The Kentucky Society of CPAs (KYCPA), Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA), North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA), and the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) have joined together to present the multi-state Virtual Accounting Educators Exchange.
This virtual event provides a dynamic forum to share best practices, discover innovative teaching techniques, and stay abreast of the latest trends. Engage in panel discussions with industry experts and network with peers from across the region. Explore critical topics such as the latest updates on alternative pathways to the CPA, effective strategies for engaging online students, the power of service-learning projects, and the impact of intelligence and data analytics in accounting education.
This event is free to MACPA Accounting Educator Members. If you have any issues with this, please reach out to MACPA's Member Service Center.
Thank you!
Rebekah (Brown) Olson, CPA, is the CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs and an influential figure in the accounting profession, recognized as one of Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting for 2022.
Joining the MACPA in 2012, Rebekah assumed the position of Manager of Membership Development and Engagement in 2014. In 2018, she was appointed Director of Development, where she served on the leadership team steering the association through the complex challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the departure of longstanding CEO Tom Hood.
Passionate about the future of the accounting profession, Rebekah is a sought-after speaker who frequently shares her insights on professional trends and opportunities. As a certified facilitator, she has guided numerous organizations, both in the United States and Canada, in the strategic planning process.
Rebekah's contributions have garnered recognition from various prestigious entities. CPA Practice Advisor recognized her as a top thought leader under 40 in the CPA profession in 2017, 2019, and 2020. In 2019, she was honored with the President's Award by the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Baltimore Chapter for her community service. Additionally, Rebekah was named a Maryland Daily Record Leading Women Honoree in 2020.
Rebekah holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, dual specializing in Accounting and Sports Management, from The Max M. Fisher School of Business at The Ohio State University, which she earned in 2009. She obtained her CPA designation in 2011. After gaining invaluable experience at a Top 100 firm, Rebekah decided to leave public accounting and leverage her talents and experiences to work on behalf of the profession at the Maryland Association of CPAs.
Dr. Jan L. Williams is an educator who takes pride in preparing the next generation of CPAs. She is an associate professor of accounting and director of the accounting honors program at the University of Baltimore. She holds the distinct honor of being awarded the first Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University. Since joining the faculty at the University of Baltimore in 2006, she has taught financial accounting courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her research focuses on ethics, taxes, and financial reporting improprieties, and has been published in both academic and practitioner journals.
Her service to the academic and professional community has included, Education member of the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy, President of the American Accounting Association (AAA) Mid-Atlantic Region, Secretary of the AAA Diversity Section, and sub-committee Education Chair of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) Task Force on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. In her professional career as a Certified Public Accountant, prior to entering academia, she worked as an auditor for Price Waterhouse [now PricewaterhouseCoopers] and as an accounting manager for Kirschner Medical Corporation.
Dr. Williams' passion for mentoring and empowering students to reach their God given potential has led to numerous awards, including an esteemed Henry C. Welcome Fellowship from the Maryland Higher Education Commission; the Yale Gordon Chair for Distinguished Teaching Award, Hoffberger Ethics in Teaching Award, and Dean Daniel Costello Service Award from the Merrick School of Business; the MACPA Women to Watch Award; and the Outstanding Leader in Education Award by the National Association of Black Accountants-Baltimore chapter.
Committed to improving the lives of others, she has served as a financial literacy workshop presenter, mentor with Invest in Girls and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake, treasurer of the board of directors of Green Dollars Project, Inc. and the New Shiloh Community Development Corporation. Additionally, she is a member of The PhD Project Faculty Accounting Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, golfing, and helping others obtain financial independence.
The accounting profession faces a crucial moment, requiring new approaches to strengthen the CPA pipeline. This session will address the national need to broaden access to CPA licensure. A primary goal is to develop efficient methods for aspiring CPAs to earn their credentials and become vital business advisors. Attendees will learn about recent national and regional regulatory changes affecting licensure. Furthermore, alternative licensure pathways, designed to support students, will be explored.
Learning objectives:
Session Description: As artificial intelligence continues transforming the accounting profession, educators play a crucial role in preparing students for the ethical and practical challenges they will face in the workforce. This interactive panel discussion will provide accounting educators with insights into how AI is shaping employer expectations for newly graduated students.
Through real-world case studies and hands-on discussions, attendees will explore the role of AI in accounting, its ethical considerations, and the importance of transparency in AI-driven decision-making. The session will equip educators with practical strategies to integrate AI literacy, ethical reasoning, and responsible data practices into their curricula, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
Session Objectives:
Session Description: Data analytics is transforming the accounting profession, making it essential for educators to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in this evolving landscape. This session will explore emerging trends in data analytics, including artificial intelligence, automation, and predictive modeling, and discuss how these advancements are reshaping accounting education and practice.
Attendees will gain insights into utilizing data analytics, and more importantly, how to integrate these concepts into accounting curricula. The session will feature real-world applications, case studies, and teaching strategies to ensure students are prepared for data-driven decision-making in their careers.
Learning Objectives:
Session Description: Service-learning bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world application, providing students with hands-on experiences that benefit both their education and their communities. This session will explore how accounting educators can develop and implement meaningful service-learning projects that engage students, support local organizations, and enhance learning outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into successful program models, strategies for building partnerships between institutions and community organizations, and best practices for integrating service-learning into accounting curricula. Whether you’re looking to launch a new initiative or enhance an existing program, this session will provide actionable steps to inspire student involvement and create lasting community impact.
Learning Objectives:
Session Description: With the growing shift to online learning, accounting educators face unique challenges in keeping students engaged, motivated, and actively participating in virtual courses. This session explores innovative teaching strategies, technology tools, and best practices that foster interactive and meaningful learning experiences. Attendees will gain insights into creating dynamic course content, leveraging discussion forums, incorporating real-world case studies, and using gamification techniques to enhance student engagement. Whether you're new to online teaching or looking to refine your approach, this presentation will provide practical solutions to improve student success in the digital classroom.
Learning Objectives:
Session Description: As we wrap up a full day of engaging discussions, we’ll close with interactive multi-state breakout rooms, where you can connect with colleagues in smaller groups. This is a great way to reflect on what resonated most, exchange perspectives, and discuss how to implement new strategies effectively. Whether it's leveraging technology in the classroom, enhancing student engagement, or navigating changes in accounting education standards, this session will equip you with valuable tools to drive success in your teaching and curriculum development.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will actively connect with peers in small breakout rooms to build relationships and work together.