Category Archives: Accounting

SOM Alum Returns to be an Asset to His Alma Mater: August’s aMaizeing Alumni

Alumnus, Trumaine Patrick graduated from the UM-Flint School of Management in 2014 with his BBA in Accounting. He continued his education at UM-Flint and received his Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) in 2020. During his time as a student, Trumaine was the Beta Alpha Psi Vice President, Assistant Coach of the UM-Flint Club Football, and volunteered in the UM-Flint Tax Preparation Service (VITA).

Trumaine currently works as an Accountant Associate at UM-Flint Department of Financial Services & Budget and has over six years of accounting experience and banking experience. As our featured alumni of the month, Trumaine gives insight on why he chose UM-Flint and accounting for his degrees, the professor that impacted his education the most, and helpful advice for students interested in pursuing a career in Accounting!

Q: Degree(s) and graduation year:
A:  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting, 2014
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), 2020

Q: Where are you currently working and your title? How long have you been in this position or at this organization? What is your job like day to day?
A: I’m currently working at the University of Michigan – Flint as an Accountant Associate. I’ve been in this position since May 2021. Prior to this position, I worked at CS Partners as an Accountant for 6 years.

My job on a day to day basis consists of creating, reviewing, and uploading journal entries; working on weekly and monthly financial reports for specific departments, and meeting with the specific departments to analyze and discuss the monthly financial reports.

Q: Why did you choose to go into the career path you are currently in?
A: I chose to go into the career path of an accountant because I have always had a great interest and love for accounting. I enjoy working on budgets, completing monthly reports, and dealing with numbers and figures on a daily basis. During my time working at JPMorgan Chase Bank, I realized that I enjoyed being a part of working on the weekly financial reports, auditing each teller to make sure that their cash drawer balanced, and assisting customers on how to budget and manage their accounts. Because of experiences like these, I decided to attend UM-Flint and pursue accounting. I felt and believed that by receiving an accounting degree from UM-Flint, doors would be open for accounting opportunities.

Q: Why did you choose UM-Flint for your degree?
A: I always wanted to attend the University of Michigan as it is one of the top universities in the country. The university prides itself on being the Leaders and Best, and I wanted to be a part of its tradition. In addition, there were a few factors as to why I chose to attend UM-Flint. First, UM-Flint has one of the top business programs in the country. Second, UM-Flint offered flexible class options and schedules where I was able to take classes while still continue to work. Third, the campus of UM-Flint was closer to home which made the drive from home or work to the campus manageable.

Q: How did your education at UM-Flint prepare you for what you are doing today?
A: My education at UM-Flint has prepared me tremendously. Since receiving my Bachelor’s Degree from UM-Flint, I’ve been working in the field of accounting. Because of the excellent teachings from each professor along with the required courses taken, I’ve been able to apply all of the knowledge and training received from UM-Flint to my work experience which includes CS Partners for 6 years and currently here at UM-Flint.

Q: Who influenced you most during your time at UM-Flint and why?
A: During my time at UM-Flint, I was highly influenced by Dr. Keith Moreland who was the Professor of Accounting. I learned so much from him as he would challenge me in his classes daily to prepare, study hard, and work hard. I gained so much knowledge as Dr. Moreland was extremely knowledgeable and had a great passion for his profession. Seeing and experiencing those traits inspired me to always have a thirst for learning more and gaining knowledge about my career along with having a great passion for my profession and purpose.

Q: What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far?
A: One of my proudest accomplishments so far is completing and receiving my accounting degree from UM-Flint and applying the degree to my current occupation as an Accountant Associate at UM-Flint.

Q: What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?
A: My advice for current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in accounting would be to inquire and learn more about the field of accounting which would include actions such as meeting with a former and/or current accountant at an accounting firm, talking with your professors at UM-Flint, and speaking with an alumni who is currently working as an accountant or working in the field of accounting. By performing these types of actions, not only would you gain a better understanding of the field of accounting, but the potential meetings and conversations could lead to gaining a mentor and/or open doors to internships. As for talking with your professors, it would be great to develop a rapport with them. When outside of class time, inquire and ask more in-depth questions about the field of accounting.

Q: Fun Facts!
A: I’m a big sports fan especially with football. Also, I’m a big Michigan sports fan as I want each individual and team to excel in every sport from football to softball. However, I’m a huge football fan as I have a passion for Michigan football!

Fall Career Fair leads to a full-time career opportunity for a SOM student

Jason Bellant is graduating with high honors in April 2021 with his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. During his time at UM-Flint, he was able to apply this knowledge at three different accounting positions. His current position was secured after networking with Yeo & Yeo at a School of Management Fall Career Fair hosted by Antonio Riggs, Career Planning Counselor. 

Bellant is from the Fenton/Linden area and chose UM-Flint so he could live at home but still obtain a rich education. Although he’s now married and a homeowner, UM-Flint was still the best and most convenient option in the area. 

A common obstacle most students face in college is how to tackle study habits; specifically, finding the time to learn and process the content of the course material can present a challenge. Bellant suffered from this issue in high school and knew he needed to create a strategy on how to learn better in his college courses. “I started by tracking how much time I put into my studies. I’d plan my weeks around how much time I would have to put toward my classes each week,” said Bellant. 

After trial and error, Bellant excelled in his studies and went into his last semester with a 3.79 GPA. He says his accounting classes drew him in more than his other curriculum. “I’d never clicked with a class that way before. I knew after my first class in accounting that this was what I wanted to do,” said Bellant.     

Bellant became so comfortable and confident with his courses that he would teach classmates the same study practices that helped him succeed. Part of the reason Bellant helped his peers so much is because he was often on campus pre-COVID. “The abundance of places to study helped me a lot. I found it easier to study at school rather than at home,” said Bellant.

Early this year, Bellant started a new position at Yeo & Yeo after having a one-on-one with Cara Newby, Talent Manager, at the fall SOM career fair. “In previous years, I have never had my schedule allow me to attend any of the other career fairs. With the career fair being online hosted on Handshake it was perfect that I was able to network with employers,” said Bellant.

At Yeo & Yeo, Bellant is an Assurance Staff Accountant and performs audits for clients. Bellant began his new position earlier this year and has already learned new information from his job, such as escheat laws, the audit process, and how to prepare financial statements, while applying what he has learned from his previous courses. Important concepts Bellant took from the classroom that prepared him for his position are the ALICE trick, general rules and overview of financial statements, being a critical-thinker, comprehending new information, and learning a steadfast work ethic.

Bellant was also about to use his excel and bookkeeping skills in his personal life such as the financial side of a wedding and honeymoon and undertaking a house renovation.  

“Advice I would give my younger self or a student thinking about the accounting field is to practice the basics of accounting in your everyday life in order to understand the principles and apply the knowledge to your life. I also recommend that you seek employment, like an internship, in the accounting field ASAP. It can really help you with networking and getting your foot in the door so when you’re about to graduate, you’ll have 3+ years of experience,” said Bellant.

Other advice Bellant mentions to understand is 

  • Income to expense ratios and debt to income ratios.
  • Compound interest, amortization schedules, and other financial tools to help you start saving for your future.
  • Lastly, never stop learning and be a lifelong learner! Read as much as you can about life skills; you will not regret it.

After Bellant graduates in April, he will be continuing his education to get his CPA by taking the additional course credits to have the 150 credits to be eligible for the exam over the next two years. During this time, he will be preparing for the exams and continuing to improve his accounting skills at Yeo & Yeo. 

“I love it here at Yeo & Yeo and everyone is so kind and helpful. It is beyond clear that everyone wants to help any new hire become as proficient as possible. I also value the clear path for growth with the company,” Bellant continues, “There are incentives for me to grow with the firm. I have wanted to be a CPA for a few years now, but I want it more than ever now that I have a clear path to the CPA exam and a clear path after getting it.”

“I’m excited to spend my career auditing clients and helping them in every way I can. Most of my clients are nonprofits and schools, so it is really easy to take an interest and care about helping them,” said Bellant.    

Bellent is one of the many students finishing his degree during the pandemic, he was still able to excel in his studies and seek opportunities that would help build his future.

By Alexis Menard On March 24, 2021 11:50 am 

Maize and Blue recipient, cheerleader, and sorority sister lands incredible opportunity at PWC: September’s aMAIZEing Alumni

By Alexis Menard On September 26, 2019 11:20 am

Olivia Norfolk, BBA April ’18 in Accounting

Alumna, Olivia Norfolk, graduated from UM-Flint’s School of Management with a BBA in Accounting in April 2018. During her time at UM-Flint, Olivia received the distinguished Maize and Blue Award and the Plante Moran Outstanding Accounting Award in her graduating class. She also was involved with Greek life and a proud member of Sigma Sigma Sigma and Order of Omega. Olivia currently works for one of the Big Four auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as a Risk Assurance Associate. Only one year after graduating from UM-Flint, she received her MBA and CPA certifications. As our featured Alumna, Olivia answers questions on why she chose UM-Flint, her path as a young businesswoman, and advice on how to pursue a career.

Why did you choose UM-Flint for your BBA?

UM-Flint gave me the smoothest transition from an out-of-state school as an incoming junior into the SOM. They worked with me to be able to stay on track to graduate in four years, and of course the Michigan name!

What is one of your favorite experiences at UM-Flint?

Going through sorority recruitment and meeting some of my best friends

Why did you choose to go into the career path you are currently in?

I kind of fell into it. I had a high school teacher that thought accounting would be a good field for me because I’m very structured and disciplined. I declared it as my major as a freshman and somehow never went back!

What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far?

Definitely passing all four parts of the CPA Exam while simultaneously completing my MBA.

What advice would you give students that are thinking of pursuing a career in Management?

It’s okay to not know what exactly you want to do or where you want to work, but it’s not okay to sit back and hope that an opportunity magically lands in your lap. If you don’t know how to get to where you want to be, ask someone. You (or your financial aid) pays a lot of money to have a pool of resources at your feet that can make you successful. Use them! If you think your resume sounds dumb because you’ve never worked a “real job,” ask a professor or someone in the career services office to help you. Ask your newly graduated friends what different fields or jobs are available at their workplace. Utilize your resources and take advantage of the connections you might not even realize you have. 

Fun Facts!

I just moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida

I was a cheerleader for three years of my college career 

I was a bartender for five years before starting my professional career  

Za’Taia’s summer in 3 words back to school count down! Determined for Success.

By Alexis Menard On August 31, 2019 11:15 am

Hello everyone! I am Za’Taia Shelby, and I am a junior double majoring in Accounting and Finance.

My 2019 Summer was dedicated to building the foundation to becoming successful in the classroom, employment opportunities, and overall as a person. In life, there are many stepping-stones before you get to the points that you want to reach. This is why this summer I worked 53 hours a week and while being enrolled in spring and summer classes full time. I worked at Dort Federal Credit Union as a Video Teller while also pursuing an Accounting Internship at Amigo Mobility. During the internship, I have worked side by side with the General Accountant which has allowed me to gain experience in various accounting fields. I have worked with accounts payable and receivable, and briefly with creating financial statements.

Even though my schedule was jam packed, I did make time to travel to Las Vegas, Mississippi, and Ohio. In Las Vegas, I attended the National Association of Black Accountants Convention (NABA) with our new student led NABA Chapter at the University of Michigan-Flint. I had over ten interviews with top companies for accounting/finance internships for the summer of 2020. After receiving five internship offers, I have accepted the Internship for the summer of 2020 with Dow Chemical Company. This summer I learned the importance of time management and making sacrifices to better yourself for a great future.

For the fall semester, I am most definitely looking forward to indulging into my BBA courses since these will essentially help me build the skillset for my dream career- Forensic Accountant. Now that I have attended the NABA Convention, I know that I have the constant support from scholars, graduates, or professionals -that have been in my shoes or that are currently in my shoes- to make sure I make it to the top. Therefore, this Fall semester I will reach out to more students with accounting majors so that they can know that they have this support as well.

My advice to all college students is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. If it’s a course, employment opportunity, or extracurricular activity that you want to pursue but you are nervous about it- put your best foot forward and do your best. Also, never be afraid to ask questions! Whether its questions about cheap textbooks, help with assignments, stuff to do on campus, or tips about surviving college, DO NOT be afraid to ask. By using this advice, it helps make the college experience easier to navigate through so that you can then help the next college student have a smooth college experience.

Lastly, if you’re planning to major in Accounting- join NABA and GO BLUE!

UM-Flint Tax Preparation Service Honored by IRS

Dr. Cathleen Miller, an associate professor of accounting at UM-Flint runs the university’s tax assistance program, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), which provides free help to those in the community.

She started it in 1984, as a student through the UM-Flint Accounting Club, and remained heavily involved since becoming a faculty member in 1998. Miller formed a course in 2005 for the VITA program. She continues to teach the course.

 

Read the full article here.

Students Inducted into Beta Alpha Psi

beta_alpha_psi_induction

School of Management students were inducted as new members of Beta Alpha Psi on January 29, 2016.  Beta Alpha Psi is an international honor and service organization that recognizes high scholastic achievement in Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems.   The goal of Beta Alpha Psi is the development of confident, ethical, and professional leaders.  Faculty advisors to Beta Alpha Psi include Dr. Cathy Miller and Roz Nowosielski.  Congratulations to our new inductees into Beta Alpha Psi!

New Master of Science in Accounting Program Being Offered

The University of Michigan-Flint School of Management (SOM) is excited to offer a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program for graduate students. The MSA program is designed to successfully prepare students for advanced careers in accounting. The MSA program enables students to fulfill the 150 credit hours required to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and prepares them to successfully complete the exam. Students will graduate from the program with a superior understanding of accounting concepts and procedures.

“We look forward to offering the Master of Science in Accounting program at the University of Michigan-Flint. We’re excited about enhancing our program offerings to prepare students to become certified public accountants as well as work in other rewarding careers in accounting and business,” states Dr. Keith Moreland, Professor of Accounting.

The MSA program is taught in the NetPlus! format. NetPlus! is an innovative, mixed-mode program that blends the personal interaction of traditional classroom activities with the anytime, anywhere convenience of modern online learning making it accessible to busy students from a wide range of geographic areas. Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2012.

For more information on the MSA program click here.