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?
The Accounting Department continues to evolve to meet the changing environment. We have updated our curriculum to meet the new CPA and CMA examination requirements and have infused technology such as spreadsheets, accounting software, and data analytics in accounting courses. Professor Zach Williams has developed a new forensic accounting course that will be useful for students seeking careers in this field. This course will be a part of the inclusive Cybersecurity Certificate available to all Behrend students. Our students also have opportunities to take courses in AI through the MIS Department.
The Accounting Club, under the leadership of Dr. Justyna Skomra, continues to be a hub of exciting activities. From guest speakers in various accounting areas to discussions on CPA examination requirements and networking opportunities, there's always something happening. Dr. Chuck Brown recently organized Accounting Day, a fantastic event where our partners—professionals from regional CPA firms and industries—and alumni shared insights about various accounting careers. Our students had the opportunity to network and learn about internship opportunities.
Finally, we graduated a strong, career-ready accounting class in May. Many of our students have landed jobs with premier accounting firms and corporations, and the job market for accounting graduates remains superb. This is a testament to the quality of our program and the potential it holds for our graduates’ future careers.
—Dr. Ash Deshmukh, chair, Accounting and MIS
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Justyna Skomra
Dr. Skomra, assistant professor of accounting, teaches Introduction to Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, and Auditing.
How do you engage with your students to ensure an enriching and inclusive learning environment?
First and foremost, I prioritize learning the names of all my students at the beginning of the semester. This helps foster a personal connection, making students feel more valued and engaged. I also take the time to understand their career goals, allowing me to offer guidance that aligns with their plans. Furthermore, my classes are designed to promote active participation from everyone. I make a point to involve all students in problem-solving activities, not just those who readily volunteer. While not all students are comfortable speaking in front of the class, I view this as a valuable opportunity to help them build this crucial skill for the professional world. Additionally, I encourage students to reach out with any questions or concerns. My office door is always open for those who want to stop by for extra support or discussion. I strongly emphasize the importance of communication and actively seek student feedback to create the most effective and supportive learning environment possible.
What are some skills or competencies that you hope your students will develop or improve in your courses?
I aim to provide my students with opportunities to develop technical accounting skills and the soft skills essential for a successful business career. Critical thinking is particularly vital in today’s business world, so I encourage my students to think creatively and challenge them with complex concepts or questions that require critical analysis. My goals for students vary depending on the course level. In introductory classes, I focus on building financial analysis skills, ensuring that even those who aren't majoring in accounting feel confident interpreting financial statements. In my audit classes, I emphasize the importance of communication by incorporating discussions, allowing students to hone their ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively
Alumni Spotlight
Jayda Plonski '24
Jayda Plonski, who graduated in May 2024 with dual degrees in Accounting and Finance, is a staff accountant in the audit department at McGill, Power, Bell & Associates, where she assists a variety of clients with audits and compilations.
What advice would you give to current students who want to pursue a similar career path?
Focus on building strong communication skills, stay organized, and prioritize time management. Get internships to gain real-world experience, seek mentorship, and take studying for the CPA seriously.
What is one of the most interesting/unique aspects of your job?
Working with a wide variety of clients and collaborating with different teams, which makes every day a little different from the last.
Student Spotlight
Evan Dean '25
Evan Dean plans to graduate in Spring 2025 with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Finance.
Are there any specific professors or staff members at Penn State Behrend who have significantly impacted your journey so far?
Zachary Williams has had a significant impact on my journey at Penn State Behrend. His enthusiasm for accounting, combined with his role as my academic adviser, played a key part in my decision to pursue an Accounting degree. I deeply admire his consistent support, whether assisting with scheduling or helping me navigate homework concerns. He is always available and reliable. I also appreciate how he structures his coursework around real-life scenarios we may encounter in both public and private accounting. His approach has increased my understanding of the material and prepared me for the professional challenges I will face. I can confidently say my success at Behrend would not have been possible without his guidance. I am grateful for the mentorship he provides, and he will continue to be one of my biggest role models on this campus.
Are you involved in any clubs or extracurricular activities on campus, and why did you choose to participate in these activities?
I am a Black School of Business Ambassador and involved in the Accounting Club. As a Business Ambassador, I represent the school at events, which helps me develop leadership and communication skills. In the Accounting Club, I connect with fellow students and professionals and try to assist with different events. These co-curricular activities are helping me build strong connections and learn more about the accounting field.
Accounting Club Updates
Fall 2024 Accounting Club highlights include the Accounting Club Picnic, Accounting Day, and KPMG Day.
Accounting Club Picnic
The Accounting Club Picnic allowed prospective members to meet current club members, club officers, and Accounting faculty. The event was a big success, with around 35 attending.
Accounting Day
This year's Accounting Day featured the following talks presented by a panel of professionals:
- I'm an Accounting Major, Now What?
- Public vs. Private Accounting: What are My Options?
- I Got the Job! What's Next?
The day also featured a networking lunch, which allowed students to talk to professionals and learn more about their companies.
KPMG Day
We were excited to bring KPMG to campus as they are one of the Big Four accounting firms! Representatives from KPMG shared insights into the company culture, career opportunities, and the evolving landscape of accounting and auditing. Club members had a chance to learn about internship programs, to network with professionals, and to gain valuable advice on future careers.