MPA Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs Students

Tag: graduate accounting (page 1 of 2)

Meet MPA Alumna Rachel Ybarra

October 9, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Excerpted from the original publication in Texas McCombs Alumni News.

Originally from San Antonio, Rachel Ybarra began her journey at McCombs while pursuing her accounting degree. From there, she went on to work for AT&T, where she excelled into a senior leadership role before launching Embrace Any Future, a boutique financial strategy and consulting firm.

Notable quotes from Rachel regarding the accounting program at Texas McCombs:

“UT Austin has an exceptional Accounting Program, number one in the nation. To attend the program was such a privilege.”

“UT’s accounting program has always been a trendsetter. Thirty years later, I still see the business school striving to new heights.”

“Going to a great school and prestigious program opened many doors and my education and the rigor of the accounting program made the transition to a highly competitive Fortune 20 company feel natural.”

Read more about how Texas McCombs shaped Rachel’s future.

 

MPA US Applicant FAQ Blog Post

FAQs: U.S. MPA Applicants

September 13, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Do you have questions about our U.S. admissions process? The Texas McCombs MPA admissions team put together a list of frequently asked questions. Find application answers and tips below!

When are U.S. admissions applications reviewed for a decision?

The MPA program has two U.S. application deadlines:

  • November 1 – early deadline
  • April 30 – final deadline

The MPA admissions committee reviews completed U.S. applications on a continuous, “rolling” basis between these deadlines. You may apply anytime during the admissions cycle, although we encourage you to apply earlier in the admissions cycle for scholarship consideration, as less funding is available later in the cycle.

When will I receive an admissions decision?

Decisions for U.S. applications are released after November 1 and approximately six weeks after application completion.

What if all my application materials aren’t ready by the November1 early deadline?

Although we encourage you to apply earlier in the admissions cycle when possible, if you need additional time to prepare your application materials (to study for the GMAT or GRE, for example), be sure to take your time and submit the strongest application possible.

Are GMAT or GRE scores required?

Submitting GMAT or GRE scores is completely optional. Please review this admissions blog post for additional details. If you report GMAT or GRE test scores or a future test date in the admissions application, we will hold on a decision until the official test scores are received from the testing agency. Please notify the MPA admissions team if your testing plans change after you submit your application.

Should I submit my transcript by November 1 or wait for my fall grades to post?

If you’re aiming for the November 1 deadline, we typically recommend submitting a transcript without fall grades. We will reach out if we need your fall grades before making a decision. That said, you might wait and submit your transcript with your fall grades if:

  • You’re a non-accounting major taking any of the pre-enrollment courses in the fall.
  • You’re an accounting major enrolled in several upper-level accounting classes in the fall.
  • Your upper-level GPA will be improved substantially with your fall grades.

When are departmental scholarships awarded?

We award departmental scholarships throughout the admissions cycle, although fewer scholarships are available towards the end of the cycle. Therefore, it is to your advantage to apply as early as possible.

What if I get an offer from another university, but I’m waiting to hear from UT?

If you receive an offer from another university and need to respond before you receive our decision, send us the name of the university and the admission response deadline. Although we cannot guarantee an earlier admission decision, we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Any questions we missed?

If you have still have questions regarding our admissions process, please contact us! We’re happy to help.

 

Career outcomes with an MPA from Texas McCombs

A Master in Professional Accounting Degree = More Opportunities

March 6, 2023 / / 0 Comments

It can be a challenge to design the best plan for your future. If you’re into numbers and the stories they tell, you may find that the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree program is a smart choice. Here’s why we think you should take a closer look:

An MPA degree makes you attractive to top organizations.

Accounting is the lifeblood of virtually every company in every industry. Organizations need accountants to track finances, predict future transactions, and evaluate performance. Without highly qualified accountants, businesses have a hard time growing or even surviving. A graduate from the top-ranked Texas McCombs MPA program will be in demand for years to come.

The MPA degree gives you the luxury of choice.

With an MPA degree from Texas McCombs, you’ll have a variety of roles to choose from in areas such as public accounting, industry, consulting, finance and government. Here are some examples of positions your MPA degree could help you secure:

  • Internal Auditor—the employee that’s indispensable to senior leadership and the board of directors. As an internal auditor, you investigate and report, giving leadership key information for important decision-making.
  • Staff Accountant—this role holds more credentials and trains for higher-level tasks than a general accountant. As a staff accountant, you’ll soon advance to more senior positions and management roles.
  • Controller—this powerful management role oversees all accounting employees and processes.
  • Restructuring Consultant—this role points the way when making major business decisions. Restructuring consultants make financial projections and cash forecasts. They also analyze financial data, perform financial reporting, and conduct data mining and research.
  • Tax Consultant—this role helps keep businesses safely legal with tax-related issues, including compliance and regulations, and determining taxes owed.
  • Risk and Financial Advisor—this is another role that informs big decisions. As a risk and financial advisor, you would help organizations reduce or wisely manage their financial risk.

Wondering how well the MPA Class of 2022 is doing?

98% of the MPA Class of 2022 received job offers within three months of graduation!

What’s the next step in planning your future?

This may just be the beginning of your research. If you want to know more about how the MPA program can help you reach your career goals, attend an info session or meet with admissions.

Register for an MPA info session

Attend an information session for the MPA Program

February 7, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Are you interested in earning your master’s degree in accounting? Join us at a Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) virtual info session this spring! With a master’s degree in accounting, the sky is the limit. Many leaders across the globe have accounting backgrounds. Join their ranks and start your career off right with an MPA degree from Texas McCombs.

The traditional Master in Professional Accounting (tMPA) is a one-year program open to students with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. In as little as nine months, you can earn an MPA degree from the top accounting program in the country! From the best accounting faculty in the nation to a variety of accounting and MBA electives to a 98% job placement rate, MPA has what you’re looking for… and more!

At the MPA info session, you will meet Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, the Senior Admissions and Recruiting Officer for the MPA program. She will detail how to apply, the MPA curriculum, career opportunities and outcomes, and what life is like in Austin.

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta

If you can’t make an info session, schedule an individual appointment with Jasmin at any time!

Virtual info session dates:

See you there!

Accounting++ Energy Blog Post January 2023

REGISTER: Accounting in the Energy Industry

January 9, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Interested in learning about the importance of accounting in the energy industry? Join us on for a panel discussion with successful accountants working in energy, brought to you by the Master in Professional Accounting program at the McCombs School of Business.

Event Details:
Tuesday, January 24
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

Register Now!

Meet the Panelists!

Ann KluppelAnn Kluppel
General Auditor, Phillips 66 (Accounting BBA ’89)

Ann Kluppel is currently the General Auditor for Phillips 66. In the more than 20 years she has been with Phillips 66, Ann has held a variety of roles within operations, finance and human resources. She is a licensed CPA and a Certified Internal Auditor.

 

Josh ShermanJosh Sherman
Partner, Opportune LLP (MPA ’98)

Josh Sherman is a partner at Opportune LLP, a global energy business advisory firm. Josh oversees Opportune’s Complex Financial Reporting group. He has over 25 years of experience in providing clients across the energy spectrum with technical research, capital markets and SEC reporting assistance. Prior to joining Opportune, he worked in the audit and global energy markets department with Deloitte & Touche.

 

Hillary SwallenHillary Swallen
Managing Director, KPMG (MPA ’10)

Hillary Swallen is a Managing Director at KPMG in Houston. She concentrates in the tax area, providing federal, state and international tax consulting services to a wide range of businesses from small privately held domestic companies to large publicly traded multinational companies, primarily in the oil and gas industry.

REGISTER: Meet Current MPA Students and Alumni on November 16

November 10, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Hear from current Master in Professional Accounting students and alumni at our virtual panel on Wednesday, November 16 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT! MPA students and alumni 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 Texas McCombs. Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask the panelists questions!

Register Now

Event Details:
Wednesday, November 16
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

Meet the Panelists!

Yadira Avitia

Yadira Avitia  |  Current MPA
Undergrad: Psychology, University of North Texas

Yadira grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and received a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of North Texas. She decided to earn a graduate degree in accounting from Texas McCombs to master the language of business. She strives to service businesses within various industries who are working to make this world a better place.

 

Christine CockerellChristine Cockerell  |  MPA ’17
Senior Financial Analyst at Toyota North America

Christine earned her undergraduate degree in finance/accounting from American University and earned her MPA at UT Austin. She is interested in financial advisory services, particularly in the airline, automotive, and real estate sectors. She was born and raised in Texas and is a private pilot and avid golfer.

 

David O'NeilDavid O’Neil  |  MPA ’15
Senior Associate at Crescent Cove Capital

David earned both his bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from UT Austin. He focused his studies in financial accounting, as well as volunteered as a tax preparer through the Tax Practicum course. His passions include corporate finance, new technologies, and investing.

 

Eric WenEric (Junqi) Wen  |  Current MPA
Undergrad: Accounting, UT Austin

Eric grew up in China and went to high school in Sugar Land, Texas. He is a current student studying in the Master in Professional Accounting Program. Upon graduation, Eric will be working as a strategy analyst at Accenture in Chicago, Illinois.

 

REGISTER: MPA Info Session on November 3

October 31, 2022 / / 0 Comments

November 3 Info Session

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 November 3 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
Thursday, November 3, 2022
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

REGISTER: Attend an MPA Info Session in September

September 9, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program and attend an upcoming virtual info session in September! There are two info sessions scheduled this where you will hear about the MPA admissions process and how to make your application stand out. You will also learn about the program’s curriculum, recruiting for jobs and career outcomes, as well as what life is like in Austin.

REGISTER: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 – 12:00 P.M. CT

REGISTER: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – 5:00 P.M. CT

Jasmin Blas-MendietaIn the meantime, you can learn more about GMAT/GRE test scores being optional on our blog, and you can sign up for a one-on-one admissions consultation with Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, MPA’s Senior Recruiting and Admissions Officer.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

REGISTER: MPA Current Student and Alumni Panel

February 15, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Join us at the Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) Current Student and Alumni Panel to meet four people who have experienced the MPA program first-hand. You’ll hear about their time in the program, why they chose to study accounting, and their career path since graduating from the program. Plus, you’ll get the chance to ask the students and alumni questions.

Register here! We’ll see you Thursday, February 24 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT.

Meet the Panelists:

Courtney Crosby, MPA ‘14  –  University of Houston Law Student
After graduating from the MPA program in 2014, Courtney worked at Southwestern Energy as a Joint Venture Accountant. She then transitioned into law and interned at a District Attorney’s office before going back to school to earn her law degree from the University of Houston.

Arjun Naganathan, MPA ‘22 –  Current Student
Arjun is originally from Southern California and is currently finishing up his MPA degree while double majoring in film. After graduation, he will join McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst. His career aspirations include working in sports and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.

Anthony Saenz, MPA ‘22 – Current Student
Anthony graduated from Texas A&M University in 2015 with an Industrial Distribution degree. After working for a few different energy and engineering companies, he decided to go back to school to earn his graduate degree in accounting to better understand how an organization operates. Anthony is currently studying tax and will graduate this summer.

Sarah Stiff, MPA ‘17 –  ESG & Sustainability Senior Consultant, Deloitte
Sarah started her career at Deloitte as an auditor in their Houston office. After three years of working with real estate clients in financial statement audit, Sarah joined Deloitte’s Sustainability & ESG services team. She currently helps clients with their disclosure outlook and strategy, enhancement of ESG data processes and controls, as well as complete and accurate reporting in accordance with industry-recognized ESG frameworks and standards.

Register Today!

Register for the Upcoming MPA Faculty Panel

October 25, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Discover more about earning your Master in Professional Accounting degree by meeting the faculty who teach in the program at our upcoming webinar on Thursday, October 28 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT.

Join us at the Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) Faculty Panel to meet Professors Gretchen Charrier, Steve Goodson, Donna Johnston-Blair, and John McInnis. You’ll hear about their backgrounds and why accounting is such an important facet of business, as well as get your questions answered on the MPA curriculum, the classes they teach, and what life is like in the program. The panel will be facilitated by Program Director Kristina Zvinakis.

We hope to see you there!

Thursday, October 28 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT – REGISTER

Gretchen CharrierGRETCHEN CHARRIER
Fall 2021 Class: Governmental Accounting

Gretchen earned her bachelor’s in accounting at the University of Kentucky and is an alum of our very own MPA program here at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to pursuing her MPA degree, Gretchen worked with KPMG and PwC. She has been teaching at the McCombs School of Business since 1997.

 

Stephen GoodsonSTEVE GOODSON
Fall 2021 Class: Internal Auditing and Control

Steve has worked as audit and quality assurance staff and as a consultant for companies ranging from the Texas Department of Public Safety to the National Football League. Before coming to Texas McCombs, he was the Chief Internal Auditor for the University of North Texas and has been teaching in the MPA program since 2016.

 

Donna Johnston-BlairDONNA JOHNSTON-BLAIR
Spring 2022 Classes: Tax Practicum & Taxation of Entities

Donna earned her MBA from the University of Toronto and is CPA certified in California, Colorado, and Texas. After working in public accounting as a tax manager, she started her own tax consulting firm and began teaching at universities. Donna has been with Texas McCombs since 2013 teaching financial, managerial, and tax accounting.

 

John McInnisJOHN McINNIS
Fall 2021 Class: Financial Accounting Standards and Analysis II

After earning his bachelor’s and master’s from The University of Texas at Austin, John received his PhD from the University of Iowa. He has been teaching financial accounting in the MPA program since 2008 and has published articles in top scholarly journals including The Accounting Review, Journal of Finance, Management Science, and more.

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