Scranton Ledger, Issue #7. Vol. #7. Fall 2023

Scranton Students Attend National Conference as Case Competition Finalists and for Elite Program

Six accounting students from The University of Scranton were sponsored to attend the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Annual Accounting & Finance Conference in Austin, Texas, in June.

Five of these students attended the conference as one of the final-four teams for the national IMA Case Competition. Marissa Angelo ’22 of Dickson City; Matthew Earley ’23 of Perkasie; Andrew Faulkner ’23 of Randolph, New Jersey; Claudia Pitts ’22 of Scranton; and Russell Young ’22 of Charleston, South Carolina; presented in front of a live audience during the IMA Annual Meeting. The team offered their strategic recommendations on how to maximize customer value for a fictitious indoor futsal facility based on various economic, financial, cultural and industry factors.

For the competition, student teams from around the country submitted their analysis in early February, and after multiple rounds of a blind submission and judging process, the finalfour teams were selected in late April.

At the final four competition, The University of Scranton student team presented against three student teams from The University of Nevada—Las Vegas. Just for making it to the finals, the University of Scranton team received a cash prize of $2,000 and their trip was sponsored by the IMA.

Dr. Ashley Stampone, assistant professor of accounting, served as the faculty

advisor for the final-four team and the student IMA chapter at the University.

“The IMA Case Competition provides a valuable opportunity for students to utilize and demonstrate their technical, analytical, teamwork, and leadership skills. Being selected as a finalist to present in front of a live audience is an attestment to the abilities and hard work of the Scranton team,” says Stampone.

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Undergraduate and Graduate Programs ranked among the best in the Nation! See page 15

Pictured at the conference are, from left: University student Emma Boyle, who was sponsored to attend the IMA Annual Conference as part of the Jimmie Smith Student Leadership Experience; University of Scranton final-four team participants, Russell Young, Andrew Faulkner, Marissa Angelo, Claudia Pitts, and Matthew Earley; Dr. Ashley Stampone, case competition team faculty advisor and assistant professor of accounting at Scranton; and IMA Community Relations Associate, Julianna Napalit, a 2003 graduate of The University of Scranton.

Accounting Students Attend National Conference for Case Competition, Governance Program

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Angelo graduated this past May earning her Master of Accountancy. During her undergraduate studies, she was a member of both the Business Leadership Honors Program and the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program. At commencement, she received the Outstanding Senior Award in Accounting and Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence, which is given to students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges. She also among the just 253 students in the nation selected to receive a 2021-2022 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) scholarship. Angelo also completed an assurance internship with E&Y in their Philadelphia office where she will join them full-time in the fall.

Earley graduated this past May earning his Bachelor of Science in finance with minors in business leadership and computer science. He was a member of both the Business Leadership Honors Program and the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program. He is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. He will pursue employment with the Office of the Comptroller of Currency as a Bank Examiner.

Faulkner graduated this last December earning his Bachelor of Science in accounting. He was a member of the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program.

Pitts graduated this past May earning her Master of Accountancy. During her undergraduate studies, she was a member of both the Business Leadership Honors Program and the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program. She will pursue employment with the Office of the Comptroller of Currency as a Bank Examiner.

Young graduated last May earning his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with a minor in business analytics. He was a member of the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program, and is currently employed with EY in their Charlotte, NC office.

Emma Boyle, senior accounting student, was also sponsored to attend the 2022 annual conference as part of her selection to participate in the IMA’s “Jimmie Smith” Student Leadership Experience. This elite governance program only selected five students worldwide to participate in a variety of virtual meetings with the IMA’ Global Board of Directors. At the conference, Emma was presented with an award to commemorate her experience and selection into the Program.

The IMA Selection Committee only chooses a few students from IMA Higher Education Endorsement Program member schools to attend this experience. Approximately 100 colleges have achieved endorsement by IMA

Zahraa Jassar, American University of Beirut, and Emma Boyle, University of Scranton, receiving their awards at the annual conference in Austin, TX for participating in the IMA’s “Jimmie Smith” Student Leadership Conference

internationally. The University of Scranton received its endorsement in November 2017.

Boyle graduated this past May with her Bachelor of Science in accounting with a triple-minor in business analytics, business leadership, and forensic accounting. At commencement, she received the Outstanding Senior Award in Accounting. She was a member of the Business Leadership Honors Program and the recipient of the Rose Kelly Award. She previously served as president for the University’s Beta Alpha Psi-Nu Cappa Chapter, IMA Student Chapter, ACFE Chapter, and will be working with Deloitte in the Philadelphia office. Boyle plans to complete her Master of Accountancy at The University of Scranton with a concentration in accounting analytics.

Throughout the conference, Angelo, Boyle, Earley, Faulkner, Pitts, and Young attended professional sessions and presentations. They also explored Austin throughout the three-day event, visiting popular landmarks such as the Austin Mural and the Texas Capitol.

Charles Csaszar, a graduate accounting student, was also selected to participate in the IMA’s

“Jimmie

Smith” Student Leadership Experience

and he attended the IMA’s Annual Accounting and Finance Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota in June 2023. Csaszar was the fourth University of Scranton student to participate in this elite experience since 2017.

Csaszar graduated as a double major in accounting and philosophy in May 2022, and received his Master of Accountancy degree with a concentration in accounting analytics in May 2023. He received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting Analytics, and he served as Secretary for the IMA Student Chapter. He will be working as a Tax Associate at PwC in their New York City office.

Young, Pitts, Earley, Angelo, Faulkner, and Boyle in front of the Austin Mural in Austin, Texas.

Charles Csaszar, University of Scranton, receiving his award at the annual conference in Minneapolis, MN for participating in the IMA’s “Jimmie Smith” Student Leadership Conference

University Accounting Students

Share Internship Success Stories

Eachyear, University of Scranton accounting students gain invaluable professional experience by participating in winter and summer accounting internships. Additionally, accounting students may earn academic credit for their internship experience by completing related required coursework, which includes a journal paper outlining their professional development.

Dr. James Boyle, associate accounting professor and faculty adviser for accounting internships, explains, “University of Scranton accounting students typically perform exceptionally well in their internships and often receive a full-time job offer with ‘Big 4’ accounting firms and other companies. The winter internships that normally begin in early January and end in late March provide students with an opportunity to work during the busy season at public accounting firms. At the same time, condensed spring course offerings allow students to maintain a full-time academic course schedule.”

Success stories from some of our accounting students who completed internships in 2022 appear below.

Accounting student Melissa Almada completed a 2022 summer internship with Everest Global Services in their reinsurance sector. “At Everest, I was a corporate finance intern working specifically with their tax department. I was responsible for preparing federal, state, and international tax filings. I researched and gathered data to respond to premium notices and state audits. I also assisted with K-1 preparations, distributions, and other tax compliance requirements. I cannot thank Everest enough for giving me such an experience, and I look forward to using all the insight in my future career and endeavors!” Melissa’s parents

are Carlos Almada and Hermelinda Arce (Mr. & Mrs. Almada) of Bernardsville, New Jersey.

Emma Boyle completed a 2022 winter internship in Deloitte’s Audit and Assurance Group in Philadelphia. “My internship was ultimately extended an additional two weeks before I returned to school after spring break. I am very grateful that Scranton allowed me to take advantage of this opportunity and come back to school in March to take condensed courses, so I did not fall behind in my schoolwork. It was a great experience to work with my engagement team through a busy season, and seeing my client file their 10-K. One of my senior managers was a Scranton alumna, and she was incredible helping me navigate through my first busy season. Throughout my internship, I had many Scranton alums at Deloitte reach out to me, and it felt very comforting knowing I had them to help me. With this internship, I was able to gain valuable experience to get an idea of what working in public accounting was like, and ultimately decided to accept a full-time offer with Deloitte in Audit and Assurance.” Emma’s parents are Douglas Boyle ’88 and Jennifer Boyle,’88 from Peckville, Pennsylvania.

Aidan Cagner completed three internships during the 2022 calendar year. “The first internship was with Ernst and Young (EY) in their Financial Services Office (FSO) Financial Accounting Advisory Service (FAAS) service line. “I performed this internship from January-March of 2022. I was able to gain exposure to helping the client. EY took the other interns and me to many networking events such as a Knicks game and Disney. My next internship was on the finance team for the Matt Cartwright campaign from March-June of 2022. This gave me exposure to

working with a political campaign as well as the structure of a not-for-profit. The final internship was for the public accounting firm Wiss & Company in their CFO Advisory service line from June to now. Here I experienced my first ‘true’ in-person experience and gained valuable networking experience. I chose to accept my offer with EY.” Aidan’s parents are Dave and Pat Barry Cagner from Rockville Centre, New York.

Paul Meagher completed a 2023 spring tax season internship with McGrail, Merkel, Quinn & Associates in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. “I had the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals in the accounting industry. I applied the knowledge I learned in the classroom to assist in the tax preparation process. I had hands-on experience with multiple accounting software, which improved my technical and analytical skills. My internship deepened my understanding of Tax/Accounting and helped ne build a strong foundation for my future career in the field.” Paul’s parents are Paul Jr. (’94) and Jenny Meagher from Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

Hirali Patel completed a 2022 summer internship with KPMG in New York City. “I was a tax intern at KPMG in the New York Financial Services –Business Tax Services Global Banking. I had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients and engagements. I had the opportunity to start the filing process for (U.S. Corporate Income Tax Return) Form 1120 through KPMG’s chosen system. I utilized many of the skills that I had acquired in my classes and extracurriculars. Overall, it was an amazing learning experience, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to pursue it. I am excited to be back with the firm full-time next fall upon graduation.” Hirali’s parents are Bhavin and Mayuri Patel from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Madelyn Ronan will be completing a 2023 summer internship at Deloitte in the audit and assurance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Madelyn is a rising senior studying accounting and finance with a minor in business leadership. “I am very excited

for this opportunity and applying the knowledge I learned in my various classes. I would like to thank my parents for the unconditional support throughout this process and their encouragement to pursue a degree in accounting.” Madelyn’s parents are Tim and Jeanine Ronan from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

John Sheehan completed a spring 2023 accounting internship with Ernst & Young in their Financial Accounting Advisory Services group in New York. “Through my work with my team, I developed valuable technical and professional skills. I was also able to experience several social events as I was eager to network around the firm. I was extended and accepted a full-time offer with the firm, and I am scheduled to start in fall 2024 after graduation. I cherished my time as an intern and couldn’t be more excited about what my future holds at EY!” John’s parents are Sean and Paula Sheehan from Dumont, New Jersey.

Mary Kate Yatsonsky completed a 2022 summer internship in auditing with Deloitte in Philadelphia. “This past summer I had an incredible experience being an audit intern for Deloitte. The engagement team that I was a part of had a work ethic that was second to none. Each person on my engagement team was extremely organized, kind, and well-versed in their profession. During my internship, I was able to experience myriad aspects of the auditing realm. I had the opportunity to communicate with clients, various auditing professionals that have been working in the profession for over 20 years, and other interns from all over the country. I was able to establish a strong rapport with my engagement team due to the various opportunities I was given to interact with them. I also participated in Impact Day, which is a day dedicated to community service and was an amazing event.” Mary Kate’s parents are Dr. David and Linda Yatsonsky from Jefferson Twp., Pennsylvania.

STUDENT NEWS

Frank O’Hara Medals

2022

John Sheehan, Dumont, NJ received a medal for his freshman year.

Frank

O’Hara medalsare presented to University of Scranton students with the highest grade-point averages in the three undergraduate colleges. These awards are named in honor of the late Frank O’Hara who served the University for 53 years in various administrative positions. Accounting students receiving these awards in 2022 and 2023 included:

Rose Kelly Awards

2023

Samuel Hannah, Dunmore, PA received a medal for his freshman year.

Marissa Angelo, Dickson City, PA received medals for both her junior and senior years.

Kevin Duffy, Springfield, NJ received a medal for his senior year..

The Rose Kelly Award was established by University of Scranton alumnus Joseph Wineburgh, Ph.D., to link the efforts of educators to the achievements of college students. The award is presented jointly to a student in each of the University’s colleges who has completed two years at Scranton and to the teacher whom he or she recognizes as having a great impact in his or her life. Students are selected based on exemplary achievement in both academics and general campus involvement. Accounting students receiving these awards in 2022 and 2023 included:

2022

Emma Boyle, Peckville, PA received the award for the Kania School of Management. She honored Dana Marion, her kindergarten teacher at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center.

2023

Outstanding Graduate Awards

Madelyn Ronan, Cherry Hill, NJ received the award for the Kania School of Management. She honored Leigh Ann Larkin, her honors and advanced chemistry teacher at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School.

The Rose Kelly Award was established by University of Scranton alumnus Joseph Wineburgh, Ph.D., to link the efforts of educators to the achievements of college students. The award is presented jointly to a student in each of the University’s colleges who has completed two years at Scranton and to the teacher whom he or she recognizes as having a great impact in his or her life. Students are selected based on exemplary achievement in both academics and general campus involvement. Accounting students receiving these awards in 2022 and 2023 included:

2022 Undergraduate Awards

Marissa Angelo, Dickson City, PA received the Excellence in Accounting and the Edward J. Spitzer Scholarship awards.

2022 Graduate Awards

Ashley Stampone, Old Forge, PA received the Outstanding Student Award for Doctor of Business Administration.

2023 Graduate Awards

Laura Lamb, Oswego, NY received the received the Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Outstanding Student Award.

Philip Cocco III, Pittston, PA received the PA Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Award.

James McGuire, Cedar Grove, NJ received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting Analytics.

Hanna Guarnuccio, Scotch Plains, NJ received the Excellence in Economics Award.

Madison Jashembowski, Middletown, NY received the Excellence in Finance Award.

Benjamin Koshinski, Mountain Top, PA received the Excellence in Management Award.

2023 Undergraduate Awards

Matthew Pinto, Massapequa Park, NY received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting.

Charles Csaszar, Hopewell Junction, NY received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting Analytics.

Emma Boyle, Peckville, PA received the Excellence in Accounting Award

Christina Piscitelli, New City, NY received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management

Hirali Patel, East Stroudsburg, PA received the Excellence in Management Award and the Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo.

Mary Kate Yatsonsky, Jefferson Township, PA received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting.

Students Receive PCAOB Scholarship

University of Scranton students James “Jimmy” Greenfield ’22, ‘G23, Scranton, PA, and Jessenia Robles, East Stroudsburg, PA, were selected among over 250 students nationwide to receive $10,000 scholarships from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years, respectively. For the 2021-22 academic year, University of Scranton student Marissa Angelo ’22, ‘G23, Dickson City, PA, was one of 253 such student recipients. Dr. Douglas Boyle, Chair of the Accounting Department notes, “We are immensely proud of Jessenia, Jimmy, and Marissa. They reflect very brightly on our accounting programs and indeed on The University of Scranton as a whole.”

The merit scholarship program is funded through the collection of PCAOB monetary penalties generated through the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Students attending accredited college accounting degree programs, preferably at schools holding the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) accreditation, are eligible for the program. The undergraduate and master’s programs in business offered by the University’s Kania School of Management have been accredited AACSB International for the past 25 years.

The goals of the PCAOB Scholars Program are: to benefit outstanding students who are likely to become auditors; and to make a difference to eligible students who might otherwise pursue a different career path. “This scholarship gave me the opportunity to slingshot my future. It soothed many of my financial worries, and I was able to pursue my master’s degree thanks to it”, recipient Jimmy Greenfield had to say.

Students nominated for the scholarship by their university, must show an aptitude and interest in

accounting and auditing as evidenced by an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher or being in the top third of their overall class, and demonstrate high ethical standards, as well as meet other program requirements.

“The PCAOB Scholars Program supports the next generation of auditors by helping to make careers in auditing possible for the best and brightest, including for students from groups that have not been well represented in public accounting historically,” said PCAOB Chair Erica Y. Williams. “We are proud of this program, and we congratulate the students named PCAOB Scholars this year.”

Greenfield

Robles Angelo

STUDENT NEWS Student Scholarships

The cost of attaining a high-quality education continues to rise every year. According to Best Colleges, college tuition has tripled over the past 50 years, with the total cost for one year at a four-year school (including tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, books, supplies, and other expenses) averaging $35,551 in 2021. To offset the financial burden of these rising costs of higher education, many professional accounting organizations award scholarships to deserving, aspiring accounting students. University of Scranton accounting students were awarded top scholarship awards from such organizations honoring their academic accomplishments and continued pursuit of careers in accounting.

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Foundation’s Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

Claudia Pitts and Jillian Heier were both named recipients of this award for 2022-2023. Claudia received a $5,000 award, while Jillian received a $1,000 award. This scholarship is granted to only 25 university students from across the U.S., Canada, Nigeria, and South Korea who are pursuing careers and who demonstrate achievements in the anti-fraud field. In addition to the scholarship award, each recipient receives a one-year ACFE Student Membership. According to Jillian, “This scholarship is a stepping stone on the path of my career in anti-fraud. Not only has it played a significant role in my career path, but it has encouraged me to continue to achieve my goals and aspirations.”

Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) Foundation Legacy Scholarship

Claudia Pitts was named a recipient of this $4,000 award for 2022-2023. This award provides financial assistance to outstanding students to encourage their pursuit of accounting as a major and their ultimate entry into the profession. The AICPA Foundation awarded $764,500 in academic scholarships to 155 students through its Legacy Scholars

Program. “Receiving these scholarships has helped to ease my financial burden for me and my family, so I can focus more on my education.”

Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA) Scholarships

Marissa Angelo was named the recipient of the EFWA’s IMA Graduate Scholarship for 2022-2023. In addition to a cash award of $1,000, she received a complimentary one-year student membership to the IMA (a $39 value), the CMA exam entrance fee (a $250 value), as well as the exam registration fee (valued at $415 per part). “These scholarships have allowed me to pursue my goals and get the most out of my college education. I am beyond thankful for these scholarship organizations for their investment in my future.”

Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Memorial Education Fund (MEF) Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to graduate or undergraduate-level students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are IMA student members and who have expressed intention to pursue a career in management accounting, financial management, or information technology. For the 2022-2023 academic year, three Scranton students received $2,500 awards: Marissa Angelo, Claudia Pitts, and Charles Csaszar. Annalisa Mechanick will also receive a $2,500 award for the 2023-2024 academic year. Per Charlie, “I have challenged myself with academic courses, extracurricular activities, and leadership programs during my time at the University, which required a lot of time and effort on my part, so I am happy with all that I have accomplished and am honored to be recognized with receiving the MEF Scholarship.”

Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Foundation Scholarship

The PICPA awards this academic merit scholarship to select full-time accounting students attending a Pennsylvania college or university who have earned at least 45 credits and a minimum GPA of 3.4. For the 2022-2023 academic year, Marissa Angelo was

the recipient of a $4,000 award, while Mary Kate Yatsonsky was the recipient of a $3,000 award. Mary Kate states, “Receiving this scholarship has motivated me to want to achieve great success, and has allowed me the opportunity to be able to give back to the accounting profession.”

Meet the Recipients:

Marissa Angelo: From Dickson City, PA, Marissa graduated with her Bachelor’s in Accounting in May 2022 and her MAcc in May 2023. She will be joining EY in Philadelphia as a Staff in their Assurance Services Practice. She is currently pursuing her CPA license.

Quote: “My time at Scranton has been memorable due to the welcoming community, caring faculty, and well-rounded education that has challenged and inspired me to grow both personally and professionally.”

Charles Csaszar: From Hopewell Junction, NY, Charlie graduated with his Bachelor’s in Accounting and Philosophy in May 2022 and his MAcc with an Accounting Analytics concentration in May 2023. He will be joining PwC as an Asset and Wealth Management Tax Associate in their New York office.

Quote: “I am so glad that I chose to study accounting at The University of Scranton. I appreciate the care that the faculty have for their students. I am also grateful for all of the opportunities that were offered to me as accounting student at Scranton.”

Jillian Heier: From Mickleton, NJ, Jillian graduated with her Bachelor’s in Accounting with minors in Forensic Accounting and Business Leadership. Jillian will be working as a Bank Examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in Trevose, PA and plans to pursue her MBA.

Quote: “The University of Scranton has taught me that accounting is the backbone to any business-related career. My time as an accounting student has been packed with an abundance of information that will benefit me in all my future endeavors.”

Claudia Pitts: From Scranton, PA, Claudia graduated with her Bachelor’s in Accounting in May 2022 and her MAcc in May 2023. She is currently pursuing her CPA license and will be employed at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency as a Bank Examiner.

Quote: “Being an accounting student at Scranton exposed me to many educational and professional opportunities that have helped me figure out my career path.”

Mary Kate Yatsonsky: From Jefferson Township, PA, Mary Kate completed her Bachelor’s in Accounting in May 2022 and her MBA with an Accounting concentration in May 2023. She will begin full-time employment for Deloitte as an Auditing Assistant in their Morristown, NJ office while pursuing her CPA license.

Quote: “I am beyond blessed to have been a part of the University of Scranton’s accounting program. This program has provided me with all the tools necessary for unlimited success. The professors’ constant mentorship and guidance make this program the unequivocal best.”

Annalisa Mechanick: From Randolph, NJ, Annalisa graduated with her Bachelor’s in Accounting with minors in Forensic Accounting and Philosophy. She will be interning with KPMG this summer, and will return to Scranton in the fall to complete her MAcc while also studying for the CPA exam.

Quote: “Scranton’s accounting program has prepared me for the internship process immensely. The skills I have learned here since day one have helped land me an offer for every internship for which I have applied.”

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

– B.B. King

Team of First Year Students Wins PwC Challenge

The University of Scranton’s Accounting Department hosted the annual PwC Challenge on November 14, 2022. The PwC Challenge is a case competition that models real-world business scenarios focusing on the strategic issues currently being faced by companies all over the world. Fifty-five students across thirteen teams consisting of first, second, and third year students the school participated, demonstrating their technical, criticalthinking, relationship-building, and leadership skills. This year’s case focused on a rapidly expanding company with administrative issues, and challenged the students to come up with creative solutions to the problems. Each team worked on the case with the guidance from a PwC team mentor and had a formal presentation in front of a panel of PwC judges, who are also alumni of the University of the Scranton.

The team “Bean Counters” consisting of Ryan Hanley, Antonio Kurtz, and Ayushi Das, were awarded the top-honors as their presentation, teamwork, and analyses stood out to the judges. Ihyisha Simms, one of the PwC judges, said while every team had strong presentations, she was thoroughly impressed by not only the contents but also the organization and delivery of the

presentation by the Bean Counters. It was especially impressive given that all team members of the Bean Counters are freshmen in the Kania School of Management. “It was a great honor to participate in the PwC Challenge. I am so proud of the progress of our team and I was very thankful to be placed in a group with such enthusiastic, driven and determined partners,” says Ryan Hanley, the team captain of the Bean Counters.

The PwC Challenge continues to be an invaluable experience for students to apply their business knowledge to a real-world business case, engage with PwC professionals, and develop teamwork skills. We congratulate the Bean Counters and all the participating students for a successful completion of the PwC Challenge!

Accounting Student Thomas Yager Selected as the University of Scranton’s 2023-2024 Master of Accountancy Program Graduate Assistant

The University of Scranton’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc) Program Director Dr. James Boyle announced that Thomas Yager has been selected as the 2023-2024 MAcc Program Graduate Assistant. Dr. Boyle noted that “Thomas demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and exemplary community engagement and service.”

After his selection as the 2023-2024 MAcc program Graduate Assistant, Thomas offered the following comments:

“I am a graduate student at the University of Scranton pursuing a Master of Accountancy. As an undergraduate student, I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Scranton with a major in accounting and minors in business analytics and business leadership. I participated in the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program and the KSOM Honors Program. I was a student officer for the Future Business Leaders of America and a member of Beta Alpha Psi. In my free time on campus, I played on the University of Scranton’s men’s club volleyball team, and I was also the principal chair alto saxophonist in the university’s concert and jazz bands.

It is an extreme honor to be selected as the 2023-2024 Master of Accountancy Graduate Assistant. I am excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced faculty members while engaging in meaningful research and instructional opportunities. I will approach this role with enthusiasm and a desire to learn from those I will be working with. I am looking forward to making the most of the valuable experiences and connections that will come with this position.”

Thomas’ parents are George (’88) and Lisa (’88) Yager from Randolph, New Jersey.

Members of the Bean Counters

Ph.D. Graduates Receive IMA and Strategic Finance Ethics Award

Drs. Amanda Sue Marcy and Doug Parker were named the winners of the 2023 Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award by the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance for their article, “The Value of Civility”. This manuscript competition, now in its fourth year, highlights a work which contributes to a greater understanding of ethics in the business environment for accounting and finance professionals. This competition is held in honor of the late Curtis C. Verschoor who was a longtime member of the IMA Committee on Ethics, editor of the Strategic Finance Ethics column for 20 years, significant contributor to the development of the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice, and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Trust Across America? Trust Around the World for his leadership in, and advocacy for, trustworthy business practices.

Drs. Marcy’s and Parker’s article, which will be published in the March 2023 issue of Strategic Finance, examines the impact of experienced incivility in the workplace and its impact on

accounting and finance professionals, providing implications for organizations underscoring the importance of implementing strategies to maintain a civil work environment.

This is the second time Dr. Marcy is being named a recipient of this award. She, along with Drs. Douglas Boyle, James Boyle, and Daniel Mahoney, received the inaugural Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year in March 2020 for their article “The Value of Trust”, which surveyed and interviewed notable and highly respected “trust” experts on trust issues that accounting and finance professionals need to consider when managing their careers, the practical implications of these issues, and how individuals and organizations can assess and improve their own trust-building skills.

Drs. Marcy and Parker are 2020 graduates from the flagship cohort of the University of Scranton’s Ph.D. Program. Dr. Marcy is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at the University of Scranton and a member of the IMA’s Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter. Dr. Parker is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Western Carolina University and a member of the IMA’s Charlotte North Carolina Chapter.

Dr. Amanda Sue Marcy

Dr. Doug Parker

FACULTY & DEPARTMENT NEWS

Accounting Programs Rank Among the Best in the Nation!

In the last rankings the University of Scranton’s accounting programs continue to place among the best in the nation at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“Scranton’s accounting programs are well known in the business community for excellence and student success. We are proud to be continually recognized among the most respected programs in the nation by many outlets. Our reputation for quality and advancement of our graduates to the highest levels in practice is a tribute to our faculty, programs, students and alumni.”

MBA Specialty in Accounting ranks

• No. 18 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report

Undergraduate Accounting rankings include:

• No. 8 in the Nation CMA Exam Pass Rate for IMA Endorsed Programs by Strategic Finance

• No. 24 in the Nation by Bachelors Degree Center

• No. 44 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report

Masters in Accountancy online rankings include:

• No. 1 Nation by Best Colleges

• No. 3 in the Nation by Intelligent

— Doug Boyle

• No. 9 in the Nation by Fortune

• Top 15 in the Nation Master’s in Accounting with the Best CPA Exam First-Time Pass Rate by Accounting Edu

Accounting Dept. Research Productivity in Top 5 in World

Scranton Accounting Department ranked fifth in world for success in publishing accounting educational research in top peer-reviewed journals.

The recently released 2022 Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings have placed The University of Scranton Accounting Department and faculty among the best research institutions in the world.

The Accounting Department of The University of Scranton ranked No. 5 (tied) in the world for accounting education research published in the most recent six-years in a listing considered to be the gold standard in accounting disciplines. The 2022 Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings also recognized several accounting faculty members individually for their research publication success.

The Brigham Young University report ranks accounting programs and faculty throughout the world based on their success in publishing in top-tier, peer-reviewed accounting journals. The report is updated annually and includes ranks for specific categories of research and for specific time periods. The 2022 update ranks Scranton’s Accounting Department at as the fifth (tied) most prolific department in the world for accounting education research over the most recent sixyear period, following Brigham Young University (first), Texas Tech University (second) and Kennesaw State University (third), Clemson University (fourth) and tied (fifth) with Indiana University and West Virginia University. The department was also ranked intemationally for all methods, audit, managerial, experimental and archival accounting research.

With respect to authorships of individual accounting faculty in the area of accounting education, three Scranton faculty members were ranked internationally. Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the Ph.D. program, was ranked No. 6. James F. Boyle, D.B.A., associate professor of accounting and director of the MAcc progam, was ranked No. 19 and Brian W. Carpenter, Ph.D., professor emeritus of accounting, was ranked No. 37. Additionally, Dr. Douglas Boyle was ranked for all methods, auditing and experimental research; Dr. Carpenter was ranked for all methods; and Jeh-Hyun Cho, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, was ranked for managerial and archival.

“The University of Scranton’s listing near the top of the 2022 Brigham Young University Accounting Education Research rankings and the very high rankings of many of its individual faculty in a variety of sub-disciplines bear testimony to the Accounting Department’s commitment to excellence in both teaching and research. As an institution that is committed to teaching excellence, it is important that our faculty are committed to conducting research and disseminating it to our students in the classroom. These rankings show that our accounting faculty or engaged in high quality education research that impacts our students at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level,” said Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the University’s Kania School of Management and professor of accounting.

This is the third consecutive year that the University’s Accounting Department was ranked in the top five in the world for research success in the prestigious Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings.

James Boyle

Doug Boyle

Jeh-Hyun Cho

Brian Carpenter

Scranton to Offer First Ph.D. Program

The University of Scranton’s Board of Trustees have approved the change of the doctoral business administration degree to a Ph.D. in Accounting degree beginning with the 20222023 academic year. The curriculum and degree requirements will remain the same. This is the first Ph.D. degree to be offered at Scranton.

The business doctoral degree, which the University began in 2017 and graduated its first cohort of students in 2021, has already been internationally recognized when in 2019 the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) listed the program among the “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States.” The program was recognized for providing a non-traditional research doctoral degree in accounting that “promotes diversity and practice relevance by providing a flexible path for experienced practitioners to gain the knowledge and credentials required to succeed in tenure-track positions at AACSB-accredited institutions.”

“The doctoral program was developed in direct response to calls made by the Pathways Commission to transform experienced accounting professionals into exceptional academics and teachers capable of producing original-practice relevant research grounded in the ethical foundation of Scranton’s Jesuit identity,” said Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., C.P.A., C.M.A., professor and chair of the University’s Accounting Department and Ph.D. program director

“As co-chair of the Implementation Phase of Pathways, the Accounting Ph.D. at The University of Scranton is exactly what we hope institutions would strive to create,” said Mark Higgins, Ph.D., Dean of the Kania School of Management. “We wanted institutions to create terminal degrees that align with an institution’s mission and this program does that by incorporating Jesuit values and producing graduates that are capable of publishing in relevant practiced based research journals.”

Over the past five years, doctoral graduates and faculty have already co-authored and published more than 40 manuscripts in internationally recognized refereed journals with seven of the publications winning awards from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), including three Lybrand Competition Medals and two Curtis C. Verschoor Ethics Article of the Year. Gregory Kogan ’22, Joy Chacko ’21, Lisa Haylon, ’23 and Xiabing Li, ‘23,were awarded the Institute of Internal Auditors Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Award for their respective years.

Scranton’s accounting professors in the program have received numerous awards for teaching and have also been recognized internationally for their research. The 2022 Brigham Young University Accounting Report Update, which annually ranks accounting programs and faculty throughout the world based on their success in publishing in top-tier accounting journals, placed the Accounting Department at The University of Scranton as the fifth most prolific department in the world for accounting education research (excluding cases) over the most recent six-year period. The department was also ranked internationally for all methods, audit and experimental accounting research.

With respect to authorships of individual accounting faculty in the area of accounting education reported in the 2021 Update: Dr. Douglas Boyle, was ranked No. 6; and Dr. James F. Boyle, D.B.A., C.P.A., associate professor and director of the MAcc program, ranked No. 19. Additionally, Dr. Douglas Boyle was initially recognized with the IMA Research Foundation Distinguished Scholar award for 2022.

The doctoral program, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, also engages renowned scholars from other institutions to advise and serve on dissertation committees. These esteemed faculty members include George W. Krull, Jr., Ph.D., external global strategic advisor for the doctoral program. Dr. Krull previously served as a partner in the

executive office of Grant Thornton LLP and was the firm’s chief learning officer. He has served as an executive-in-residence and professor of accounting at Bradley University where he was awarded emeritus status in 2011. During his distinguished career, Dr. Krull has served with the American Accounting Association (AAA), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pathways Commission. He was a member of the AACSB International’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Accreditation Quality and has served four terms on the AACSB’s Accounting Accreditation Committee. In 2014, Dr. Krull was recognized as one of 100 distinguished graduates of Spears School at Oklahoma State during its centennial anniversary celebration, and in 2015 he was inducted into the Spears School Hall of Fame. In 2016, he received the American Accounting Association Outstanding Service Award.

Gregory Kogan

Doug Boyle

Lisa Haylon

Joy Chacko

George Krull Xiabong Li

FACULTY & DEPARTMENT NEWS

Boyle Selected IMA Research Foundation Distinguished Scholar

Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of The University of Scranton’s Accounting Department and director of its nationally recognized PhD Program., was selected as the 2022 Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Research Foundation Distinguished Scholar.

The prestigious national award, based on peer recommendations, recognizes the recipient’s body of research and its relevance to the mission of IMA Research Foundation, as well as the awardee’s contribution to the management accounting body of knowledge and demonstrated practical value to accounting and financial professionals. The IMA Distinguished Scholar Award, which was formally presented at the American Accounting Association’s annual meeting in San Diego in August, was previously known as the IMA Research Foundation Siegel Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Boyle has received numerous accolades for his research. The Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings, which internationally recognizes and ranks accounting faculty members based on their research publication success in top-tier, peer-reviewed accounting journals, placed Dr. Boyle No. 6 in the world in 2022 reports for accounting education research. An article published by Dr. Boyle and Scranton accounting professors James Boyle, D.B.A., and Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D., won the IMA’s Lybrand Gold Medal as the “outstanding article of the year” for 2019; and an article published by Dr. Boyle, Dr. Mahoney and University Accounting Professor Brian Carpenter, Ph.D., received the 2016 Lybrand Gold Medal. His articles

with Scranton professors and DBA students also won Lybrand Silver Medals in 2021, 2020, and 2015, and Lybrand Bronze Medals in 2020 and 2014, in addition to other awards.

Dr. Boyle’s research has been published in numerous academic and refereed journals, such as The Journal of Accounting and Public Policy (JAPP), Accounting Horizons, Current Issues in Auditing, The Journal of Accounting Education, The Accounting Educators’ Journal, The Journal of Accountancy, Strategic Finance, Fraud Magazine, Internal Auditor, Management Accounting Quarterly, The CPA Journal, Internal Auditing, The Journal of Applied Business Research, The Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences, Issues in Accounting Education and Journal of Forensic Accounting Research

A certified public accountant as well as a certified management accountant, Dr. Boyle has more than 30 years of industry experience. He has served in executive roles in startup, middle market and Fortune 500 companies, where he has held the positions of chief executive officer, president, chief operations officer and chief financial officer.

An award-winning teacher, Dr. Boyle was profiled for the past three years as one of just six “Professors to Know in Business Programs Based in the Northeast” selected by Bschools. org, an online resource for entrepreneurs.

At Scranton, Dr. Boyle was named the Kania School of Management’s (KSOM) Alperin Teaching Fellow for 2015 to 2018 and received the KSOM Advisory Board’s Award for Curriculum Innovation for 2017-2018. He has twice earned the KSOM Teacher of

the Year award and earned the Provost Excellence Awards for the Scholarship of Teaching in 2014 and for Scholarly Publication in 2012 and the Faculty Senate’s Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award in 2019. He was awarded the Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 2015 and an Outstanding Lecturer Award from the Cultural Mission of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in 2012. He is also the founder and director of the University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. Dr. Boyle received the 2021 Provost Award for Excellence in Service and Leadership.

Scranton’s doctoral program has received international recognition when the prestigious accrediting body, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), listed the program in 2019 among the “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States.” Four doctoral students students have received the prestigious Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Award.

Dr. Boyle earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, an MBA from Columbia University and a doctorate from Kennesaw State University.

Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A.

KSOM Faculty Receive Teaching Recognition

in 2022 & 2023

For the third year in a row, student members of The University of Scranton’s Business Club selected Ashley L. Stampone ’10, G’11, PhD’23, assistant professor in the Accounting Department as the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year. The announcement was made at a virtual event on May 10, 2022. Dr. Stampone, who graduated with her third degree from Scranton – a Doctor of Philosophy – was also selected as KSOM Professor of the Year in 2020 and 2021. Dr. Stampone received additional recognition in 2023 with the Accounting Department Teacher of the Year award during the Business Club’s luncheon on May 11, 2023.

An award-winning teacher, Dr. Stampone became a faculty member at her alma mater in 2016. In 2019, she was also honored with the Faculty Leadership Award from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).

The national award recognizes one faculty member annually who has demonstrated significant leadership activities at the national, regional, and/or local levels of IMA and has made additional contributions to IMA.

In 2021, she won IMA’s Ursel K. Albers IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award, which recognizes a campus advocate/student chapter advisor who has made significant

contributions to the IMA overall and the IMA student members in particular. Dr. Stampone serves as the faculty advisor for the University’s IMA student chapter, which has been recognized as one of IMA five Outstanding Student Chapters in the nation for the past three consecutive years.

Also in 2021, Dr. Stampone received the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Young Leaders Award, which recognizes members under the age of 40 who demonstrate a commitment to the accounting profession through active PICPA or community volunteer activities. She was also recognized by Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal in her selection to the area’s Top 20 Under 40, which is NEPA Business Journal’s “salute to the best and brightest young business stars in the region.”

In addition to Dr. Stampone, the business club students presented awards to several other faculty members. Richard O’Hara, faculty specialist, received the Accounting Department Teacher of the Year Award in 2022.

Prof. O’Hara became a faculty specialist at Scranton in 2019. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA in finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University.

Dr. Ashley L. Stampone

Richard O’Hara

FACULTY & DEPARTMENT NEWS

Professors’ Research Brings National Recognition to the University of Scranton

Researchcarried out by Dr. David Salerno (Accounting Department) and co-authors John Ruddy (University of Scranton Economics/Finance Department), and Nathan Jeppson (Utah Valley University), has brought national recognition to the University of Scranton. The research paper, entitled “Defining and Quantifying Pension Liabilities of Government Entities in the United States,” and published in the Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance (JCAF), was cited by the Supreme Court of Texas in rendering a government employee pension decision involving the Dallas, TX Police and Fire Pension System.

Through an examination of U.S. Census Bureau pension plan data and other research, the paper reports on how the protracted low interest rate environment in the U.S., combined with aggressive investment return assumptions by government entities, have impacted defined benefit pension plan obligations. When more realistic investment assumptions are made, the research paper shows that the defined benefit plans in the U.S. have an estimated pension liability of well over $5 trillion.

Besides having a significant impact on the law, JCAF has informed the authors that the research paper was one of the top downloaded papers following the year of its publication and has “generated immediate impact and visibility, contributing significantly” to the field.

Dr. Ashley L. Stampone Named Top 20 Under 40

Ashley L. Stampone ’10, G’11, assistant professor in the Accounting Department of The University of Scranton, was named among the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s Top 20 Under 40. The list is the NEPA Business Journal’s “salute to the best and brightest young business stars in the region.” The publication has published the list annually since 2002.

The profile of Prof. Stampone can be seen on the NEPA Business Journal webpage.

In 2021, Prof. Stampone also received the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Young Leaders Award and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Ursel K. Albers IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award. She received the University’s the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year twice, in 2021 and 2020. In 2019, Prof. Stampone was honored

with the IMA’s Faculty Leadership Award.

Prof. Stampone joined the faculty at Scranton in 2016. Previously, she worked as an internal auditor for QVC, Inc., as a senior financial systems analyst for Bridon American Corporation, as an inventory accountant for International Salt Company and a staff accountant for ParenteBeard, LLC.

A resident of Old Forge, Prof. Stampone received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from The University of Scranton. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Scranton.

Ashley L. Stampone ’10, G’11, CPA

BETA ALPHA PSI CORNER

Accounting Clubs Committed to Activities and Service

The Nu Kappa chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and the Society of Accounting Students (SAS) have been busy over the past two academic years. Dr. Amanda Marcy, faculty advisor, and the club officers worked diligently to keep the membership involved in many events, including chapter meetings, volunteer opportunities, fundraising activities, and networking and recruiting events. As a result of their efforts, the BAP executive office named Nu Kappa chapter a Distinguished Chapter for 2021-2022 and a Superior Chapter for 2022-2023. This is the first time Nu Kappa has received both distinctions since its inception in 2015. These achievements are only bestowed on those chapters who exceed certain membership engagement milestones. Achieving Superior Chapter status also includes a monetary award to the chapter. Congratulations to the club officers for these accomplishments!

2021-2022

Emma Boyle, President

Jared Septer, Vice President

Jake Gallagher, Treasurer

Aidan Cagner, Secretary

Mary Kate Yatsonsky, Social Engagement Director

2022-2023

Aidan Cagner, President

Brett McCartney, Vice President & Treasurer

Kevin Duffy, Secretary

Kaleigh Timmons, Social Engagement Dir.

2022-2023

Kaleigh Timmons, President

Madelyn Ronan, Vice President

Nina Figetakis, Secretary

John Sheehan, Treasurer

Brianna Kerrane, Social Engagement Dir.

Ryan Hanley, Junior Officer

As a BAP officer, I have seen myself grow exponentially throughout my tenure. Our BAP chapter has one of the best cultures, which Dr. Marcy, my fellow officers, and our membership truly embody. My experience with Dr. Marcy and BAP has given me a gift of networking, leadership, and professional skills that I will continue to use in my professional life after Scranton.”

-- Aidan Cagner, BAP & SAS President(2022-2023); BAP & SAS Secretary (2021-2022)

Club activities included the following:

• Professional Activities:

o Panel Discussions on Student Internships, the CPA Exam, Life as Young Professionals, and Experiences of Accounting, Finance, and Business Analytics Professionals

o Public Accounting Informational Presentations, Skill Building Sessions, and Networking Events by PwC, KPMG, EY, Baker Tilly, FORVIS, Wiss, Withum, and CLA

o Presentation and Book Signing by Jerry Maginnis, CPA, Former KPMG Partner and Past President of the PICPA

o Professional presentations by those in careers in accounting, finance, and business analytics

o Center for Career Development Sessions on Recruiting, the Career Expo, and Resume Building

Accounting Clubs Committed to Activities and Service

...continued from page 17

o Site visits to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

o Information sessions on professional memberships and certifications

o Presentations on CPA Exam Preparation and Registration and CPA Evolution Updates by Becker and UWorld Roger CPA Review

o DEI Workshops by PwC and EY

o Virtual Accounting Week and Meet the Firms events

• Community Service Activities:

o Heritage Trail Cleanup events

o Holiday Card (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter) Donations to Veteran’s and Retirement Facilities

o 100 Book Donation to Support Literacy benefitting the Salvation Army and the Catherine McAuley

o Blessing Bag Supply Drive benefitting the NEPA Youth Shelter

o Prospective accounting students informational and networking events, Path to Business Excellence, and Open Houses

o Underclassmen drop-in tutoring in accounting, finance, and business analytics

• Fundraising Events:

o Krispy Kreme Fat Tuesday

Digital Dozens Fundraiser

o Picc’s Ice Cream Fundraiser

o KSOM Fleece Sale

During the 2021-2022 academic year, the club officers released the first volume of the BAP and SAS monthly newsletter, The Debits and Credits, providing KSOM students, faculty, staff, and alumni with information on club events and activities; member, alumni, and faculty highlights; meet the firms information; and other articles and advertisements of interest. This publication is shared with readers via email, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

“The biggest benefit of BAP membership is the opportunity to build both personal and professional relationships with alumni and peers who are interested in the same career path as you.”

– Kevin Duffy, BAP & SAS Secretary (2022-2023)

Mid Year Meeting: Ashley Zaita, Emma Boyle, Brett McCartney, Aidan Cagner, Kevin Duffy, Kaleigh Timmons, Annalisa Mechanick

Over the past two years, Dr. Marcy and the club officers were also able to attend the BAP Annual and MidYear meetings, allowing them to participate in various professional, community service, and networking sessions. While the 2021-2022 events were still held virtually, the 2022-2023 events were held in-person at various locations throughout the U.S.

• August 5-6, 2021; 2021 Annual Meeting

Invest in Your Future | Virtual

• March 25, 2022; 2022 Mid-Year Meeting

Creating What is Possible | Virtual

• July 28-30, 2022; 2022 Annual Meeting

Creating What is Possible | Orlando, FL

• March 3-4, 2023; 2023 Mid-Year Meeting

Reimagining the Path Forward | Pittsburgh, PA

• August 3-5, 2023; 2023 Annual Meeting

Reimagining the Path Forward | Las Vegas, NV

Dr. Marcy and Kaleigh Timmons represented Nu Kappa chapter at the 2022 Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL, where they enjoyed keynote addresses from Brad Snyder, U.S. Paralympic Athlete & Retired U.S. Navy Officer, and Ken Bouyer, EY Americas Director of Inclusiveness Recruiting. Additionally, they took part in Community Impact Day, sponsored by the KPMG Foundation, where they visited a local Boys & Girls Club in an underserved neighborhood to teach the children the importance of literacy in their lives. In their Friday downtime, they enjoyed an exciting evening exploring Disney Springs.

“The BAP Annual Meeting in Florida was an immensely valuable experience. The sessions I attended enriched my University of Scranton journey, not only as an accounting student and member of BAP, but also as an aspiring accounting professional. I was exposed to many different individuals from chapters all around the world, and discussed various events and activities that I am excited to integrate into our BAP chapter in the future.” – Kaleigh Timmons, BAP & SAS President (2023-2024); Social Engagement Director (2022-2023)

The Nu Kappa Chapter also had the opportunity to host the 2023 Mid-Year Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, with club representatives including 2022-2023 officers Aidan Cagner, Brett McCartney, Kevin Duffy, and Kaleigh Timmons; and club members Emma Boyle, Annalisa Mechanick, and Ashley Zaita. At this event, the members helped with registration, running sessions, introducing keynote speakers, and coordinating the community service activity, Sock It To ‘Em Sock Campaign, which provides new socks to men, women and children who are experiencing homelessness and/or who are in need. Aidan Cagner and Kaleigh Timmons also presented in the Chapter Operations session, Meaningful Service Projects.

2023-2024 President Kaleigh Timmons and Vice President Madelyn Ronan will be attending the 2023 Annual Meeting at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV. During this event, the officers and Dr. Marcy plan to gain additional insights from the executive office and other chapters to continue to grow the organization on Scranton’s campus.

Anyone interested in volunteering or sponsoring BAP and SAS events, please contact Dr. Amanda Marcy at amanda.marcy@scranton.edu.

Mid Year Meeting: Kaleigh Timmons, Emma Boyle, Aidan Cagner, Annalisa Mechanick, Ashley Zaita, Brett McCartney, Kevin Duffy

INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS

IMA Student Chapter Receives

Top Recognition in 2022 & 2023

The University’s Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter had very successful 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years! For the second year in a row, the IMA Student Chapter was the recipient of the IMA’s Gold Award of Excellence for their work as a student group. Student officers Emma Boyle, President; Zeli-Anne Policarpio, Vice-President; Charles Csaszar, Secretary; and Annalisa Mechanick, Treasurer/Social Media Coordinator, and Aidan Cagner and Marissa Angelo, Junior Officers, worked diligently throughout the year by arranging numerous educational and networking events for the accounting and finance students on campus. The 2021-2022 academic year started with a new member orientation and presentation by Cheryl Collarini, Career Relations Manager in the University’s Center for Career Development, followed by an Accounting Internship Panel, a meeting discussing ethical behavior presented by Jerome Mayne, a scholarship and awards presentation, a CMA Exam presentation with Gleim, a data visualization meeting with PwC, and a presentation by Jerry Maginnis on his book “Advice for a Successful Career in the Accounting Profession: How to Make Your Assets Greatly Exceed Your Liabilities.”

Throughout the year, the student officers coordinated several networking and service events. In October, the IMA Student Chapter hosted pumpkin painting sessions as a way for students to destress during midterms. Chapter members also gathered throughout the year to complete the IMA’s Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Certificate and tour the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders’ PNC Stadium.

IMA student members right after their tour of PNC Field

– Ngoc Nguyen, 2020-2021

In addition, the student officers arranged a toiletry drive to benefit Friends of the Poor where students and faculty donated over 500 hygiene products for those in need. They also coordinated “Snack Drive” to benefit the NEPA Youth Shelter and helped organize an Easter Basket Drive in the Kania School of Management. If the year wasn’t busy enough, the IMA student members also participated in the IMA’s Virtual Student Leadership Conference, the Manuscript Competition, and the Student Case Competition where a Scranton team was selected to the “Final-Four” to present at the IMA’s Annual Conference in Austin, TX.

The 2022-2023 academic year was just as successful! Student officers Emma Boyle, President; Aidan Cagner, Documentation Officer; Charles

Csaszar, Secretary; Annalisa Mechanick, Treasurer/Social Media Coordinator; Brett McCartney, Fundraising and Service Officer; and Madelyn Ronan, Advertising Officer planned and coordinated many educational and fun events for student members. The year started with a new member orientation and a presentation by Mandy Haque, Withum Campus Recruiter, about networking at career fairs. This meeting was followed by a presentation about the career opportunities with the Department of Defense Contract Audit Agency, an accounting industry panel, a scholarship and awards presentation, a accounting internship panel and presentation from FORVIS, a CMA Exam presentation with Gleim, and a meeting discussing current topics in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) with KPMG.

B eing an officer in the IMA Student Chapter has provided me many opportunities to learn more about leadership and connect with other IMA officers worldwide. From that, I can share my leadership experience and promote the importance of the CMA certification with our IMA members.”

IMA Student Chapter Vice-President

IMA Student Members with Deborah Young and Katelyn Rigle from the Defense Contract Audit Agency

INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS

Just like the previous year, the student officers organized a toiletry and Easter basket drive that benefitted local charitable organizations within the community. They also participated in the IMA’s Case Competition where a student team consisting of Emma Boyle, Samuel Hannah, Sarah Boyle, Madelyn Ronan, and Brett McCartney made it to the “Elite Eight” in the judging process.

While many educational and fun events were held on campus, the major highlight of the year was attending the IMA’s Student Leadership Conference in Pittsburgh, PA where the student officers attended various informational sessions about the accounting and finance profession. They also participated in office tours of US Steel, PPG Paints Arena, and PNC Corporate Headquarters. During the networking session at Shorty’s Pins and Pints, the student officers were able to network and connect with IMA student members from around the country and participate in the annual t-shirt competition. While there were many great t-shirt designs from all the colleges and universities, we were happy to be announced as this year’s winner!

IMA Student Officers (left to right): Charles Csasar, Aidan Cagner, Marissa Angelo, Annalisa Mechanick, and Zeli-Anne Policarpio collect Easter Baskets as a 2022 service activity benefitting Friends of the Poor and the Scranton Community.

IMA Student Officers (left to right) Aidan Cagner, Madelyn Ronan, Brett McCartney, Emma Boyle, Charles Csaszar, and Annalisa Mechanick at the IMA Student Leadership Conference in Pittsburgh, PA

In conjunction with Beta Alpha Psi and the Society of Accounting Students, the IMA Student Chapter finalized the year with the Annual Accounting Celebration. During the event, the IMA student chapter celebrated the CMA Exam Scholarship recipients, and announced the student officers for the upcoming year:

Emma Boyle, President

Brett McCartney, Secretary

Madelyn Ronan, Advertising Officer

Annalisa Mechanick, Treasurer/Social Media Coordinator

Andrea Navarro, Fundraising and Service Officer

Ryan Hanley, Documentation Officer

We congratulate the IMA Student Chapter on all of their accomplishments and are looking forward to the 2023-2024 academic year!

Brett McCartney and Madelyn Ronan at the IMA Student Chapter table during the KSOM BBQ

ANNUAL ACCOUNTING DINNER

Annual Accounting Celebration Returns!

Each year at the end of the Spring semester, the Accounting Department holds its Annual Accounting Celebration, sponsored by Baker Tilly, to acknowledge the achievements of the Accounting program, faculty, students, and alumni. The event includes achievement highlights from the academic year, keynote address from an honored guest, presentation of professional partner and student awards, Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) induction ceremony, and recognition of incoming and outgoing officers, graduating seniors, and member accolades for the student accounting organizations: BAP, Society of Accounting Students (SAS), Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter, and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Student Chapter. Invited guests include faculty, students, alumni, professional partners, and program supporters, who enjoy a cocktails, dinner, and networking. Below is a recap of this event for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years:

Back Row: Rich O’Hara, ACFE Faculty Advisor, Aidan Cagner, Jake Gallagher, Jared Septer, Amanda Marcy, Society of Accountig/Beta Alpha Psi Faculty Advisor, Mary Kate Yatsonsky, Emma Boyle.

Front Row: Annalisa Mechanick, Zelli Policarpio, Marissa Angelo, Ashley Stampone, IMA Faculty Advisor, Charles Csazar

Keynote Speaker

2021-2022

J. Taggart McGurrin, CPA, MBA, JD (’10, G’11), Chief Business Officer of Neumentum, Inc.

2022-2023

Dr. Dana R. Hermanson, Dinos Eminent Scholar Chair of Private Enterprise and Professor of Accounting at Kennesaw State University

Accounting Department Honorary Awards

Dr. Brian W. Carpenter Research Award

2021-2022

Dr. Daniel Gaydon (DBA’20), Geisinger Health System

2022-2023

Dr. Dana Hermanson, KSU

Dr. Daniel P. Mahoney Mentoring Award

2021-2022

J. Taggart McGurrin (’10, G’11), Neumentum, Inc.

2022-2023

Brittany Moyer (’16), Deloitte

John P. McLean Leadership Award

2021-2022

Timothy Walsh (’92), KPMG

2022-2023

Kristyn Howell (’08), Baker Tilly

Dr. Michael O. Mensah Service Award

2021-2022

Daniel Farrell (’03), PwC

2022-2023

Bill Lewis (’82), Guidehouse & PwC (retired)

Accounting Department Professional Alumni Council

2021-2022

N/A

2022-2023

Bill Lewis (’82), Guidehouse & PwC (retired)

Dr. Douglas M. Boyle Outstanding Research Awards

2021-2022

Dr. Heather Holcomb (DBA’20), SUNY Oswego

Dr. Ashley Stampone (’10, G’11, PhD’23), University of Scranton

Dr. Greg Kogan (PhD’22), Virginia Tech

Dr. Lisa Haylon (PhD’23), Southern Connecticut State University

2022-2023

Dr. Amanda Marcy (’10, G’11, DBA’20), University of Scranton

Dr. Patrick O’Brien (DBA’20), SUNY Old Westbury

Dr. Ronald Parker (DBA’20), Western Carolina University

Dr. Amanda Sue Marcy and Dr. Patrick O’Brien

ANNUAL ACCOUNTING DINNER

Sophie V. West Service Award

2021-2022

Mary Kate Yatsonsky (’22, G’23)

Charles Csaszar (’22, G’23)

2022-2023

Annalisa Mechanick (’23)

BAP MVP Award

2021-2022

Marissa Angelo (’22, G’23)

2022-2023

Ashley Zaita (’23)

SAS MVP Award

2021-2022

Patrick O’Malley

2022-2023

Marilena Kumbios (’23)

Student Awards

CMA Scholarship Recipients

2021-2022

Kevin Duffy (’23)

Benjamin Koshinski (’22)

Kyle Wind (G’23)

Brendan Einhorn

Laura Rocco (G’22)

Yoseph Najem

2022-2023

Sarah Boyle

Rizwan Kha

Hirali Patel (’23)

William Wooten

Dr. Amanda Sue Marcy and Annalisa Mechanick

Dr. Amanda Sue Marcy, Mary Kate Yatsonsky, and Charles Csaczar

2021-2022

Student Club Recognitions

IMA Officer Installation

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ashley Stampone

2021-2022

Emma Boyle, President & Outreach

Aidan Cagner, IMA Submission

Charles Csaszar, Secretary

Annalisa Mechanick, Treasurer/Social Media

Brett McCartney, Fundraising & Service

Madelyn Ronan, Advertising

2022-2023

BAP/SAS Officer Installation

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Amanda Marcy

2021-2022

Aidan Cagner, President

Brett McCartney, Vice President & Treasurer

Kevin Duffy, Secretary

Kaleigh Timmons, Social Engagement Dir.

2022-2023

Kaleigh Timmons, President

Madelyn Ronan, Vice President

Nina Figetakis, Secretary

John Sheehan, Treasurer

Brianna Kerrane, Social Engagement Dir.

Ryan Hanley, Junior Officer

Sarah Boyle, President & Outreach

Ryan Hanley, Documentation

Brett McCartney, Secretary

Annalisa Mechanick, Treasurer/Social Media

Andrea Navarro, Fundraising & Service

Madelyn Ronan, Advertising

ACFE Officer Installation

Faculty Advisor: Prof. Rich O’Hara

2021-2022

Brett McCartney, President

Ashley Zaita, Vice President

Emma FitzPatrick, Secretary

Sophie Majewski, Treasurer

2022-2023 TBD

Aidan Cagner, Jake Gallagher, Jared Septer, Amanda Marcy, Society of Accounting/Beta Alpha Psi Faculty Advisor, Mary Kate Yatsonsky, Emma Boyle

Don’t go to Harvard, but to the Business School at The University of Scranton, where they are changing lives.”

PETER DRUCKER FATHER OF MODERN MANAGEMENT