MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Hello and welcome to another edition of our newsletter. It is amazing how fast the business world is changing with the onset of artificial intelligence (AI). While we have not yet unpacked the entire impact AI will have, we know it will transform business settings. While much more is needed, we began implementing changes to our undergraduate and graduate curriculum in response to the central role artificial intelligence will play in professional settings. We also introduced an AI/ML minor in our undergraduate program and a concentration in our MBA program, all created and taught by our MIS faculty.
In this issue we discuss RADAR, which is our initiative to increase the number of accounting majors amidst the national shortage of accountants. These initiatives also target students outside of the business school or outside of Villanova to come into accounting via our graduate programs. Similar efforts have been implemented to attract students to MIS via our student groups and the introductory MIS class.
We also highlight changes to our faculty. In accounting, we’ve had several retirements over the past 12 years, such that our faculty would be nearly unrecognizable to someone that graduated as recently as 15 years ago. Both Jim Emig and Shelley Rhoades-Catanach retired this past year, and Wayne Bremser retired the prior year. While their service and dedication are almost impossible to replace, we’ve had several years of very strong recruiting efforts.
Finally, we highlight the many achievements of our students. This includes placement results—we enjoyed another very strong year with our May 2024 accounting majors. Our senior survey reveals just how well our students are placed; for the most part, our majors not only have a job lined up by graduation but also a job that sets the stage for their entire career. We also include highlights of students who have excelled inside and outside the classroom. It is these accomplishments that make us most proud to see the fruits of our efforts as we prepare them for the next phase of their careers. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Michael F. Peters, PhD
Alvin A. Clay Professor of Accounting Chair, Accounting and Information Systems Villanova School of Business
michael.peters@villanova.edu
UNDERGRADUATE ACCOUNTING
Accounting majors at Villanova had another great year, with 100% of students placed by date of graduation. There were 98 undergraduate accounting students that graduated in May 2024. As in past years, it continues to be a strong job market for accounting professionals. The chart to the left shows the undergraduate placement results broken down by career path.
MIS UNDERGRADUATE PLACEMENT
There were 36 students that graduated with an MIS major in May 2024. At the time of this writing, the placement results for the MIS majors were not available. However, based on what we know, we expect these results to be in line with prior years— specifically, a very high placement rate by graduation and most being placed in advising positions, especially in the advising areas of international accounting firms and consulting destinations.
Audit Advising/Consulting Graduate School Tax Analyst
GRADUATE ACCOUNTING
100% of graduate accounting students, with a graduation date of May 2024, have received and accepted a job offer prior to graduation.
Career outcomes data is based on self-reported student data collected by the Graduate Programs Office. This data reflects a 100% knowledge rate of the 24 MAC and MBT graduates, with a degree conferral date of May 2024.
RETIRING FACULTY
Wayne Bremser, PhD, joined VSB in 1974, and his retirement in 2023 concludes an impressive career that spanned five decades.
Dr. Bremser was one of the top researchers at VSB, consistently publishing at a much higher level than expectations at the time. He also consulted in research and technical writing and in performance management and control for strategy implementation.
From 2004 to 2007, Dr. Bremser was the department chair and implemented many initiatives that anticipated the changes underway in academia. While he taught many classes across his career, recently he focused on International and Managerial Accounting. He also served as an advisor to Beta Alpha Psi honor society and had numerous departmental and college committee responsibilities.
In 1987, Dr. Bremser was the first faculty member at VSB to receive the University’s Distinguished Faculty Research Award. He also received the VSB Critical Incidents Award in 2004.
Dr. Bremser and his wife Mary Lou are enjoying retired life traveling, visiting their children and grandchildren. He was just named Professor Emeritus by VSB.
Jim Emig, PhD, has been a faculty member at VSB for 41 years. He was named the inaugural associate chair of Accounting in 2016 and held that position until his retirement.
His personal mission always had our students and their learning as the centerpiece. Whether teaching in the classroom or providing guidance, he gave his entire self to prepare students for the next phase of their lives.
Dr. Emig also valued his colleagues and doing what he could to help both faculty and the department reach their goals. His service commitments would take a book to summarize, but he was involved in almost every outreach activity in the department
and always went the extra mile on behalf of our students and faculty.
Dr. Emig taught many classes over the years, including financial and managerial accounting and the intermediate sequence. He was an outstanding teacher and earned some of the highest awards in both the University and college, including the Lindback Teaching Award in 1987, Gerald A. Dougherty Endowed School of Business Faculty Award in 2010, and the SGA VSB Teacher of the Year in 2003. The Lindback Award goes to the top teacher across the entire University, and the Dougherty is specific to VSB.
On the personal side, he is the proud husband of Julie and the father of triplets Kelsey, Matt and Jessica. He organizes lunches with the Villanova retirees—as he would say, those faculty that built the foundation for the Villanova School of Business.
Shelley Rhoades-Catanach, PhD, has been part of the VSB faculty for more than 20 years. She has not only been a leader in taxation at VSB but has also been recognized in multiple ways across the broader academic community.
Dr. Rhoades-Catanach worked tirelessly at curriculum development to help students understand not only taxation but the strategic role it plays in business settings. She also acted as a mentor to help guide other tax faculty with their curriculum development and teaching techniques. These contributions have made VSB a leader in this area. Among her many contributions to VSB, she was previously the faculty director for the Master of Accounting & Professional Consultancy Program and the inaugural chair of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Executive MBA program.
Dr. Rhoades-Catanach taught many classes in taxation over the years in our undergraduate and graduate programs and in the law school. Her graduate classes were consistently cited by students as the most rewarding and their most valued learning experience. Due to the consistency of this laudatory feedback over her years, the department now has a graduate accounting student award in her name.
Dr. Rhoades-Catanach is the author of two textbooks and many articles at top-ranked publications. In her retirement, she will reside with her husband Tony in Florida.
WELCOME NEW FACULTY
Arup Das ’16 MSA is an executive in residence in Management Information Systems and has been primarily teaching in the MBA program since fall 2022. He is an established thought leader in digital transformation in the real estate, financial services and law industries.
Das earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer engineering from SUNY Stony Brook; an MBA from Cornell; and a Master of Analytics from VSB. He is currently a member of the advisory council for the Center for Business Analytics. Prior to VSB, his efforts were in learning and teaching technology trends in digital transformation around analytics and artificial intelligence.
Stasia Morlino, PhD, CPA, joined VSB’s Accounting & Information Systems department as an assistant professor of practice in the fall of 2023. She earned her BS in Accounting from La Salle University, her MBA from Temple University and her PhD in Accounting from the University of Scranton. For the past three years, Dr. Morlino has served as an assistant professor at La Salle. She is an active CPA in Pennsylvania and has worked at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Temple University Health System and KPMG.
Dr. Morlino taught financial and managerial accounting this past academic year and has made an immediate impact on our students. She currently serves as the faculty advisor for the Accounting Society and advises students on the CPA exam, 150 credit hours and career paths.
Karen Ton, PhD, CPA, earned her BS in Business Administration and PhD in Accounting from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. She joined VSB in the fall of 2022 as an assistant professor in the Accounting & Information Systems department after serving on the faculty at Kelley School of Business, Indiana University and Goizueta Business School at Emory University. Dr. Ton is a CPA in California and has worked in both assurance services and transaction services at PwC. She is currently the Vincent B. DiDomenico, Jr. ’88 Assistant Professor.
Dr. Ton’s research focuses on the role of accounting information in financial reporting, corporate restructuring and auditing, and she has several publications in our top academic journals. Her primary teaching interest is in financial accounting at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Dan Way, PhD, earned his BS in Accounting & Information Systems from the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech, MaCC from the Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte, MS in Technology Systems from East Carolina University, and MBus and PhD in Accounting from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He joined VSB’s Accounting & Information Systems department in the fall of 2023 as an assistant professor after serving as an assistant professor at Clemson University. Professionally, Dr. Way worked as both a business systems consultant and financial consultant at Wells Fargo. He is currently Andrew J. Melton, Jr. ’42 Assistant Professor.
His research focuses on the role of accounting information in decision-making, especially with financial incentives, social incentives, performance evaluation, group identity and group effects. Dr. Way has published in some of the top academic journals in the field. He currently teaches managerial accounting.
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
Denise Downey, ’05 VSB, ’08 MAC, the KPMG Endowed Professor of Accounting, was named the associate chair of accounting effective Fall 2023. Her responsibilities will be strategic. Initially, she will focus on our faculty recruiting efforts, curriculum development and student surveys. Dr. Downey also received the VSB External Engagement Award in 2024.
Jennifer Altamuro, PhD, was promoted to full professor effective fall 2024. Dr. Altamuro is currently the faculty director of our Master of Accounting (MAC) program. She teaches Intermediate Accounting in our undergraduate program and Valuation Issues in Accounting, and she previously taught Digital Issues in Accounting in our MAC program. Dr. Altamuro was previously an assistant professor at Ohio State University and a visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania.
2023 VSB FACULTY
Jim Bierstaker, PhD Research to Practice Award
Lucy Chen, PhD, the John M. Cooney Endowed Professor in Accounting, was named full professor effective fall 2023. Dr. Chen is the first female faculty in accounting that has earned this ranking. She teaches Performance Management and Business Risk Management in our Executive MBA program and Principles of Managerial Accounting to our undergraduates. She has previously taught Advanced Topics in Financial Reporting and Fraud to our graduate students. Prior to Villanova, Dr. Chen was an assistant professor at Arizona State University.
Laura Iacona, CPA, ’96 VSB was promoted to associate professor of the practice effective fall 2024. Iacona teaches auditing and intermediate accounting in our undergraduate program. She was previously an audit partner and the audit practice leader at Grant Thornton.
Luke Watson, PhD, CPA, was promoted to associate professor effective fall 2023. Dr. Watson has previous experience at the University of Florida and Drexel University. He teaches taxation in our Master of Business Taxation and undergraduate accounting programs.
2024 VSB FACULTY AWARD WINNERS
Yiwen Li, PhD
The McCarthy Family Assistant Professor
Saad Siddiqui, PhD Small Research Grant Program
Denise Downey, PhD, CPA External Engagement Award
Karen Ton, PhD, CPA
The Vincent B. DiDomenico, Jr. ’88 Assistant Professor
Daniel Way, PhD
The Andrew J. Melton Jr. ’42 Assistant Professor
GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
Natalie DiDomenico
Bartley Medallion
Excellence in Accounting in the Master of Accounting program
Natalie DiDomenico ’23 VSB, ’24 MAC has taken on several leadership roles as both an undergraduate and graduate student. She coordinates for the Community Outreach of Villanova (COV), tutors in the Executive MBA program and participates in other undergraduate outreach activities.
DiDomenico found that the most valuable skill she learned is dedicating time towards understanding the different perspectives of others. She also values the sense of community at VSB. She shares, “My favorite part about my education at Villanova is the people. The professors truly care about their students and are invested in our success. Similarly, my classmates are always supportive. We never compete over grades—we are 100% rooting for each other. Some of the most valuable lessons I have learned in VSB have come from my incredibly talented peers.”
Upon graduation, DiDomenico will be working as an Audit associate at PwC in Hartford, Conn .
Gregory DeLuca
Bartley Medallion
Excellence in Business Taxation in the Master of Business Taxation program
In reflecting on his graduate education, Gregory DeLuca ’22 VSB, ’23 MBT shares that “The MBT program did a great job of introducing us to the current tax law and the many technologies that are essential to being successful in public accounting today. Villanova excels at many aspects of education—soft and hard skills—but ensuring that graduates are on the cutting edge of their respective industry is the most valuable asset in the MBT program.” DeLuca’s favorite part of VSB was forging relationships with the accounting faculty and alumni. He found that they truly care about students’ futures and are eager to provide career support.
Outside of his academic career, DeLuca started a charity with his family called The Jimmy Way, which is a remembrance of DeLuca’s father and focuses on feeding local hungry children.
DeLuca graduated summa cum laude from VSB as an undergraduate accounting student and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. DeLuca is joining Wipfli LLP in Radnor, Pa., as a Tax associate.
Gianna Bamonte
Bartley Medallion
Excellence in Taxation in the Master of Business Taxation (MBT) program
Gianna Bamonte ’24 MBT considers the breadth of learning in the MBT program to be the most valuable part of her experience. She was exposed to a broad array of data analytics platforms in her accounting and tax classes, which will help her to hit the ground running in the workplace; in addition, the variety of tax classes will allow her to identify sectors that she may pursue in the future.
Bamonte’s favorite aspect of the MBT experience was the direct access to faculty. She found it easy to schedule time to meet with faculty for class help, career advice or just a chat.
Bamonte earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Quinnipiac University. As an undergraduate, she held various leadership positions and volunteered for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Following graduation, Bamonte will begin employment as a Tax associate with KPMG in the New York Financial Services group.
RHOADES-CATANACH STUDENT AWARD WINNERS
This award was created to recognize Professor Shelley Rhoades-Catanach for her teaching excellence and dedication to the MAC program and our students. The awards recognize those students who consistently bring their best efforts to the Graduate Accounting program. The 2024 winners are Abby Gibbons ’24 MAC, Jonah Gavino ’24 MAC, Brendan Tierney ’24 MAC and Dennis Valent ’24 MAC. Congratulations and thank you for representing Accounting and VSB so well!
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
Christian Lee
Bartley
Medallion
Excellence in Accounting
At VSB, Christian Lee ’23 VSB, ‘24 MAC has been active in leadership positions in VSB. He was also honored as one of Poets&Quants’ Best and Brightest in 2024.
When reflecting on what he has learned at Villanova, Lee states, “The most valuable piece of information that I learned in my education at Villanova is that communication and teamwork are crucial to growing as a business professional. Courses such as Competitive Effectiveness and Intermediate Accounting have taught me that working in a team produces better work and helps form important relationships.”
Lee is currently in the Villanova Master of Accounting and Data Analytics (MAC) program and will graduate in December 2024. This summer, Lee will have an internship with PwC Management Consulting.
Margaux Snow
Bartley Medallion Excellence in Management Information Systems
The most valuable advice that Margaux Snow ’24 VSB adopted from her years at VSB is to always stay ahead of emerging technologies. “Success is contingent on adaptability, and it is critical to embrace learning even when it may be uncomfortable,” she says. Snow also credits the professors for their passionate teaching and the level of support they provide students.
Snow would like to thank her family for always supporting her and for their unwavering belief in her potential to achieve great things. Upon graduation, Snow will be joining Deloitte’s audit practice in Arlington, Va . She is currently studying for the CPA exam and is excited to see what the future holds!
Bianca Carzo ’24 VSB
If you stopped by the office of the Accounting & Information Systems Department sometime within the last two years, there’s a good chance that you’ve already met Bianca Carzo ’24 VSB, department intern. Carzo reflected upon her VSB experience below:
I majored in accounting, co-majored in international business, and added a minor in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and I recently graduated with an honors degree. I participated in many other activities at Villanova in addition to studying abroad in Urbino, Italy.
The decision to major in accounting was heavily influenced by Professor Stephen Liedtka, who was very optimistic about the field and its endless opportunities. In addition, accounting faculty in general challenge students to achieve their highest potential in their professional and personal life. The accounting faculty make themselves available to students in their office hours above and beyond anything I have seen in other courses.
My experience working as an intern in the department has been extremely valuable and rewarding and will help when I begin at EY as a tax professional in New York City. I enhanced my digital skills, provided perspective for department programming and decisions, attended Accounting Advisory Council meetings, received unparalleled mentorship, and engaged with many successful alumni along with making many friends.
Just a few words of wisdom to current and incoming VSB students: make sure you are aware of all the resources Villanova provides, and read the weekly e-newsletters! These simple steps led to financial support for my study-abroad experience and attendance at the Grace Hopper Conference.
The accounting faculty make themselves available to students in their office hours above and beyond anything I have seen in other courses.
VILLANOVA GRAD AMONG
EXTRAORDINARY
CPA EXAM
PERFORMERS
We are thrilled to share that Jared Plattman ’22 VSB is a recipient of the 2023 Elijah Watt Sells Award. The Watt Sells award, named after CPA pioneer Elijah Watt Sells, is presented to candidates who obtained a cumulative average score above 95.50 across all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination, completed testing during the calendar year and passed all four sections of the examination on their first attempt. Plattman, currently a Deals Advisory associate at KPMG in New York, NY, is one of 40 recipients out of more than 86,000 candidates.
Sydney Harris ’23 CLAS, ’24 MBT
How does someone graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and obtain their Master of Business Taxation degree one year later? Sydney Harris shares her journey below.
I had always planned for a career in medicine. When the pandemic shut everything down, I took a job managing back-office operations for a small hospitality business. Unexpectedly, I discovered that I had a passion for business administration, which led me to Villanova’s Summer Business Institute (SBI) to earn a business minor. During SBI, I became attracted to accounting. and with its emphasis on concepts and applications, it was a way to put how my own brain worked into practice.
After completing SBI, I was committed to expanding upon my accounting foundation but was a rising senior and short on time. I learned that I could earn an accounting minor by taking additional courses and loaded up the fall semester with six classes. Somehow, it was my 8:30 a.m. Federal Income Tax class that I looked forward to the most. The implementation of regulations and applications in tax mirrored my approach to work and study. As the semester progressed, I became more certain that this was the right path for me. Following a tax
internship at PwC in Philadelphia, I continued my studies in the Master of Business Taxation (MBT) program.
While in the MBT program, I found incredibly supportive faculty and classmates. Professor Ed Liva was instrumental in guiding my transition from science to business. In addition, having professors who were actively practicing in the field offered a unique perspective on learning, enriching our understanding of tax concepts. They were genuinely invested in our success, and consequently we felt valued and motivated to excel. My classmates also helped make my journey much smoother. Our shared maturity and commitment to entering the accounting industry fostered a positive environment. The best part of the MBT program is the curriculum. It gives you a taste of all areas of taxation. Diving into accounting for the first time, it was eye-opening to see all the different paths I could take in tax. It’s not just about learning; it’s about sparking ideas and excitement for where I could go in my career. Following graduation, I will be joining PwC in Philadelphia as a Tax associate, working in the Asset and Wealth Management Division. Completing SBI, an accounting minor and finally the MBT program were memorable and important pieces of my college experience and have led me to an exciting and fulfilling career. I am proud to be a Wildcat!
The best part of the MBT program is the curriculum. It gives you a taste of all areas of taxation. Diving into accounting for the first time, it was eye-opening to see all the different paths I could take in tax.
2023 STUDENT AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
2023 BARTLEY MEDALLION AWARD WINNERS
Victoria Sebastian ’23 VSB Excellence in Accounting
Annie Tunstall ’23 VSB Excellence in Management Information Systems
Margaret Cashion ’22 MBT Excellence in Business Taxation at the Master’s Level
Rachel Madel ’23 MAC Excellence in Accounting at the Master’s Level
2023 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Molly Nide ’25 VSB
Jennifer L. Kane Endowed University Scholarship
Jessica Chong ’25 VSB Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholarship
Linh Le ’24 VSB PHSIM Award (MIS)
Cole Jackson ’24 VSB
PA CPA Foundation PICPA Academic Merit Scholarship
Michelle Ky ’23 VSB, ’24 MBT PA CPA Foundation PICPA Academic Merit Scholarship
2024 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Madigan Reens ’26 VSB
Jennifer L. Kane Endowed University Scholarship
Simran Mishra ’25 VSB PHSIM Award (MIS)
Catherine Blowe ’24 VSB, ’25 MBT
Kolby McGowan ’26 VSB
Elise Korletey ’25 VSB Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholarship
Jessica Chong ’25 VSB
TJ Curvan ’24 VSB, ’25 MAC
Matt Kowalski ’25 VSB
Christian Lee ’23 VSB, ’24 MBT
PA CPA Foundation PICPA Academic Merit Scholarship
Gianna Altamuro ’25 VSB
Jamie Barbara ’25 VSB
Catherine Blowe ’24 VSB, ’25 MBT
Elise Korletey ’25 VSB
PA CPA Foundation PICPA Diversity Scholarship
BETA ALPHA PSI INDUCTS NEWEST CLASS WITH KPMG TAX PARTNER KEYNOTE
In April, Beta Alpha Psi conducted its first in-person initiation ceremony since the pandemic, inducting 60 new members.
Tim Zuber ’96 VSB, partner, Tax, KPMG, served as the keynote speaker. Zuber is also a member of the VSB Dean’s Advisory Council.
CRYPTO CLUB GOES TO LONDON WITH SUPPORT FROM DELOITTE FUND
The Villanova Crypto Club was founded in 2022 by Professor Bill Wagner as a space for students interested in cryptocurrencies, blockchain, Web3 technologies and AI. It highlights a variety of use cases such as the tokenization of decentralized finance, physical infrastructure networks and real-world assets (like real estate and treasuries).
This past March, the Crypto Club had the opportunity to participate in Blockwork’s Digital Asset Summit in London thanks to VSB and the Deloitte Fund.
VSB GLOBAL ACCOUNTING FIRMS CASE COMPETITION 2024
The 16th annual VSB Global Accounting Firms Case Competition broke previous records for student participation with 110 students comprising 26 teams. Each team was paired with one of the five global accounting firms: Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, KPMG and PwC. The firms provided insights into an actual consulting engagement and worked with faculty as judges.
The VSB faculty advisor and organizer of the competition is Professor Janice Sipior. The kick-off meeting began with a panel of professionals from the five firms led this year by KPMG. A questionand-answer session was followed by a networking reception between advisors and student teams.
Six teams were selected as the finalists, who are all members of the VSB class of 2027:
Accounting Achievers
Colin Tsai, Rose Mazzeo, Eric Tseng, Julia Mickiewicz, Christian Carbone
Accrual Basis
Jenna Sledjeski, Keegan Foy, Trey McAndrew, Laura Tutinikov, Christopher O’Sullivan
East Coast West Coast
Ryan Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy, TJ Penn, Jenna Scanlan
GAAP Guardians
Lexi Forson, Hunter Porro, Chelsea Canal, James Magrini
Human Excel
Kaleb Chang, Emily Hebert, Makaela McLaughlin, Nicholas Silvers
MCJ
Michael Minchak, Corbin Cartagine, Jackson Dollenberg
The finalist presentations are held in fall 2024. Congratulations to our finalists and many thanks to all who participated in the Global Accounting Firms Case Competition 2024!
MIS SOCIETY WINS VERITAS AWARD
The MIS Society was awarded the Veritas Award at the VSB Business Society Awards Dinner held in April. The award was accepted by Rachel Weiss ’24 VSB, president of the MIS Society. The Veritas Award is given to the VSB society that demonstrates truth and commitment to their profession.
This year, the MIS Society launched a new MIS Peer Mentorship program, where a first- or second-year student can be paired with an upperclassman to advise on class scheduling, careers in the field, internship applications and majors/minors selection. The society maintains an active calendar, with multiple speaker events and general body meetings, and significantly grew the overall membership.
ACCOUNTING TODAY IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT IS
What are the top three accounting myths? Accounting Department Chair Michael Peters, PhD, discusses the reality of accounting and where the industry is headed.
READ THE MYTHS
NOW
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES RADAR INITIATIVE
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the demand for accounting professionals with cuttingedge technology skills has reached unprecedented heights. The rise of artificial intelligence, automation, increased regulations, financial investigations and deal activity has created a pressing need for accountants who possess the expertise to navigate these complex challenges. To help stay ahead of this evolving landscape, we organized a strategic initiative task force called RADAR, Revolutionizing Accounting to create paths for students that are Dynamic, Adaptable and Rewarding.
The task force’s mission is to identify ways to highlight the value of the accounting skill set. The suggestions are with new content, better student engagement and more effective approaches to communication. A highlight of these initiatives that spawned from RADAR follow:
Fall Forum: This event brought together 23 employers and more than 200 students to learn about the myriad career opportunities in accounting.
Major Declaration
Event: The department invited all sophomores who recently declared accounting as a major to a welcoming event with faculty. Each student received a backpack courtesy of EY.
Spring Speaker Series: The department hosted six speaker events that featured engaging panelists who were experts in their field. Most events had over 120 students in attendance, most of whom have not yet declared their major. We are grateful to our panelists and moderators who volunteered their time to engage with our VSB students and demonstrate the dynamic career paths available to those with an accounting skill set. This year’s topics included:
• The Role of Accounting in Private Equity
• Forensic Services
• Career Opportunities in Tax
• Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG)
• The Dynamic Career Paths of Accounting Majors
• The Path to 150 Credits/CPA Exam Introduction
In addition to these events and in response to RADAR suggestions, the department began three one-credit electives: Introduction to Forensics, Introduction to Deals Advisory, and Introduction to Digital and Cybersecurity. Each course is taught by professionals who began in accounting and have since migrated to each of these respective fields.
Finally, in conjunction with the RADAR task force, the department created several brochures in Accounting and MIS that highlight the outstanding career opportunities, placement, and other benefits in Accounting and MIS.
The department wishes to extend special thanks to the members of the RADAR task force: Tim Boyle, Nick Francani ’00 VSB, Bob Hagemann P ’09, Bob Klemm ’90 VSB, John Mahoney ’83 VSB, Paul Pizzani ’82 VSB, Kate Reasons ’20 MAC, Margaret Mary Rilling ’18 MAC, Charles Waring ’05 VSB and Chad Winters ’00 VSB
A&IS FACULTY LEAD INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES
The Accounting and MIS faculty led students to several international experiences, including London (Patty Crenny); Syndey, Australia (Jim Borden); Berlin, Germany (Sue Metzger); and Galway, Ireland (Denise Downey and Jennifer Altamuro). This section focuses on the two Maymesters in Berlin and Galway. These are intensive programs that consist of one three-credit class over an approximately two-week period during the latter part of May.
We would be remiss not to acknowledge the support of our alumni and the different organizations that allowed both the Berlin and Galway programs to be an amazing learning experience for our students. We would also like to thank Kim Cahill and the Moran Center for Global Leadership for their support and expertise in helping us provide this amazing opportunity for our VSB students.
BERLIN MAYMESTER PROGRAM
In Berlin, Germany, 18 VSB students explored technology and innovation while completing the three-credit Introduction to MIS course. The students learned about core technology concepts in the classroom and then immediately saw the application of these concepts at local companies.
Why Berlin? Berlin has a vibrant start-up environment where technology, innovation, engineering and sustainability reign. Students visit SAP’s Innovation Center to see how business processes are progressing using blockchain, artificial intelligence and industrial augmented reality. Students walk the plant floor at BMW to see the integration of people, robots and information systems to ensure efficient production of made-toorder motorcycles. Professor Sue Metzger, who led students on this trip, explains, “Balancing lectures and readings with site visits is a great way to impress
upon our students their need to embrace data, use information systems to manage business processes and always be prepared to innovate with newer technologies.”
On top of the academic experience, students saw the effects of Germany’s unification as they walked daily between what was East and West Berlin, explored the business decisions made due to the Ukraine-Russia war, visited the Sachsenhausen concentration camp and examined its effects on certain European practices related to data privacy, and learned about the surprise focus on sustainability as highlighted by SAP. It was a resounding success, and we look forward to future Maymesters.
DUBLIN AND GALWAY MAYMESTER
On May 11, 2024, VSB launched its inaugural Accounting Maymester in Ireland! Twenty-four students earned three credits in International Accounting while spending one week in Dublin and a second week in Galway. Through a combination of classroom lectures and company site visits, students covered topics such as international tax, international accounting standard setting, fraud and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and data security and privacy.
The people of Ireland were so welcoming to our group, and the corporate site visits were a wonderful example of Irish hospitality. Not only were the students given VIP treatment, but they had the opportunity to engage with over 50 Irish professionals from PwC, the Central Bank of Ireland, FTI Consulting, Bank of New York Melon, Deloitte, Eisner Amper, the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority, SAP, LK Shields, and the University of Galway.
Academic highlights of the trip included gaining a better understanding of the role of accounting in establishing and maintaining a trustworthy global
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AND GALWAY MAYMESTER (CONT’D)
financial reporting system, as well as learning about professional opportunities for accounting students in the areas of forensic accounting, sustainability reporting and investment banking. Cultural highlights included trips to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher, watching a Gaelic football match at Pearse Stadium, and a day at Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park. They were also very fortunate to attend Mass at St. Augustine Church in Galway, where they were greeted warmly by Fr. Tony Finn, OSA. We look forward to doing it again in May 2025.
Go Raibh Maith Agat!
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/ MACHINE LEARNING (AI/ML) PROGRAMS
The MIS faculty created two programs that are at the cutting edge of business. One is the AI/ ML minor in our undergraduate program, and the second is an AI/ML concentration in our MBA program. The undergraduate minor includes three classes and is available to any VSB student, not just those majoring in MIS. It addresses how AI/ML applications will impact business functions in addition to covering predominant AI/ML platforms and ethical AI. In addition, it addresses learning modules in Python programming language in addition to applications of AI. This program has become very popular and has grown significantly each year. The AI/ML concentration in the MBA program has also been very popular with students.
PROFESSIONAL OUTREACH
CORPORATE SUPPORT
The department would like to thank its alums and corporate and accounting firms for all their financial and time commitment to VSB and the department. Below are some highlights of this partnership:
Deloitte
Deloitte Foundation Student Activity Fund for students to attend education conferences, professional development and leadership training, along with company visits.
EY
Provide scholarship support for students in the Summer Business Institute (SBI), students who become peer advisors and those attending conferences.
KPMG
Scholarships for students in financial need pursuing the Master of Accounting or Master of Business Taxation degrees.
PwC
Scholarships for students in the College of Professional Studies that have matriculated from a community college to pursue Master of Accounting or Master of Business Taxation degrees and funding for speaker series, conferences and hardship funds.
We would also like to provide our appreciation and thanks to all those firms not mentioned above that have participated in our speaker series, including Crowe, Eisner Amper, BASF, Boston Consulting Group, UGI, SIG Susquehanna, NASDAQ, SIGA Technologies and Cartesian Capital Group.
If you would like to learn more about how to support the Accounting Program, please contact Brendan Glackin, senior director for Major Gifts, at brendan.glackin@villanova.edu
DUBLIN
ACCOUNTING RESEARCH CONFERENCE
In September, the Accounting & Information Systems Department, led by Karen Ton and Yiwen Li—both assistant professors of Accounting—hosted its inaugural Accounting Research Conference at the Inn at Villanova. The invitation-only conference brought together more than 50 scholars from various universities including Temple University, Drexel University, Lehigh University, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers University, La Salle University and the University of Delaware.
Following a welcome from Jonathan Doh, PhD, senior associate dean for Research, Faculty Advancement and Global Engagement, there were three presenters: John L. Campbell, PhD, CPA, University of Georgia; Alina Lerman, PhD, University of Connecticut; and Nemit Shroff, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
2024 VU WOMEN IN TECH CONFERENCE
The ninth annual VU Women in Tech Conference was a great success! The event was held on January 27 at the Inn at Villanova. We were thrilled to welcome 12 speakers, 160 live attendees and 50 virtual attendees, expanding our reach to more alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of Villanova year after year.
The conference featured two keynote sessions that were both insightful and inspiring. Beth Mazzeo ’81 VSB, chief administrative officer at Bloomberg, stressed the importance of establishing and managing an extensive network, maintaining curiosity and a desire for learning, and finding a sustainable work-life balance to maximize your potential. Rana el Kaliouby concluded with a presentation on emotional intelligence in the wake of emerging AI technology.
MIS STEERING COMMITTEE
In December, the MIS Steering Committee held their yearly in-person meeting at Bartley Hall. The MIS Steering Committee is co-chaired by Bob Arakelian ’74 CLAS, assistant professor of the practice, and Keith Wright, assistant professor of the practice.
The Steering Committee is comprised of top management of companies that recruit from Villanova University. Each member has significant leadership experience overseeing data, systems and/or technology.
This year’s meeting featured two special guests, Suzanne Watts and Tim Donato from Neudesic, an IBM Company. They presented on artificial intelligence (AI), which sparked an engaging
TAX ADVISORY COUNCIL
The VSB Accounting and Information Systems Department established the Tax Advisory Council in the fall of 2023. Its mission is twofold: to support our efforts in raising the level of awareness among our undergraduate students of career opportunities in tax and to advise and support the Master of Business Taxation with Data Analytics (MBT) program.
The council is comprised of members of the tax accounting profession, including Big 4 national and regional accounting firms, public and private businesses, and professional associations and boards. Ed Liva, professor of practice and MBT faculty director, is the council’s chair.
In January 2024, the council met in Bartley Hall.
discussion on the impact of large language models (LLM) and the growing relevance of generative AI.
The influence of AI on both academia and business was a central topic, with council members emphasizing the need for VSB students to understand the diverse roles within the AI industry, ethical AI use and the benefits of generative AI in online searches.
The MIS Steering Committee also discussed the ideal qualities when hiring college graduates. In addition to higher-level technical skills, they look for a student with a well-rounded profile, and students who are adaptable, have extracurricular involvement and can work in teams.
The meeting began with a presentation from the VSB Marketing team regarding their goals, objectives, strategies and tactics in marketing the MBT program to potential students. In addition, we shared the recent news that the MBT and MAC programs are now categorized as STEM Designated Degree Programs.
The Tax Advisory Council also discussed and identified the portfolio of skill sets that tax professionals need to succeed. They include competency in substantive tax knowledge, fundamental impact skills (also referred to as “soft” skills), proficiency in technology and data analytics applications, and familiarity with AI. We then reviewed the MBT course curriculum and mapped these skill sets to the courses in the curriculum where the skill set is attained.
GRADUATE ACCOUNTING PROGRAMS RECEIVE STEM DESIGNATION
Effective fall 2024, the Master of Accounting with Data Analytics (MAC) and the Master of Business Taxation with Data Analytics (MBT) are STEMdesignated degree programs. A STEM-designated degree program meets criteria set by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in STEM fields.
The MAC and MBT curricula at VSB teach students how to extract, transform and load data to perform analytics and present the knowledge gained from the information. In addition, the MAC and MBT continue to evolve and now include an Emerging Technologies and a Digital Accounting Experience class, which will address artificial intelligence and cybersecurity issues. Whether in these or similar classes or traditional accounting and tax classes, STEM concepts are weaved into the learning modules.
MBT ESTABLISHES PARTNERSHIP WITH HBCUS
The National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable serves as a forum for deans of business schools at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs) to address opportunities and challenges associated with enhancing their business programs and initiatives. It provides a platform for leaders to discuss strategies, share insights and collaborate on improving business education.
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Villanova School of Business and the Accounting and Information Systems Department committed to sponsoring the Roundtable, emphasizing their dedication to supporting student success and fostering strategic partnerships. Professor Ed Liva, director of the Master of Business Taxation with Data Analytics (MBT) program, served on the
The STEM designation confirms that our graduate accounting and tax programs provide students with a highly sought-after skill set, encompassing critical thinking, innovation and technical expertise. This designation not only enriches the educational experience but also significantly enhances career prospects and opportunities for international students, helping us maintain a diverse and talented student body.
Ed Liva, JD, CPA Faculty Director Master of Business Taxation
Roundtable’s Advisory Board, contributing valuable expertise and insights. “This was an extremely rewarding experience for me, and I witnessed the deans’ unwavering dedication to the success of their students and the advancement of their institutions,” he says.
In June, the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable convened its 21st Annual Deans Summit, offering cutting-edge seminars and programs to deans and their students. The Summit’s theme centered around “Building for the Future: Thriving in a World of Digital Disruption.” During this event, VSB Fellow Julius Green joined Professor Ed Liva, providing an opportunity to connect with the deans and share valuable information and opportunities for HBCU students who might consider enrollment in the VSB Graduate Accounting Programs.
SCOTT KING PRESENTED WITH ABOVE AND BEYOND RECOGNITION
Last spring, Scott King ’92 VSB, audit partner at Deloitte, was presented the Above and Beyond Recognition for the Accounting Advisory Council. King has been an active and engaged member of the Accounting Advisory Council for more than 15 years. He has been a thoughtful and insightful contributor to many Council discussions around curriculum, professional development activities and DEI initiatives. Most importantly, he serves as one of the leading relationship partners at Deloitte and always makes the extra effort to attend events on campus and speak with students interested in accounting and Deloitte. He has led a campaign to have Deloitte alums give back to Villanova through volunteerism, recruiting and philanthropy.
For all his work, we are grateful. King is married to another Villanova graduate, Mary Beth ’92 VSB, and is a two-time parent of Villanovans: Colin ’21 ME and Brendan ’24 CLAS! Congratulations!
VILLANOVA ACCOUNTING SOCIETY PRESENTS TO ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
The Accounting Advisory Council welcomed four members of the Villanova Accounting Society (VAS) to its spring 2024 meeting:
Carolina Spana ’25 VSB, president; Jordan Galloway ’25 VSB, vice president; Garbriel Speiser ’27 VSB, Communications chair; Jennifer Stamboulian ’25 VSB, Event Planning Committee.
The students provided a brief overview of VAS and its mission to inspire, educate and transform the next generation of future accountants. A vibrant discussion followed that ranged in topics from soft-skill development, AI and the profession—factors that attract students to and scare them from the major. The responses collected during the Q&A session have been shared with the RADAR Advisory Council and will help guide future discussions.
ACCOUNTING ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
The advisory board membership listed below includes members for the 2023-2024 academic year. During this past academic year, we welcomed Julius Green, Mark Mahar, Claire Marble, Ryan Oswald and Licete Snediker to the Accounting Advisory Council (AAC). We thank them and all members for making room in their busy schedules to serve on the board. The AAC serves as a sounding board to the department and has been instrumental with their guidance on many issues, including curriculum, research, accreditation, strategy and most significant initiatives.
DEPARTING MEMBERS 2022-2024
BRENDAN
COX ’92 VSB,
NICK FRANCANI ’00 VSB AND JOE TUITE ’96 VSB
We first want to thank Brendan Cox for your dedication over all these years and your calming presence and thoughtful comments at our meetings. While your presence will be missed, we look forward to welcoming your participation in the newly formed Tax Advisory Council.
Next, we want to thank Nick Francani for your commitment to VSB and most especially the department. Your active participation at our meetings and insightful comments will be very
Timothy Boehmer ’95 VSB Partner Crowe Horwath
Timothy Boyle
Executive Vice President, Head of Global Tax Chubb
Brian Cassidy ’04 VSB Partner, Audit and Assurance Deloitte
Ann Cavanaugh ’92 VSB Managing Director Apollo Global Management
Joseph Croasdale ’85 VSB Senior Technical Advisor Liquidnet
Michelle Daly ’97 VSB SVP, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer NASDAQ
Frank J. Frabizzio ’91 VSB
Managing Partner, Trust Specialty Services and Audit Partner PwC
Julius Green
Retired Tax Partner Baker Tilly
Robert A. Hagemann P ’09 Retired Senior Vice President and CFO
Quest Diagnostics
John R. Kelly ’00 VSB Chief Financial Officer
Axonic Capital
Scott King ’92 VSB Audit Partner Deloitte
hard to replace. Over the years, you have added great value to the council and for that we are grateful. We look forward to continuing our relationship in different ways.
Finally, a special thank you to Joe Tuite. You came to the council with a great perspective, and it had a positive impact on our meetings. We also appreciate you making your participation so successful in your busy schedule. We look forward to maintaining our relationship.
Robert Klemm ’90 VSB Partner PwC
Erin P. Laber ’02 VSB Partner, Assurance and Business Advisory PwC
Daniel J. Luckshire ’92 VSB Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Siga Technologies
Mark Mahar ’95 VSB Partner/Principal – Audit Services
EY
John J. Mahoney ’83 VSB Director of Credit and Treasury BASF Corporation
Claire Marble ’10 VSB Director, Accounting Policy Apollo Global Management
James P. McCue ’86 VSB Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
Comcast NBCUniversal
Daniel J. Meagher ’00 VSB Partner KPMG
Ryan Oswald ’98 VSB Partner
EY
Kristina M. Parker ’94 VSB Audit Partner
KPMG
Paul Pizzani ’82 VSB Partner/CFO Cartesian Capital Group
Michael Pramberger ’03 VSB Audit Partner
Grant Thornton
Steven A. Repko, CPA, ’95 VSB Partner
Baker Tilly
Mark E. Sieb ’89 VSB Senior Vice President and Treasurer Assurant
Licete Snediker ’97 VSB Partner
EY
Donald J. Soriero ’69 VSB Retired Vice President—Taxes Merck
Michael J. Toscano ’93 VSB CFO Advisory ExecHQ
Charles Waring ’05 VSB Partner – National Leader
ESG Reporting
Eisner Amper
Chad R. Winters ’00 VSB Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
West Pharmaceutical Services
Department of Accounting & Information Systems, Bartley Hall 3019
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085-1678
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A&IS
To make an investment in the department, please make checks payable to Villanova University – Department of Accounting & IS.
If you prefer to make a contribution online or by phone, please contact Brendan Glackin, director of Major Giving, Villanova School of Business, at brendan.glackin@villanova.edu or 610-519-7602 . Thank you for your support!
