GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Victoria Lim

Victoria received the $10,000 Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship in 2022.

Photo of Victoria Lim

Q & A with Victoria

Where and what are you currently studying and why did you choose this?

I am currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) at the Paul Merage School of Business.

Why did you choose this?

I was immediately drawn to UCI’s emphasis on digital transformation. Merage’s strategic plan to create leadership for a digitally-driven world matched my own career goals, and upon reviewing the courses I would enroll in, I found numerous accounting classes that would enhance my technical skills, as well as digital technology courses that would provide new acumen that I could use to benefit the County of Orange.

What government are you working or hoping to work at in the future?

I am currently working at the County of Orange, California, as a Senior Accountant/Auditor in the Auditor-Controller’s department. The main role of our unit is to prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the Popular Annual Financial Report. Most recently, I was also tasked with leading and developing the accounting processes for the $1 billion distributed to the County through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

What are your future career goals?

As a hopeful future leader of the County, my long-term goal is to use my professional and educational experience to advance the County into this digital era. I aspire to become a leader who personifies our County’s values of excellence, leadership, stewardship, and innovation.

Which GFOA scholarship did you receive and how will GFOA’s scholarship help you achieve those goals?

I am honored to receive the Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship has relieved some of the financial burden on my end and allowed me to continue participating in the MBA program, so I can accomplish my career goals. Thank you to the GFOA for partnering with me in achieving my goals of leaving a lasting legacy on the County of Orange!