2025-26 Accounting Newsletter

In This Issue:

What's New with the Accounting Major?
Faculty Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Accounting Club Update

What's New with the Accounting Major?

AI is everywhere—and it’s transforming accounting. Routine tasks such as data entry, reconciliations, and audits are rapidly automated, reducing demand for traditional junior roles while increasing the need for tech-savvy accountants who can analyze data and provide strategic advice. Our department is responding aggressively. We are infusing AI into every accounting course and updating the curriculum to meet new CPA and CMA exam requirements. Core classes now integrate spreadsheets, accounting software, and data analytics. A new forensic accounting course, taught by Professor Zachary Williams as part of the pending Cybersecurity Certificate, is now a regular offering.

The Accounting Club, led by Dr. Justyna Skomra, remains a hub of opportunity. This fall’s Accounting Day connected students with CPA firms, professionals, and alumni, showcasing career paths and internships. The event was a resounding success—thanks to Dr. Skomra’s leadership.

Our graduates continue to shine. The spring Class of 2025 entered a strong job market, with many joining premier firms and corporations. Their success highlights the strength of our program and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Accounting’s future is bold, data-driven, and AI-powered—and we’re ensuring our students lead the way.

Dr. Ash Deshmukh, department chair, Accounting and MIS

Faculty Spotlight

Zachary Williams, M.P.Acc., CPA, CMA

Photo of Zach Williams, accounting professor, in blue shirt with black tie

Professor Williams, assistant teaching professor of accounting, teaches Introduction to Accounting, Accounting Technology Lab, Cost Accounting, and Forensic Accounting, and serves as a faculty supervisor for accounting internships. In 2024, he was awarded the Black School of Business Academic Advising award and the Guy W. Wilson Award for Excellence in Academic Advising. He was also selected as a 2025 Young Leader by the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs.

What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting?
I’ve always had an analytical mindset, and I find that I enjoy solving puzzles and working on detailed projects, so accounting felt like a natural fit. Being able to dive into a company’s financials to identify what they are doing well and where improvements can be made in an effort to support the company’s operations has always been appealing to me. I find many aspects of accounting to be challenging and very fulfilling.

How do you engage with your students to ensure an enriching and inclusive learning environment?
I’m always looking for new ways to make learning interactive and accessible for all students. In my classes, we often work through physical worksheets together, giving students something tangible that they can take notes on and use as a study tool for exams. I try to be as approachable as possible, often responding to emails within an hour or two. Questions are always welcome during class, and I’m always happy to continue the conversation during office hours.

Martin Mowad, finance and accounting major, worked during Summer 2025 as an AP1000 Finance Intern at Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Martin says, "My favorite part of the internship was the opportunities that WEC provided for networking. There were many technical sessions and virtual coffee breaks designed for interns to learn more about the company and to network with other interns and permanent employees.”

Alumni Spotlight

Hannah Sisson '25

Hannah graduated in May 2025 with a degree in Accounting. She is a staff accountant at McGill, Power, Bell and Associates.

What is your role at MPB?
I assist clients with the preparation of individual and corporate tax returns.

What do you enjoy most about your work, and what are some of the challenges you face?
I enjoy the challenges and learning opportunities that come with serving a wide variety of clientele.

What aspirations do you have for your career?
I want to develop into a dependable resource for interns and junior staff, helping them navigate their roles while continuing to grow myself.

Collin Miller, finance and accounting major, worked during Summer 2025 at Select Medical. Collin says, "“At Select Medical, I loved that I was doing genuine, meaningful work. Every task I completed or assisted directly supported the Tax Department during one of its busiest times of the year.””

Student Spotlight

Zane Lewis '26

Zane is majoring in Finance and Accounting, with a Crime, Law, and Psychology minor. He is president of the Student Government Association, administrative vice president of Lion Ambassadors, and the 2025 Welcome Week director. This past summer, he was an audit intern at McGill, Power, Bell and Associates.

What is one of your favorite classes, and why did you enjoy it?
One of my favorites so far is Cost Accounting. Professor Williams did an excellent job of explaining the concepts, and it was fascinating to see the different ways that companies choose to manage their revenue and expenses.

What are your aspirations or goals after graduation?
I will be starting full-time as a staff accountant in the audit department at McGill, Power, Bell, and will begin studying for my CPA exam.

Photo of Jessica Park, Accounting and MIS student, discussing her financial service audit internship at EisnerAmper. Jessica says, "My favorite part of the experience was gaining exposure to different audit processes, including commercial and nonprofit engagements, which helped me better understand diverse financial reporting requirements. I also enjoyed attending volunteer and networking events, where I was able to build connections with professionals and learn from their insights and experiences."

Accounting Club Update

The Accounting Club kicked off a busy and exciting semester with events designed to connect, inform, and inspire students, faculty, and alumni alike.

The annual Accounting Picnic on September 9 brought students and faculty together for pizza, refreshments, and lively conversation, providing a wonderful opportunity to network, strengthen relationships, and enjoy time outside the classroom.
Accounting Day on September 18 featured an informative panel discussion on the CPA exam, covering recent updates, exam structure, and practical insights to help students as they prepare for licensure and plan their professional paths. Students also enjoyed a networking lunch with accounting professionals.

Accounting Day held on September 18, 2025

Credit: Penn State Behrend

In preparation for the fall Career Fair, staff from Career Services offered guidance on résumé formatting and interviewing strategies, as well as other tips to help students present themselves effectively to potential employers.
The Internship Panel on October 14 gave current students the opportunity to share their internship experiences, highlight challenges they have overcome, and offer advice to peers.
On October 28, public accountants from KPMG and BDO joined the club to discuss their professional journeys, daily responsibilities, and insights into career growth.
To wrap up the semester, the IMA Panel on November 18 showcased reflections from students who attended this year’s IMA Conference in Cleveland. They will share how the experience expanded their knowledge and professional networks.

Black School of Business accounting students attend the 2025 IMA Student Leadership Conference in Cleveland, OH. From left to right: Dr. Justyna Skomra, Anna Smith, Peyton Schipani, Jack Gilroy, Abigail Batkiewicz