Master in Professional Accounting Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs MPA Students

Tag: accounting at mccombs (page 1 of 2)

The Study Abroad Experience – Prague

Katie Anderson, MPA Class of 2025

While in the MPA Prague study abroad program, I learned about Europe through my studies and travels. Between weekend trips across Europe with my peers, engaging classes, and program-planned excursions within Prague, the program was a fulfilling experience that I will cherish. As someone who had never been to Europe, I was nervous about the cultural adjustment. However, the UT and VŠE staff helped us get acclimated to our new environment and the time and effort that they put into this program was clear from the start.

Our courses were fascinating. In our classes taught by MPA faculty, we delved deeper into specialized accounting topics, and in our VŠE class, we simulated the early stages of starting a business in Europe from initial idea to pitch. Furthermore, the planned excursions in Prague gave us the opportunity to see unique sites in the Czech Republic. My personal favorite was our visit to Radio Free Europe, an international media organization with the mission of providing accurate news to countries without freedom of the press.

Unequivocally, my favorite part of the program was growing closer to my MPA peers. I bonded with people who had been in my classes for years but never had the opportunity to truly get to know. The entire group often made plans together and I gained a newfound appreciation for the community that we formed. I always knew I had someone with whom I could grab lunch, study, or explore Prague’s Old Town. These friendships enhanced my experience and made me feel more connected to the MPA program as a whole. After returning to the US, I quickly made plans to see my study-abroad friends and I can’t wait to have classes with them in the Fall.

Hook ‘em! 🤘

Katie Anderson, MPA Class of 2025

Turning the Page: Celebrating the MPA Class of 2024

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, the MPA Commencement Ceremony took place at Gregory Gym, transforming the well-known student fitness hub into a symbol of new beginnings. Professors, family, and friends gathered to celebrate the graduates.  

The 2024 MPA graduating class includes those from diverse backgrounds who worked tirelessly to earn their degrees. Among the graduates, Peter Gutierrez’s journey stands out as a testament to perseverance and reinvention. Formerly a high school math teacher, Peter decided to make a bold career transition and pursue his MPA. As he eagerly anticipates his next steps, including a summer study abroad in Prague and a  financial analyst role for Dell upon his return to Austin, Peter embodies the spirit of transformation and ambition that defines the MPA graduates. 

Hong Nguyen has a similarly inspiring graduation story. As a first-generation graduate, Hong’s MPA degree holds deep significance not just for her, but for her family. With her family by her side and the support of her peers in the Asian Business Student Association, Hong’s achievement symbolizes the fulfillment of a dream and the promise of a bright future. 

The MPA commencement speakers further highlighted the potential of the MPA graduating class. Professor Steven Kachelmeier noted that the program’s excellence echoes in every graduate’s journey and reflects their commitment to success and innovation. Dean Lillian Mills emphasized the graduates’ role as agents of change and progress while distinguished speaker Paul Knopp (BBA Accounting ‘81, MBA ’83) shared his journey from accounting student to CEO. Paul highlighted the pivotal role of accounting as well as mentorship and resilience in shaping his success. Through his heartfelt message, he encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty, celebrate their achievements, and envision a future defined by purpose and impact. 

During the ceremony, MPA Program Faculty Director Kristina Zvinakis recognized students who demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement while in the MPA program. Gracelynn Keener received the CPA Accounting Education Award in recognition of her mastery of accounting knowledge, while Zachary Sly and Krishan Gupta were honored as the outstanding integrated and traditional MPA students, respectively, in their graduating class.  

Prior to the graduates walking across the stage to have their names read and be recognized, Ally Rosmiller stepped forward as the student speaker. Her words conveyed a sense of camaraderie and shared triumph, and she urged her fellow graduates to embrace every victory, big or small. 

As the ceremony ended, the air was filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. Each graduate stands at the threshold of a new chapter, armed with knowledge, resilience, and boundless potential. Today, they not only celebrate their achievements but also their capacity to shape the future and change the world. 

 Congratulations to the MPA graduating class of 2024! 

                 

 

Click here to learn more about starting your journey toward earning a Master in Professional Accounting degree at Texas McCombs.

Interested in Oil, Gas and Sustainability? Read on!

Oil and natural gas power our homes and give us products as varied as eyeglasses and MRI machines. Although renewable energy is increasing as a percentage of global energy production, it’s still small, meaning oil and gas will be key energy sources for the foreseeable future.

At the same time, oil and gas companies are working to produce oil more sustainably to help curb climate change, and they anticipate climate-related regulations. In this dynamic environment, expertise in oil and gas accounting is becoming indispensable — especially in Texas, the largest oil and gas producing state, where the industry is one of the largest employers.

In class, professor Paul Parsons imparts lessons on sustainability and the energy transition. “Oil and Gas Accounting and Sustainability” shows students they can do interesting, important work toward a healthier planet as a part of the oil and gas accounting field.

Parsons worked for more than two decades with Occidental Petroleum Corp. before founding Energy Training Resources, an organization that offers courses for the oil and gas industry covering operational, commercial, accounting, and sustainability topics.

Q: Why is oil and gas accounting an important field for Master in Professional Accounting students to consider?
A:
Oil and gas are in many everyday products we use, from desks students sit in to buses that bring them to class. Oil and gas will remain an important source of energy, and likewise, oil and gas accounting will remain a useful skill in many areas of the country where oil and gas are produced. Companies will have two major responsibilities — being sustainable and reporting on their sustainability — and accountants will be involved with both. Mandatory reporting requirements will affect essentially all U.S. public companies in all industries, and the initial implementation will require an abundance of accounting and auditing expertise.

Oil and gas may seem like an “old” industry, but it’s actually a vibrant, global industry that’s technologically advanced and constantly evolving. If you’re sustainability-minded, oil and gas is actually a good place to work. You can be part of meaningful change.

Q: How did you revamp the course to cover sustainability?
A: Sustainability is an emerging topic that will affect everyone in every industry, and it’s becoming a very important topic in reporting. Companies are now voluntarily reporting on sustainability. Every big company has a sustainability report. But there are more rigorous reporting regulations internationally, and in the U.S. there’s a push by government agencies to get corporations to report more and in a consistent manner so companies can be compared more easily. The Securities and Exchange Commission issued a draft proposal last year that would make climate reporting mandatory.

Q: What will students learn?
A: There are specialized accounting rules for oil and gas production because it has unique characteristics. Students learn these rules and regulations, but also about the fascinating industry operations that drive accounting needs, including petroleum geology and exploration, mineral rights acquisition, drilling, production, and project economics. Lessons on sustainability include greenhouse gas emissions, diversity and equity, habitat protection, water conservation, recycling, and proper waste disposal. This knowledge can give students an advantage, whether they work for an oil and gas company directly, or with a public accounting firm that has oil and gas audit clients.

Q: How do you make the course interesting and interactive?
A: I ask questions as I go, students use a clicker to answer, and then I display answers for everyone to see. This method stimulates discussion. I also decided to forgo a course textbook and instead use slides with videos, photos, and animations. The industry is changing so fast that textbooks just don’t keep up. We do a good deal of group work, too. In one project, groups of students dissect sustainability reports for three companies — a midstream, upstream, and downstream company — and evaluate how the companies reported on metrics and targets and the reports’ effectiveness.

Q: What do you hope students take away from the class?
A: I want them to be able to interview well. To be conversant about oil and gas, but also knowledgeable about sustainability. Also, on the renewable side there’s a tremendous amount of money going into new projects, and I want them to have that expertise.

Parsons teaches “Oil and Gas Accounting and Sustainability” each fall semester.

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 April 25 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!

Thursday, April 25, 2024
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

REGISTER NOW!

Meet the Panelists

Paul DeGrado

Paul DeGrado, MPA ’24
Current Student

Paul DeGrado is a current student pursuing his MPA degree through the integrated MPA program at The University of Texas at Austin. Beyond his commitment to academic excellence, Paul is also a valued member of the Men’s Swimming & Diving team, showcasing his discipline, teamwork, and leadership both in and out of the classroom.

 

Krishan Gupta

Krishan Gupta, MPA ’24
Current Student

Krishan Gupta is a current student in the traditional MPA program, specializing in taxation, and is set to graduate in 2024. His dedication to academic excellence and passion for his field have earned him the role of a Teaching Assistant in the MPA program, where he actively contributes to the academic development of his peers. Krishan’s academic journey began with a BA in Economics from UT Austin, where he developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

 

Amie Jatana

Amie Jatana, CPA, MPA ’16
Senior Director of Finance & Accounting – Wells Group of New York

Amie Jatana is an accomplished alumna of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her MPA degree. She is a certified public accountant in both Texas and Illinois and currently serves as the Senior Director of Finance and Accounting at the Wells Group of New York. Amie’s exceptional financial expertise and strategic insights have been instrumental in driving business success. She is a highly skilled professional with a strong commitment to both personal and professional growth, making her an exemplary figure in the accounting field.

REGISTER: Join the March 20 Information Session!

Join our upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program! You’ll hear about the MPA admissions process, MPA curriculum, career outcomes, and life in Austin.

REGISTER: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 – 5:00 PM CT

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, MPA Senior Recruiting and Admissions Officer.

 

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 February 22 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!

Thursday, February 22, 2024
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

REGISTER NOW

REGISTER: Join the February 14 Information Session!

Join our upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program! You’ll hear about the MPA admissions process, MPA curriculum, career outcomes, and life in Austin.

REGISTER: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 – 5:00 PM CT

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, MPA Senior Recruiting and Admissions Officer.

 

REGISTER: Join the January 18 MPA Information Session!

Join our upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program! You’ll hear about the MPA admissions process and how to make your application stand out, details about the MPA curriculum, career outcomes, and life in Austin.

REGISTER: THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 – 5:00 PM CT

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, MPA Senior Recruiting and Admissions Officer.

 

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:

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