MPA Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs Students

Author: erikalemaster (page 1 of 3)

Register: MPA Info Session on November 29

Are you interested in earning your master’s degree in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin? Join us virtually at the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) virtual info session on Wednesday, November 29 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT!

Our one-year traditional MPA is open to both UT and non-UT students who will have earned a bachelor’s degree (in any academic discipline) before starting the MPA program. At the MPA info session, you will meet Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, the Senior Admissions and Recruiting Officer for the MPA program. She will detail the curriculum you will learn in the program, career outcomes and opportunities, how to apply, and answer any questions you have.

Register Today!

Master in Professional Accounting Info Session
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

MPA Does Tailgating, Texas-Style!

Earning a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree is a significant step towards a rewarding career, but the UT experience is more than just the education. The MPA program at the University of Texas at Austin goes beyond the numbers, providing an unparalleled student experience that sets it apart from other programs across the country.

The MPA program takes pride in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community through a series of on-campus events and programs. The MPA program recently hosted a tailgate event at the October 28th game against BYU, where the Longhorns secured a victory of 35-6!

Students gathered to enjoy free food, engage in lively conversations, and participate in the festivities before the Longhorns hit the gridiron. It’s more than just a pre-game ritual; it’s a chance to unwind, connect with peers, and soak in the lively atmosphere that Austin is renowned for.

For those with tickets, the experience didn’t end at the tailgate. Students had the opportunity to go into Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium. Those without tickets continued the camaraderie as they watched the game with friends outside the stadium, cheering on the Longhorns and creating lasting memories.

If you’re seeking a program that goes beyond traditional education and offers a vibrant community and exciting opportunities, the MPA program at Texas McCombs is the perfect fit. Joining the MPA program means more than just preparing for a successful career; it means becoming a part of the rich tapestry of the Longhorn family, where every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create lasting memories.

Learn more about the MPA program and discover why there’s no better place to earn your master’s than at the University of Texas at Austin by attending an info session.

10/28 Tailgate:

tailgate

Register: MPA Current Student and Alumni Panel

Are you considering a career in accounting and looking to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program at Texas McCombs? Join us virtually on November 15 to hear from current MPA students and alumni! They will discuss why they chose to study accounting, as well as detail their experiences in the program, including their favorites classes, recruiting and networking opportunities, and life at McCombs. Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask the panelists questions! Register for the event here.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom


Meet the Alumni Panelists

iman Iman Ortiz, tMPA ’16
Audit Manager at Deloitte

Iman earned her undergraduate degree in accounting from St. Edward’s University and then joined Texas McCombs to earn her master’s in accounting through the traditional Master in Professional Accounting (tMPA) program. She is a CPA and has had a successful seven-year tenure at Deloitte, where she has established her accounting career. Her journey at Deloitte has seen her climb the ranks, from her initial role as an Audit Intern to her current position as Audit Manager.

harry

Harry Wu, iMPA ’20

Investment Associate at Cambridge Information Group

Harry graduated from the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. He launched his career as an associate with KPMG before moving into the investment sector as an analyst for the financial and valuation advisory group of Houlihan Lokey. Harry currently lives in New York City and works as an associate on the investment team at CIG, where he is responsible for supporting the evaluation of new investment opportunities and assists with the oversight of CIG’s portfolio companies.

Jordan

Jordan Paige, iMPA ’18
Senior Associate at Portage Point Partners

Jordan graduated from the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. She is a senior associate at Portage Point Partners in Dallas, specializing in transaction advisory services. Before joining Portage Point, she was a financial analyst at Houlihan Lokey, where she conducted M&A due diligence for acquisitions and divestitures in various industries, focusing on middle market transactions ranging from $5 million to $500 million. Jordan is a CPA and is also FINRA Series 63 and Series 79 licensed.

REGISTER: MPA Info Session on Oct 31st!

Are you interested in earning your master’s degree in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin? Join us virtually at the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) virtual info session on Tuesday, October 31 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT!

Our one-year traditional MPA is open to both UT and non-UT students who will have earned a bachelor’s degree (in any academic discipline) before starting the MPA program. At the MPA info session, you will meet Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, the Senior Admissions and Recruiting Officer for the MPA program. She will detail the curriculum you will learn in the program, career outcomes and opportunities, how to apply, and answer any questions you have.

Register Today!

Master in Professional Accounting Info Session
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

REGISTER: MPA Faculty Panel

Are you ready to take the next step in your professional accounting career? The Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) program at Texas McCombs has world-renowned faculty that teach a wide variety of accounting courses and infuse the curriculum with cutting-edge ideas. Join us on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. CT for our virtual Faculty Panel!

Meet the Experts: Connect with esteemed professors who bring a wealth of real-world knowledge to the classroom.

Curriculum Insights: Wondering what you’ll learn during your time at Texas McCombs? The faculty will provide an inside look at the MPA program’s curriculum, sharing details about the courses they teach and their relevance to the ever-evolving field of professional accounting.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from our Texas McCombs MPA faculty. Register today and take the first step towards a brighter future in professional accounting. We look forward to seeing you there!

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023
  • Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
  • Location: Virtual Event (Link will be provided upon registration)

Register Here

Meet the Panelists:

DonnaDonna Johnston-Blair received her Honours B.A. and M.B.A. from The University of Toronto.  She worked for Arthur Andersen & Co, Deloitte Haskins & Sells and Storage Technology, Inc. She has taught at U of Houston, SMU and Santa Clara University.  She currently works for a private wealth management firm in Palo Alto.

 

 

 

John John McInnis received his PhD from the University of Iowa and his BBA and MPA from the University of Texas. He teaches financial accounting in the MPA program. Professor McInnis has published articles in top scholarly journals including The Accounting Review, Journal of Finance, Management Science, and Journal of Accounting & Economics.

 

 

Lisa

Lisa Koonce, Deloitte and Touche Endowed Chair in Accounting, received her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. Her research and teaching interests include the judgment and decision making implications of financial reporting.

Jeff Johanns Appointed Chair of Texas Society of CPAs Professional Standards Committee

Jeff Johanns, an accomplished associate professor of instruction in accounting at The McCombs School of Business, has been appointed as the chair of the Professional Standards Committee by the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TXCPA). This prestigious role underscores Johanns’ extensive experience, knowledge, and impact in the accounting field.

The TXCPA, a vital association for finance professionals in the state, has chosen Johanns due to his three decades in the accounting profession and his significant contributions. Having been a member since 1987 and serving on the Professional Standards Committee since 2013, Johanns has actively participated in shaping professional standards and regulations that shape accountancy practices in Texas.

Johanns’ history of influential commentaries on standard-setting issues and a background as a leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP offer a unique blend of academic insight and real-world experience. Beyond academia, Johanns’ expertise has captured the attention of national media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times. This recognition highlights his relevance and expertise in the ever-evolving accounting landscape.

Taking the reins of the Professional Standards Committee, Johanns faces contemporary challenges such as environmental, social, and governance reporting, as well as the complexities posed by crypto assets. His wealth of experience and forward-thinking perspective position him well to navigate these complex issues.

Johanns’ appointment not only recognizes his individual achievements but also reflects the excellence of the McCombs School of Business. The school’s commitment to impactful leadership and the advancement of the accounting profession is evident in Johanns’ appointment to this vital role.

Learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program at McCombs here.

REGISTER: MPA Information Session on August 9!

Are you interested in earning your master’s degree in accounting? Join us at the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) virtual info session on August 9 at 5:00 p.m. CT!

At the MPA info session, you will meet Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, the Senior Admissions and Recruiting Officer for the MPA program. She will detail the curriculum you will learn in the program, career outcomes and opportunities, how to apply, and answer any questions you have.

Register for the info session and learn how you can earn your master’s degree in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin!

Register Today!

Master in Professional Accounting Info Session
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

REGISTER: Meet Current MPA Students on July 26!

Are you considering a career in accounting and looking to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program at Texas McCombs? Join us at our upcoming webinar on July 26, 2023 where current MPA students will discuss why they chose to study accounting, as well as detail their experiences in the program, including their favorites classes, recruiting and networking opportunities, and life at McCombs. Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask the panelists questions!

Register Now!

Event Details:
Wednesday, July 26
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

Meet the Panelists!

 Joseph Hsu | MPA ’23
Current Student

Joseph is a current student in the traditional Master in Professional Accounting (tMPA) program. Hailing from Taiwan, Joseph completed his undergraduate studies at National Tsing Hua University, where he pursued a dual major in Economics and Industrial Engineering. His career interests are Audit/Assurance Services. Joseph enjoys working with his peers and learning from Texas McComb’s world-class faculty. He believes that accounting is the decision-making tool for all organizations.

 

Allie Rossmiller | MPA ’24
Current Student

Allie is an incoming graduate student on the Financial Reporting and Assurance track in the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. Allie has completed two audit internships at Deloitte and J.P. Morgan, and is returning to Deloitte in 2024 as an Audit Associate in Washington D.C. On campus, Allie is involved in Longhorn Run and Texas 4000, works for McCombs advising offices as a Peer Advisor, and represents the accounting department on the Graduate Student Assembly.

 

Demetrius Garza |  MPA ’25
Current Student

Demetrius is an incoming fourth-year student on the Financial Reporting and Assurance track in the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. Demetrius has completed an internship at EY and is currently interning at GlobalFoundries as a Corporate Accounting Intern under their Technical Accounting group. His interests include financial accounting, current accounting topics revolving around ESG/Crypto reporting, and learning about accounting scandals.

Austin Takes the Lead as the #1 City to Launch Your Career

In a recent analysis conducted by Bankrate, the top 50 metro areas in the US were evaluated based on three key factors: rent affordability, employment opportunities, and quality of life. Austin emerged as the number one city for millennials and members of Gen Z entering the workforce!

As graduation season wraps up, young adults across the country are embarking on their post-college journeys and contemplating where to start their careers. Austin is a city that embodies the perfect balance between work and play. With its booming job market, affordable living, and vibrant culture, Austin has become a magnet for young professionals seeking a head start in their careers.

The city’s strong economy has been driven by the presence of major tech companies, including Dell, IBM, Apple, Facebook, Samsung, Google and Tesla, which have established their operations in the area. Austin is also home to several major accounting firms, such as Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY, that offer a wide range of accounting, tax, and consulting services.

The Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) program at Texas McCombs stands out as the nation’s top-ranked program. Pursing a masters in accounting at McCombs and establishing a foundation in Austin allows graduates to gain access to a network of industry leaders and exciting career opportunities, setting them on the path to a successful and fulfilling professional journey in Austin.

Beyond its professional appeal, Austin boasts a vibrant cultural scene and an exceptional quality of life. The city is renowned for its live music venues, festivals, and diverse culinary offerings. With its numerous parks, hiking trails, and proximity to the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Austin provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to unwind and stay active.

Join us at an MPA event to learn more and make Austin your destination!

Three McCombs MPA Students Recognized with Elijah Watt Sells Award!

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) recently announced the winners of the prestigious 2022 Elijah Watt Sells Award. The Elijah Watt Sells Award program was established by the AICPA in 1923 to acknowledge outstanding performance on the CPA Exam. To qualify for the award, candidates must achieve a cumulative average score above 95.50 across all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination, pass all four sections on their first attempt, and complete their testing within the designated year. Out of the approximately 67,000 individuals who took the exam last year, 50 candidates met the criteria to receive this esteemed award.

Among the group of CPA candidates who demonstrated exceptional aptitude and commitment, three students from the Texas McCombs MPA program were honored with the Elijah Watt Sells Award. The Texas McCombs MPA curriculum lays a solid educational foundation for the CPA exam. In fact, 37 of our students have received the Sells Award since 2014. CPA candidates from Texas McCombs typically have higher pass rates than the state and national average.

Congrats to the 2022 Award Winners!

  1. Danielle Beaulieu: A graduate of New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and English literature, holds a Master in Professional Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. Currently employed at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Washington, DC, Danielle’s remarkable achievement showcases her expertise and dedication in the field of accounting.
  2. John Gerling: An alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master in Professional Accounting. John is currently working at Ernst & Young in Austin, TX, where he continues to contribute his skills and knowledge to the accounting profession.
  3. Wilson Wu: A graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, pursued his Master in Professional Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin. He is currently employed at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Houston, TX, where he continues to excel in his accounting career.

Texas McCombs is incredibly proud of the three exceptional students from the Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) Program who were honored with this award. Their remarkable achievements are a testament to their unwavering dedication, diligence, and mastery of the accounting profession. As we celebrate the accomplishments of Danielle Beaulieu, John Gerling, and Wilson Wu, we commend them for their exceptional performance on the CPA Exam and for upholding the values of excellence and professionalism. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current and future MPA students, highlighting the possibilities that await them with dedication and hard work.

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