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Kelley School of Business Indiana University Bloomington
Department of Accounting

Accounting Spotlight February 2024 – Sara Stelter

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Sara Stelter is receiving her graduate degree from Indiana University in Accounting and Data Analytics in 2024. Her undergraduate degree was also at IU in Accounting in 2023.

Why did you choose to major in accounting?

 I decided early in high school that I wanted to go into business, but I wasn’t sure what specific route to take. During my senior year of high school, I took my first accounting course and realized that I was actually looking forward to it every day (probably not something most people would say about accounting!). Based off that feeling I decided to choose it as my major and reevaluate if it was still for me after my freshman year in Kelley. It turns out that I made the right choice!

Was there a course/project/group/interaction, etc. at Kelley that has been particularly helpful to you in your career?

 The intermediate accounting courses (A311 & A312) have been extremely helpful in my career because they have been the building blocks for my accounting knowledge. Although I found them quite challenging, I am now taking the CPA and am very thankful for the fundamental knowledge I gained from those courses.

 

What was your favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley?

 My favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley is the teamwork amongst students. Kelley puts a lot of emphasis on group work, and it is in these settings that I have made a lot of connections and friendships that lasted all throughout college.

Drawing on your career experiences, what advice would you give to future Kelley Accounting students?

 Embrace the education that Kelley is providing you. Throughout my time in undergrad, and now at the graduate level, I hear that Kelley students are already ahead once they enter the workforce. I didn’t believe it until I experienced it, so take advantage of what Kelley has to offer.

What was your favorite accounting class at Kelley? 

My favorite accounting class was Audit (A424) during my senior year. Although I decided to go into audit my sophomore year of college, it was in this course that I knew I made the right choice for myself because of how much I enjoyed the content. This class also helped me obtain a foundation of knowledge for my internship, setting me apart from other interns so I am very grateful.

Learn more about Sara on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-stelter024/

Accounting Spotlight October 2023 – Haley Polk

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Haley received her undergraduate degree (double major) in Accounting and  Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation in 2022 from Kelley. Haley also received her graduate degree in Accounting at Kelley in 2023.

Why did you choose to major in accounting? 

When I first came to IU, I was just majoring in entrepreneurship. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was interested in, but I had seen the fulfillment and financial freedom that members of my extended family found in owning their own small businesses, so I figured I’d give it a try. After taking A100, A304, and A306, I discovered that I really enjoyed accounting and decided to pick up a major in it. I find accounting really rewarding because it’s satisfying to solve challenging, complex problems. I like the stability that accounting offers and the fact that accountants are needed in every industry, so the job possibilities are endless.

Was there a course/project/group/interaction, etc. at Kelley that has been particularly helpful to you in your career?

In undergrad, Taxes and Decision Making (A329) with Professor Geisler really solidified my interest in going into tax. In grad school, the most helpful class was Taxation of Partnerships, LLCs & S Corporations (A531) with Professor Rego, because it’s most relevant to my work at KSM in the Real Estate Services Group.

What was your favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley?

My favorite part about being an accounting student at Kelley was studying in groups with other accounting majors. Since the coursework can be challenging at times, it’s nice to have a group of people that are going through the same program and are willing and able to explain things to each other.

Drawing on your career experiences, what advice would you give to future Kelley Accounting students?

My biggest advice is to believe in yourself and don’t get discouraged or caught up in measuring yourself against others. Business school can feel very competitive sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be – make friends within your classes and support each other and it’ll be so much easier!

What was your favorite accounting class at Kelley? 

This was a tough question for me, but I’d have to say my top two were Advanced Management Accounting (A437) with Professor Sprinkle in undergrad and Advanced Financial Accounting (A562) with Professor Hoffman in grad school. I liked A437 because I love managerial accounting (shoutout to my A306 students) and Professor Sprinkle is genuinely one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I liked A562 because, although financial accounting is not my favorite subject, Professor Hoffman cares a lot about the success of his students and makes attending class much easier with his great sense of humor.

Learn more about Haley on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleypolk01/

 

Accounting Spotlight October 2023 – CJ Bails

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CJ received his undergraduate degree in Accounting, with a co-major in Technology Management from Kelley in 2020. CJ also received his graduate degree in Accounting and Data Analytics in 2021. CJ works in Assurance for PWC in their Indianapolis office.

Why did you choose to major in accounting? 

I chose accounting as a major because it would open a wide range of doors and career opportunities that fit my preference the most. Accounting will allow you a high level of career flexibility. You can use your accounting background as a bridge to other career types, whether you’re just entering the workforce or a seasoned professional.

 Was there a course/project/group/interaction, etc. at Kelley that has been particularly helpful to you in your career?

I took an audit class in Grad school with Professor (Joe) Schroeder that I think helped me understand the thought process and mindset you need to be a successful auditor.

What was your favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley?

My favorite part of being an accountant student at Kelley is the exposure to real world situations that they prep you for. Always having speakers, events, etc. that can expand your horizon to the accounting profession.

Drawing on your career experiences, what advice would you give to future Kelley Accounting students?

One piece of advice would be to continue to ask questions. This career path is all about learning and navigating unchartered territory, so the more questions you ask the better.

What was your favorite accounting class at Kelley?

My favorite accounting class would have to be my tax class with Bridget Stomberg (A-329). Although I didn’t want a career in tax, her class was the most interesting/interactive that I had taken during my time at IU. It was so much my favorite that I took her class again during grad school.

Learn more about CJ on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-bails/

Accounting Spotlight September 2023 – Haoyu Xiong

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Haoyu received his undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, and Operations Management from Kelley in 2023. Haoyu is currently a Masters of Science student at Kelley and expects to graduate in

Why did you choose to major in accounting? 

I chose accounting because it is the language of business. It provides crucial knowledge for interpreting business data and translating it into financially sound decisions. As an external user, I value the ability to independently conclude data as opposed to relying on the interpretations of others.

Was there a course/project/group/interaction, etc. at Kelley that has been particularly helpful to you in your career?

A329 Taxes and Decision Making with Professor Katie Metz has been particularly helpful to my career development. The course centered on team-based projects, addressing real-world challenges through client-ready deliverables, which enhances our practical understanding of the IRC’s application as well as our adaptation to the professional workflow. Professor Metz’s experience in international taxation offered valuable perspectives on other tax systems and global trends.

What was your favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley?

My favorite experience as an accounting student at Kelley has been the opportunity to collaborate with my exceptional peers. These individuals bring a combination of competitive spirit and collaborative support that enriches the learning environment. Through group interactions, I consistently gain valuable knowledge, ranging from advanced Excel shortcuts and formatting techniques to a deeper understanding of current industry applications and trends. Engaging with such a talented peer group serves not only to maintain but also to continually elevate my professional standards.

Drawing on your career experiences, what advice would you give to future Kelley Accounting students?

I would advise focusing on intuitive understanding over memorization when mastering accounting standards and codes. A deeper comprehension not only helps in retention but also offers valuable context for interpreting future changes in standards. This methodology is especially effective given the conducive learning environment provided by our faculty, who are committed to student success and offer ample support.

Learn more about Haoyu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haoyu-xiong

Accounting Spotlight September 2023 – Thomas Fenton

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Thomas received his undergraduate degree in Accounting from Kelley in 2023. Thomas is an Incoming Audit Associate at Grant Thornton LLP in their Chicago office.

Why did you choose to major in accounting? 

I think Accounting is the major at Kelley that gives you the most flexibility in your career. Accountants are needed everywhere, and accounting firms are paying competitively for pursuing it. I was always better with numbers; I saw it as a field I could do well in and make a difference. One spring semester, I helped people file tax returns and saw how accounting knowledge can help people directly. Also, I found it easier to relate to my accounting peers, and finance felt too speculative.

Was there a course/project/group/interaction, etc. at Kelley that has been particularly helpful to you in your career?

My C201 and iCore case group projects helped me understand the comradery that can exist in work settings. Being friendly with your groupmates makes doing the work more enjoyable. You do not need to be serious all the time in work settings. The group work at Kelley pays off because communication skills can be more important than technical knowledge in a work setting. Staying in a meeting a bit longer for some small talk has made all of my group/work experiences better.

What was your favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley?

I did not have much trouble finding a job I am excited about. The alum network is huge, and I felt many employers make an effort to recruit  Kelley kids. Beyond that, all of my accounting professors were willing to share their personal experiences, advice, and insight on the field. I found it interesting when a professor would break down the accounting perspective of current events. My courses prepared me well for the CPA exam, and the coursework did a great job of making me feel comfortable in an accounting role.

Drawing on your career experiences, what advice would you give to future Kelley Accounting students?

Try to be as authentic, casual, and curious as you can with recruiters and colleagues. You will be more memorable in an interview if you can make it a conversation, and it is easier to make conversation with a partner twice your age if you are curious. Go to as many SAS/BAP/Recruiting events as you can because it will show you what you might be most interested in doing and at what firm. Further, putting yourself on a career path that you can see helping other people will make the hard work more enjoyable. The people I know who work for promotions and money are the most burnt out.

What was your favorite accounting class at Kelley?

I enjoyed Tax and Intro to Financial the most because they solidified my decision to major in accounting. The material in those classes came more naturally to me than my other classes, making me feel that I was onto something by pursuing it. The knowledge I learned in my tax class has helped me personally, and the logic of debits and credits made intuitive sense to me and can be satisfying. I took a lot from those courses by diving deep into the material.

Learn more about Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasfentoniu

Assurance & Risk Advisory Workshop

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Typically, students come into accounting thinking that they must choose between two career paths—tax or audit. The truth, however, is that a wide variety of careers are available to accounting majors, and that’s precisely what Kelley’s four accounting workshops are designed to showcase.

“A student may start in tax or audit, but these workshops are about opening their eyes to the many career possibilities that might be a great fit for them,” says Professor Lori Bhaskar, who teaches the Assurance & Risk Advisory Workshop. “Even picking between tax and audit is hard because students are selecting this career path as freshmen, sophomores, and juniors when they don’t really understand what audit is since they don’t take that class until their senior year. Taking these accounting workshops early helps them understand how many careers there are and gives them a little taste of each.”

The goal of these workshops is for students to find the career that best suits them. This process involves self-awareness (asking “What do I enjoy doing? What am I good at?”) as well as career awareness (asking “What career opportunities exist?”), then developing professional skills to succeed in those careers.

“Those goals overlap for these three workshops, but how we [professors] go about that is different for each of us,” says Bhaskar. “The workshop involves experiential learning. It was important for me that the students were able to meet, learn from, and network with a diverse set of professionals working in a diverse set of related accounting fields.”

Every fall Professor Bhaskar invites more than 30 professionals to her classroom to participate in panels that include people from the Big Four accounting firms, smaller regional & consulting firms, and those in practice. Panelists share their job descriptions and participate in a Q&A session. After class, Bhaskar holds networking socials to provide an informal opportunity for students to chat with the professionals, garner advice, and practice networking. Many students say this is their favorite part of the workshop.

When Brooke Knapp came to IU, she knew she wanted to go into audit, but she wasn’t familiar with the inner-workings of the industry.

“The accounting workshops helped me understand the work auditors do and helped me finetune what sort of auditing I wanted to do,” says Knapp. “Networking with professionals allowed me to ask specific questions, which helped me understand which industries I was interested in.”

Ellie Pedersen’s vision evolved immensely as a result of taking these workshops.

“I’m interested in pursuing a career in risk advisory or forensics post-grad,” she says. “As a freshman, I couldn’t tell you what either of those jobs were, much less why I think I would be a good fit for them.”

Prior to taking these accounting workshops, Emma Fine was unsure of the right career path for her.

“This workshop opened my eyes to the different opportunities available and helped me develop my professional skills in a way that will help me be successful for the long run,” says Fine. “I got a much better view of the day-to-day in accounting careers at different levels. I also learned about what I want from a company and how to ask the right questions.”

Students in these workshops go on a combined weekend field trip to Chicago. Each workshop splits off to do their own thing. Bhaskar’s group visits several professional firms (e.g., KMPG, EY, Protiviti). Then in the evening, the whole group of 60-70 students gather for an alumni networking event where they get to mingle with 60+ IU alum accounting professionals.

“It’s amazing how excited the professionals are to see the students,” says Bhaskar.

This field trip takes place two weeks before fall’s big recruiting event. Last fall some students who didn’t have internship offers were feeling anxious. When they saw that these professionals were interested in hiring them, however, it was a confidence booster.

“I would be in way over my head even applying for the most basic position if not for the workshop course,” says Anthony Lang. “My advice to any accounting major is to absolutely take one of the workshop classes.”

Kelley Accounting Research Symposium

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Prior to the pandemic, the Accounting Department hosted two research conferences: the Accounting Leading Scholars Symposium series (sponsored by Crowe LLP) and the Hoosier Accounting Research Conference (HARC). With the Accounting Leading Scholars Symposium, the department would invite a prominent influential accounting scholar to address the faculty, work with Ph.D. students, and deliver presentations on what’s new in accounting research and practice. In contrast, HARC brought in four junior scholars from other universities for a two-day conference.

COVID paused all events and conferences for several years. Coming out of the pandemic, the Accounting Department opted to merge these two conferences and create the Kelley Accounting Research Symposium. In September 2022, Jeff Hales from the University of Texas-Austin served as the leading scholar. An expert on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustainability, he’s a member of the International Sustainability Standards Board which writes the new ESG reporting standards. The Department then invited in several junior scholars from around the country who conduct research on ESG and sustainability reporting.

“We continue to be extremely grateful to Crowe and IU alum Derek Bang, a partner in the healthcare group, for supporting this initiative,” says Joe Schroeder, Associate Chairperson of the Graduate Accounting Program.

The next Kelley Accounting Research Symposium will occur on November 10-11 and will include leading scholar Robert Knechel from the University of Florida.

“We’re looking forward to making this symposium better and better,” says Schroeder. “We want to find ways for our research initiatives to have a greater impact on the accounting profession and others’ scholarly work.”

2022 Accounting Alumni & Friends Recognition Banquet

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The Accounting Alumni & Friends Recognition Banquet, sponsored in 2022 by Crowe, EY, Forvis, KPMG, and PwC, was created in 2016 as an opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of IU’s accounting alumni.

“We have so many successful accounting alums,” says Professor Joe Schroeder. “Each year we look forward to celebrating the many alumni who have had huge impacts in society and beyond.”

The Four Under Forty award recognizes younger Kelley accounting alumni who have demonstrated a high level of excellence in their early careers and have the potential to make a lasting impact in their professional endeavors. Winners included Ashley Christie (BS 2007, MBA 2008), Partner with Katz Sapper & Miller; Jack Kienzler (BS 2008, MBA 2009), Finance Leader at Cummins Filtration; Bill Knerr (BS 2003), Partner with EY; and Brittney Kocaj (BS 2007), Partner at Crowe.

Christie says that the coursework exposed her to technical tax concepts that shaped her career trajectory. “The field experience at Belgacom in Brussels was incredible and opened me up to other cultures and instilled my love of international travel,” she says.

Kienzler credits Kelley for teaching him the invaluable soft skills required to be successful in the real world. These include participating in cases, team projects, mock interviews, and networking opportunities in both undergraduate and graduate experiences. “Forcing students to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations is the best training one could receive in life,” says Kienzler. “These experiences shaped my career success.”

Other award winners felt the same.

“Part of what keeps me excited about my profession is showing up every day and solving problems,” says Knerr. “The coursework and professors at Kelley prepared me to excel at problem solving throughout my career.”

But it’s not all about the studies. Kocaj (BS 2007) remembers fondly the classmates and friends she made through the Kelley School of Business.

“I especially enjoyed the Women in Business (WIB) group, which provided networking and educational opportunities designed for women,” says Kocaj. “The friendships I made and the lessons I learned in WIB and at Kelley propelled me into a successful and fulfilling career in public accounting.”

The Community Service award recognizes accounting alumni of Kelley who are making a tremendous impact on the world and exhibit exemplary generosity through community service and/or philanthropy. Winners were David Feinberg (BS 1998), Director at Crowe LLP and Darrell Gilmore (BS 1984).

“What was so impactful about my education at IU and in the Kelley School were all of the experiences I had exposing me to various disciplines,” says Feinberg. “Accounting resonated with me and I felt would best provide me future opportunities. The foundation I received at IU opened the doors for everything that has followed and has allowed me to pay it forward to my community!”

Gilmore, retired from Cargill, has volunteered extensively with Habitat for Humanity. In 2017 alone, he helped build 60 homes, restored 36 homes, and logged 1,237 volunteer hours.

The Outstanding Friend of Kelley award recognizes an individual who has made a tremendous impact on both the Accounting Department and the Kelley School of Business. Nominees are not required to be Kelley alumni. Mark Sullivan, Managing Principal of the Grant Thornton (GT) Chicago office, received the award.

“My favorite memory of many years at IU, in addition to writing my last tuition check, was when the Deans of Kelley, Luddy and O’Neill, told me that GT IDEA (Institute for Data Exploration for risk Assessment and Management) had brought the three schools together to serve students and create opportunities for faculty to work together in a way that had not been done before,” says Sullivan.

The Lifetime Achievement award, which recognizes a Kelley accounting alumnus who has shown extraordinary leadership throughout his or her professional career and who has distinguished his or herself by achieving a consistently high level of excellence, went to Kathy Pawlus (BS 1982), retired partner with EY.

The Professional Excellence award recognizes those Kelley accounting alumni who have demonstrated a high level of excellence in their careers and are making lasting and ongoing impacts in their professional endeavors. Winners included Julie Adams (BS 1989), CEO of Oliver Winery; Brad Rachmiel (BS 1993), Managing Director at Protiviti; and Robert Tockman (BS 1984), Partner and Chief Accountant at KPMG.

Adams maintains that her accounting education at the Kelley School was instrumental in her career. “The integrative nature of the curriculum gave me a great deal of practice with how cross-functional teams drive value across a business, paired with a super strong technical accounting foundation,” says Adams. “In addition, I believe that the real reward in any career comes from helping teams do their best work, and Kelley set me up well for this.”

Rachmiel notes that during his career, he held jobs in auditing, finance, supply chain, and sales. “Having an accounting degree from Kelley gave me the tools to pivot from one discipline to another,” he says. “Accounting is truly the language of business, and there’s no better place to learn that language than right here in Bloomington!”

Tockman insists that the dedication of everyone involved in the accounting program and the quality of the program were the key to his successful career. “It’s about more than just the teaching of accounting,” says Tockman. “It’s about the breadth of the program, the focus on critical thinking and teamwork, and the commitment to excellence demonstrated by all involved. IU builds a foundation of success.”

Finally, each year the Accounting Department gives out an Academic Excellence award to recognize an alumnus of Kelley (Ph.D. program or other Kelley programs) that has made a tremendous impact on teaching, service and research in accounting. The department chose to bestow a posthumous award to Joe Kramer, Jr. (DBA, 1963), former professor and Associate Dean. Kramer was the ninth African-American person to earn a Ph.D. in accounting and one of the first black CPAs.

“Joe Kramer is a pioneer in that regard,” says Schroeder.

Kramer, a tenured full professor at Penn State and later Howard University, was a prolific researcher who was published in top journals such as The Accounting Review. Throughout his career, he worked with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the American Accounting Association, supporting initiatives to help underrepresented minorities become successful in the accounting profession. Kramer passed away in the 1980s.

“When you sit back and look at people who have had a profound effect on the academic profession, particularly for black accountants, you think of Joe Kramer and then realize he graduated from IU and had such a profound impact in his field!” says Schroeder. “We’re so proud that he’s a Kelley IU alum.”

If you would like to nominate an IU alum for an award for the 2023 Accounting Alumni & Friends Recognition Banquet, please send your nomination to Sonja Rego (sorego@indiana.edu) or Joe Schroeder (jhschroe@indiana.edu).

A Seat at the Table

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When students apply to IU, they must declare a major.

“That’s not really fair because we’re asking students to make a choice about something that they’re pretty much totally uninformed about,” says Bridget Stomberg, Professor of Accounting and Undergraduate Program Faculty Chair.

In February 2023, the Accounting Department kicked off A Seat at the Table, the first of a series of events designed to help undergraduate students get a better understanding of the diverse career opportunities that exist in accounting.

“The goal was to gather students who are considering majoring in accounting and give them information about different career paths in accounting,” says Stomberg. “We try to emphasize the cool parts of being an accounting major and break the myth that it’s just about filling out forms all day or only thinking about debits and credits.”

The Accounting Department hosted roughly 40 students for the event, which included 11 round tables. At each table sat an accounting faculty member to facilitate conversation, a professional from an accounting firm who answered questions, and four to five students. Professionals then rotated among tables, giving students the opportunity to interact with different professionals.

“It was almost like speed dating type of feel,” says Stomberg. “The professionals spent 10 to 15 minutes at a table, covering a specific topic or question.”

Future events may be a different format—perhaps a panel—but the purpose will remain the same: to give students an opportunity to have conversations with professionals and faculty to provide a more accurate depiction of what careers in accounting look like.

Accounting Spotlight April 2023 – Tiffany Lin

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Tiffany is an undergraduate student majoring in Accounting and LEAD (law, ethics, and decision-making) and will graduate at the end of this semester in May 2023.

What is your favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley?

My favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley is taking courses with our brilliant accounting professors. All of the accounting professors I have had genuinely care about their students and have been kind and understanding by being an available resource and asking students how they have been doing. Whenever I am struggling in class, I know I can ask for additional guidance from them. Additionally, the professors go above and beyond to make the subject more interesting by being passionate and engaging during class. This makes it so much easier for me to learn and stay focused during classes.

Why did you choose to major in accounting?

I was fortunate enough to take a variety of business classes, including three accounting classes, in high school. Through that experience, I knew I wanted to go into business. However, while I was very good at accounting, I didn’t know if that would be the best fitting major and career path for me. After coming to IU and taking more courses at Kelley, I eventually realized that I was not only successful in my accounting courses but also enjoyed the content much more than in my other courses. After that, changing my major to include Accounting became an easy choice.

Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to future Kelley Accounting students?

My biggest advice to future Kelley Accounting students is to come to class and be prepared to soak up all the information that the professor goes through. Accounting is complex, and fully understanding the content can be challenging. However, working through examples and listening to how professors think through the problems is extremely helpful. There is truly no alternative. Additionally, tying in with that, other accounting students and professors have been extremely helpful resources. While it can seem intimidating, I recommend you step out of your comfort zone and reach out to the professor once and have at least one friend to ask questions!

What are your plans for the future?

I have accepted a full-time offer as an Audit Associate with PwC at their NYC office in their assurance practice. Further into the future, I am interested in working in corporate accounting, returning to academia to get my Master’s and Ph.D., and I eventually aspire to become a professor as well.

Please tell us about your favorite activities at Kelley and IU.

Some of my favorite campus activities include taking workout classes at the SRSC (my favorites are the cycling ones!), attending events at the IU auditorium, taking a walk around campus, and peer coaching students in managerial accounting under the KPC program.

What has been your favorite accounting class at Kelley?

There are so many great accounting classes offered at Kelley! Although I don’t think I can choose just one, some of my favorites are A311 and A312, the intermediate accounting courses, and A306 (A202 when I took it), the introductory managerial accounting course. I think this is mainly due to my amazing professors for those courses and being able to connect with them more one-on-one than in other accounting courses I have taken. I have also really enjoyed the accounting courses that I am currently taking as well.

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