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 Navigator of the Profession – Brian P. Green, CPA
“How does an academic actually change anything?” he was once asked by a skeptical colleague in professional practice. His answer was simple, but direct: “We see your future first.” He says because academics see future practitioners first, in the classroom, they help shape students’ opinions, careers and choices. “Outside the classroom we (academics) take the time to learn about the companies and firms that hire our graduates,” Green said. When students ask for his opinions on a firm or company they may be interviewing with, he makes sure he has done the legwork to back up his advice. Researching organizations that may potentially hire one of his students is just a small part of Green’s job description, which includes teaching Auditing, Forensic Accounting and MBA Financial Accounting, plus about 16 hours a week dedicated to research. Green’s commitment to his job and to his students has not gone unnoticed. He received this year’s MACPA Distinguished Achievement in Accounting Education Award. In addition, he won the UM-Dearborn Distinguished Faculty Research Award in 2003, five years before being named the Czarnecki Collegiate Professor. He considers the Czarnecki Professorship among his most rewarding professional accolades, but also greatly values what he calls “quiet time” with his friends and family when the work day is finished. He shares this story about the night he officially took the Czarnecki professorship that delightfully intertwines both segments of his life: “Dick Czarnecki and I enjoyed a great dinner event on the evening I was awarded the professorship. My Mom and Dad, four brothers and their spouses, my wife Marie, son Kelly, and daughter Megan were all there. As I was making a few remarks at the podium, I saw my son get watery eyes. But then my daughter put it all into perspective when she silently mouthed the words ‘great brownies’.” Q. What made you decide to go into the accounting profession? Many of my relatives studied education in college, and it was a family friend who suggested that I look into accounting. While attending my freshman orientation at Central Michigan University I met Dave Fetyko, who told me I could do both. He proposed a plan that included an accounting degree, experience in public accounting, and my eventual return to academics for a PhD. This was a long-term plan for someone who had just turned 18, but it made complete sense to me. I still keep in touch with Dave, who I will always consider my mentor. Q. Why did you get involved in accounting education? After completing my undergraduate degree I had an offer from GM as an entry-level accountant. I turned it down and stayed in college to earn my MBA. I had given lectures as a teaching assistant in the Psychology department and, as a graduate assistant, taught introductory accounting as part of my stipend. Being in front of the classroom felt very comfortable and I deeply enjoyed the discussions and students’ questions. That was when I knew I would someday return to academics. After graduate school I worked four years in public practice in Houston. With my public experience and my CPA – and with my wife Marie and nine-month-old son – I started a full-time PhD program at Kent State University. After graduation I was hired by the University of Michigan-Dearborn as an assistant professor. Q. What makes your job great? First, being in the classroom with very bright students. It’s exciting to hear their opinions and “unique” solutions to problems. Second, hearing from my former students when they reach one of their goals. We expect the brightest students to be successful. But hearing from that B-/C+ student who always worked hard, and knowing that they, too, are successful … those are the moments you want to tell everyone about. I know I made a difference when a past student takes the time to contact me. Q. Explain any obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today. Because I am diabetic my daily routine includes testing sugar levels, planning meals well in advance, timing insulin and regular exercise. I have great support from staff, family and friends who make this routine possible and help keep my professional life running smoothly. My students are also a great help when I am not doing well. Some of my students carry small “emergency candies” in their backpacks, just in case I experience low sugar levels in class. I tell them that “A sugar low is not a medical emergency, it is an opportunity.” Q. What advice would you have for those considering entering the CPA profession? First, understanding the basic framework for accounting and auditing is critical. In the long run the basics will serve you well. This includes not only understanding how, but why, something works. Second, learn to change as it occurs. This will allow you to lead the change, not follow it. Basics allow you to evolve with change. Q. What do CPAs need now to be successful in the future? John Kaplan, both a friend and mentor, passed on to me something his mentor told a group of Ford accountants: “We deal in truth.” It is a statement that I pass on to every class. Audit practice is a public trust and its practitioners must understand that “we deal in truth.” Top
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