Richard Gabrys, Interim Dean of the Wayne State School of Business Administration

Richard (Dick) Gabrys retired from a long and noteworthy career in public accounting with Deloitte & Touche, where he was vice chairman of the firm’s U.S. Global Strategic Client Group, to take up a “second” career in education. Certainly among Michigan’s “high-profile” CPAs, Dick has had a significant impact upon the community through his involvement as chair of organizations such as the Detroit Medical Center, the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Michigan State Chamber and the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. Now he is mentoring the CPAs of tomorrow through his role as interim dean of the Wayne State University School of Business Administration. A member of the MACPA since 1969, Dick was honored by MACPA in 2006 with the Distinguished Achievement Award. Accounting students sing his praises with comments such as this one from an MACPA student member: “Dean Gabrys is someone we all look up to. He inspires students to a higher level of commitment and encourages us to take advantage of opportunities. Those around him see the difference he is making.”

What made you decide to go into the accounting profession?
I was fortunate because I wanted to be an accountant for as long as I can remember. Obviously this was impacted by the fact that my father was an accountant. Another influence was my mother who was a college graduate, a rare situation at the time, and a partial owner of a small business.

Since your retirement from Deloitte, you have held a position in education as the Interim Dean of the Wayne State School of Business Administration. What has been the most fulfilling aspect of being an educator/mentor?
The most fulfilling aspect is the involvement with students, whether it was recruiting high school scholars or meeting with small groups of incoming freshmen.

As an accounting educator, especially on the collegiate level, one of the key goals is to properly prepare students for the CPA Exam. Can you provide some tips as to how educators can effectively prepare their students for this important step in their career?
One of the most important aspects is for the accounting faculty to be strong mentors for their students. Another important factor is to expose students to business courses in their freshman and sophomore years so they start to understand the profession. Also, teach them more than just business because they need to be able to communicate (orally and in writing) effectively and they need to be able to think clearly.

Describe how you have made a difference by being a CPA, professionally and in your community.
As to the profession, I think the biggest difference I made was in hiring and mentoring top-quality individuals. There was a tremendous satisfaction to seeing individuals you hired become a partner in the firm or achieve great success in business if they left public accounting. I view myself as a pioneer in our Deloitte’s Women’s Initiative Program.

As to the community, I gave back to the maximum extent possible. My contribution was to emphasize the implementation of sound business practices on whatever “tax-exempt” organization board I served on. I hate the term “not-for-profit” – all organizations need to be responsible businesses, the only difference is some do not pay taxes.

Explain any obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today.
The biggest obstacle I had was my age when I started in the profession – I graduated from college at age 20, the youngest in my class. It took two years to prove that I was on par with my peers. After that, it was clear sailing.

What are your major professional accomplishments?
As to the profession, there were many – I had 42 great years with Deloitte. When I served as the Global Advisory Partner on the General Motors engagement in the mid-1990s, it was the pinnacle of my client service career. I became one of five Vice Chairmen in 1995, which was the pinnacle of my career in regards to the firm. In 2006, I was honored with the MACPA’s Distinguished Achievement Award. I have always said that there was no greater compliment than to be recognized by your fellow professionals.

What interests or activities have you been involved with outside of your professional work?
I am a sports nut – an avid sports memorabilia collector all my life, courtside seats for the Pistons for twenty-five years, the Super Bowl for many years. In terms of politics, I have been active for many years, starting as a driver for Republican U.S. Senator Bob Griffin and, most recently, I had the privilege of serving as Campaign Treasurer for Dick DeVos, a man who I respect and admire greatly.

Are there any other interesting things about yourself or your career that you would like to share with other members, potential members and students?
I have been very blessed with a great family. My wife, Eleanore, in addition to being the light of my life, has been the perfect partner. Without her I would never have achieved the success I achieved. I also have three great children – Allison, Michael and Steven, all successful in their own right, as well as two great daughters-in-law and one great son-in-law.

What is your most meaningful volunteer experience?
The time I have spent in many educational initiatives over the years. While very frustrating at times, we must always focus on making sure the next generation achieves their maximum potential. The education system needs much attention and we have to fix it. We should be number one in education in the world, hands-down.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Very carefully, but not always perfectly. Having strong administrative support is a must. I take 30 seconds a week to smell the roses.

What advice would you have for those considering entering the CPA profession?
Make sure it is what you want – it is a very demanding profession. Commit to getting your CPA, it is your badge of honor. Be ready to make a commitment to life-long learning, you can never allow yourself to become technically obsolete.

What do you think CPAs need to know now in order to be successful in the future?
My advice is simple – serve every client with an absolute “commitment” to professional service. Commitment is the differentiator. Make every client think you have only one client and you will be successful.

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