The School of Accountancy at Kennesaw State University is home to one of the largest accounting programs in the State of Georgia and home to the internationally recognized Internal Audit Center. Kennesaw State University is one of very few colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level.
MAcc Class of 2024
A Publication of the Michael J. Coles College of Business Master of Accounting Program
T he School of Accountancy at Kennesaw State University is home to one of the largest accounting programs in the State of Georgia and home to the internationally recognized Internal Audit Center. Kennesaw State University is one of very few colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level. As such, it is authorized by the IIA to issue Internal Audit Education Partnership certificates. The Accounting degree program is fully accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The mission of the School of Accountancy is (1) to provide a high-quality accounting education to a diverse student group, preparing successful accounting professionals and future leaders in local, national, and global organizations; and (2) to influence the accounting profession through relevant research and professional engagement. We will achieve these goals by promoting excellence in teaching and research, delivering innovative undergraduate and graduate programs, and fostering an ethical environment of intellectual curiosity, innovation, and collegiality. The Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree program is an accelerated, cohort- based graduate program designed to help undergraduate accounting (business) majors achieve their professional career goals and certification requirements in a dynamic learning environment. The MAcc is presented in a fast-paced, two semester format that integrates CPA Exam preparation into the curriculum. Students take the CPA Exam during the MAcc program, and they specialize in either Audit/Advisory or Tax. The MAcc delivers a strong core of graduate accounting seminars to every program participant, enhances technical expertise, develops advanced communication and critical thinking abilities, and promotes leadership skills.
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The accounting program at Kennesaw State holds a separate accounting accreditation by AACSB – INTERNATIONAL, THE HALLMARK OF EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS EDUCATION.
Kennesaw State University is one of only twelve colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level. By completing the IAEP program at KSU, students are eligible to be awarded an IAEP Certificate.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
W e are in the sixth year of our CPA-focused MAcc program, 2 in 2: MAcc and CPA in 2 Semesters . The MAcc program allows students to pursue a specialization in Audit/Advisory or Tax. Students complete two Capstone Experience courses where they pursue professional development and professional certification over two semesters. Last year 34 students not only worked on their graduate degrees, but also sat for the four parts of the CPA Exam as part of their program of study. We are very encouraged by the excellent CPA performance of last year’s cohort, and we look forward to working with this incoming cohort of high-achieving accounting students. Our MAcc features two mentoring opportunities for the incoming cohort. First, students are assigend a mentor from the previous cohort. Their “MAcc Buddy” will help them to navigate the day-to-day issues of the program. Second, students can elect to participate in our professional mentoring program where MAcc students are mentored by Chief Audit Executives, as well as Partners and Directors of the top corporations and public accounting firms in metro Atlanta. The Class of 2024 joins our program with mean undergraduate and accounting GPAs of 3.8 and a wide range of professional and extracurricular achievements. We are committed to preparing our MAcc students not only to be technically proficient today, but also to be adept in enduring skills like critical and unstructured thinking, so they are prepared for a changing future. We look forward to an exciting year with this incredible group of students.
Heather M. Hermanson, PhD MAcc Director and Professor of Accounting
Visit our website: KSUMAcc.com
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Nick Auson Nick Auson graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2022. He is currently a MAcc s tudent specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Nick gained accounting experience at Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA as an intern and staff accountant. He also worked as an assurance intern for EY and FORVIS. Nick has accepted a post-MAcc audit position at EY. In his free time, he enjoys working on cars, snowboarding, and spending time with friends and family. Rhiannon Belcher Rhiannon Belcher graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. While pursuing her BBA, Rhiannon was an active member of Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma, and the Golden Key Club. Rhiannon interned at both Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors and Nichols, Cauley & Associates. Rhiannon has accepted a full-time audit position with Moore Colson. In her free time, Rhiannon enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, shopping, and going to concerts. Her long-term goals include opening her own consulting firm focusing on small business finances. Morgan Bundy Morgan Bundy graduated cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Morgan looks forward to completing the CPA Exam by May 2024. She completed an audit internship with Mauldin & Jenkins, and she has accepted a full-time position as an Audit Associate with the firm upon graduation. In her free time, Morgan enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and hiking with her dog. Allie Cash Allie Cash graduated from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in December 2022. She is currently in the MAcc Program specializing in Audit/Advisory. Allie was an active member of Beta Alpha Psi, serving as vice president. She completed two tax internships with Koch Industries and an audit internship with EY. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
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Colby Daubert graduated from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in July 2023. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Colby completed a tax internship with Altruis CPAs and a corporate accounting internship with United Parcel Service. Colby loves the outdoors, sports, and reading. One of his long-term goals is to become a partner at a public accounting firm or a chief audit executive. He is looking forward to graduating from the MAcc program and passing the CPA Exam by May 2024. Colby Daubert Matthew Dockter graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in December 2022. Matthew is currently enrolled in the MAcc program specializing in Audit/Advisory. He recently completed an audit internship with Bennett Thrasher. Originally born in Switzerland to U.S. parents working abroad, he has lived in three different countries and three different states. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as spending time fishing and enjoying nature. He looks forward to getting his master’s degree and passing the CPA Exam by May 2024. Matthew Dockter Jamirah Fernandes graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/ Advisory and working as a Graduate Research Assistant. Prior to starting the MAcc program, Jamirah completed audit internships with KPMG, Bennett Thrasher, and Mauldin & Jenkins. She will begin her post-MAcc career as an audit associate at KPMG. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, painting, and spending time with friends and family. Jamirah Fernandes
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Jocelynn Galvan
Jocelynn Galvan graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in December 2022. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/ Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Jocelynn has accepted a full-time offer from EY in the assurance service line after two successful audit internships with the firm. During her time at KSU, Jocelynn served in executive leadership for Beta Alpha Psi and worked as a Supplemental Instructor and Learning Assistant for accounting. In her spare time, she enjoys running, hiking, spending time with friends, and traveling.
Anna Harlow
Anna Harlow graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting and a minor in Apparel and Textile Technology. She is currently a MAcc student in the Audit/Advisory track. Anna served as secretary and president of Beta Alpha Psi and was a member of the Coles Scholars Program and the Journey Honors College. Anna worked as a business assurance intern at Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors and as an assurance intern with EY. She has accepted a full-time position in the assurance practice at EY. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, yoga, and spending time with friends and family. Anna hopes to obtain her masters and her CPA within the next year.
Molly Hester
Molly Hester graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Throughout her time at KSU, Molly served as Reporter of Beta Alpha Psi, Resident Assistant of KSU’s Housing and Residence Life, and member of the Coles Scholar Program. She worked as an intern at Myers and Stauffer, 1st Source Tax & Accounting, and Hancock Askew & Co. Molly will start her post-MAcc career in the audit practice at Hancock Askew. In her free time, she enjoys learning Spanish via Duolingo, seeing live theater productions, and spending time with friends and family. Molly hopes to obtain her masters and CPA within the next year.
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Margaret Klements
Margaret Klements graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/ Advisory. Margaret interned at IAG Forensics & Valuation and Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors. She has accepted a post-MAcc position in business assurance with Moore Colson. Margaret held leadership positions in Beta Alpha Psi, including vice president and Event Coordinator. She has her Internal Auditing Education Partnership Certificate and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. In her time away from studying, Margaret enjoys going on long walks, watching movies, and spending time with her fiancé and their puppy.
Russell Malloy
Russell Malloy graduated from the University of Miami with his BBA in Accounting and Finance in May 2023. He is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Audit/Advisory. Russell was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, and he recently interned with BDO in Risk Advisory Services, working with a variety of different clients. In his spare time, Russell enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with friends, and watching random movies or shows. Russell’s long-term goal is to become a chief financial officer.
Ana Paola Martinez
Ana Paola Martinez graduated cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently a MAcc student in the Audit/Advisory track. Ana served as the marketing director for the Association of Latino Professionals for America and as the treasurer for the International Student Association. Before starting the MAcc program, Ana completed two audit internships with Deloitte. Ana will start her post-MAcc career as an audit associate with Deloitte. In her free time, Ana enjoys walking in Piedmont Park and the Beltline, practicing embroidery, traveling, trying new coffee shops, hiking, and hanging out with family and friends.
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Hildeberto Mayo-Sanchez
Hildeberto Mayo-Sanchez graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting. He is currently a MAcc Student specializing in Audit/Advisory and serving as a Graduate Research Assistant. Hildeberto interned with Warren Averett CPAs & Advisors in Spring and Summer of 2023. He plans on completing the CPA Exam by May 2024. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, trying new restaurants, and having fun with his family.
Logan McMunn
Logan McMunn graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2023. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Logan was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He worked as an audit intern for MST and EY and completed two tax internships with Premier Tax Advisors. He has accepted a full-time time position in the assurance practice at EY. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, playing basketball, watching his favorite sports teams, and hanging with family and friends.
Alex McRaney
Alex McRaney graduated summa cum laude from The University of Alabama in Huntsville with her BBA in Accounting in December 2022. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Prior to starting the MAcc program, Alex completed three internships: tax and accounting at Bearden, Stroup & Associates, CPAs, corporate accounting at Vibe Kayaks, and audit at KPMG. She will start her post-MAcc career as an audit associate with KPMG. In her free time, Alex enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, and playing the violin.
Austin Pitts
Austin Pitts graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting and is currently a MAcc student in the Audit/Advisory track. Austin served as treasurer of Beta Alpha Psi and as a member of the Coles Scholars Program. Austin worked as an audit intern at Bennett Thrasher and will start at the firm after the MAcc program. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports such as tennis and golf, exercising, and spending time with friends. Austin hopes to obtain his master’s degree and his CPA within the next year.
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Daniel Seymour
Daniel Seymour graduated from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in Summer 2023. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Daniel was a member of Beta Alpha Psi and completed an audit internship with KPMG. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys hiking, traveling abroad, going to Braves games, and spending time with friends and family.
Hannah Snodgrass
Hannah Snodgrass graduated cum laude from The University of Alabama in May 2023 with her BBA in Accounting. Hannah was a member of Beta Alpha Psi and completed an assurance internship in EY’s Atlanta office. Hannah gained valuable experience in EY’s real estate and consumer products areas, and she looks forward to meeting other young accounting professionals in the Atlanta area. Hannah will begin her post-MAcc career in assurance with EY. When Hannah is not studying for the CPA Exam, she enjoys time with her cat and exploring the city.
Julia Tucker
Julia Tucker graduated magna cum laude as an Honors Scholar from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Julia recently completed a tax internship with KPMG where she gained experience in real estate and asset management. She served as web coordinator and event coordinator for Beta Alpha Psi and senior resident assistant for campus housing. In her spare time, Julia enjoys learning about other cultures, spending time with family and friends, and doing anything creative. Julia plans to continue her career in the greater Atlanta area after she obtains her master’s degree and CPA.
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TAX
Kaitlyn Evans
Kaitlyn Evans graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Southwestern State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. She is a student member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Georgia Society of CPAs. Kaitlyn completed a tax internship with Mauldin & Jenkins, and she also completed an internship at F&W Forestry as a cash processor. She enjoys learning new things and playing games with her family.
Jake Hammitt
Jake Hammitt is a MAcc student specializing in Tax. He graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2017 with a BBA in Accounting. He has worked in public accounting as a tax associate and in community banking as a commercial lender. After completing the MAcc program, Jake intends to gain his CPA license and pursue his own tax practice. Jake is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys volunteering with the Rotary Club of Paulding County.
Paige Lyons
Paige Lyons graduated cum laude from Georgia College & State University in May 2023 with her BBA in Accounting. She was actively involved with Beta Alpha Psi and served as vice president of social media. She also was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Paige is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Tax. She recently completed a tax internship with Frazier & Deeter, and she will join the firm full-time after graduation. In her spare time, Paige enjoys reading, traveling, and watching movies.
Gillian Parsons
Gillian Parsons graduated magna cum laude from Troy University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Tax. Gillian was a member of Beta Alpha Psi and completed a tax internship with Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs & Advisors. She will join CRI after graduation. In her free time, Gillian enjoys watching college football, baking, and going on long walks. Her long-term goal is to become a partner at a public accounting firm or a chief financial officer.
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Kyndle Saffold
Kyndle Saffold graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently in the MAcc Program specializing in Tax and is working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Kyndle was an order fulfillment clerk at the KSU Bookstore and a member of crew call for Night Owl Productions. She completed tax internships at Koch Industries and Aprio. She hopes to pass the CPA Exam and start her full- time position at Aprio in Fall 2024. Kyndle enjoys baking, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Abby Stanley
Abby Stanley graduated from the University of Georgia with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently in the MAcc Program specializing in Tax. She interned at Nichols, Cauley & Associates and has accepted a full-time offer with the firm. She looks forward to building new relationships in the MAcc and with future co-workers. In her spare time, Abby enjoys playing with her dogs and spending time with family and friends.
Princeton To
Princeton To graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in July 2023 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. He recently completed a tax internship with Bennett Thrasher, and he plans on completing the CPA Exam by May 2024. In his spare time, Princeton enjoys rock climbing, learning languages, and spending time with friends and family.
Angel Traber graduated magna cum laude with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. She completed internships at Aprio, Carr Riggs & Ingram, and WBL CPAs + Advisors. She will begin her post-MAcc career with WBL. She enjoys working out, reading, and drawing during her spare time. Angel Traber
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TAX
Shyenne Wilkins
Shyenne Wilkins graduated magna cum laude as a President’s List Scholar from Middle Georgia State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2023. She is currently enrolled in the MAcc program specializing in Tax. Shyenne completed a tax internship at McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co. She looks forward to beginning her professional career in accounting upon graduating. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Crawford Yule
Crawford Yule graduated magna cum laude from Georgia College & State University with his BBA in Accounting in August 2023 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Crawford served as treasurer of Beta Alpha Psi. Before joining the MAcc program, he worked as a tax intern at Nichols, Cauley & Associates and has accepted a full-time position with the firm upon graduation. In his spare time, Crawford enjoys cooking, rowing, reading, and going to the gym.
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A s the Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, my passion is student success and helping students make lasting connections that will enhance their professional careers. I want to personally invite you to get involved with the School of Accountancy (SOA) at KSU. Being involved with the SOA: (1) helps the next generation of accountants learn from professionals in the field, (2) expands students’ real-world experience, and (3) provides comprehensive support for our students. You can get involved in many ways. One is providing financial support. By donating to the SOA, you ensure we will have the resources to keep improving students’ educational experiences. By donating one or more scholarships, you are helping students to reduce the financial burden of their education. Recruitment is another great way to get involved with the SOA. We strive to help each student get connected with the correct employment fit. One way to engage in our recruitment process is to become a Partner with the School of Accountancy. Partners with the SOA participate in both supporting our students and engaging them through on-campus involvement. Ways to recruit on campus include: (1) registering for our Accounting and Finance Career Fair, (2) participating in other on-campus recruitment activities and interviews, (3) offering internships, and (4) meeting with Beta Alpha Psi. Alternatively, if you would like more direct access to accounting students, we have opportunities for guest speakers and mentorships. Without the generosity of outside organizations and individuals, the SOA cannot offer the best educational experience for our students. After reading more about the MAcc Class of 2024, I hope you will choose to get involved with the SOA at KSU! For more information, please contact me directly at ayork23@kennesaw.edu.
Amanda York
Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships
Visit our website: ColesSOA.com
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SOA FACT SHEET 2023-2024
We are the largest School of Accountancy in Georgia
1,069 Undergraduate students 32 MAcc students 5 PhD students
About Our Graduates:
232 students graduate per year
45%+ obtain credit for internships and co-ops
75%+ indicate positive career outcomes
804 hours of academic credit earned for internships
Universities worldwide recognized as an Institute of Internal Auditors Center of EXCELLENCE 1 of 12 KSU awards more than 65 IAEP certificates each year
The IAEP Program provides students a strong foundation to launch their careers in the internal audit/advisory profession with ten specialized courses (five undergraduate and five graduate) and prepares them for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) examination. • CPA and MAcc in two semesters. • Students take all four parts of the CPA E xam as part of course work. • Median overall and accounting GPA of incoming cohort is 3.84. • 69% are KSU undergrad students. • 100% job placement.
2 in 2 MAcc Program
This program is a response to the Atlanta accounting community’s need for graduates to be proficient in Microsoft Excel. 67% of students passed the Microsoft Excel Certification exam the first try. SOA implemented Microsoft Excel Certification for all undergraduates
Beta Alpha Psi International has ranked KSU a Superior Chapter for 5 years running
DIVERSITY is important to KSU, Coles College, and the School of Accountancy Underrepresented minorities make up:
Issues In Higher Education ranks the top 100 universities that confer the most degrees to minorities. KSU ranks 30th overall in bachelor’s degrees in accounting.
47% Coles College student body
25% MAcc student body
45% KSU student body
52% BBA Accounting students
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SPONSORS AND VALUED PARTNERS Diamond
Gold
Silver
Bronze
CPAs & Advisers Aliated with Henssler Financial
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Visit our website: KSUMAcc.com
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