SOA Connection Fall 2015 by DeWayne Searcy

NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY

FALL 2015 EDITION

SOA CONNECTION

BRANCHING OUT: Accounting Roots, Unique Career Paths ALSO INSIDE:

Accounting Athletes, Outstanding Alumnus Robert M. Broadway Jr. ’91 . . . and more!

School of Accountancy Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE is one in particular who actually never held the title ‘accountant.’ In this edition, he shares his views on accounting education and its impact on his success. Our mission in the School of Accountancy is to advance the field of accounting and prepare tomorrow’s accounting leaders. This issue highlights some of the accomplishments achieved by our faculty and students as we strive to achieve our mission. I am proud of our accomplishments. We have the best and brightest students and a faculty and staff unmatched in their dedication to producing successful accounting professionals.

Dear Alumni and Friends, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” --Aristotle Or, to be less eloquent, I could echo the Benjamin Franklin cliché yelled in every locker room and gym in America, “No pain, no gain.” As an educator, I would like to believe accounting education is not all bitter and pain; however, reflecting on my own education, those attributes cannot be totally discounted. To my SOA alumni and friends, I ask these simple questions: Was it worth it? Did your accounting education provide the foundation (or roots) to propel you forward? We, in the School of Accountancy, work very hard each day in order for you to answer ‘yes’ to both questions. A strong accounting education provides endless opportunities in a variety of paths. This issue of the SOA Connection highlights some of our alumni who have successfully “branched out” from tradition. Bob Broadway, the 2015 SOA Outstanding Alumnus, 2

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I end my letter on a sad note. Dr. Ron Clark, Emeritus Professor, passed away on June 25, 2015. Ron retired in 2013 to fight cancer, and he fought to the end. Throughout this ordeal, Ron and his wife of 49 years, Judy, maintained a positive attitude we should all emulate. Ron was not only a great colleague, but also a great friend. Additionally, Ron was a student favorite; he will be missed. I hope you enjoy reading this issue of the SOA Connection. As always, please contact me with any questions or comments.

School of Accountancy

TABLE OF CONTENTS Director’s Message

Branching Out

2015 Outstanding Alumnus

Advisory Council

Faculty News

Beta Alpha Psi

2015 Accounting Internships

Accounting Athletes

Auburn Accounting Online

MAcc Program

Scholarships and Awards

Annual Giving

Alumni 40

War Eagle!

In Memoriam DeWayne L. Searcy, Director School of Accountancy The SOA Connection is a publication of Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business (HCOB) produced and distributed to alumni and friends of the School of Accountancy. MANAGING EDITOR Colby Lakas, MAcc Program Assistant Director CONTRIBUTORS Troy Johnson, Director, HCOB Communications and Marketing Joe McAdory, Editor, HCOB Communications and Marketing Amy Murphy, MAcc Program Director

PHOTOGRAPHY T2 Photography, www. t2photography.com LAYOUT DESIGN Kim Koellsted, Craftmaster Printers, Inc. PRINTING Craftmaster Printers, Inc.; Auburn, AL

BRANCHING OUT

NFL Chief Information Officer Michelle McKenna-Doyle (BS ’87) believes that her public accounting beginnings gave her a strong cross-section of business.

BRANCHING OUT: Accounting Roots, Unique Career Paths Saxophone artist Kenny G earned a degree in accounting. So did former ultimate fighting champion Chuck Liddell, actor Bob Newhart, novelist John Grisham, Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, and world-famous financier J.P. Morgan. But none actually earned fame as practicing accountants. Instead, learning the ‘language of business’ opened the doors to a variety of career and business opportunities beyond the traditional path. Perhaps the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants summed it best: “…there’s one degree that gives you the education to succeed at just about anything in the business world. It’s an accounting degree. Accounting opens doors in every kind of business coast to coast. It can give you the foundation you need to go on and become a CPA. It can prepare you to become a partner in an accounting firm, to pursue a career in finance or corporate management, to work in government, or even to become an entrepreneur. In fact, no matter what you decide to do, having an accounting background can open doors wide.” Take Michelle McKenna-Doyle, for example. The Enterprise, Alabama, native earned a BS in Accounting at Auburn in 1987 and immediately went to work as an auditor at Coopers & Lybrand, a predecessor firm of PwC. Today, she is Chief Information Officer at the National Football League – making the leap from the grid of a spreadsheet to the grid of a football field.

SOA Outstanding Alumnus and real estate developer Bob Broadway (BS ’91) believes that accounting opens more doors than any other business major.

“If you can understand the financials of a company, you can dig deeper to understand what is driving those results and learn how to impact them positively,” said McKenna-Doyle, who oversees the League’s technology strategy, application, and implementation. “When you do that, companies will give you a shot at running any number of initiatives or lines of business. I received a strong cross-section of the business world by working for a big public firm. Ultimately, I transitioned.” Bob Broadway, owner and founder of Huntsville, Alabama, commercial real estate firm, The Broadway Group, holds an Auburn accounting degree but has never held the title “accountant.” “When I graduated in 1991, I realized that while I enjoyed the accounting course work, I really didn’t want to be an accountant,” said Broadway, who specialized in commercial real estate lending at Barnett Bank in Jacksonville, Florida, after college. With accounting, you’re not piFall 2015

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geon-holed into being an accountant. It opens more doors than any other business major.” The Broadway Group – which helps clients select appropriate business sites, assists in the permitting phase, and performs site construction and development – is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast. Broadway recognizes that the business person with an accounting background has a leg up on the competition and the respect of his or her peers. “When somebody with accounting skills is at a conference room table with other people who are not accountants – that person’s opinion is going to be elevated,” he said. “If they deliver their opinion in a convincing way, then everybody feels good.” Broadway added that the accuracy of a company’s financial statements often dictates a company’s growth. Auburn accounting alumna Donna Gallagher (BS ’74), now Executive Director at The Collaborative of North Carolina, a non-profit organization in Raleigh, N.C., agreed. “The language of revenues and expenses – and how we get to those end-of-period numbers – are driven by the specifics of the business,” said Gallagher, who has held her position since 2008. “But at the end of the day the financial statements tell the story, no matter if it’s is a one-location small business in North Carolina, or a large multi-national corporation. Accounting provides consisten-

cy as we address a variety of audiences and stakeholders, whether we are talking with potential donors for a non-profit business, providing information to management, talking with bankers, or presenting to shareholders. Everyone understands profit and loss.” Gallagher spent 15 years in the banking industry before pivoting to the non-profit sector. Why? “I wanted to be home more and decided to pursue work with a statewide child welfare organization, Children’s Home Society of Florida,” she said. “Having a degree in accounting and a CPA opened that door for me, and my first job there was as an accountant. Now, my work is mostly developing and delivering programs for low-income families, based on the research into what best works to move families up the economic ladder.” “My accounting education continues to provide the foundation for how I view our agency, and I always go back to the numbers and how changes in our programs and the costs associated with those changes can both benefit our clients and be a wise financial decision for our agency.” Gallagher said business people must ‘be able to view the whole business.’ “That is something unique to accounting majors,” she said. “The business processes, systems design and information technology training – all of those pieces coalesce to form a picture of what’s actually going on in

Doug Augustine (BS ’94) uses his accounting background to effectively run his Taco Bell franchises. a business. An accounting major has been trained to look for the unknowns and not assume the entire picture is presented.” The next time you’re in the drive-thru line at a Taco Bell, think of Auburn accounting alum Doug Augustine. ‘What could accounting possibly have to do with Crunchwrap Supremes or Doritos Locos Tacos?’ you might ask. As President of Georgia-Texas Enterprises in Newnan, Georgia, Augustine owns 11 Taco Bell franchises and two under-construction Einstein Bros. Bagels franchises. He stressed the importance of his accounting skills relative to today’s business landscape. “Lenders and franchisors are more involved in the financial health of a company than ever before,” said the 1994 Auburn graduate. “Without a background in accounting, I would struggle to read my income statement and balance sheet and know how to compute the financial ratios required by my lender and franchisor. I owe my financial knowledge to my degree in accounting at Auburn University.” Immediately after college, Augustine worked in the audit division of a CPA firm. But the lure of the family business changed his career forever.

Donna Gallagher (BS ’74) calls the accounting problem-solving skill set “unique” and employs it in her role as Executive Director of a non-profit. 4

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“After a couple of years in audit, I had a unique opportunity to work for my father (the late Gene Augustine, who opened

securities offerings. You’ve got to understand capitalization of interest, draft provisions and financial covenants.” John Bell earned his BS and Master’s degrees in accounting from Auburn in 1997 and 1998. Though he spent much of his professional career as an accountant or in the financial sector, he is now CEO of FireRock, a building materials company in Birmingham.

Brian Casey (BS ’84) relies on his financial savviness to draft M&A contracts in his legal career. his first Taco Bell in 1987) as his Chief Financial Officer shortly after he acquired six existing Taco Bell restaurants in Atlanta, giving us a total of seven restaurants at the time,” he said. “My degree in accounting and experience in auditing banks right after college gave me a huge leg up in understanding my father’s business.” Accountants can make excellent attorneys, too. Brian T. Casey, a 1984 Auburn accounting alumnus, is co-leader of Atlanta-based Locke Lord’s Regulatory and Transactional Insurance Practice Group. “I’m shocked when I see business lawyers who don’t know how to read financial statements,” said Casey, who earned his law degree at Ohio State in 1987. “In mergers and acquisition deals, I need to be able to understand how the client is pricing it. To write up the contract, I have to understand the financial concepts to draft it accurately.” “I need to ‘walk the walk’ with my investment banker contacts. In my world, insurance has its own statutory accounting, which is totally different compared to GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). We call it SAP. I would have struggled to learn SAP if I didn’t understand the basic concepts of GAAP, which I learned at Auburn. You deal with all kinds of financial statements for

“I pretty quickly had a desire to move into an industry where I could drive financial performance as opposed to measuring other people’s performance,” he said. “I got an opportunity to work with a venture-backed start-up in Seattle, and quickly found a huge need in the private equity world for a risk-oriented accountant to get a lot of responsibility at a young age. The experience I had in a number of companies and situations ultimately prepared me to be the senior leader at FireRock.” “Every business owner and manager requires reliable and timely information to make decisions. A great accountant who can deliver is invaluable to his organization. Most people, including accountants, don’t fully understand or appreciate that.” Having a common language around the operations of any business through accounting is important, regardless of your industry.

ness healthy by understanding certain ratios and being able to decipher your financial statements,” Augustine commented. “Also, when acquiring more businesses (restaurants in my case), understanding an income statement allows you to ask informed questions and find ways to improve margins in the middle of the profit and loss statement.” Gallagher believes those with accounting skills are better trained in the broader business perspective, which is reflected in their comfort with financial statements. “Successful businesses benefit from all the business disciplines — marketing, management, human resources, finance, operations, and information technology — and each area has their unique perspective,” she said. “But it is the accountants who are armed with the skills to bring the entire enterprise view to a bottom line of not only how the business profits, but how a variety factors affect the existing and future operations.” “Accountants are uniquely able to perform the analyses that help organizations thrive as our operating landscape changes. I’m living proof,” Gallagher concluded. So was John Grisham, in the event that whole ‘bestselling author’ thing didn’t work out.

“Any of us who have started a new job in the last 10 years can attest that one of the hurdles is being conversant in that business’ language,” said Donna Gallagher, whose non-profit promotes programs which build family economic security and individual financial capability. As ‘the language of business,’ accounting knowledge simplifies the learning curve of different industries. So why are accounting majors so powerful in today’s business world? “Having a degree in accounting is a huge advantage in the business world today because banks and lenders, along with the franchisor (in my business), want to make sure you understand how to keep your busi-

John Bell (BS ’97, MAcc ’98), CEO of FireRock Building Materials, views the accounting skill set to be “invaluable.” Fall 2015

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2015 OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS It starts with a strong foundation. Whether it is the footings on a commercial real estate project or a concrete slab beneath a new family home, foundations serve as solid ground that holds everything together.

During his awards ceremony speech, Bob shared several personal experiences to inspire the audience.

For Robert (Bob) Broadway Jr., that solid business foundation was laid within the Auburn University School of Accountancy. The Huntsville, Ala., native and 1991 Auburn graduate is owner of The Broadway Group, LLC, one of the largest and most successful commercial real estate firms in the Southeast. As a developer, he knows a thing or two about strong foundations. “You can build a beautiful new building, but if its foundation isn’t secure, the entire project is considered a failure,” said Broadway, the School of Accountancy’s 2015 Outstanding Alumnus. The same can be said for a solid education. “The business foundation includes an in-depth understanding of accounting, strategic thinking, economics, perseverance, and the importance of building strong personal relationships inside and outside of the company,” Broadway said. “An Auburn accountant has a solid background.” Nearly half of today’s new businesses fail within five years. Why? “A majority of these failures are related to business owners not understanding the finances of their own companies,” 6

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ROBERT M. BROADWAY JR.’91 2015 OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS BUILDS ON AUBURN ACCOUNTING FOUNDATION

Broadway said. “I attribute a great deal of my success to the accounting degree I received at Auburn University.” Broadway, who also owns the general contracting firm Broadway Construction Company, specializes in the national tenant retail sector. “Our scope of work begins with selecting the appropriate site for the tenant,” he said. “This would include proper placement within the trade area, traffic patterns, locations of competitors, and site-specific requirements dictated by code. Once the tenant approves the project, we begin the permitting phase of the site. Once all of the specific permits are in hand, Broadway Construction Company is contracted to perform the construction of the project. Once the construction of the project is complete, we hand the keys over to the tenant. In essence, we handle the project all the way from an idea to a complete and new store for the retailer.”

year at Huntsville Hospital,” he said. “At the end of the summer, I met with the CEO who wanted to give me some advice. He said if I continued to pursue a hospital administration degree I might be limiting myself in the future, because it’s such a specialized field.” But accounting would “provide me with the tools I could use down the road.” He was right. “I’ve seen a lot of people, even outside my industry, who start businesses and have great ideas, but they don’t understand the mechanics of accounting or finance within their own company and that’s usually what causes their

failure,” he said. “My foundation in accounting is one of the keys to my success.” DeWayne Searcy, SOA Director, views Bob to be extremely deserving of recognition. “Anyone who spends time with Bob quickly learns that he is a devoted father and husband who has his priorities right. He exemplifies the Auburn Creed. His story is one of hard work, seizing opportunities, taking risks, and having confidence that his efforts will produce success. I wish all of our students could talk with Bob to better understand what it takes to rise to the top. That is why I am so proud to honor him as the 2015 School of Accountancy Outstanding Alumnus.”

Interestingly, this accounting graduate has never held the title, “accountant.” Even more interesting, Broadway didn’t originally come to Auburn to be an accountant. Instead, he initially majored in hospital administration. “I had an internship after my sophomore

Bob and his wife, Julie, pose with SOA Director, DeWayne Searcy, at the awards ceremony.

Bob’s cheering section was larger than any prior outstanding alumnus. Over fifty family members and friends came to the awards ceremony to support him. Fall 2015

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ADVISORY COUNCIL M. Lamar Barnett Jr. VP, U.S. Internal Audit Aflac Worldwide Headquarters Columbus, GA

Steve Barranco, Member Warren Averett, LLC Montgomery, AL

Jerry Brewer, CFO Centennial Holding Company Birmingham, AL

Wesley Brown, Director L. Paul Kassouf & Co, PC Birmingham, AL

Steve Byrne, Partner Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC Atlanta, GA

Matthew Cessna, Associate Merchant The Home Depot Atlanta, GA

Sara Cothran, Senior Accountant Thompson Tractor Co. Birmingham, AL

Chad Downey, Vice-President, Treasury & Internal Audit

New members for 2015-16 are highlighted on the following page.

Jason Harpe, Partner

Gray McDermott, Shareholder

Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Birmingham, AL

Crow, Shields & Bailey, PC Mobile, AL

Stephen Harrison, Partner

Janet Mertz, Director

Deloitte, LLP Atlanta, GA

Pathstone Family Office Atlanta, GA

Gregory Henderson, President & CEO

Jerry Moore, Treasurer & Controller

Southeast Alabama Gas District Andalusia, AL

Altec Birmingham, AL

Gregory Heston, Partner

Darren Neuschwander, Managing Member

Ernst & Young LLP Atlanta, GA

Brent Hicks, Senior VP SFE Asset Resolution BB&T Winston-Salem, NC

Donald Howell, Partner Lovoy, Summerville & Shelton, LLC Birmingham, AL

Dick Ingwersen, Member Warren Averett, LLC Atlanta, GA

Jordan Jones, Senior Manager

Guardian Pharmacy, LLC Atlanta, GA

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Birmingham, AL

Charles H. Edwards, III, Owner

Brad Kimbrough, EVP, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer

Edwards & Associates, LLP Auburn, AL

Dane Floyd, Managing Partner Aldridge, Borden & Company, PC Montgomery, AL

Brad Garland, Manager Hall, Albright, Garrison & Assoc. Huntsville, AL

Clinton Gilmore, Partner Robinson, Grimes & Company, PC Columbus, GA

Michelle Granberry, Partner Lovoy, Summerville & Shelton, LLC Auburn, AL

Douglas Grant, Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Birmingham, AL

Regions Financial Corporation Birmingham, AL

Richard King Director of Charitable Giving Alabama Power Foundation Birmingham, AL

Benjamin Leaver, Assistant Controller Robins & Morton Birmingham, AL

Harrison Lewis, Manager Ernst & Young, LLP Chattanooga, TN

Jonathan Mayer, Senior Manager Ernst & Young, LLP Atlanta, GA

Green, Neuschwander & Manning, LLC Robertsdale, AL

Dawn Patrick, Partner Cherry Bekaert LLP Atlanta, GA

Larry Quimby, Retired Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Athens, AL

Jay Robbins, Member Warren Averett, LLC Atlanta, GA

Lillian Serviss, Senior Manager Himmelwright, Huguley and Boles, LLC Opelika, AL

Ned Sheffield, President & Managing Principal Jackson Thornton Montgomery, AL

Robin Short, Principal Jackson Thornton Dothan, AL

Jenny Wakeford, Controller Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health System Birmingham, AL

Brooke Walker, Manager Chick-fil-A, Inc. Atlanta, GA

Karen Wit, Senior Director of SEC Reporting Equifax Atlanta, GA

Art Guy, Partner

Gregory McCord, Partner

Jeff Wright, Managing Partner

Ernst & Young, LLP Baltimore, MD

KPMG LLP Houston, TX

Draffin & Tucker LLP Albany, GA

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NEW MEMBERS

Lee Corte, Senior Manager Deloitte LLP Lee started his career in the Birmingham, Ala., practice of Deloitte after graduating from Auburn in the fall of 2003. In 2011, he relocated to the Greater Washington area. He primarily serves large multinational audit engagements in the technology, aerospace, and defense industries. His main responsibilities include the planning and execution of the global audit strategy. Lee is also actively involved in recruiting and professional development activities within the Greater Washington audit practice, serving on the firm’s quality council and facilitating at national and regional trainings.

Ryan Inlow, Partner Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC Ryan joined Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC in 2003 after spending six years with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Atlanta, Ga. Ryan serves on the firm’s Executive Committee, the Assurance Committee, and as the Leader of the Entrepreneurial Services practice. Ryan graduated from Auburn University in 1997 with a BSBA and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Georgia. He is a member of the AICPA and a past president of the Albany Chapter of the Georgia Society of CPAs. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2015.

Amanda Foster, Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Amanda is the Market Team Leader for the Risk Assurance Practice in PwC’s Greater Atlanta market, which includes Alabama,

Georgia and Tennessee. Amanda’s focus is on growing and delivering Risk Assurance services in the Greater Atlanta market. While her primary focus is in the Retail and Consumer Product sector, Amanda also serves significant clients in the Industrial Products and Technology sectors. A 1995 and 1996 graduate, Amanda is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the state of Georgia.

Ric Kimball, Principal KPMG, LLP A 1999 Auburn graduate, Ric is the Southeast Lead Partner for Internal Audit & Sarbanes-Oxley Assistance Services. His areas of focus include establishing and transforming internal audit functions, Sarbanes-Oxley 404 implementation and compliance, and strategic reviews of internal audit functions. Ric is an active People Management Leader and mentor and currently serves as the Mid-South Partner Champion for KPMG People Council. Ric is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and has a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA). Prior to joining KPMG, he worked within internal audit at both Regions Bank and Prudential Financial.

Kurt Koons, Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Kurt works primarily with large multinational public companies in various industries, including manufacturing, consumer products, industrial products, technology, and pharmaceuticals. His range of core responsibilities include identification and

implementation of tax planning opportunities, tax accounting consultation, assistance with tax compliance functions, federal and state tax controversy, and management of client relationships. Kurt joined PwC as a partner in 2014. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration (Accounting and Finance) from Auburn University in 2002 and is a CPA in Georgia.

Brian McNeely, Partner and Senior Vice President Reagan Consulting Brian joined Reagan Consulting, an investment banking and consulting firm headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., in 2007 and became a partner in 2012. In his role, Brian is actively engaged in all of the firm’s business lines and is a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). Prior to joining Reagan, Brian worked for The Home Depot on the Strategic Business Development team and as an auditor for Arthur Andersen, LLP. Brian obtained his undergraduate and Master of Accountancy degrees from Auburn in 2000 and 2001.

Justin Mitchell, Supervisor Warren Averett, LLC Justin’s specializations and interests include providing tax and consulting services to physician and dental group practices. Justin also provides tax services to individuals and small businesses. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Alabama Society of CPAs, and the Montgomery Chapter of the Alabama Society of CPAs. Justin serves on the State Taxation Committee for the Alabama Society of CPAs, and he is the incoming treasurer of the Montgomery Chapter of the Alabama Society of CPAs. Justin earned his B.S.B.A in accounting from Auburn in 2004, and his Master of Business Administration from Auburn University at Montgomery. Fall 2015

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FACULTY NEWS

KEY PROMOTED TO FULL PROFESSOR

School of Accountancy 2015 Outstanding Researcher

Effective Fall Semester 2015, Dr. Kimberly Key becomes a full professor in the Harbert College of Business’ School of Accountancy. Dr. Kim Key, PwC Professor, joined the Auburn faculty in 1999. Her primary teaching responsibilities are business taxation courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She considers it a great pleasure and privilege to teach tax and interact with School of Accountancy (SOA) students in and out of the classroom. She has received SOA teaching awards including Beta Alpha Psi and Outstanding Distance Teaching, and she is a member of the University’s Global Teaching Academy. Dr. Key’s research focuses on the effects of taxes and regulations on financial reporting, asset pricing, and capital markets, and she has published in both top academic journals and high quality practice journals. Her favorite paper of her career examined the effect of a depreciation tax law change on thoroughbred horse prices. Dr. Key has been an active member of the American Taxation Association and has served the organization in several capacities including her current role as vice-president. The highlight of her career was the year she and her son spent in South Korea, where she served as Visiting Scholar at the University of Ulsan. 10

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Dr. James Long Associate Professor

LONG PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & TENURED The School of Accountancy proudly announces that Dr. James Long is promoted to Associate Professor and granted tenure, effective Fall 2015. Dr. Long graduated from Auburn with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting (2001) and a Master of Accountancy (2002). He began his career as an auditor with Gifford, Hillegass, & Ingwersen, LLP in Atlanta, Ga., before taking a position as an Internal Audit Manager with National Vision, Inc. In 2009, he received his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and returned to Auburn to join the School of Accountancy faculty. Dr. Long teaches financial accounting, business valuation, and international business classes in the undergraduate and graduate programs, and has received numerous teaching awards. He has also delivered continuing professional

education courses for public accounting firms and professional organizations. Dr. Long’s research examines how task timing interacts with other factors to affect judgment, decision-making, and task performance in the accounting context. He is a two-time winner of the School of Accountancy’s Outstanding Research Award, and received a prestigious Academic Research in Auditing grant from the Center for Audit Quality. He has published a myriad of articles in academic and practitioner journals, and has served on an academic research synthesis team that provided insights to inform the PCAOB’s regulatory agenda. Dr. Long is a CPA and also holds the ABV, CIA, CMA, and CGMA designations. He is an active member of the American Accounting Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Institute of Management Accountants.

Harbert College of Business 2015 Lowder Teaching Award

A group of SOA Faculty and Staff at the spring awards ceremony (from left, row one: Childers, Hodo, Cornett, Miller, Smith; row two: Brandon, Lakas, Mueller-Phillips, Searcy, Stanley, McLelland, Long, Murphy, Cochran).

FACULTY LISTING 2015-2016 Dr. James Long

Associate Professor (Pictured with HCOB Dean Bill Hardgrave)

Long Receives Atlanta Alumni Fellowship

Dr. James Long, Associate Professor, also received a named fellowship in the midst of his promotion and other awards.

Alderman, Wayne

aldercw@auburn.edu Professor, Dean of Enrollment Management Brandon, Duane branddm@auburn.edu Professor Cochran, Robert (Bob) cochrrh@auburn.edu Lecturer Cornett, Jennifer cornejn@auburn.edu Lecturer Godwin, Norman godwinh@auburn.edu Professor, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Holt, Travis tph0007@auburn.edu Assistant Professor Inger, Kerry kki0001@auburn.edu Assistant Professor Jones, Jeff jonesj6@auburn.edu Associate Professor Key, Kim keykimb@auburn.edu Professor Lakas, Colby colby.lakas@auburn.edu Assistant Director of Graduate Programs Long, James jhl0009@auburn.edu Associate Professor Loraas, Tina loraatm@auburn.edu Associate Professor McLelland, Andy mclelaj@auburn.edu Associate Professor Miller, Lisa milleeg@auburn.edu Lecturer Mueller-Phillips, Jennifer muelljm@auburn.edu Professor Murphy, Amy amy.murphy@auburn.edu Director of Graduate Programs Quimby, Larry lbq0001@auburn.edu Instructor Searcy, DeWayne searcdl@auburn.edu Director, Associate Professor Smith, Talitha smithts@auburn.edu Instructor Stanley, Jonathan jds0024@auburn.edu Associate Professor Stanwick, Sarah stanwsd@auburn.edu Associate Professor Vansant, Brian bav0005@auburn.edu Assistant Professor Viscelli, Therese trv0002@auburn.edu Visiting Professor Waggoner, Jon waggojg@auburn.edu Instructor, Special Counsel to President Fall 2015 The SOA Connection 11

FACULTY NEWS

School of Accountancy 2015 Outstanding Teacher BAP and MAcc students volunteered at the Financial Literacy Fair, an outreach event chaired by Dr. Sarah Stanwick at Drake Middle School.

SOA FACULTY MEMBER PLANTS SEEDS OF FINANCIAL LITERACY IN LOCAL YOUTH How do you write a check? How do you balance a check book? How does the stock market work? What is an internal audit? Why should I begin saving money at a young age? How can I spend wisely? These questions, and more, were answered for J.F. Drake Middle School sixth-graders Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at the fourth-annual Financial Literacy Fair under the direction of Dr. Sarah Stanwick and students in Auburn University’s School of Accountancy’s graduate and undergraduate programs. “We want to plant the seed for young students to learn about financial literacy so they can manage their money when they grow older,” said Stanwick, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business Associate Professor in Accounting and Diversity Officer who helped orchestrate and promote the event. “It’s a great service-oriented project for our accounting students. They not only are developing an attitude of benevolence, but also learn how to take their accounting knowledge and adapt it into the community.” Brad Cooper, a Master of Accountancy 12

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(MAcc) student, beamed about the opportunity to make a positive impact on others. “The fact that you’re able to do these activities with youth who have so much life ahead of them – you’re setting them up for success,” he said. “And that’s worth much more than a grade. That’s what outreach is.” The event was laid out in three sessions: morning, afternoon and evening, where parents were invited to take an active role. Accounting students developed ideas for and manned 20 interactive stations with games, questions and prizes. Some stations taught sixth-graders the intricacies of risk and reward, gross income vs. discretionary income, how taxes impact paychecks, investments, credit scores, etc. “For example, one station showed children how to calculate the sales tax based on a meal they purchased,” Cooper said. “Then

Bob Cochran Lecturer

they had to calculate a 15 percent tip on that meal. It’s something that everybody can identify with and the students can talk about it when they go out to eat with their parents – the concept of a total bill.” Inspired by the continued success at J.F. Drake Middle School, the School of Accountancy sponsored the first “Benjamin Bash” (named after $100 bills) as a financial literacy fair for seventh-through ninth-graders on Oct. 28, 2014, in the Loachapoka (Ala,) High School Gymnasium. Students and parents had the opportunity to take part in this event as well. “As for the big picture, we’re giving them an opportunity to be exposed to reality. You can never start too early to prepare for these things,” Cooper added. “Financial illiteracy sets you up for problems later in life. If no one has taught you, you learn the hard way.”

Stanley Receives Named Professorship

RECENT SOA FACULTY SELECTED PUBLICATIONS • Vansant, B. (Forthcoming). “Institutional Pressures to Provide Social Benefits and the Earnings Management Behavior of Nonprofits: Evidence from the US Hospital Industry.” Contemporary Accounting Research. • Stanley, J., D. Brandon, and J. McMillan. (In-press). “Does Lowballing Impair Audit Quality? Evidence of Earnings Management Surrounding Analyst Forecasts.” Journal of Accounting & Public Policy.

Dr. Jonathan Stanley, Associate Professor, is the recipient of the Charles McKenzie Taylor Jr. Professorship.

Mark Chain/FSA Innovation in Graduate Teaching Award

• Church, B., J. Jenkins, S. McCracken, P. Roush, and J. Stanley. (2015). “Auditor Independence in Fact: Research, Regulatory, and Practice Implications Drawn from Experimental and Archival Research.” Accounting Horizons. • Long, J., L. Mertins, and B. Vansant. (2015). “The Unintended Consequences of Providing Weights on Objective Measures in Subjective Performance Evaluation Systems.” Journal of Management Accounting Research. • Key, K., and T. Lightner. (2015). “The Relation between Business Property Values and Local Property Taxes.” Journal of the American Taxation Association. • Inger, K. (2014). “Relative Valuation of Alternative Methods of Tax Avoidance.” Journal of the American Taxation Association.

Dr. DeWayne Searcy & Dr. Tina Loraas received this AICPA award at the 2015 American Accounting Association meeting. The Mark Chain/FSA Innovation in Graduate Teaching Award is designed to recognize innovative graduate accounting course design.

• Crossler, R., J. Long, T. Loraas, and B. Trinkle. (2014). “Understanding Compliance with Bring Your Own Device Policies Utilizing Protection Motivation Theory: Bridging the Intention Behavior Gap.” Journal of Information Systems. • Brandon, D., J. Long, T. Loraas, J. Mueller-Phillips, and B. Vansant.

(2014). “Online Instrument Delivery and Participant Recruitment Services: Emerging Opportunities for Behavioral Accounting Research.” Behavioral Research in Accounting. • Bame-Aldred, C., D. Brandon, W. Messier, Jr., L. Rittenberg, and C. Stefaniak. (2013). “A Summary of Research on External Auditor Reliance on the Internal Audit Function.” Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory. • Chung, J., C. Cullinan, M. Frank, J. Long, J. Mueller-Phillips, and D. O’Reilly. (2013). “The Auditor’s Approach to Subsequent Events: Insights from the Academic Literature.” Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory. • Inger, K., J. Long, T. Loraas, and J. Stanley. (2013). “The Mysterious Case of the Loaded Leprechaun.” Issues in Accounting Education. • Mertins, L., D. Salbador, and J. Long. (2013). “The Outcome Effect - A Review and Implications for Future Research.” Journal of Accounting Literature. • Long, J.H., M. Mertins, and D. L. Searcy. (2013) “IRCS: Valuing Ethics at the Expense of Inventory.” Issues in Accounting Education.

Textbooks: • Wahlen, J., J. Jones, and D. Pagach. (2016). “Intermediate Accounting: Reporting and Analysis, 2nd Edition.” Cengage Learning. • Rich, J., J. Jones, M. Mowen, and D. Hansen. (2014). “Cornerstones of Financial Accounting, 3rd Edition.” Cengage Learning. • Stanwick, P.A., and S. D. Stanwick. (2014). “Understanding Business Ethics, 2nd Edition.” Sage Publications.

Fall 2015

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BETA ALPHA PSI

SPONSORS Abbott, Livings, Smith & Higgins, PC* Aflac, Inc. Aldridge, Borden & Company, PC Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, PC Becker CPA Review Bennett Thrasher Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Cherry Bekaert, LLP Chick-fil-A, Inc.* CohnReznick, LLP Deloitte, LLP Dent, Baker & Company, LLP Dougherty, McKinnon & Luby, LLC Draffin & Tucker, LLP Ernst & Young, LLP Frazier & Deeter, LLC Frost Cummings Tidwell Group, LLC Georgia-Pacific LLC Grant Thornton, LLP Hall, Albright, Garrison & Associates Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles, LLC* Jackson Thornton KPMG, LLP L. Paul Kassouf & Company, PC Lovoy, Summerville & Shelton, LLC Machen McChesney Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC McGladrey, LLP Metcalf Davis Moore Colson Moore Stephens Tiller LLC* Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, PC PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Robinson, Grimes & Company, PC Rödl & Partner Smith & Howard, PC Smith, Dukes & Buckalew, LLP Surgical Care Affiliates Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Warren Averett, LLC Wilkins Miller, LLC Windham Brannon *Indicates new sponsor since last SOA Connection

14 The SOA Connection Fall 2015

The Epsilon Omicron chapter of Beta Alpha Psi is comprised of outstanding members and candidates, but our chapter would not be successful without the support of our sponsors. Thanks to these employers, our students have access to numerous internship and full-time opportunities. Further, as the faculty advisor, I’d also like to thank the group of student officers that work tirelessly to ensure our chapter runs like a well-oiled machine. They have a passion for the profession and true team spirit – a winning combination for our organization! Sincerely, Colby Lakas, Faculty Advisor (Colby.Lakas@auburn.edu)

2014-2015 HIGHLIGHTS

A group of BAP members participated in the Auburn University Relay for Life event in April in support of the late Ron Clark’s cancer battle.

Member Tyler Cox interacts with a professional at Meet the Firms, an event hosted by BAP twice per year.

2015 BETA ALPHA PSI AWARDS

Outstanding Teacher Dr. Jeff Jones

Outstanding Officer Katie Alford

Blake Callaway, BAP President, presents Dr. Jones with his award at the spring ceremony. Katie Alford listens as Faculty Advisor, Colby Lakas, presents her award at the SOA spring ceremony.

Amy B. Murphy Service Award Recipients Paul Leara & Mark Cooley

BAP Advisor and Officers (Row one: Mary Katherine Boomershine, Rebekka Whitfield, Lorin Smith; Row two: Blake Callaway, Colby Lakas, Leslie Hayes, Lauren Van Der Bogart, John Illges).

Mark (on right) and Paul went above and beyond the required service hours for BAP and were recognized by VP of Service, John Illges, and Faculty Advisor, Colby Lakas, at the spring awards ceremony. Fall 2015

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BETA ALPHA PSI

BETA ALPHA PSI MEMBER MOONLIGHTS AS ENTERTAINER Laptop with Excel software? Check. TI503 Calculator? Check. Intermediate Accounting textbook? Check. Turntable with loudspeakers? Check. Sagar Leva (A.K.A. DJ Sagz), a junior in Auburn’s School of Accountancy from Monroeville, Ala., is a popular disc jockey – playing gigs from fraternity houses on campus to parties in Los Angeles and Chicago. “It’s the energy from DJ’ing that I really like,” said Leva, who began his hobby eight years ago as a 13-year-old. “I love being able to play the newest music with the oldest music and see a crowd come off of that energy for the night.” DJ Sagz has worked with popular artists including Soulja Boy, Wacka Flocka, B.o.B, Jay Sean, and is Director for Major Entertainment for Auburn’s University Program Council. Sagar Leva has a dream of “climbing the corporate ladder,” and one day becoming a partner at a professional services firm. He took the first step toward achieving that dream this summer, working as a risk advisory intern at EY in New York City. “Hopefully, this will be a foundation for me,” he said. “I wanted to gain experience and see what it’s like being out in the work place. I’ve learned much in my accounting courses, but it was particularly eye-opening to apply those skills and see how it works day-to-day for a couple of months.” 16 The SOA Connection Fall 2015

Sagar Leva used his BAP membership to obtain a Summer 2015 internship with EY in NYC.

Leva, who is active in the School of Accountancy’s Beta Alpha Psi honorary organization, appreciates the opportunities presented to him and other members, particularly through Meet the Firms, where firm representatives mingle with prospective interns, and weekly BAP meetings, where professionals visit to offer career advice and direction. “Every week we have a firm come in and talk about a professional development topic,” he said. “Not only do you get to interact with the firm, but you also get their relevant point-of-view. They say, ‘here’s what your resume should look like,’ ‘here are the processes to get an internship,’ or ‘here is what the professional services culture looks like.’ You really get an in-depth feel for everything before you intern or get your first job – and you meet a new firm every week.” Leva’s accounting skills are paying off in his DJ business. “Being able to control and understand my business is valuable,” he said. “Instead of showing up and just doing my set, I’m able to understand the numbers behind it.”

Sagar, second from right, poses with rapper Nelly after a UPC concert.

DJ Sagz’s stage skills help his accounting exploits. “The interpersonal skills have helped – being able to converse with individuals or interact with a large crowd – those are skills that I’ve picked up as a DJ,” he said. “When doing a wedding, you don’t know anyone, but you’re able to talk to the bride and groom, understand what they want, and deliver on those desires. I feel that is a transferable skill in the accounting world. It helps me multi-task, organize and prioritize.” Before Leva graduates with a double major in accounting and finance, he must navigate another year as student and professional DJ. “Typically, I choose not to accept any show requests until I have my syllabus for all of my classes,” he noted. “I put in my calendar when I have tests, projects and big dates, and work my shows around school instead of picking my shows and working my academic schedule around that.”

Sagar, AKA DJ Sagz, enjoys playing a mix of old and new songs to energize his audiences. Fall 2015 The SOA Connection 17

2015 ACCOUNTING INTERNSHIPS Auburn University is the only school that offers two “busy season” internship timing options supporting both audit and tax deadlines. Senior accounting majors can complete their degrees by taking two courses on a “mini-term,” or five week schedule during the semester of their internship. Audit interns begin these courses mid-March following their internship, while tax students have a split mini-term that allows them to intern from February to April 15th. If you would like to learn more about hiring Auburn students as interns, please contact our Internship & Recruiting Coordinator, Colby Lakas (colby.lakas@auburn.edu).

Birmingham EY tax interns headed to St. Charles, Illinois (suburb of Chicago) for tax-specific training and ventured into the city for some deep dish pizza. Pictured are Ryan Detwiler (L) & Anna Bonner (R). Dougherty, McKinnon & Luby Columbus, GA Ernst & Young LLP Atlanta, GA Austin, TX Birmingham, AL

Dallas, TX Denver, CO New York City, NY Frazier & Deeter LLC Atlanta, GA

Aflac Inc. Columbus, GA Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith PC Birmingham, AL Bennett Thrasher PC Atlanta, GA Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLP Atlanta, GA CohnReznick LLP Atlanta, GA Deloitte LLP Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL Miami, FL Nashville, TN Tampa, FL 18

The SOA Connection

Deloitte Atlanta interns enjoy a post-training social event. Front (L-R): Elizabeth Adlich, Bobby Andrews, Lauren Woodham; Back (L-R): Austin Panhans & Ryan Carter. Fall 2015

Georgia-Pacific LLC Atlanta, GA Big Island, VA Brewton, AL Easton, PA Hosford, FL Grant Thornton LLP Atlanta, GA Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles Auburn, AL Jackson Thornton Montgomery, AL L. Paul Kassouf & Co. PC Birmingham, AL KPMG LLP Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL Dallas, TX Tampa, FL

Lovoy, Summerville & Shelton PC Auburn, AL Birmingham, AL Machen McChesney Auburn, AL Mauldin & Jenkins LLC Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL

Warren Averett LLC Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL Fort Walton Beach, FL Huntsville, AL Montgomery, AL Weaver Midland, TX

McGladrey LLP Birmingham, AL Mizuho Securities Investment Bank New York City, NY PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL Nashville, TN New York City, NY Portland, OR St. Louis, MO Tampa, FL Protective Life Corporation Birmingham, AL Smith & Howard Atlanta, GA Smith, Dukes & Buckalew LLP Mobile, AL

Georgia-Pacific interns gather for a group picture before presenting to a panel of executives at the corporate office in Atlanta. From Left: Collier Presnell, Greg Swanner, Ashley Whitted, Crystal Canedy, Jack English, & Dhruv Patel.

McGladrey interns at a training seminar in the office. From left: Christine Hester, Robbie Howard, Julianne Harkness, Amanda Gwin & Taylor Morris.

Surgical Care Affiliates Birmingham, AL

PwC Atlanta interns pose after teaching a financial literacy course at Sutton Middle School in Buckhead. From left: Patrick Tisdale, Becca Mock, Trevor Nelson, & James Watkins.

KPMG Atlanta interns before a Hawks basketball game. From left: Charlie Almond, Ferrell Marsh, Brandon Walta, Brooke Landtroop, & Taylor Peterson. Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

ACCOUNTING ATHLETES

SOA IS WELL REPRESENTED IN WORLD OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY SPORTS As if the hours upon hours of accounting homework are not enough for the average college student, that is just the beginning for the group of young people involved in Auburn University athletics. Practices, matches, meets and games can easily feel like a full-time job in the midst of a demanding course load. These students have learned to juggle competing priorities of school and sport – and win at both. The School of Accountancy is proud to call a diverse group of student-athletes our own. Casie Ramsier, Soccer Hometown: Dallas, Texas Athletic highlights: As a freshman forward for the Tigers, Casie set an Auburn record in 2013 with goals in four-consecutive games. She added four more goals in 2014 as the

Tigers earned an NCAA Tournament bid. Why did you choose to study accounting? I always knew I wanted to go into business. I took the Principles of Financial Accounting class, really enjoyed it and did well, so I wanted to continue with additional

coursework. Job availability and stability were also big factors in choosing a finance and accounting double major. How has Auburn’s School of Accountancy helped you? The most significant impact of the School of Accountancy has been the jump start to interacting with prospective employers. Until declaring this major, I was not aware of how early accounting firms start recruiting. The SOA has also helped ready me for these interactions, whether it’s fine-tuning my resume, preparing for an interview, or even suggesting the right business attire. What do you plan on doing with your degree? I have accepted a summer 2016 Risk Assurance internship with PwC in Dallas. I want to open up as many opportunities as I possibly can and not rule out any options. I believe that an accounting and finance degree from Auburn, and eventually a Master of Accountancy, will serve me well in the workplace. Why would you recommend this program to future students/athletes? The School of Accountancy is great with working with crazy schedules. Each person there wants you to succeed and is willing to do what it takes to help you. When you talk to the faculty and staff in the SOA, you realize how nice and helpful they really are.

Casie Ramsier

Jordan Rocker, Softball Hometown: Oro Valley, Arizona Athletic highlights: During the Tigers’ memorable season that resulted in a trip to the Women’s College World Series this past spring, Rocker, an outfielder, played a reserve role, scoring twice. The SEC Academic Honor Roll winner scored 13 runs during her 2013 sophomore season. 20

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career path on the accounting side where I could integrate my finance subjects as well. Why would you recommend this program to future students/athletes? They will never get bored. To me, accounting is the glue -- the concepts that you have to understand because it’s the information on which most decisions are based. Business leaders use accounting information to help make big financial decisions daily. Without accountants, businesses would struggle to succeed.

Izaac Yarbrough, Baseball Hometown: Cullman, Alabama Athletic highlights: Izaac helped the Tigers reach an NCAA regional for the first time in five seasons in 2015, appearing in 24 games and holding batters to a .227 average with an ERA of 3.46. Izaac struck out 19 batters in 26 innings pitched.

Jordan Rocker

Why did you choose to study accounting? I was sitting in my Intermediate Accounting I class last fall and started thinking about how much I was enjoying it. When you study accounting, you learn the pieces that come together to give you a whole picture of a business. You learn how each cycle works and what to do with the information outputs. A career in this field gets more interesting every day and you never stop learning. It’s a challenge and that challenge is why I choose to study accounting.

for me, but I couldn’t be more excited about it. After receiving my Master’s and CPA, I plan on hopefully going into Advisory within public accounting. I am really interested in how Assurance professionals help their clients with risk and improving performance. I am also majoring in finance and am interested in investments and M&A. That said, I was happy to find a

Why did you choose to study accounting? It gives you a broad and solid foundation to understand what makes a business successful. Through my accounting studies, I understand the financial issues that come with running a business in local and national markets. How has Auburn’s School of Accountancy helped you? Being an athlete at Auburn is tough in itself, but playing a sport while

Izaac Yarbrough

How has Auburn’s School of Accountancy helped you? Playing a sport here and having to coordinate classes with practices isn’t an easy thing to do. The School of Accountancy faculty has helped me by always being available when I have questions about what to do with a practice/class conflict. They were also there when I wanted to start studying accounting as a second major. The School of Accountancy has helped me plan out the rest of the courses I have to take and when to take them so I am on track to graduate on schedule. What do you plan on doing with your degree? Once I graduate, I plan on getting my Master of Accountancy. It’s a new plan Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

life, which has contributed to my success.

Jermaine Whitehead

What do you plan on doing with your degree? I have plans to get a job with an accounting firm and hope to take advantage of the traveling aspect, working in many cities throughout the world. My ultimate goal is to one day start my own accounting firm. Why would you recommend this program to future students/athletes? This major is challenging, but if you’re successful in the classroom, it will result in a great internship and then a full time job. It is an awesome field and has a lot of room for growth. The coursework is difficult, but I know all my hard work will pay off in the end.

Jermaine Whitehead, Football Hometown: Greenwood, Mississippi

pursuing an accounting degree requires time management. It is a big part of being successful on the field and in the classroom. I have been given tremendous resources to create harmony in each of these aspects of my

Athletic highlights: Whitehead, who graduated in August of 2014, was signed as a free agent safety by the San Francisco 49ers. In three seasons at Auburn, he made nine interceptions, including two for touchdowns, and 218 tackles. Why did you choose to study accounting? I chose accounting because I had a love for numbers and how they related to business situations.

How has Auburn’s School of Accountancy helped you? The School of Accountancy helped me tremendously as a student because I felt I was always studying something that was fun! The SOA also helped me develop my interpersonal skills, as I frequently interacted with other students to complete assignments. What do you plan on doing with your degree? I plan to one day start my own firm that helps athletes manage their money. Why would you recommend this program to future students/athletes? I would recommend accounting, because I had the chance to learn how everyday business situations are affected by numbers. Further, Auburn’s program has a great student-teacher relationship that enhances the learning environment.

Alexander Hancock, Swimming & Diving Hometown: Wellington, New Zealand Athletic highlights: Alexander, who graduated in May, plans to return to Auburn for graduate school – after he attempts to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics. He competed in the 100 butterfly, 100 Alexander Hancock

The SOA Connection

Fall 2015

freestyle, and 200 individual medley at the 2014-15 NCAA Championships.

Victoria Trapani

Why did you choose to study accounting? It was the major in the Harbert College of Business that created the most career opportunities for me. It was also a challenge and a subject I greatly enjoyed. How has Auburn’s School of Accountancy helped you? I believe it gives me the best opportunity to begin my career journey, with the goal of eventually working in a major corporation or sports organization. What do you plan on doing with your degree? I plan on beginning work this year part-time and learning the ins and outs of the various accounting roles. This will allow me to understand the direction I will take in pursuit of my career goals. I do want to return to Auburn for a graduate degree in the future to gain an extra qualification, which will open up even more doors. Why would you recommend this program to future students/athletes? I can’t thank my professors enough for how accommodating they were with me missing a lot of school for meets, as well as always going that extra mile to ensure I fully comprehended the material.

Victoria Trapani, Golf Hometown: Hollywood, Florida Athletic highlights: Her career scoring average of 75.05 ranks ninth-best in Auburn history. Victoria earned All-SEC Freshman and All-SEC Second Team honors in 2012. She was also earned SEC Academic Honor Roll honors in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Why did you choose to study accounting? I am a math person, and I really like the hustle and bustle of the corporate world. I’ve met so many people within the finance and accounting industries throughout my golf career and I think it’s really cool that you learn more every year you’re in the field. It’s neat how you can teach your clients how they can manage their businesses better. My goal in life is to help people, and

accounting gives me the skill set to do that. How has Auburn’s School of Accountancy helped you? There is always help when you need it and someone to pick you up when you don’t think you can go on - especially when you’re an athlete with time constraints and the need to miss a lot of class. In the SOA, there’s always somebody there to help you keep your head above water. I’ve met a lot of really important contacts in the profession through the School of Accountancy. What do you plan on doing with your degree? I am debating between getting my MAcc and sitting for the CPA exam or continuing my golf career post-graduation, going to qualifying school to get my LPGA Tour card. My mom’s sickness plays a big role in the decision I’ll make; she has lung cancer and it’s progressed to advanced stag-

es. Whatever I do, I need some flexibility to travel home to be there for her. Why would you recommend this program to future students/athletes? Even if you’re not a numbers person, I think that anybody could be easily persuaded to be a part of this awesome program. I’m really glad that I chose it. All students go through those times where they ask, ‘Is this right for me?’ or ‘I wonder if everyone feels this way.’ When you’re an athlete, you ask those questions and then tell yourself, ‘I have to pull another all-nighter.’ Golf is a year-round sport, so I have to miss a lot of school and exams. However, the faculty always work with you to get the material, and tutoring services are so helpful. That factor is important because if you’re stressed about the school you’re missing, then you’re not going to be performing well in your sport. Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

AUBURN ACCOUNTING ONLINE

NEW ONLINE PROGRAMS SEE FIRST GRADUATES Flexibility. Classroom equivalence. Education that can take your career to the next level. Those are just a few of the phrases Spring 2015 graduates Alexis Zaldivar and Michael Cote used to describe their experience in the School of Accountancy’s fledgling online Graduate Certificate in Accounting and Bachelor of Science in Accounting programs. “The Graduate Certificate in Accounting (GCA) program was a necessary part of my ultimate goal to be a licensed CPA,” said Zaldivar, a senior financial analyst at Bank of America in Charlotte, N.C. “The courses in the GCA program complemented my undergraduate degree and expanded upon the topics of accounting to help me excel in my career.” The GCA program is an 18

semester-hour non-degree seeking program offered to working professionals, giving them the opportunity to: 1) take classes required for the CPA exam and certification; 2) enroll in the online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program without taking the GMAT exam; 3) update accounting knowledge and skills; and 4) earn credit hours that can be applied toward the MAcc degree. “It’s a great program to further your understanding of accounting and help you propel your career to the next level,” Zalvidar added. “It was also a great tool for me to stay on track to becoming a CPA. The distance option is probably the best for working professionals and the professors really work to keep the distance students engaged and connected.

“ Auburn University has an excellent reputation and provided me a quality education. Furthermore, the online MAcc program allowed me to achieve my educational goals without uprooting my family and sacrificing my financial stability.” Ashley Anderson ‘15 Accountant Bedford, VA Master of Accountancy – Online The flexibility of the program is one of the main reasons why I loved my experience. As a working professional, it is difficult to work all day and continue my education, so it allowed me to continue performing well at my job and also earn this certificate.”

“ I chose Auburn because of the AACSB accreditation, learning platform, and opportunity to enroll in the online MAcc program without the GMAT after completing the Graduate Certificate program.” Christopher Yelvington ’15

Staff Accountant Atlanta, GA Graduate Certificate in Accounting – Online Online MAcc students during the MAcc Leadership Summit in April 2015. 24

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Cote, who works at a family-owned accounting firm in King George, Va., made a career change from sales to accounting – then sought Auburn’s new online B.S. in Accounting program, where he could watch lectures for classes such as Intermediate Accounting, Cost Accounting and Income Tax I at his convenience. “You get the same instruction as the on-campus students,” he added. “I got to actually see the professor and campus class and never felt out of the loop. It’s as close as you can get to being on campus without actually being there.” “Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the experience and being able to physically attend graduation was awesome,” Cote added. “It’s pretty different having your first on-campus experience be the day of graduation. Everyone was so nice, and I will be sure to recommend the program to anyone looking to attend college via distance learning. The School of Accountancy has made me more

detail-oriented, given me knowledge of different topics in the accounting field that I would have never had been exposed to in a small firm, and provided me with the credits I needed to sit for the CPA exam.”

Online MAcc 2015 Outstanding Student Award

Auburn’s online B.S. in Accounting program is for working professionals who choose to change career paths or better prepare for the CPA exam. These professionals can complete the 30-semester hour online program while working full-time. On-campus classes are recorded and viewed via streaming video at a time convenient to the student’s professional and family life. According to Amy Murphy, Director of Graduate and Online Programs, “We have students enrolled in our four online accounting programs from 46 different states and 166 different previous universities. In 2015, our online accounting programs are ranked among the top 10 online accounting programs in the U.S.” For more information, please visit Auburn Accounting Online at www.harbert.auburn.edu/acct.

David Burt

Pictured left, David is a Senior Financial Analyst with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in Orlando, Fla.

Online MAcc 2015 Outstanding Teaching Award “ Attending Auburn University through the online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program changed my life. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to continue my education while working full-time and receiving the same instruction and AACSB accredited degree as my on-campus peers even though I was many miles away. I truly felt like I was a part of the classroom experience.” Michael Cote ’15 Staff Accountant Fredericksburg, VA Bachelor of Science in Accounting – Online

Dr. Jeff Jones & Dr. Jonathan Stanley

Jones (left) and Stanley pose with Amy Murphy at the MAcc Leadership Summit Welcome Social. Both professors were voted on by the students to receive this award. Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

MAcc PROGRAM

BECKER NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR VISITS LOWDER HALL While en route to Auburn from New Jersey, Peter Olinto was approached by a group of young people on his flight. “Are you Peter Olinto? Look! Autograph my Becker book!” Peter gladly obliged the attention from his accounting student admirers. After the commotion subsided, an elderly woman approached Peter asking, “Are you famous or something?” Peter replied, “Are you a CPA?” The woman responded, “No.” “Then, no, I’m nobody,” he concluded. Laughter erupted from the Class of 2015 MAcc audience after hearing this story, as they understand that this is just one of those things that only resonates with accounting majors. While in the throes of the CPA exam studying, you become quite close to the men lecturing from your computer screen each 26

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Fall 2015

day. The names Peter Olinto and Tim Gearty are legendary…but just to CPAs. Olinto has been a fixture in the Becker CPA Review scene for years, specializing in the Financial and Regulation subject areas. This spring marked the 10th anniversary of the Becker/Auburn CPA review course, and Peter’s visit commemorated the occasion. He kept the mood light since stress levels were high as the students began tackling the material for Regulation section of the exam. After discussing his career path, including how he became employed by Becker, Peter gave students some insight into the behind-the-scenes aspect of taped lectures. He even called the Becker National Lead Instructor, Tim Gearty, on speaker phone in front of the group. While Peter had visited Alabama once before (an unnamed rival school in Tusca-

Peter Olinto with a group of MAcc students on the 5th floor of Lowder Hall.

loosa), he had never been to Auburn. The Auburn MAcc students welcomed him back to the South with a barbecue dinner and goody bag full of Auburn spirited items. Hap Howell, a Class of 2015 MAcc student, spoke highly of Olinto. “Peter was my favorite Becker instructor. In my opinion, he had just the right mix of levity and serious intelligence. He teaches live courses full time in New York, and it was my impression that meeting distance students was of high importance to him. In addition to being intelligent, he was extremely personable. Getting to speak with him only elevated my already high opinion. Peter, and Becker in general, helped me tremendously in preparing for the CPA exam.” He may only be a celebrity among CPAs, but the Auburn MAcc students enjoyed meeting this iconic figure from their studies.

RECORD-SIZE MAcc CLASS OF 2015 ACHIEVES ON CPA EXAM The CPA exam is a looming hurdle for accounting students across the country as they prepare for their careers. The fact that Auburn integrates a CPA plan of study into the spring semester of the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program makes this hurdle more easily jumped, as it maintains a consistent schedule with tremendous support. Because of this structure, Auburn MAcc students have historically exceeded national pass rates by significant percentage points. This year, the on-campus MAcc class size increased by 50%, growing from 40 in the class of 2014 to 61 in the class of 2015. The larger cohort proved to be just as successful as their predecessors on the notoriously difficult CPA exam, as 80% of the class passed three or more sections on their first attempt. Setting a new record, 49 students passed at least three sections of the exam. The prior record was held by the class of 2010 with 48 students passing at least three sections. Colby Lakas, Assistant Director of Graduate Programs, is proud of the students’ diligence each spring. “We have established a culture of excellence in the Auburn MAcc program. Our students have their ‘eye on the prize’ and do what it takes to pass, which often means studying for 40+ hours per week. The results on the CPA exam are what continue to attract the best students to enroll in this program.”

CPA EXAM SECTION Financial (FAR) Audit (AUD) Regulation (REG) Business (BEC)

AUBURN MAcc PROGRAM* NATIONAL PERCENT First-Time Candidates PASSING AVERAGE** Repeat and First-Time Candidates 79% 44% 82% 45% 80% 51% 90% 58%

* Source: Students’ Official CPA Exam Score Reports on first attempt. ** Source: The National Percent Passing rates for the 1st and 2nd Quarters of 2015 were obtained from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The Auburn MAcc students sat for FAR and AUD during the first quarter of 2015, and they sat for REG and BEC during the second quarter.

MAcc Assistant Director, Colby Lakas (far right), congratulates the students who had the highest score in their class (95) on the Financial Accounting & Reporting section of the CPA exam. From left to right, these students are Daniel Bauman, Abby Missildine, and Katie Prendergast.

Colby Lakas (far right), with the students who had the highest possible score (99) on the Auditing & Attestation section of the CPA exam. From left to right, these students are Whitney Merrill, Sally Altmyer, Megan Borys, Allison Schwyn Preston, and Katie Prendergast.

We are proud of the following Class of ‘15 high scorers on the remaining two sections of the CPA exam! Regulation: Sally Altmyer, Megan Borys, & Whitney Merrill (94) Business Environment and Concepts: Katie Prendergast (96) Fall 2015

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MAcc PROGRAM The group visited Backus, the largest brewery in Peru, for an overview of their business and tour of the facility.

ON-CAMPUS MAcc CLASS OF 2015 TRAVELS TO PERU The On-Campus MAcc students traveled abroad to Lima and Cusco, Peru, with several accounting faculty in December of 2014. The study abroad allows the students to gain exposure to South American culture, economics, and politics. In advance of the trip, the MAcc students sold official trip t-shirts and personally raised money for a local charity, Asociacion Grupo de Trabajo Redes (AGTR). AGTR is an organization that works for the rights of domestic workers, as child domestic labor is a serious issue in Peru. Thanks to their efforts, the MAccs were able to present a check for $5,000 to the leaders of AGTR A group of MAcc students captures the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu behind them – the “selfie stick” came in very handy for this purpose. 28

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On-Campus MAcc 2015 Outstanding Student

during their trip. This money paid for workshops such as pastry-making, gymnastics and soccer, to be offered in AGTR after-school programs. The international trip highlights similarities and differences in the way business is conducted by offering on-site visits to various companies and not-for-profit organizations. During free time, the students explored each city, and even hiked to Machu Picchu. The study abroad develops strong camaraderie and lifelong friendships among the students and faculty. The MAcc Class of 2016 will travel to Colombia and Panama.

MAcc student Samantha Peters assists a child with an art project during the community service aspect of the trip.

Candace Lawrence

Pictured right, Candace is a Staff Auditor with PwC in Nashville, Tenn.

On-Campus MAcc 2015 Outstanding Teaching Award

Dr. James Long

ON-CAMPUS MAcc CLASS OF 2015

Dr. Long was presented with a piece of Auburn artwork to commemorate the award. Fall 2015

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MAcc PROGRAM

INAUGURAL MAcc LEADERSHIP SUMMIT EDUCATES, CULTIVATES ‘AUBURN FAMILY’ SENTIMENT 30

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Fall 2015

“During the inaugural MAcc Leadership Summit which began with an evening social on April 30, 2015, our goals were to not only expose students to the importance of strong ethics and leadership styles, but also impart a strong sense of the Auburn community and family,” said Amy Murphy, Director of Accounting Graduate and Online Programs. “Based on the feedback we received from students and the numerous ‘War Eagle’ goodbyes we received when students departed, I’m confident our goals were met.” On May 1, 2015, ninety-nine Master of Accountancy students (on-campus and distance) were treated to lessons in ethics, compliance, and the consequences of fraudulent behavior.

Upon arrival, a group of online MAcc students took a walking tour of campus. This was the first time many of them had ever visited Auburn. The May 1st ethics seminar featured three speakers convicted of engaging in accounting fraud. Diann Cattani, who pled guilty in 2000 to embezzling nearly $500,000 from a human resources consulting firm in Atlanta, Ga., William Owens, dubbed by many as the architect of the $2.7 billion accounting fraud at HealthSouth as its Controller, CFO and COO, and Andrew Fastow, the former Enron CFO who pled guilty to two counts of securities fraud, each gave three-hour lectures at the Auburn Alumni Center and shared their respective stories.

Fastow completed a six-year prison term in 2011 and now consults with directors and management of public companies on how to best identify potentially critical finance, accounting, compensation and cultural issues. “The leadership summit provided excellent value for me professionally and personally as I move toward my career,” said Mallory Mize, a MAcc student from Columbus, Ga. “We hear stories of breaches of ethics within corporations in the news and it really hit home to hear these stories first-hand from the people directly involved. I think the lessons they learned from their ordeals resonated with many of us and not only encouraged us to avoid temptation, but also spot potential irregularities within organizations in the future.” Andrew Fastow, former Enron CFO, displays his “CFO of the Year” award, which he said he received for the same creative tactics that earned him a prison sentence.

The Summit also featured a leadership development workshop on May 2nd led

Cattani, who offers insight on the motivations associated with white collar crimes and reinforces the need to implement internal controls within organizations, served an 18-month prison sentence. Owens served 43 months in federal prison and now spends time speaking out about uncovering accounting fraud and ethical decisions.

William Owens, former HealthSouth CFO, tells students about ways the auditors could have detected the fraud before it snowballed to epic proportions.

Nova, a golden eagle also known as “War Eagle VII,” was a highlight of the Southeastern Raptor Center’s presentation on day one of the 2015 MAcc Leadership Summit. by the Center for Creative Leadership, a global provider of executive education that develops leaders with an extensive focus on leadership education and research. Bookends to the main activities were “signature” Auburn events, including a campus tour for the online students, a presentation by the Southeastern Raptor Center, and a closing dinner at the Ag Heritage Pavilion’s red barn. The balance of events enhanced the appreciation for the Auburn family as well as the life lessons imparted during the Master of Accountancy program to be strong leaders and always do the right thing.

The Red Barn at Ag Heritage Park served as a wonderful backdrop for the closing festivities of the 2015 MAcc Leadership Summit. Fall 2015

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SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

AWARDS: SGA Outstanding Student: Harbert College of Business John Canada

Auburn University President’s Award & W. James Sanford, Jr. Foundation Award Brandon Steverson

Through the generosity of these corporations, firms, and individuals, the School of Accountancy awarded over 50 scholarships to top students majoring in accounting for the 2015-2016 academic year. We are sincerely grateful to these donors for supporting our students and programs. If you are interested in becoming a donor, please contact Jennifer Cornett, School of Accountancy Scholarships Coordinator, at cornejn@auburn.edu or (334) 844-6213.

Alabama Society of CPAs Accounting Achievement Award Amanda Gwin

Becker CPA Review Course Award Paige Dean Patrick Killeavy James Martin Jessica Mays Emily McEuen Abby Missildine Samantha Peters Tanner Roberts Stephen Taunton

Federation of Schools of Accountancy Student Achievement Award Katie Maugel

SCHOLARSHIPS: Aflac, Inc. Accounting Scholarship Leslie Hayes Christen McKeague

Aldridge, Borden & Company, PC Accounting Scholarship

Julie Myers (Supervising Senior) and Wes Brown (Director) with the ASCPA/Kassouf & Company Endowed Scholarship recipient, Becca Glosemeyer (center).

Scott Hazy (Partner) presents the Bennett Thrasher, PC Accounting Scholarship to Zak Kimes (right).

ASCPA/Kassouf & Company Endowed Scholarship

Zak Kimes

Becca Glosemeyer

Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, PC Accounting Scholarship Emily Espy

Jere L. and Sara B. Beesley Endowed Scholarship Anna Kate Benner

CohnReznick, LLP Accounting Scholarship

Crystal Canedy

Jasmine Pettaway

Fall 2015

Ashley Whitted

Draffin & Tucker, LLP Accounting Scholarship

ASCPA Education Foundation Chairman’s Scholarship

The SOA Connection

Greg Burgess Memorial Scholarship in Accountancy

Sammy Briner Blake Callaway

Amanda Gwin

Bennett Norris

Deloitte, LLP Accounting Scholarship

Alabama Society of CPAs Accounting Achievement Award

Lauren Cleveland

R. Bernard Blankenship Scholarship in Accountancy

Lauren Van Der Bogart

Becca Guy

ASCPA Education Foundation Scholarship

Bennett Thrasher, PC Accounting Scholarship

Rebecca Guy received the Aldridge, Borden & Company, PC Accounting Scholarship from Jeff Windham (Partner).

Ernst & Young, LLP/ R. Travis Kirkpatrick Memorial Endowment Anna Bonner Kelsey Dalton

Sammy Briner (center) & Blake Callaway (left), Deloitte, LLP Accounting Scholarship recipients, with Dion McDonald (Partner).

Lindsey Ripa

KPMG, LLP Accounting Scholarship recipients & presenters (left to right): Hamp Willis (Senior Associate), Kendall Trupp (Recipient), John Gaston (Partner), John Illges (Recipient) and Kristin Spivey (Campus Recruiter).

Laverne Taylor Flanagan Accounting Scholarship

Jackson Thornton Accounting Scholarship

EY Scholar

Jami Walden

Frazier & Deeter, LLC Accounting Scholarship Jennifer Whitmore

Grant Thornton, LLP Accounting Scholarship Hannah Findley

Hall, Albright, Garrison & Associates, PC Accounting Scholarship Tyler Cox

Dick and Terry Ingwersen Accounting Scholarship Ashlynne Watts

Matt Davis

John P. Jones Endowed Scholarship in Accountancy Olivia Benfield Evan Cox Yumei Xing

L. Paul Kassouf & Company, PC Endowed Scholarship Will Hightower

KPMG, LLP Accounting Scholarship

Nate Majer received the Machen, McChesney & Chastain, LLP Accounting Scholarship from Trisha Williams (Manager).

John Illges Kendall Trupp

Machen, McChesney & Chastain, LLP Accounting Scholarship

Lovoy, Summerville & Shelton, LLC Accounting Scholarship

Nate Majer

Adam Gurley

Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC Accounting Scholarship Mark Bartholomew

Philip Marshall McElroy Memorial Scholarship Andrew Mitchell

Metcalf Davis Endowed Accounting Scholarship Paige Johnson

Matt Davis (right) received the Jackson Thornton Accounting Scholarship from Ben Wallace (Senior Manager).

Michelle Granberry (Partner) presents the Lovoy, Summerville & Shelton, LLC Accounting Scholarship to Adam Gurley.

C.G. Mills Endowment for Instructional Excellence in Accountancy Sarah Cage Katie Maugel Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

CLEVELAND JOINS LINEAGE OF AUBURN PCAOB SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Lauren Cleveland always wanted to be a businesswoman. While some young girls played with Barbies or baby dolls, Cleveland, a senior in the School of Accountancy from Gulf Breeze, Fla., and her best friend played “office games.” “We explored many different types of businesses, simulating banks, restaurants, and stores,” she said. “My friend’s mother is a CPA and set us up with adding machines to play with, much to our delight. We loved offering discounts to our customers, calculating sales tax, and tallying our total sales at the end of the day.” Cleveland’s ‘business’ experience paid off. She was awarded with the prestigious Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) scholarship for 201516 – a $10,000 honor given to only 100 students nationwide every year. “I am extremely grateful and humbled to be nominated,” Cleveland said. “It is an honor, and I am very excited to be a recipient of the PCAOB Scholarship this year.” As an out-of-state student, Cleveland will use the scholarship to help cover tuition and other school expenses, allowing her to focus on finishing school and preparing for her career following graduation. Cleveland credits much of her success to Harbert College faculty, “The entire School of Accountancy faculty and staff has been so helpful to me. The professors are always engaged and concerned with their students’ well-being.” 34

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Beyond graduation in 2016, Cleveland hopes to enroll in Auburn’s MAcc program and pursue a career in public accounting. “The School of Accountancy has given me the skills and preparation that I believe have shaped me into a better job candidate,” she added. “The curriculum has definitely proved challenging, but I know it will give me a strong foundation as I build my career. I also think the professional development provided by the School of Accountancy has been extremely helpful. They take special care to educate accounting students on business etiquette and cover all aspects of the accounting internship interview process. I am so grateful for the investment the School of Accountancy has made in me and my fellow students.” Established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the PCAOB Scholarship Program is funded by the monetary penalties imposed by the PCAOB and provides a merit-based scholarship to students pursuing an accounting degree at an accredited institution. Cleveland’s award marks the second-consecutive year an Auburn student won the scholarship. Brandon Steverson, who interned this summer at PricewaterhouseCoopers, was presented the award for 2014-15.

Paige Johnson received the Metcalf Davis Endowed Accounting Scholarship from firm partners, Buddy Metcalf (left) & Wayne Williams (right).

William J. Nettles Endowed Memorial Scholarship James Watkins

Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, PC Accounting Scholarship Will Pankey

Melba C. Peebles Accounting Scholarship John Canada Anna Donze

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Accounting Scholarship Becca Mock Lorin Smith Rebekka Whitfield

Jerry Lewis Savage Memorial Accounting Scholarship Kavita Satiya

School of Accountancy Faculty and Staff Scholarship Cate Rubino Kendall Schilling

Justin Clark (Member) presented a Warren Averett, LLC scholarship to Molly Thrower.

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS

McGladrey Manager, Kristen Reid, with the firm’s scholarship recipient, Amanda Gwin (right).

SRHW/McGladrey Accounting Scholarship Amanda Gwin

Smith & Howard, P.C. Accounting Scholarship

Each year, the firms listed below make graduate school possible for outstanding students. These firms finance graduate research assistantship (GRA) positions, which provide an annual stipend totaling $9,696. In addition to the stipends funded by the firms, the students receive full-tuition waivers. With a $9,696 investment, the firms are giving an assistantship value of $46,000 for out-of-state students and $23,000 for in-state students. We sincerely appreciate the generosity of these firms for helping the School of Accountancy attract great students to the Master of Accountancy Program.

David Monte

Doris Tanquary Memorial Accounting Scholarship Keri Morton

Warren Averett, LLC - Atlanta Stacey Tome

Warren Averett, LLC - Birmingham Molly Thrower

Warren Averett, LLC – Destin Christopher Houseman

Warren Averett, LLC - Montgomery

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Graduate Research Assistant 2015-2016 Recipient: John Canada John Canada (right) with PricewaterhouseCoopers Partner, Terry Sparks. John will start in the Nashville audit practice upon graduation in 2016.

Mark Cooley

Elton & Janet Wolf Endowed Scholarship in Accounting

EY Graduate Research Assistants 2015-2016 Recipients: Sarah Cage & Bennett Norris

Kiki Isaac

Jay Robbins (Member) presented a Warren Averett, LLC Scholarship to Chris Houseman (right).

Sarah Cage (left) and Bennett Norris (right) with EY Campus Recruiter, Rachael Stone. Both having chosen the audit path, Sarah will join the firm’s Dallas practice in 2016, while Bennett will be in the Atlanta office. Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

Scholarship Endowments The Auburn Scholarship Campaign is an initiative dedicated to building funds to support current students and compete for future scholars who will enhance the intellectual capability on our campus. Earnings from the endowed scholarships are paired with current Spirit of Auburn or Academic Scholarships, ranging from $2,500 to more than full tuition annually. As a result, the student receives a more attractive and competitive scholarship award. Award recipients for these endowments are celebrated at the College of Business Awards Ceremony in the fall, but we would like to specifically recognize those individuals who have contributed to endowments for the benefit of accounting majors. Fully funded endowments and/or those who have been awarded are noted with an asterisk. All others are established endowments that are in the process of being fully funded.

Steven & Lynne Boucher Family Scholarship*

Ashlynne Watts (center) with Dick and Terry Ingwersen, who funded the Ingwersen Family Endowed Scholarship.

R. David and Robert K. Byrum Endowed Scholarship* The Henley Family Endowed Scholarship Ingwersen Family Endowed Scholarship* E. William Koons III and Family Scholarship * Fred and Becky Pepper Endowed Scholarship Larry and Margaret Quimby Endowed Scholarship* Jerry Lewis Savage Memorial Endowed Scholarship* Thomas W. & Patricia Tripp Scholarship*

The SOA Connection

Fall 2015

Jerry Lewis Savage Memorial Accounting Scholarship recipient Kavita Satiya with Greg Heston, nephew of the scholarshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s namesake.

ANNUAL GIVING

Corporate $10,000 - $5,000 PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Warren Averett Companies LLC

$4,999 - $2,500 Frazier and Deeter LLC Jackson Thornton McGladrey LLP

$2,499 - $1,000 Aflac, Inc. Aldridge Borden & Company, P.C. Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, P.C. Bennett Thrasher, P.C. CohnReznick LLP Draffin & Tucker LLP Grant Thornton LLP Lovoy, Summerville & Shelton, LLC Machen McChesney Mauldin & Jenkins Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C.

$999 and below Hughes and Scalise, P.C. Smith & Howard, P.C.

Alumni and Friends $500,000 and above Richard C. Ingwersen ‘70 Teresa Weeks Ingwersen ‘69

$199,999 – 100,000 Alicia M. Conn ‘84 Walton T. Conn, Jr. ‘84

$99,999 - $50,000 Larry Burl Quimby ‘75 Margaret Becker Quimby ‘76

$49,999 - $25,000 James David Walker ‘92 Lindy Adams Walker ‘92

$24,999 - $15,000 Amanda Kate Murphy Foster ‘95 Jeffrey Michael Foster ‘95

$14,999 - $10,000

$999 - $500

E. William Koons III ‘77 Jeffrey Richard Lund ‘88

Anthony Douglas Banks ‘08 Daniel Meyer Bauman ‘14 Joseph Case Brannan ‘08 Joshua W. Chiles ‘13 Connor J. Chilton ‘14 Sara Compton Cothran ‘04 Paul August Curtiss ‘14 Justin Thomas Davenport ‘13 Rachel L. Entrekin ‘13 Pamela Isela Hammond ‘14 Laura Quimby Hanks ‘03 Nathan L. Hanks ‘03 Tina Hertzel Natalie Hodnett Hogue ‘84 Kevin McCalla Koons ‘06 Candace Brooke Lawrence ‘14 Paul Benjamin Leaver ‘05 Kate Lockamy ‘14 Lisa Loften ‘87 Maryssa Looney ‘15 Alfred John Lucas ‘74 Laura Burrus Lucas Akil Logan Marrow ‘14 Jonathan Andrew Mayer ‘05 Leigh Palmer Mayer ‘05 Emily L. McEuen ‘14 Brian Eugene McNeely ‘00 Richard Harrison Mills ‘14 Richard Jay Morbidelli ‘15 Patrick Duncan Noll ‘03 Jan Paul Papaioannou ‘07 Mary K. Papaioannou ‘08 Carly Brooks Peters ‘14 Leah Christine Peterson ‘15 Susan C. Pick Samantha Elizabeth Powell ‘12 Stephanie Danielle Rector ‘10 Allison Marie Schwyn ‘14 Steven Tyler Seidband ‘14 Judith Ellison Sellers ‘71 Richard Louis Sellers ‘72 Thomas Daniel Sherlock ‘95 Lyndsay Long Snider ‘05 Andrew J. Superstein ‘15 Grace Lynne Tenkhoff ‘14 Forrest Scott Thompson ‘02 Anthony McCain Torbert ‘90

$9,999 - $5,000 Kenneth E. Baggett ‘77 Missy Baggett Thomas W. Burleson ‘79 Alice Roberts Johnston ‘79 Randall Brooks Johnston ‘80 Rebecca Lewis Pepper ‘75 William F. Pepper ‘74

$4,999 - $2,500 Steven Henry Barry ‘74 R. David Byrum ‘76 Roberta Kessler Byrum ‘76 Benjamin Wilson Cobb ‘97 Ronald Miller Cofield ‘80 Iain Douglas Grant ‘93 Gregory Lewis Heston ‘85 William Bradford Heston ‘91 James Agee Kelly Jr. ‘84 Kevin Jerome Kelly ‘91 Kurt Nathan Koons ‘02 Terry Lee Sparks Jr. ‘96 Brooke Peebles Walker ‘97

$2,499 - $1,000 Nedda Amos Sylvia Lynne Ayers ‘84 Ernest L. Clark ‘74 William Micheal Dollar ‘70 Bradley Laurence Garland ‘04 Mark Leslie Greeff ‘89 M. Van Henley ‘80 Holley S. LaGrone ‘77 Karl J. LaGrone James H. Long ‘01 Susan Rebecca Lumpkin ‘89 Glenn W. Mitchell III ‘93 Jennifer C. Mitchell J. C. Nelson ‘50 Jim M. Tanquary ‘52 Elizabeth Stutts Thompson ‘04 Mickey J. Watson ‘68 Albert Gary Westbrook ‘78 Andrew Robinson York ‘04

Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

ANNUAL GIVING Cecilia Frances Valeri ‘13 Therese R. Viscelli Timothy J. Voss ‘13 Hannah Aileen Wilson ‘14 Andrea K. Young ‘14

$249-100

$499 - $250 David Bradley Amundsen ‘91 Patrick Gordon Awbrey II ‘09 Michael L. Barnett Jr. ‘01 Steven Michael Barranco ‘89 Craig Chisolm Brady ‘85 Jerry Alan Brewer ‘93 Wesley Allen Brown ‘87 Vivian Jo Chateau Alfred E. Cheatham Jr. ‘90 Matthew Richardson Clegg ‘97 Frederick Leonard Corte Jr. ‘03 Chad Charles Downey ‘94 Charles H. Edwards III ‘88 Laura Moore Gallagher ‘00 Larry B. Gilley ‘70 Norman Harrison Godwin ‘91 Arthur D. Guy ‘79 James Edward Hall ‘87 Chad Michael Hamman ‘10 Stephen C. Harrison ‘94 Clara Heisler ‘69 Lawrence R. Heisler ‘69 Christopher Todd Holder ‘90 Kerry K. Inger Kimberly Galligan Key Richard Steele King ‘84 Stephen Aragon Kruse ‘83 Colby Harpool Lakas ‘04 Edward Grayson McDermott ‘87 David Allen Miller ‘94 Amy B. Murphy ‘88 Darren Lee Neuschwander ‘97 Lewis W. Perkins III ‘94 Jerre Oscar Pierson III ‘86 Justin L. Poole ‘05 Amy R. Rohner ‘95 DeWayne L. Searcy John Robin Short ‘93 Becky A. Smylie ‘13 Catlin Drew Henry Tench ‘06 Ricky Wayne Thomas ‘80 38

The SOA Connection

Jennifer Kathryn Wakeford ‘94 Christopher Scott Wardell ‘13 William Raymond Weeks ‘79 Richard M. Wells Jr. Karen Lynn Wit ‘01 M. Elton Wolf Jr. ‘72

Fall 2015

Jordon Neal Andrews ‘10 Clark Nikolas Andrich ‘13 Rebecca Lamb Beckham ‘02 Pamela Martin Bell ‘91 Christopher Keith Belt ‘13 Gregory R. Bentley ‘12 Kathy Ann Best ‘13 Edward Parker Bethea ‘89 Virginia Ward Binkley ‘09 Marlene A. Brankovic ‘13 Michael Ray Calhoun ‘79 Courtney E. Clark ‘13 Robert H. Cochran ‘74 Benjamin P. Coffman ‘08 Kristina P. Coffman ‘09 Jason Bradley Cooper ‘08 Jennifer Norheim Cornett Keith Martin Cox ‘79 Alexandria F. Crumpton ‘13 Clayton Earl Davis ‘99 Elizabeth Grace Davis ‘12 Rebecca Michelle Davis ‘05 John Oscar DeWitt Jr. ‘56 Alton Duncan ‘14 Allison Ellen Erwin ‘12 Paula Martin Farmer ‘80 Ana Beatriz Fernandez ‘89 Joseph Theodore Gallina ‘94 Julie Creamer Gallina ‘98 David Joseph Guthrie ‘11 Mary Vann Hamilton ‘83 Harry B. Handlin ‘78 Sarah Myrick Handlin ‘82 Carrie Marie Harbison ‘08 Lisa Nyert Heise ‘13 James C. Hildreth ‘09 John Scott Hiller Andrea Thompson Hodo ‘05 Jefferson Prince Jones ‘91 Robert Horsley Kay, Jr. ‘10 Erica Elizabeth Keyes ‘13 Jonathan Tyler Lahti ‘13 Jonathon S. McDonald ‘13

Taylor Mitchell McRae ‘11 James Micheal Meyer ‘93 Julie L. Muchoney ‘13 Jennifer Mueller-Phillips John Lewis Mullins III ‘86 Marcalyn G. Price Terry L. Price ‘76 William Todd Russell ‘93 Karen Cote Schaffers Wim Schaffers Stuart Scott ‘00 Roger V. Sherman ‘91 Glen Fouts Smith ‘98 Michelle Smith ‘98 William K. Smith ‘09 Elizabeth Norton Springer ‘06 William Zachary Springer ‘06 Jonathan D. Stanley Rachael Sparrow Stone ‘09 Cornesha Nicole Terry ‘12 John M. Thomas Jr. ‘63 Paul Gerard Tombrello ‘85 Brian Adam Vansant ‘95 Robert Edward Watson ‘13 Jessica Marie Weissinger ‘07 Thompson Alexander Westerberg ‘12 Carol Lynn Yednak ‘88 Philip H. Young Jr. Drew Albert Yurko ‘13

$99 and below Phillip M. Albright ‘12 Melissa Childress Auck ‘92 Gabriella L. Bailin ‘12 Elizabeth Sue Bell ‘10 Jerry Clinton Boles ‘75 Kendall Marie Burleson ‘12 Denise Michele Buschman ‘87 Katherine Smith Calloway ‘01 Emily Cavaco ‘14 Erica Jorgensen Chestnutt ‘05 Lona D. Childers ‘96 Kimberly J. Cook ‘14 Tyler Van Cooper ‘05 John Paul Corgill ‘12 Jennifer Louise Day ‘97 Sandra Drennan Randy F. Eaker ‘04 Heather M. Gangi ‘14 Elizabeth M. Gibson ‘80 Gary Kinion Gibson ‘78

Margaret Exley Giles ‘12 Michelle G. Hancock ‘97 William A. Hancock Jr. ‘96 Grace Ann Hardison ‘12 James Edward Harmon ‘09 Sarah Madeira Harmon ‘07 MacKenzy Summer Harper ‘12 Dominique Brandale Holmes ‘12 Travis P. Holt Ashley Brewer Hudson’12 Kristen Michele Hynninen ‘10 Carter McCorvey Karras ‘13 Amy Nicole Kast ‘13 Leigh Ellen Landers ‘12 Linda L. Lauderdale ‘87 Michael Roy Lee ‘11 Emily Christine Loefgren ‘13 Tina Wynne Loraas ‘96 Melissa Diane Mapp ‘96 Daryl Van Marks ‘78 Elizabeth G. Miller ‘83 Julie Ann Monell ‘13 Ashley Lowe Nance ‘93 Mickey Ralph Phillips ‘88 Margaret Pritchard ‘98 Lillian Crawford Serviss ‘95 Talitha Stark Smith ‘97 Julia A. Steinhilber ‘13 Jennifer Schwartz Swist ‘98 Heather Walker ‘15 Matthew Hamilton Young ‘13

SAVE THE DATE 1ST ANNUAL CPE CONFERENCE FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 | THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY We are excited to announce that The School of Acountancy will be hosting our first ever Continuing Professional Education conference. Learn from those directly responsible how some of the most notorious accounting frauds occured. Presenters include: Andrew Fastow, Former CFO, Enron William Owens, Former CFO, HealthSouth Walt Pavlo, Former Sr. Manager, MCI WorldCom

The annual giving above reflects planned gifts, pledges, and donations received between August 1, 2014 through July 31, 2015.

Andrew Fastow We truly appreciate the generosity of our donors and could not operate without them. State funding is a minor portion of our budget and private gifts become the key to our sustainability as a top accounting program. For those who wish to leave a lasting legacy, consider a planned gift. These gifts may be in the form of revocable living trusts, life insurance policies, trusts, gift annuities, retained life estates, or retirement plan assets. Please contact DeWayne Searcy for more information.

School of Accountancy

Please visit harbert.auburn.edu/soacpe for updates as they become available. Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

ALUMNI

FALL 2014 TAILGATES The School of Accountancy hosted two tailgates during the 2014 football season for alumni and friends. It was great to reconnect with everyone and meet friends and family. In this section of the newsletter, we highlight several photos from the 2014 season. Because of the great turnout last year, our 2015 tent will be even larger. For more details about our 2015 tailgates, please see the back page of this magazine. We look forward to seeing you soon.

The tailgates run smoothly thanks to the help of SOA student workers and volunteers! Row one, L to R: Olivia Benfield, Jillian Lieber (’15), Anna Bonner (’15) & Madelyn Parsons (’15); Row two: Ryan Reece (’15), Collin Powell (’14), Greg Swanner & Mac McManus (’15)

Larry (’75, ’11) & Margaret Quimby kick off the season with their closest accounting friends.

Kendall, Matthew & Sally (’98) Hubbard make a picture perfect addition to the SOA tent.

Members of the MAcc class of ’05 had a mini-reunion at the Homecoming tailgate: (L to R) Jordan Jones, Ely Jones, Phillip Prince, Colby Lakas & Alex Holt. 40

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Fashonda Frazier (’05) brought mother, Pamela Spinks, and daughter, Jada Frazier, to enjoy the festivities.

Nathan Gordon (left; ’08, ’09) and Will Jones (’06, ’07) have their own tailgate near Lowder Hall, but spent plenty of time at the SOA tent enjoying the amenities.

(L to R) Jeremy & Amy (’03, ’05) King with Michael & Kim Key at the Homecoming tailgate.

Emily & George (’72) Smith enjoy the tent at the Arkansas tailgate.

Laura & Michael (’95, ’96) Eanes with children Virginia & Judson make the tailgate a family affair.

James Long (’01, ’02) catches up with Liz (’10, ’11) and Gardner (’10) Bell at the Arkansas game.

Mike Rushing, Amy Rohner (’95, ’96) and Amy Murphy (’88, ’92) reconnect over food, fun and football.

Shelley & DeWayne Searcy visit with Curt Benzle and Wendy Wilson (’88). Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

IN MEMORIAM After his illness forced an early retirement in 2013, Ron was recognized as a Professor Emeritus by Dr. DeWayne Searcy, SOA Director.

(1947-2015)

DR. RONALD L. CLARK Passionate. Caring. Warm. Loving. Those were some of the words used to describe School of Accountancy Professor Emeritus and former Director, Ron Clark, who passed away June 25, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. 42

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Clark, who retired in 2013 after 35 years in academics, was loved by colleagues and students. “I always appreciated Ron’s perspective any time we needed to make an important departmental decision,” said School of Accountancy KPMG Professor Jennifer Mueller-Phillips. “He always offered his wisdom but generally stepped back toward the end of discussion, prompting junior faculty to carefully weigh the decision against their vision for the SOA, rather than the vision of a full professor nearing retirement. He

was often quoted in faculty meetings, ‘You people may not realize what you have here.’ And he was right. There may not be another department, elsewhere or at AU, that compares to the genuine collegiality of our SOA faculty.” A native of Kentucky, Clark came to Auburn in 1995 and worked as School of Accountancy Director until 2000, when he returned to the classroom. “He had a great sense of humor in class, and I felt like I was learning from my own grandfather when he taught,” said Allison

ty,” Mueller-Phillips recalled. “We know you’re going to be very happy as part of our Auburn family, so there’s no need to look further. Give me a call so that we can discuss the details.”

The Kickin’ Cancer for Clark kickball tournament was formed in 2013 by Pam Frank Hammond & Allison Schwyn Preston to support Clark’s battle.

Clark addresses the crowd about the importance of cancer research fundraising before the start of the 2014 tournament. Preston, who earned her undergraduate degree in accounting in 2014 and MAcc in 2015 before going to work at PricewaterhouseCoopers. “Dr. Clark liked to refer to his teaching style as ‘preaching.’ He would say that his mother wanted him to become a preacher, but he didn’t have the morals for it, so he became an accountant. He loved that joke. Hearing his stories was like listening to your grandparents talk about the good days – full of wisdom and life lessons. He truly cared about his students. The love for his family and his wife, Judy, shined above all else. He was a great man who I am truly blessed to have known.” Mueller-Phillips recalled the day she was offered a faculty position with in the School of Accountancy. The conversation went like this: “Jennifer, this is Ron Clark, Department Chair at Auburn Universi-

“I received this voicemail message from Ron in the spring of 2000 while completing my third and final interview at another university. I had interviewed at Auburn several weeks before. Ron and the SOA faculty had given me such a warm reception during my interview that I had little doubt what I would do if AU made the offer. When I listened to Ron’s message, I knew for sure. Ron was right. I have been very happy in this family over the years and Ron has been a cornerstone of that family.” Preston recalled Clark’s positive attitude after being diagnosed with cancer in 2012. “He was always mentioning how extremely blessed he was for everyone’s support and encouragement,” she said. “He taught me to truly value your family and the people in your life; even when your situation becomes difficult, there are always so many other things for which we should be thankful.” Preston added, “One of Dr. Clark’s first emails to his students about his diagnosis had this quote in it: ‘By nature I am a realist, but as Andy said in Shawshank

Redemption, ‘Remember, Red, hope is a good thing.’ That quote inspired so many students. His hope gave us the opportunity to start a Relay for Life team in his honor. Since 2013, Beta Alpha Psi raised more than $20,000 in his name for cancer research! I think the student and faculty willingness to work hard and raise money in his name speaks volumes about the kind of person he was and how he impacted the lives of so many.” Clark was touched by the gesture, as noted in a letter he wrote to BAP members in April. “Your actions show that Auburn has caring students willing to work hard to make a contribution for a worthy cause,” he wrote. “And remember that is what you have done – help to erase cancer. The money you have raised will fund research into new treatments for all types of cancer. Together we can and will find a cure for cancer.” “I often tell others about the three years of fundraising that Beta Alpha Psi has done in my honor. Their reply is almost always ‘It’s nice hear good things about students.’ I am so proud to have had such great students over my 20 years at Auburn. You have truly touched my life in so many ways. For this I will always be grateful and proud of what Beta Alpha Psi has done for my family and me.”

Ron and wife, Judy, at his final kickball tournament appearance in 2015. Fall 2015

The SOA Connection

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID Auburn, AL Permit No. 9

735 Extension Loop Auburn, AL 36849-5247 www.harbert.auburn.edu

Auburn University is an equal opportunity employer/educational institution.

SERVING UP A GREAT GAME DAY EXPERIENCE FOR A THIRD YEAR! We hope you will join us for our third annual School of Accountancy Alumni & Friends Tailgate events – before the Mississippi State (September 26th) and the San Jose State/Homecoming (October 3rd) games. Festivities will begin four hours before kickoff. Email Andee Hodo (andee.hodo@auburn.edu) for details if you did not receive the email invitation. Come see tailgating done right – accountants don’t overlook any details!