LEVERAGING NUMBERS FOR SMART BUSINESS DECISIONS As Lenk noted, “In this class, they’re learning to calculate data over five years, represent multiple trends across each industry, and then graph the data for visualization. Then at the end of the semester, each student gives a 15-minute oral presentation. For the presentation, students can take on one of two roles: convincing investors to buy stocks in their companies, or convincing investors to hire the student as an analyst.” This requires students to understand and select the visualizations that are persuasive to their point. For instance, Reynolds was assigned data from Coca-Cola. “There were times throughout the semester where I had to look at just Coca-Cola’s numbers, and use different equations, and look at the specifics related to them,” she says. The detailed inquiry into real-world reporting made a big impact on her. Additionally, Lenk noted that the unique format allows students not only to learn the ins and outs of accounting practice, but to get a feel for the industries they may enter into post graduation. Lenk said students come away with an understanding of the diverse range of work opportunities that exist across different industries; they may even come to discover which industry appeals to them, and why.
STAYING ENGAGED Reynolds noted that stepping up to the rigor of the honors course took extra effort, but says it was well worth it. “You have to be more on top of your coursework,” she said. “It builds on itself so much – you have to keep up with the reading so you can complete the assignments and pass each test along the way.” On Lenk’s advice to do daily accounting work, Reynolds said she spent as much as two hours a night preparing for the class throughout the semester. “In a 14-person class, you can tell if someone hasn’t kept up,” she laughed, adding, “Professor Lenk expected us to be able to participate in every discussion.” Lenk is already pleased with the results of the rigorous approach. “They’ve realized it’s not just pencil-pushing,” said Lenk. “The end goal is not the accounting numbers; it’s how you can influence big decisions.”
ENHANCED MACC PROGRAM EXPANDS OPPORTUNITUES FOR GROWTH Career competitiveness. Community. Professional skills development. These are some of the key advantages Department of Accounting students say they’re getting from our new Master of Accounting (MAcc) program, which launched this past fall.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT? Beginning this school year, the MAcc program was upgraded. Enhancements to the coursework included a new focus on professional skills — from written communication to technology integration — to give Department of Accounting MAcc students an edge in the workplace. Professor Derek Johnston explained, “Our specializations in Data Analytics and Systems [DAS], Financial Analysis, Auditing, and Reporting [FAAR], and Tax are now formalized. Plus, we added courses offered by the Computer Information Systems department so our accounting students can better understand the role and practical application of technology in their future jobs.” Upon choosing a specialty, each Master’s candidate now has access to even more extensive guidance for success in the selected field. They’re involved in research opportunities, they learn from professional writers about how to hone their communication skills in specific work settings, and they participate in guest lectures from those working in their fields. Additionally, Johnston said that a recent, successful improv session put on by Business Improv has found its way into the MAcc curriculum. The session helps students hone their verbal communication skills through a range of businessrelated scenarios.
Dean Dreckman, a MAcc candidate following the FAAR track said, “I’ve been blown away so far by all of our guest speakers and presenters. Each class has speakers who are current or retired partners, senior managers, managers, and so on.” He described each guest as providing invaluable insights on chosen career paths, as well as offering great networking opportunities. “Professor Lenk’s class, ‘Professional Practice: Accounting’ focuses on skills including professional and technical writing, presentations, decisionmaking, leadership, and more.” Dreckman said Lenk’s many guest speakers made for a forum-like course structure, and he was surprised to find the nearly four-hour class period flying by.
Announcing our first cohort of Accounting Hall of Fame Inductees Distinguished Department of Accounting Alumni Bob Hottman John Hughes Diana Sanderson-Mori
Distinguished Friend of the Department of Accounting Dr. Michael Vaughan
Early Career Rising Star Victor Amaya