Alumni Newsletter Fall 2019

Meet the Inaugural Cohort of KPMG’s MADA Program Graduating from Virginia Tech

James’ interest in data and analytics dates back to his studies at University of Richmond. While interning with KPMG, he learned of its MADA Program and was fascinated by the advanced technology, new processes and new audit possibilities that the program supported. “[It] was the perfect way to integrate my two interests of D&A and accounting at a company that was encouraging the use of new tools and advanced technology in auditing,” stated James. With respect to James’ experience on campus at Virginia Tech, he indicated that both the students and faculty have been extremely welcoming and helpful. “The class sizes have been small, and the professors are always willing to spend time outside of class to answer questions or address concerns,” per James. In addition to the connectivity and culture of our ACIS Department, when asked about his preparedness for the Spring internship with KPMG based on the courses taken in the Fall semester, James indicated that “the courses and professors at Virginia Tech absolutely prepared me for the audit and D&A related tasks I was given during my internship. The courses provided the base and theory behind why certain tools were used, going beyond just giving instructions.” James further indicated that he “felt very confident walking into [the] internship as a MADA intern and look[s] forward to assisting future engagement teams make the audit more efficient.” Per James, “the industry seems ripe for disruption by D&A technology” and he is “excited to have the skillset to help implement that tech to assist future audit teams.” During Kellee’s undergraduate studies, she had several internships with KPMG that exposed her to various opportunities to expand her accounting skill set and learn more about the diversity within the accounting profession. She was very excited to learn of KPMG’s MADA Program, which ultimately led her to Virginia Tech. Per Kellee, “After attending a smaller school for my undergraduate education, it was nice to come to VT and experience Hokie nation.” Kellee has found our MACIS Program to be challenging, while providing her with a breadth of knowledge that will help her succeed in a variety of sectors within the accounting profession. As previously indicated, KPMG MADA students attending Virginia Tech take courses on campus in the Fall, are with KPMG for a Spring internship and return to campus for the Summer to complete the Master’s degree. During her Spring internship with KPMG, she worked on clients wherein it was extremely helpful that she had prior exposure to IDEA and Excel. “Forensic & Investigative Accounting was the most valuable class during the Fall semester because it introduced me to the IDEA software and required the use of Excel and some of its many functions” stated Kellee. Of the courses taken following her Spring internship with KPMG, she has found Auditing Theory to be especially beneficial for her immediate career at KPMG. Kellee was able to build relationships with KPMG engagement teams and clients during her Spring internship and is excited to be completing her Master’s degree in ACIS at Virginia Tech and starting her career full-time at KPMG.

James Chisholm from Franklin, MA

Kellee Griffin from Carmel, IN

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