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, WMU 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 WMU 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 WMU’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 Tax and Accounting logo
  • Ernst & Young LLC
  • 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.

  • Professional headshot of Vicki VanDenBerg.

2023 honoree

Vicki VanDenBerg has been with Plante Moran almost 36 years, primarily focusing on the healthcare, not-for-profit and higher education practices. She was the first woman promoted to partner in West Michigan in 2000. At that time, she also took over as leader for the firm’s higher education practice which had grown from serving four clients to just over 15. Under her leadership, Plante Moran’s higher education practice has expanded to include auditors and consultants nationwide, with more than 100 clients.

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 AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in 1999.

Less than 6% of business schools worldwide have obtained AACSB accreditation—and WMU Haworth is one of them, making it an excellent choice for students seeking quality education that is a good investment of their tuition dollars. WMU 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 WMU 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.

  • Advisory Board

    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

  • Corporate partners

    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 WMU 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

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