Lynette Zeng

Financial Data Systems & Business Analytics
MBA Business Intelligence & Analytics | Graduate Certificate AI & Analytics

About

I am a researcher with interdisciplinary training in accounting, business analytics, and information systems. My work examines the intersection of financial data integrity, database systems, and organizational decision-making—particularly in public sector and regulated environments.

My academic background spans accounting theory, quantitative methods, and applied database management. I hold an MBA in Business Intelligence and Business Analytics, a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, and a B.A. in Accounting. This combination allows me to approach research questions from both theoretical and technical perspectives.

"I am interested in understanding how organizations can ensure financial data accuracy across complex technological systems, and how database architecture decisions impact accounting accuracy and organizational trust."

Before focusing on research, I gained extensive practical experience in government finance, airport operations, and financial systems implementation. This professional background informs my research agenda and provides insight into real-world challenges facing organizations today.

Research Interests

My research interests center on the sociotechnical aspects of financial information systems:

Methodological Approaches

My research draws on mixed methods, including:

Quantitative

  • Statistical analysis (R, Python)
  • Database query analysis (SQL)
  • Data mining techniques
  • Regression modeling

Qualitative

  • Case study research
  • Interview-based methods
  • Process documentation
  • Organizational analysis

Technical

  • Database architecture review
  • System design analysis
  • Data flow mapping
  • Error pattern analysis

Education

MBA – Business Intelligence & Business Analytics
University of Alaska Anchorage
2024

Concentration in business intelligence, predictive analytics, data mining, and machine learning applications in business contexts. Thesis work focused on financial data systems and organizational decision-making.

Graduate Certificate – Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence
University of Alaska Anchorage
2024

Advanced coursework in machine learning, AI applications, Python programming, and statistical modeling for business analytics.

Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
China West Normal University
2019

Foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, auditing, and organizational finance.

Current Research Focus

My immediate research interests center on:

Working Papers & Projects

Compensation Equity Across Government Levels: A Comparative Analysis of Federal, State, and Local Government Employee Compensation
Working Paper | In Development
This study examines compensation structures across federal, state, and local government positions, analyzing total compensation packages including salary, benefits, pension systems, and other rewards. The research seeks to understand disparities in compensation for similar roles across government levels, implications for workforce retention and recruitment, and how these patterns affect public sector service delivery. Drawing on budget analysis experience and government financial data, this work addresses critical questions about equity and sustainability in public sector employment.
Budget Systems and Financial Decision-Making: Insights from State Government Operations
Working Paper
The Database-Accounting Gap: Understanding Technical-Professional Boundaries in Financial Systems
Research Proposal | Seeking Collaboration
This proposed study investigates the organizational challenges that arise when accounting professionals and database administrators must collaborate on financial systems. Preliminary fieldwork suggests that differing mental models, vocabularies, and priorities create systematic communication gaps that impact data quality and system effectiveness.

Teaching & Knowledge Sharing

While I am primarily focused on research, I am deeply interested in teaching and knowledge transfer, particularly in making technical concepts accessible to diverse audiences.

Financial Data Systems Workshops

Experience conducting internal workshops for accounting professionals on database fundamentals, SQL basics, and how to work effectively with technical teams.

Research Tools & Technical Skills

Database Management

  • SQL Server (T-SQL)
  • PostgreSQL
  • Database design & optimization
  • Query performance analysis

Analytics & Programming

  • Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn)
  • R (statistical analysis)
  • Advanced SQL for analytics
  • Data visualization (Power BI, Tableau)

Business Systems

  • ERP systems
  • Financial reporting systems
  • Business intelligence platforms
  • System integration analysis

Research Methods

  • Quantitative analysis
  • Case study methodology
  • Mixed methods research
  • Field research experience

Professional Background

My research agenda is informed by extensive professional experience in financial systems, database administration, and government operations:

Governor's Office Budget Analysis

Current work as a budget reviewer analyzing state financial systems, budget proposals, and resource allocation decisions. This role provides direct observation of government budgeting processes and financial planning challenges.

Government Finance & Airport Operations

Experience managing financial data systems in government and airport operations contexts. This work provided direct observation of the challenges organizations face in maintaining data integrity across complex ERP and database environments.

Database Administration

Hands-on experience with SQL Server and PostgreSQL database management, including data architecture, optimization, and ensuring accuracy for financial reporting purposes.

Financial Systems Implementation

Direct involvement in financial system implementations, integrations, and reporting automation projects, providing insight into sociotechnical challenges of organizational change.

This professional foundation enables practice-informed research that addresses real organizational challenges while maintaining scholarly rigor.

Contact

Email LinkedIn Google Scholar

USA