Brand Ambassador Nick Bhavsar
For Nick Bhavsar, accounting is more than just a profession. It’s a long-term vision, a skill set he plans to use not only in his career but in shaping his future. Already working as an accountant in Northern California, he joined UCSB PaCE’s Accounting and Finance program to refresh his knowledge, prepare for the CPA exam, and take steps toward eventually opening his own accounting firm.
Nick earned his degree in accounting and finance nearly a decade ago, but like many professionals, he found that time and experience had taken him far from the structured learning environment of a classroom. He wanted a way to reinforce the fundamentals before diving into CPA exam preparation. The flexibility of PaCE’s courses made it possible to balance his job and studies, allowing him to sharpen his skills without stepping away from his career.
One of the biggest takeaways from his coursework has been mastering journal entries. It’s a foundational skill in accounting, but one that he realized he hadn’t fully refined. After working through the material in Professor Bill Karalius’s class, he found himself approaching his work with a new level of accuracy and confidence.
Bill’s approach to teaching has made a significant impact on Nick’s experience in the program. Rather than lengthy lectures, the course is broken into focused, digestible video lessons that allow students to absorb concepts more effectively. Weekly assignments are structured in a way that makes learning feel manageable, even for someone juggling a full-time job. For Nick, this format has made all the difference.
Looking ahead, he envisions a future where he and his wife, who also has an accounting background, establish their own firm. This goal keeps him motivated as he moves through the program, knowing that each course is a step toward building something of his own.
For anyone considering UCSB PaCE’s accounting program, Nick offers a simple piece of advice: it’s doable, even with a busy schedule. He dedicates about six hours a week to coursework, striking a balance between reading, assignments, and discussion. The structure of the program makes it possible to gain real skills without feeling overwhelmed.
As he prepares for the CPA exam and takes the next steps in his career, Nick sees the program not just as an educational experience, but as a bridge to his future. With the knowledge he’s gaining and the support of dedicated instructors, he’s well on his way to making his vision a reality.