and stalling" director. He is a principal at RBZ and leads the human resource, training and marketing functions. He's also co-chair of CalCRA's Accounting Education Committee, a member of the advisory committee for the master of taxation program at CSU Northridge and a volunteer leader for the Hoy Scouts of America. We caught up with Charlie to get his thoughts on the above, and on another one of his passions on-site education.

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What are the benefits of in-house CPE?

Flexibility, effectiveness and economics. In-house CPE has enabled us to designate ''training seasons" between the busiest times of our practice. We provide assurance and tax sendees in seven niche areas, so our training needs are substantial. We need to address technical needs of our clients and stay on top of emerging issues. In-house training allows us the flexibility we need to incorporate that input into course content. Also, course fees and travel costs are less with in-house CPE.

Why the Education Foundation?

The Education Foundation understands our needs. For instance, they have the instructor work directly with us so we can modify the content to meet our specific needs. In situations where we had a topic we wanted taught in-house that was not offered by the Foundation, they have always identified a suitable instructor for our course. The Foundation has really become a training partner for our firm a resource hub of sorts fin-instructors, course content and training materials.

How do you see your partnership with the Foundation growing?

First, we developed a soft skills curriculum and have started to use the Foundation as a resource for this particular facet of our firm-wide training program. They helped us find a resource for two interpersonal-communication courses. The other area is administrative. As our training seasons become evident, the Foundation will be able to help us ensure that we schedule recurring courses in advance so we can identify appropriate electives and topics.

What are the greatest education needs for recent college grads?

Verbal and written communication. The ability to take a complex matter, break it down and communicate it so that it can be understood by others, whether they're accounting savvy or not, is a real gift.

What would you change about undergraduate accounting education?

The need to achieve substantial...