Will Bauer (Class of 2023) wasn’t originally planning on a degree in accountancy, but he was interested in business school in general. “My mom is a CPA,” he shared, “and I didn’t really see myself as an accountant.” However, his view changed as he gained a better understanding of the field of accountancy during his first year: “You can do anything with it, there is so much versatility, and you won’t be stuck in just one industry.”
Bauer’s current focus is on digital assurance, where he gets to “look at the back end of things.” This past summer, he interned at PwC in Columbus in its Digital Assurance and Transparency practice. “I got to apply concepts that we’re learning about in class and how they’re used in the real world.” Among Bauer’s favorite classes are ISA 303, Enterprise Systems, and ACC 361, Modeling Business Processes in Accounting Information Systems. “I really enjoyed learning about SAP/ERP systems and how they drive financial information,” he shared.
Bauer is in the combined BS/MAcc program. He decided to pursue a master’s degree because he saw the value of going deeper: “Coming back from COVID-19, I wanted more confidence going into the workforce, to start thinking more critically and build on the concepts I’ve learned.” He emphasized the family-like atmosphere of the program: “Being with the same people every day, we grew to work better in our teams.” He also credits Amanda Pyzoha as “a constant source of guidance and advice.” “She has been a crucial part of preparing my plan for the CPA journey and is a priceless resource for students in the MAcc program and Department of Accountancy.”
A big part of Bauer’s student life at Miami is his involvement with the Miami University Student Foundation (MUSF), where he currently serves as co-executive chair. “I’ve always enjoyed giving back to the community,” he said. The MUSF motto is “Students helping students: Past, present, and future.” He explained that the organization maintains strong connections with alumni, thanking those who help Miami with their gifts and talents; strives to keep Miami traditions alive with the current student body; and supports future students by fundraising for scholarships. “We currently have an endowment fund of about $900,000 and award eight $2,500 annual scholarships. This helps us bring a more diverse body of students into campus.”
In addition to MUSF, Bauer has been treasurer of the Asian-American Association and vice president of external relations at the Business Student Advisory Council. He is still an active member in both organizations, but has pulled back to focus on his MAcc studies. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the viola (which he has played for 14 years) and working with stained glass art.
Upon graduation, Bauer will be working at PwC Columbus in the digital assurance and transparency team. Along with digital assurance, he’s excited to dive deeper into the growing focus on ESG auditing within the accounting field—“It’s an important thing”—and to add value to the profession as a whole.