About the Department of Accountancy

To be at the top of your accounting game, you have to learn from the best. As a student in the Haworth College of Business, you'll get just that. As soon as you’re admitted, you’re part of an exceptional program with direct connections to top accounting firms.

In fact, 51¸£ÀûÉç Haworth is among less than 2% of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold supplemental AACSB accounting accreditation, which means you'll stand out among the competition. Learn more about accreditation.

Your bright future, powered by our mission

The Department of Accountancy provides a challenging educational environment that:

  • Prepares you for a rewarding career in accounting.
  • Encourages faculty to develop professionally and intellectually.
  • Promotes your participation in activities that support the profession, University and community.

When you choose to enroll in the 51¸£ÀûÉç accountancy program at the Haworth College of Business, you are entering the ranks of one of the top business schools in the world.

The accounting profession offers job stability, opportunity for advancement, versatility, professional development and high earning potential, making it an attractive career choice. Faculty members provide personalized career coaching to students, preparing them for internships with renowned firms as well as exciting full-time positions. Our faculty is dedicated to helping students succeed and achieve their career goals.
—Dr. Jim Penner, chair of accountancy
Business student standing outside the Haworth College of Business

Enter the working world with a remarkable resume

With access to multiple, well-known accounting firms through 51¸£ÀûÉç’s exclusive partnerships, you'll graduate with the experience that will catch employers' eyes. These invaluable experiences, internships and more are offered both independently and through Beta Alpha Psi, the National Association of Black Accountants and the Accounting Club.

Take a look at some of the firms you'll have an opportunity to work with:

BDO logo.
Deloitte logo.
DOW logo
EY logo
KPMG logo
Plante Moran logo

Join outstanding alumni who’ve made their mark

If you’re looking to see how your degree can make an impact, then look no further. Find inspiration in some of our successful graduates who’ve received a Department of Accountancy Outstanding Alumni Award, which recognizes their contributions to our industry as well as the Department of Accountancy through their participation in student activities.

2024 honoree

Bill Taulbee has served as vice president of internal audit and chief audit executive 51¸£ÀûÉç Digital for the past five years, assisting the company in improving operations and risk management. His extensive accounting, consulting and information technology background has allowed him to drive substantial process changes at several Fortune 500 technology companies over his 26-year career.

Our history, your legacy

You’re the future of Western. That's why we take great pride in the history of the Department of Accountancy. Established in 1957, it was one of the first departments at the Haworth College of Business. We have steadily built a reputation of excellence, becoming independently accredited through the  in 1999.

Less than 6% of business schools worldwide have obtained AACSB accreditation—and 51¸£ÀûÉç Haworth is one of them, making it an excellent choice for students seeking quality education that is a good investment of their tuition dollars. 51¸£ÀûÉç Haworth has maintained its AACSB accreditation since 1970 for undergraduate programs and 1981 for its graduate programs. An additional set of standards applies to accounting programs, and 51¸£ÀûÉç Haworth is accredited for undergraduate and graduate programs in accountancy. Less than 2% of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold supplemental AACSB accounting accreditation.

Mission

The members of the board act in an advisory role, supporting Western Michigan University's Department of Accountancy.

Membership

Members of the advisory board are invited and appointed by the department chair.

Current Members

Jamal Burise, B.B.A.'02, internal audit and enterprise risk manager, KPMG

Robert DeGroot, B.B.A.'88, partner, Crowe Horwath

Ron Edmonds, B.B.A.'79, vice president and controller, Dow Chemical

Paul Elie, B.B.A.'86, deals partner, PwC

Meghan Gatman, EY

Doug Havera, B.B.A.'90, partner, BDO USA, LLP

Bradley Hirsch, B.B.A.'01, principal, KPMG

Robert Parks, director, Doeren Mayhew

Doug Roosa, B.B.A.'82, director, Chief Internal Auditor, Finance and Economic Development, State of Michigan

Amy Sommerville, B.B.A.'07, M.S.A.'08, audit senior manager, Deloitte

Jim Valk, managing principal, Jansen Valk Thompson Reahm PC

Vicki VanDenBerg, B.B.A.'87, partner, Plante Moran

The Western Michigan University Department of Accountancy works with multiple accounting firms independently and by way of Beta Alpha Psi to bring relevant experiences and assistance to students majoring in accounting, including the following:

  • BDO USA
  • Brink, Key and Chludzinski P.C.
  • Crowe Horwath LLP
  • Deloitte
  • Doeren Mayhew
  • Ernst & Young LLP
  • Grant Thornton LLP
  • Institute of Management Accountants 
  • Jansen Valk Thompson Reahm P.C.
  • KPMG
  • Maner Costerisan P.C.
  • Marshall & Poe
  • Plante & Moran PLLC
  • PWC
  • Seber Tans PLC
  • Seigfried Crandall
  • Yeo & Yeo P.C. CPA
Heritage Hall at sunrise.
The 51¸£ÀûÉç accountancy program, along with the support from fellow students and professors, set me up for great success in my career. From student organizations to the career center to the CPA capstone courses, I couldn’t have felt more prepared!
—Olivia Langdon, B.B.A.’21, M.S.A.’22