Master in Professional Accounting Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs MPA Students

Category: Careers (page 2 of 5)

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.

 

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

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

July 12, 2023 / / 0 Comments

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!

Accounting++?

REGISTER: Accounting ++ “?” Webinar

March 16, 2023 / / 0 Comments

This spring, the Texas McCombs MPA Program has been hosting the “Accounting++” series, to introduce students to various careers in which accounting knowledge is valued. At each event, we highlight a career path that benefits from having a master’s degree in accounting (MPA). Our final event is titled Accounting ++ “?”. If you are thinking of choosing a major or applying to the MPA program, register now to hear from accountants with diverse backgrounds working in a variety of areas to get your questions answered.

Event Details:
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
5:30 – 6:30 pm CT

Register Now!

Meet the Panelists!

BillBill Fan
Tax Analyst, SpaceX

SpaceX designs and builds its reusable rockets and spacecraft. Their goal is to reduce space transportation costs to enable the colonization of Mars. Bill works in their tax function to ensure that SpaceX is both meeting its tax reporting and compliance obligations and operating in a tax-efficient manner.

 

VirginiaVirgina Hoskins
Director, Department of Physics, UT Austin

The Physics Department at UT is an internationally recognized research college and ranks highly in the National Research Council surveys of doctoral programs in the US. Virginia’s work ensures that the Department can meet its current and aspirational goals, by stewarding its financial processes.

 

NikkiNikki Ellis
Tax Manager, Deloitte

Deloitte provides tax compliance and consulting services to public and private companies. Digitization, ESG, and workforce mobility fundamentally affect the taxes companies pay and make this an interesting and challenging area of work. Tax professionals are their client’s strategic advisors. They work to assess their client’s tax obligations accurately and efficiently, ensuring that they are well served and that governments have the resources to meet their operating needs.

 

CedricCedric Kudowor
Senior, Accounting & Reporting Advisory, Deloitte

Deloitte provides audit and assurance services to help organizations ensure that their businesses operate efficiently and profitably, following applicable governing standards. Auditors, by verifying and testing the information in financial and other regulated reporting, enhance the trust placed in the financial markets and, in so doing, help a multi-trillion dollar capital market system function with greater confidence.

 

JohnJohn Strother
Senior Consultant, Modeling Advisory, Deloitte

Deloitte’s valuation and modeling services teams work with clients to better forecast and analyze various data points to better understand risks facing their businesses, to reduce costs, and to accurately price acquisitions and sales. Their clients include public and private companies in industries such as private equity, real estate, manufacturing, and technology.

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 7,000 private companies.

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.

Austin: Ranked Best Labor Market

Austin: Ranked Best U.S. Job Market

March 1, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Austin landed among the top large cities in the Wall Street Journal’s annual job-market rankings for three years running!

The best place for Gen Z to find a job? Austin, Texas! Home of the McCombs School of Business, Austin was ranked as the best labor market in 2021! Considered one of the top cities for entry-level growth, Austin is home to a number of big companies such as Dell, Oracle, Amazon, Google and Tesla. Austin is also considered one of the most vibrant cities. From our live music, to endless outdoor activities and delicious food, Austin is a great place to call home.

Also ranked at #1 in the nation is our accounting program! Accounting is the backbone of a company and is needed in every industry. Accounting is in high demand for most businesses and provides a stable rate of employment. Earn your master’s degree in one of the top-ranked cities in the nation.

If you’re interested and want to learn more, register for one of our info sessions. You will learn more about the program, admissions process, curriculum, and career outcomes, as well as what life is like at McCombs.

Accounting++ Real Estate

Highlights: Accounting++ Real Estate

March 1, 2023 / / 0 Comments

An accounting degree can open doors to exciting and lucrative careers in many industries, including real estate. While accounting may not typically be associated with the real-estate industry, there are several ways in which an accounting degree can be used in this field (as well as many other non-traditional fields).

This spring, the Texas McCombs MPA Program is hosting the “Accounting++” series, to introduce students to various careers in which accounting knowledge is valued. At each event, we highlight a career path that benefits from having a master’s degree in accounting (MPA). Our most recent panel, comprised of McCombs alums and industry experts, focused on accounting careers in real estate. Learn more about them at the end of this blog!

The panelists shared how accounting knowledge has helped them understand the language of business and contributed to their careers. Here are some of the key takeaways:

  • Real estate is not limited to buying and selling single-family homes. It’s a dynamic and ever-growing industry that is based on making decisions with financial implications. An accounting background is exceedingly helpful in this context. In real estate, a main priority is to generate a return for investors, whether from the purchase, sale, or management of large multi-unit properties, commercial property, or land. As a result, a thorough understanding of financial analysis and accounting principles can be invaluable in this industry.
  • Real estate investments require careful and thorough financial analysis and projections to determine the potential return on investment (ROI). An MPA provides the skills and knowledge necessary to perform such analysis and to disseminate this information to interested parties.
  • Real estate investors need to be able to analyze and determine the value of properties/investments. Such valuations are based on location, condition, size, and market trends. An MPA equips you with the skills to analyze and interpret financial data to make informed decisions about real estate investments.
  • Accounting principles are essential in managing the finances of a property, including rent collection, property maintenance, and tax reporting. An MPA provides a strong foundation for good property management.
  • Real estate transactions can be complicated, and tax is a critical aspect of such deals. An MPA will ensure you are well-versed in such regulation. You can use your tax knowledge to assist clients in achieving tax efficiency and maximizing their returns on real estate investments.
Panelists speaking at the Accounting ++ Real Estate

The Accounting ++ Real Estate panel

Having an MPA is an asset in many careers, including the real estate industry. The Texas McCombs MPA program can prepare you for an exciting career in many different industries. The McCombs School of Business is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the United States!

To learn more about how you can apply your accounting knowledge in different fields, register for our next Accounting++ series event Accounting++ ?

To learn more about how the MPA program can help you reach your career goals, attend an info session or meet with admissions.

Our panelists:

LaurenLauren Hiller
Senior Manager, KPMG

KPMG is a professional services firm that operates in 143 countries and territories, and in FY22, collectively employed more than 265,000 partners and people, serving the needs of business, governments, public-sector agencies, not-for-profits and through KPMG firms’ audit and assurance practices, the capital markets.

 

mattMatt Stevenson
Senior Director, Development, Greystar

Greystar is a leading, fully integrated real estate company offering expertise in investment management, development, and management of rental housing properties globally. The company’s business model is unique in its ability to own, operate, and develop multifamily, student, and senior housing across the globe.

 

KristenKristen Maris
VP, Asset Management, Fairfield Residential

Fairfield Residential is a leader in high-end living experiences. They manage 42,700 units nationwide across luxury new construction and renovated apartment homes in urban and suburban infill neighborhoods and tax credit affordable housing properties.

 

PaulPaul Kudirka
Director, Affordable Housing, Fairfield Residential

Fairfield Residential is a leader in high-end living experiences. They manage 42,700 units nationwide across luxury new construction and renovated apartment homes in urban and suburban infill neighborhoods and tax credit affordable housing properties.

 

Register Now!

REGISTER: Accounting in Real Estate

February 13, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Interested in learning how an accounting degree can help you build a successful career in real estate? Join us to learn more on Wednesday, February 22 at 5:30 pm for a panel discussion that includes McCombs alums and industry experts.

Event Details:
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
5:30 – 6:30 pm CT

Register Now!

Meet the Panelists!

LaurenLauren Hiller
Senior Manager, KPMG

KPMG is a professional services firm that operates in 143 countries and territories, and in FY22, collectively employed more than 265,000 partners and people, serving the needs of business, governments, public-sector agencies, not-for-profits and through KPMG firms’ audit and assurance practices, the capital markets.

 

mattMatt Stevenson
Senior Director, Development, Greystar

Greystar is a leading, fully integrated real estate company offering expertise in investment management, development, and management of rental housing properties globally. The company’s business model is unique in its ability to own, operate, and develop multifamily, student, and senior housing across the globe.

 

KristenKristen Maris
VP, Asset Management, Fairfield Residential

Fairfield Residential is a leader in high-end living experiences. They manage 42,700 units nationwide across luxury new construction and renovated apartment homes in urban and suburban infill neighborhoods and tax credit affordable housing properties.

 

PaulPaul Kudirka
Director, Affordable Housing, Fairfield Residential

Fairfield Residential is a leader in high-end living experiences. They manage 42,700 units nationwide across luxury new construction and renovated apartment homes in urban and suburban infill neighborhoods and tax credit affordable housing properties.

 

 

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.

Is Accounting The Right Fit

Is Accounting the Right Fit for You?

September 27, 2022 / / 0 Comments

If you enjoy working with numbers and analyzing data but also love solving problems and communicating outcomes, accounting may be the perfect fit for you. Accountants determine the financial position of a company so that it can make forecasts about the future and manage risk. They prepare budgets and forecasts, analyze expenditure and revenue and identify where a company can save money or afford to spend more money. Sitting behind a desk all day crunching numbers is a common misconception! In reality, accountants have a variety of roles and responsibilities such as presenting financial information to management, providing financial advice to clients, or investigating fraud.

VARIETY OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Accountants are needed in every organization and every industry, from large corporations to small start-up companies and nonprofits, high-tech companies, the energy industry, sports organizations, the entertainment industry – you name it!  Accounting skills are beneficial in a variety of fields such as public accounting, investment banking and financial consulting.

STABILITY AND GROWTH
Accountants are in high demand despite fluctuations in the economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, globalization, a growing economy, and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to continue driving a strong demand for accountants. The field provides job security and skills that translate across industries and geographic regions.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Successful accountants require a variety of skills and knowledge such as:

  • Budgeting, forecasting, financial statement preparation
  • Ability to analyze data
  • Proficiency in accounting software
  • Communication skills
  • Leadership ability
  • Organization skills
  • Ability to think critically and problem-solve

These skills, along with many others, are gained while earning an accounting degree and continue to develop as you move up in the workplace.

UPCOMING INFO SESSIONS
Want to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting degree program at Texas McCombs? Join us for an upcoming virtual info session!

REGISTER NOW

Meet MPA Alumnus Arturo C. Olivarez

March 7, 2022 / / 0 Comments

From majoring in accounting and political science at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to earning his MPA at Texas McCombs, Arturo C. Olivarez (MPA ’20) has always had his sights set on government and accounting. Not only has he worked at the Texas Senate and U.S. Congress, but he recently started a new alumni chapter in the RGV. Meet Arturo below!

Arturo C. OlivarezWHAT’S YOUR STORY, ARTURO?
Howdy! I’m a proud second-generation Longhorn and have had the privilege of being born, raised, and educated in Texas. I currently serve as an Outreach Coordinator and Constituent Services Representative for a U.S. Congressman. I’m also the chapter leader for the McCombs Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Alumni Chapter. When I’m not at work, you can often find me hunting, playing the drums, or cheering for the Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY ACCOUNTING?
I’ve been fascinated by the intersection of business, government, and society as a result of growing up in one of the most impoverished regions of Texas. The purpose of my college experience was to answer one question: how can I improve the American financial system? I believe that accounting offers a comprehensive understanding of the processing, communication, and analysis of financial data for both public and private entities.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MPA CLASS?
For the sake of giving credit where credit is due, there are three classes that have been especially impactful in my career and my life. Business and Policy in the Age of Inequality with Professor Cobb taught me the importance of corporate social responsibility. Financial Statement Analysis with Professor Zhao helped me connect the overarching theories of accounting and translate them into sound decision-making for investments. Lastly, the Legal and Ethical Environment of Accounting with Professor Jue honed my reasoning skills as I developed a rudimentary understanding of the legal system and how to navigate it as a working professional.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE GRADUATING FROM MPA?
I was very fortunate to have had a job waiting for me when I graduated. I was hired as a Legislative Aide for a Texas State Senator after interning with their office in my final semester of the program. I stayed with the Senator through the 87th legislative session, and I midnighted as a contracted Legislative Policy Analyst for Stateside Associates, a boutique government consulting firm in Washington, D.C. I was then was hired by a U.S. Congressman last August. Additionally, I recently helped establish the McCombs Rio Grande Valley Alumni chapter this past spring, and it’s been a fantastic way to strengthen the McCombs presence in South Texas.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO RECRUIT FOR A JOB IN GOVERNMENT?
Simple: I want to rewrite the American tax code. As a legislative staffer in Congress with an MPA degree, I hope to craft innovative policy solutions for the ever-changing business world. I believe the U.S. could learn a thing or two from Texas, and I’m hoping to demonstrate that once I get to D.C.

TELL US ABOUT THE McCOMBS ALUMNI RIO GRANDE VALLEY CHAPTER.
I distinctly remember scouring the McCombs alumni website during my first semester as an MPA student to find resources available for residents of the Rio Grande Valley. I was discouraged to find that there was not an established alumni network in South Texas. After some correspondence with the McCombs Alumni Office, I established the official McCombs Rio Grande Valley Alumni chapter. I’ve been grateful for the support of the Alumni Office as well as other chapter leaders who have guided me through the creation of this organization.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS THE RGV CHAPTER PRESIDENT?
I have two primary goals as chapter leader: 1) Unite McCombs alumni who are living and working in the RGV; and 2) provide resources for current McCombs students who hail from the RGV. Fundamentally, I want to create a reliable network for current students and alumni in South Texas. We are a young organization, and the pandemic has made events very difficult to organize, but there are close to 1,000 McCombs alumni in the Rio Grande Valley that are actively shaping the business landscape of South Texas, and I want to help organize our movement.

The U.S. traditional MPA application is still open! Make a difference in the world like Arturo and change the trajectory of your career – apply to MPA before the April 30 deadline.

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