Accounting Voices

Max-Peter Quast, Class of 2018

UT Dallas offers the best value to international students. The program offers both academic excellence and professional networking opportunities galore. I chose UTD over other offers and have not regretted my choice. It is encouraged for anybody in the program to get involved in student leadership. Through this, I began being involved for the first time in my academic career. Make a plan of what you want out of your degree before you arrive. The best opportunities are at the beginning of the semester; to take advantage of them, you need to know what you want.

Patty Xie, Class of 2018

The help and support from the MS Accounting Program Director, mentors, and friends influenced me the most in coming to UT Dallas. Mentors and friends guided me in many ways during my time at UT Dallas. I had the chance to improve my leadership skills and have a better understanding of the career path I wanted to take as an Accounting professional by participating in campus events and organizations, such as Ascend UTD Student Chapter.

Chuanhui (Cathy) Tang, Class of 2019

In my choice to come to UT Dallas, the flexibility to intern and the high ranking of Jindal School of Business influenced me the most. The thriving economy of the Dallas area also provided me with a lot of internship opportunities. I have had opportunities to get involved in networking and volunteering for events. This helped me become more comfortable introducing myself to others, taking initiative in small tasks and cooperate effectively with teammates. I also learned to utilize the strength of each team member, effectively sell my idea to the team, how to deal with conflicts, and challenge myself to learn new things, from working for a client in the business communication class.

Chenyang (Cheryl) Hu, Class of 2019

After coming to UT Dallas, what has influenced me the most, are those who are around me. The dedicated professors, the diligent students, and every friend I have made here, always keep me motivated to become a better person. I have opportunities to meet different people every single day. They might be alumni, a professional giving a speech at an organization event, or a student I just met with a different background. I try and get connected with them. Because of this wonderful journey, there has been a huge improvement in my communication skills.

Jiahui (Antonia) Zhang, Class of 2019

The enthusiasm of everyone I have met at UT Dallas is what has influenced me the most. They are so kind and warm. People love to help you with your problems and share fun things during the conversation. Patience has made a deep impression on me and has helped me grow. Professors are always willing to answer my questions after class, and always confirm whether I understand what he/she said; Members in organizations teach me how to arrange my work and keep me on track, ensuring I would not make any mistakes. I would encourage new students to work more on their communication with people. There are many senior students who share their experience: how to arrange your class, how to find the internship, how to prepare for the CPA exam…I am confident that you will love them.

Nan Wang, Class of 2019

The high-ranking of the business school is the main reason for which I chose UTD. I wanted to study for my Master’s degree and at UT Dallas, I had a chance to study with professors who have a lot of industry experience and learn among many hard-working students. I have made a lot of new friends, who are very friendly and willing to help. The professors are also very professional and care about their students. Because of the many opportunities within the program, I have networked with many current students and alumni, who have shared a lot of tips and experiences. Through communicating with them, I have improved my academic performance and social skills. For future students, be active and get involved in all kinds of activities. Make more friends and try your best to get what you want.

Sung (Ben) Il, Class of 2019

UT Dallas has a well-established MS Accounting program, which provides students with great classes to strengthen their academics, along with many opportunities to develop their professional skills. The economy in Dallas is growing, so international students like me have more opportunities to get a job after graduation. I joined one of the student organization called ASCEND where I served on the Professional Development Committee. I learned how to communicate with professionals via email and how to cooperate with others through organizing professional and academic events. I believe I developed many leadership and professional skills by actively participating in the organization. I would encourage all students to join student organizations in which they could make friends and learn many professional tips. By doing so, it will help you in your future endeavors.

J.B. Yett, BS’09, MS’10

Audit Manager, Grant Thornton LLP

Yett earned both his undergraduate and master’s degree in accounting from Jindal School, where he was part of the selective Professional Program in Accounting. The PPA offers top accounting students smaller classes along with training in soft skills and access to choice internships. Upon graduation, Yett joined Grant Thornton where his current responsibilities include managing multiple audit engagement teams and client relationships. His role includes ensuring high quality audit execution and distinctive client service.  

The Lanes

Giulia Ippolito Lane and Robert Lane

When Rob entered UT Dallas, he already held an undergraduate degree from University of Southern California. He eventually earned four additional degrees at UT Dallas. 

Brandy Arbuthnot, BS’99 MS’02

Tax Partner, BDO, USA LLP

In her current position at BDO, Arbuthnot assists accounting clients with their tax compliance and consulting needs including tax returns, tax provision preparation and review, assistance with tax implications of mergers and acquisitions, and other tax planning matters. She joined BDO, an international assurance, tax and financial advisory services firm, after earning her undergraduate accounting degree. Her master’s degree is also in accounting. “My degrees prepared me for a career in public accounting and the necessary qualifications for the CPA exam. Furthermore, my experience at UT Dallas prepared me to have success the professional world,” she said. BDO certainly covers the world, with offices in 167 countries.

Matt Paske, CPA, CIA, BS’08, MS’10

Senior Manager, Weaver

Matt has been a CIA and CPA for more than ten years and has worked with multiple organizations in industries which include inventory-based businesses (such as retail and manufacturing and distribution), oil and gas production, commercial banking, and state and federal government agencies, and technology. Matt has specialized in projects including SOX compliance, internal control analysis, business process improvement, risk assessment, fraud prevention, operational analysis, and CFO advisory for private and publicly held companies.

Jason Ellison, BS’03 MBA’06

Entrepreneur

While Ellison began his professional career at KPMG in audit, he now is on his second (or third) career, as owner of Ellison Business Consulting in Allen.  

Brian Livingston, MBA’01 MS’02

President and COO, Firebird Restaurant Group

Livingston holds two degrees from the Jindal School, his MBA and his master’s degree in accounting. His undergrad degree in finance is from UT Austin. He is now with Firebird Restaurant Group, LLC, the parent company of El Fenix Mexican Restaurants, Snuffers Restaurant & Bar, Meso Maya, Village Burger Bar, Taqueria La Ventana and Tortaco, where he oversees the daily operations of 54 restaurants, a food manufacturing company and related companies. 

Ernest Lowery, BS’08, MS’09

Assurance Director, PwC

Ernest has worked in the assurance practice at PwC for over 10 years. He has worked with public and private clients in a number of industries, including energy, industrial products, media and entertainment and technology. He most recently worked in a digital role, where his primary focus was helping to develop new tools to be used across the assurance practice. What he enjoys most is working with clients and his teams to complete a common goal.

Lauren Hayes, BS’07, MS’08

Partner, Baker Tilly

Lauren Hayes attended UT Dallas for her bachelor’s in accounting degree and for what was then known as the master’s in accounting and information management degree, graduating in December 2007 and 2008, respectively.

HB Paksoy, MA’76

Retired Professor

This Richardson resident was one of the first graduates of what was then known as the School of Management at The University of Texas at Dallas.

David Pate, BS’88

CFO, Richardson Independent School District

Pate, a resident of Rowlett, has spent almost all of his professional career in the service of education.  

Remsen Jennings, BS’11, MS’12

Assurance Services, EY

Remsen Jennings graduated summa cum laude with a double bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance in 2011, following that with a master’s degree in accounting in 2012. During his time at UT Dallas, Jennings was appointed as a UT System Student Advisory Council member, elected as student body vice president, served as president of the Davidson Management Honors Program and was a member of the Professional Program in Accounting.

Andy Mangham, BS’07 MBA’12 MS’13

IT Audit Manager – Global Sox Assurance; CBRE

In his role at the real estate services giant CBRE, Mangham manages IT audits for global operations, works on special projects for executives. 

Eugene Murray, MS’03

President, W&M Environmental Group, Inc.

With more than 30 years of experience in environmental consulting and two degrees in geology, Eugene (Gene) Murray, president of W&M Environmental Group, Inc., intended to take just one statistics class to further enhance his business skills. But after one class, Murray discovered the numerous benefits of a Jindal School education and decided to pursue a master’s degree. 

Sino Varghese, MS’08

Assurance Partner, Moss Adams

Sino graduated from UT Dallas with a bachelors and masters in Accounting. She has practiced public accounting since 2006 and serves as an Assurance Audit Partner in the Dallas office. She provides assurance services to various entities mostly in the energy and energy-related construction and manufacturing industries. Sino is heavily involved in recruiting both campus and experienced hires and spends a significant amount of time recruiting at UT Dallas.

Frank Martinez, MBA’07, MS’14

Supervisor, Project Management Office; Federal Reserve Bank Of Dallas

Martinez, who started working at The Fed in 2011, keeps returning to UT Dallas and Jindal School to upgrade his skills.. 

Kate Reagan, BS’15

Assistant Vice President, Business Development, Texas Capital Bank

In Reagan’s role at Texas Capital Bank, she leans on both degrees she earned at Jindal School – a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in marketing. “I connect with business leaders in the Dallas community to hear their stories and see if Texas Capital Bank can help them achieve their company’s goals,” she says. “In school, I had no idea how accounting and marketing would fit together and if I could even find a role that would allow me to utilize both my degrees. 

Brett Philips, BS’05, MS’09

Founding Partner, Shifflett & Philips

Philips, and his friend Nick Shifflett, started Shifflett & Philips accounting firm in 2014 in Frisco. Philips, a CPA, had worked at other accountancies for more than nine years before going out on his own. His practice now primarily focuses on the performance of federal and state tax compliance and consulting with individuals, estates, partnerships and closely held corporations. Philips holds two Jindal School degrees – a bachelor’s in Business Administration, which he completed in 2005, and an MS/Accounting which he completed in 2009.