Master in Professional Accounting Admissions News

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs MPA Students

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Jeff J

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

August 10, 2023 / / 0 Comments

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.

MPA info session 8/9

REGISTER: MPA Information Session on August 9!

July 25, 2023 / / 0 Comments

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

virtual panel

REGISTER: Meet Current MPA Students on July 26!

July 24, 2023 / / 0 Comments

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.

Sells Award 2022

Three McCombs MPA Students Recognized with Elijah Watt Sells Award!

May 30, 2023 / / 0 Comments

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.

Take a peek inside an MPA class

Peek into the Classroom: Financial Statement Analysis

April 13, 2023 / / 0 Comments

As a student in the MPA program, you can take many interesting and challenging classes that will help prepare you for a successful future in accounting. One such class is Financial Statement Analysis taught by Dr. Patrick Badolato. This case-based course is unique in that it moves away from mechanical calculations and towards critical thinking by using an array of financial information to understand past performance and form predictions for the future. It involves interdisciplinary discussions that dig into the “why” behind the data. In class, students holistically use ratios, financial statements, footnotes, and other information to tackle perspectives such as: What business reasons and strategies drive performance?

This class provides a lifetime of value for students in the MPA program and highlights the many ways accounting is valuable in the business world. Learn more about Financial Statement Analysis from Professor Badolato and an MPA student in this video!

Want to learn more about Professor Badolato, the classes he teaches, and why he loves accounting? Watch the video below!

Does this class sound interesting to you? If you are exploring a future in accounting and want to know more about how the MPA program can help you reach your career goals, attend an info session or meet with admissions.

peek inside the classroom

Peek into the Classroom: Corporate Tax

April 6, 2023 / / 0 Comments

As a student in the MPA program, you can take many interesting and challenging classes that will help prepare you for a successful future in accounting. One such class is Corporate Tax. A fundamental aspect of all financial transactions is the tax cost of the transaction. Understanding how businesses and individuals are taxed is crucial for accounting professionals. Corporate Tax, focusing on the taxation of C corporations and their shareholders, is taught by Professor Donna Johnston-Blair, an MPA student favorite.

In Corporate Tax, students learn about the life cycle of a corporation from a tax perspective. The class starts with the tax consequences of incorporation. The next step in a C corp’s tax life cycle is the calculation of a corporation’s taxable income (students even practice preparing a corporate tax return). Professor Johnston-Blair also explores various strategies that C corps and their shareholders can employ to minimize their tax burden, including deferring income, accelerating deductions, and taking advantage of tax credits.

In the second part of the course, the focus shifts to the tax consequences of corporate distributions and then, the corporation’s end (aka, liquidation). These transactions create unique tax consequences for a corporate shareholders. Understanding these consequences can set an accounting professional apart from their peers.

While learning the corporate tax rules, students also explore ethical and professional issues that arise for tax professionals related to tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax fraud.

“Donna brings everything I learned in tax together. She’s always available inside and outside the class and provides thorough explanations and constructive advice. She is the most charming and lively professor I can ever ask for! My MPA experience would not be the same without her!”
– Letitia Wu, MPA Student

Corporate Tax provides MPA student with a comprehensive understanding of taxation of C corps. Professor Johnston-Blair encourages class discussion and incorporates real-life examples to help students understand both the complexities and the nuances of C corp taxation.

Taxation of Entities 1 Class

Taxation of Entities 1 Professor Johnston-Blair in action!

Does this class sound interesting to you? If you are exploring a future in accounting and want to know more about how the MPA program can help you reach your career goals, attend an info session or meet with admissions.

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.

View the MPA Class of 2022 Profile

April 1, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Check out the profile of the traditional Master in Professional Accounting Class of 2022! These students came to Texas McCombs from a variety of backgrounds and with an array of experiences and started classes in the fall of 2021. They will graduate this spring or summer.

MPA Class of 2022 Profile

 

The traditional MPA application is still open for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Apply today and join the MPA Class of 2023! The application deadline is April 30, 2022.

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.

A Peek Into the Classroom: Strategic Control Systems

April 1, 2021 / / 0 Comments

He started as a guest speaker in Strategic Control Systems and is now teaching the class! Jim Albrecht has been the course’s instructor for 15 years. Read on to learn more about this class.

Jim Albrecht Zoom

WHY DO STUDENTS TAKE STRATEGIC CONTROL SYSTEMS?
We never touch a debit or credit and barely look at any financial statements. Yet the course addresses concepts that may well fill their workday 15 or more years down the road, if a student aspires to be in a position of financial leadership.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE COURSE?
It emphasizes viewing an organization from the perspective of a CFO, CEO, or COO. It teaches students about concepts and methods embraced in the area of strategic business control techniques that are crucial to financial leadership success.

HOW HAS TEACHING REMOTELY BEEN?
I believe there is no substitute for being in the classroom in person, but the remote environment has worked quite well. The students appear more willing to speak-up. Plus, not having to get dressed and walk across campus has resulted in near perfect attendance!

Learn more about the MPA curriculum here.

 

The application to join the incoming fall 2021 class is still open! Reach out to us or start your application today! The deadline to apply is April 30, 2021.

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