The 26th Annual Michigan Accountancy Foundation (MAF) Educators Symposium not only broke records in attendance, but was rated one of the best MAF events to date. More than 150 educators and students gathered on November 7 at the Holiday Inn West in Livonia to hear an outstanding line-up of speakers addressing the latest updates in the accounting profession.

Highlighting this year’s event was presenter William Ezzell, immediate past chair of the AICPA. Ezzell received rave reviews on his presentation  about critical issues facing the profession and educators. Hot topics addressed included: Restoring Lost Credibility, PCAOB Implementation Issues, Attracting the Best Students, How to “Teach” Ethics, Cascading Effect of Sarbanes-Oxley, and much more. 

Also making this year’s event unique, for the first time ever students attended a separate breakout session where they learned about issues relating specifically to them, such as how to apply their skills on-the-job. 

Meanwhile, educators enjoyed the opportunity to attend roundtable discussions about current issues facing college educators. Topics discussed included: Budget Crisis on Campus, Adjunct Faculty Issues, Changes in Accounting Education, Computerized CPA Exam and more.

Attendees enjoyed hearing panelists Edward Kisscorni, chair, Michigan State Board of Accountancy (MSBA) and Larry Donaldson, vice chair, MSBA regarding the launch of the computerized CPA Exam, compliance with the 150-Hour Rule, potential mandatory peer review in Michigan and possible felonies for white collar crime. 

Another panelist discussion, featuring Renee Blonde, recruiting manager, KPMG LLP; Jill Wills, human resources manager, Plante & Moran PLLC and Dennis Echelbarger, president, Echelbarger Himebaugh Tamm & Company, focused on current hiring trends at large, medium and small firms and what they look for when recruiting college students.

Other featured speakers included: 

• Peggy Dzierzawski, MACPA president and CEO on MACPA Classroom Enrichment Efforts; 
• Brian Patrick Green, professor, University of Michigan-Dearborn on Sharing Teaching Techniques: Fraud Case for Audit Courses; 
• Alan Reinstein, George R. Husband professor of accounting, Wayne State University and Daniel Banks, 2003 Michigan Accountancy Foundation scholarship recipient, Wayne State University on Helping Accounting Faculty and Programs Survive in Today’s Competitive Environment; and 
• Gary Leeman, president, Gary Leeman CPA PC on Anatomy of an Ethics Investigation.

Please click here to view a list of our generous MAF Symposium Sponsors.

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