Accounting for a Stronger Future

Valparaiso University is known for its top tier academic offerings, dedicated faculty and comprehensive vision for success. In order to maintain our tradition of excellence, our faculty members are constantly on the lookout for professional development opportunities, new certifications and ways to continually refresh their perspectives in their respective fields.

The College of Business is no exception to the University’s mission as accounting faculty members Cathlin Upton, lecturer of accounting, and Jiangxia (Renee) Liu, associate professor of accounting, received their respective CMA and CPA certifications.

“A CPA is a certified public accountant licensed by a state board of accountancy,” says Professor Upton. “Each state has different licensing requirements, but every state requires that a CPA passes the CPA exam and completes a minimum of 150 credit hours either at the undergraduate or graduate, with a specified number of accounting and business courses. Most states require candidates to have professional experience prior to obtaining Licensure.”

Achieving a CPA certification establishes professor Upton as a certified public accountant. The other industry gold standard certification is the CMA, certified management accountant. All Valpo’s accounting faculty members hold CPA and CMA certifications.

“CMA certification is the industry’s gold standard. The certification validates mastery of knowledge in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics,” says Professor Liu. “The Institute of Certified Management Accountants states, “Certified Management Accountants are experts at explaining the ‘why’ behind the numbers, not just the ‘what.’”

Our accounting faculty members’ certifications give our program an edge over competing universities as most colleges do not usually have an entire department holding the highest industry certifications. In this way, our faculty ensures that the education that they impart to our students is top- notch and entirely relevant to today’s work place standards. However, achieving the certification is not the end of the road for our faculty members as they are required to earn additional credits within each consecutive year.

“CPAs demonstrate knowledge and competence by meeting high educational standards, passing the CPA exam and completing a specific amount of general accounting experience,” says Professor Upton. “In order to maintain a CPA license and remain in good standing with the licensing board, CPAs are required to earn a minimum number of continuing education credits each year.”

A Valpo education is composed of all the facets that come together to allow our students to truly benefit from their time on campus. Our accounting program is just one of many programs in the College of Business that has proven its commitment to providing a wholesome educational experience, while furthering faculty knowledge and qualifications.

“I always feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach at Valparaiso University, a teaching-focused and student-centered institution,” says Professor Liu. “The University work culture and focus provide me with many opportunities to pursue my passion as an accomplished educator. And my favorite thing about being a professor at Valpo is motivating, influencing, exciting, and engaging accounting students at Valpo.”