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Hands-On Learning

Real-World Experiences from the Start

Discover the dynamic world of accounting at the Farmer School of Business, where immersive education extends beyond the classroom. Engage in real-world case competitions, contribute to impactful client projects, explore global perspectives through study abroad programs, and participate in internships. With several years of practical experience—collaborating with clients, presenting to executives, analyzing financial data, and leading teams—students graduate prepared for ever-changing and future-ready business careers.

Accountancy Alumni Experiences: BriAuna Keys at PwC

Case Competitions

Miami University Accounting case competitions, where talented students converge to showcase their financial acumen, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills in the dynamic realm of accounting challenges.

Deloitte Audit Innovation Case Competition

Students work in teams to develop solutions to current accounting, auditing, and tax issues. As a recent example, teams examined how audit and assurance professionals can help organizations move to more and better environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures by bridging knowledge gaps and leveraging technology. Teams work alongside professional advisors and faculty to research an issue, propose a solution, and present their solution to a panel of Deloitte professionals. Winning teams may advance to regional competitions or the national competition at Deloitte University near Dallas, TX.

Contact: Jonathan Pyzoha, pyzohajs@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-3913

Douglas Millett Forensic Accounting Case Competition

Student teams complete a forensic accounting case that focuses on fraud prevention, detection and/or investigation. Students present their recommendations to a panel of forensic accountants. Students are encouraged but not required to take ACC 490A: Fraud Examination during the winter term before the competition begins in the spring semester. Cash prizes are awarded to teams based on where they place in the competition, but all the prizes are substantial.

Contact: Jonathan Grenier, greniejh@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-2013

PricewaterhouseCoopers Challenge Case Competition

The PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Challenge Case Competition engages teams of students in developing alternatives for a variety of real-world business decisions and presenting them to a panel of PwC professionals. For example, recently teams were asked to analyze the challenges faced by a fast-growing workout equipment company in a dynamic post-pandemic business environment.

Contact: Qing Burke, burkeq@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-6217

Hands-On Opportunities

Hands-on learning at Miami University, where the Accounting program comes to life through immersive experiences, empowering students to apply theory to practice and cultivate real-world skills

Accounting and Tax Policy Study Away Program

This program immerses students in current topics in financial accounting, management accounting, tax policy, governmental and nonprofit accounting, auditing and assurance services, and information systems through presentations and events with legislators, regulators, policymakers, and other professionals. Students travel to New York City and Washington D.C. over the winter term. The program has included trips to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), the Securities Exchange Commission, the New York Stock Exchange, and NASDAQ.

Contact: Amanda Pyzoha, amanda.pyzoha@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-3372

Shade Family Emerging Leaders Consulting Experience Study Away Program

This program immerses students into a consulting career context in which they work together as one firm that visits three clients and then serves on an engagement for one of them on strategic risk management interdisciplinary challenge culminating in a presentation to executives. Students travel to Chicago over the winter term. The program is held in conjunction with the William Isaac & Michael Oxley Center for Business Leadership and is supported by EY with a consulting workshop and hosted session in its office and a Celebration Dinner.

Contact: Brian Ballou, balloubj@miamioh.edu, 513-529-6213

EY Teacher-Scholar Program

Students choose a topic that interests them and work alongside a distinguished professor on a research project, with the goal of publishing an article in a practitioner or academic journal. Students may also attend conferences to present the results of the research and have opportunities to interact with professionals at EY and other organizations. Previous research topics have included fraud, ethics, data analytics, and cyber security.

Contact: Tim Eaton, eatont@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-2132

Improv Workshop on Creativity and Leadership

Master of Accountancy students participate in a two-day workshop facilitated by actors from Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. The engaging and eye-opening sessions challenge students to consider what leadership skills are critical in today’s dynamic, fast-changing business world; the importance of empathy, listening, and creativity in helping others develop solutions to pressing challenges; and how they can develop those skills in ways that are true to themselves.

Contact: Anne Farrell, anne.farrell@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-6200

One-On-One Mentorship

The Department of Accountancy’s many alumni and friends enjoy a wide range of successful career paths in a variety of industries. Engaging with these professionals provides opportunities to learn more about the accountancy profession and all the career paths the degree has to offer. Any student with an interest in accountancy can be paired with a mentor and can meet with them as often as fits their schedules. Simply reach out to the department and say you want a mentor, and we’ll find out what your interests are to match you to the right professional.

Contact: Anne Farrell, anne.farrell@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-6200

StrengthsFinder Workshop

Master of Accountancy students take the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment and then participate in a workshop led by Certified Gallup Strengths Coach Dr. Megan Gerhardt. The workshop emphasizes the importance of effectively leveraging one’s individual strengths and teaming with those who have different strengths to drive high performance.

Contact: Anne Farrell, anne.farrell@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-6200

    Accountancy Student Organizations

    Enjoy networking events with professionals, skills development workshops, and community service with students in accountancy and other majors. Accountancy-related student organizations include Beta Alpha Psi, the National Association of Black Accountants, Women in Accounting, the Accounting Association, the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, and the Miami University Investment Banking Club.

    Contacts: Amanda Pyzoha, amanda.pyzoha@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-3372 or Michelle Chevalier, chevalm@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-2102

Farmer School of Business - Department of Accountancy

3094 Farmer School of Business
800 East High Street
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-6200
Meet the Chair - Anne Farrell