Stony Brook’s First Accounting Case Competition Unleashes Student Talent

The Auditing Avengers took home first place and a $1,000 prize, along with full scholarships for Becker CPA Exam Prep for all team members, in the first Accounting Case Competition, held by the College of Business. Photos by John Griffin.

Students in Stony Brook University's College of Business(CoB) competed in the inaugural Accounting Case Competition on November 8, taking on a complex, real-world case that tested their accounting skills and teamwork.

Undergraduates and graduates were grouped into five teams of four, each assigned an alumni advisor to guide them through the challenge. Each team received the business case on Monday and had four days to analyze and prepare their recommendations. On Friday, the team analysis and recommendations were presented to a panel of judges.

The judges, representing the Accounting Advisory Board (AAB), brought an average of over 10 years of industry experience and were a highlight of the competition, contributing insightful questions that challenged students to engage in on-the-spot critical thinking and sharpen their Q&A skills.

The case posed the question of whether a large corporation should acquire a smaller company or build a similar operation from the ground up. The scenario challenged participants to apply their accounting knowledge, from financial analysis to strategy, to hone both their technical and presentation skills.

The Brook Balancers earned the runner-up spot in the Accounting Case Competition.

The event was spearheaded by Ceci Feng, associate professor of accounting and director of the master's program in accounting and analytics. "I'm glad that we were able to create a platform where students could grow, showcase their talents, and connect with our community of alumni, AAB partners, and peers," said Feng.

The faculty and alumni advisors worked closely with students throughout the week, offering insights drawn from their own professional experience. "Our advisors were fantastic," said competitor Sean Winant, a junior majoring in business management with a minor in accounting. "We got to work alongside experts from firms like PwC and Ernst and Young, which added depth to the hands-on learning experience. Presenting in front of seasoned professionals was challenging but incredibly rewarding."

The student participants were eager to put their skills to the test. "I hadn't expected to enjoy presenting financial data so much," shared Ivan Lara, also a junior majoring in business management with a minor in accounting, and a member of the first place team, Auditing Avengers. "It was my first time doing a case competition, and it turned out to be an amazing experience. Working with our advisor, an alum who had walked in our shoes, made it even more relatable and insightful."

The Auditing Avengers took home first place and a $1,000 prize, along with full scholarships for Becker CPA Exam Prep for all team members, while The Brook Balancers earned the runner-up spot.

Danling Jiang, professor of finance and associate dean for programs in the CoB, emphasized the competition's role in the college's new strategic plan, "Growth with Reputation," aimed at enhancing student success and industry connections.

"This event showcases our commitment to supporting student growth through co-curricular activities," Jiang said. "The involvement of alumni mentors, partner organizations, and industry leaders is integral to building a strong network and memorable experiences for our students."

Reflecting on the intensity of the week, Nipur Shah, a senior psychology major and accounting minor, appreciated the hands-on experience. "It's rare to dig this deep into financials and collaborate so intensely. I also really appreciate our advisors as Stony Brook alumni. They're only two or three years older than us, and they're already achieving and learning so much in the industry."

Shah said their advisor, who was from Ernst and Young, shared insider tips and provided a glimpse into what to expect in the real world. "He gave us assurance and support and showed us that it's really how you apply the knowledge that you gain from your education and being willing to make a couple of mistakes and learn from them," added Shah. "The competition was a perfect way to apply what we've learned and have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes before we are in a firm."

For all participants, the case competition was a chance to develop skills they'll use throughout their careers, and to connect with peers and mentors in ways the classroom rarely allows. "This competition gave me a new perspective on collaboration," said Jason Dai, a senior majoring in economics with a minor in accounting. "It's an experience I won't forget and one that will definitely prepare me for the future."

"We applaud all the students who participated. Their records already spoke volumes as they were chosen for this event based on outstanding achievements," said Feng. "Selecting winners was not an easy task for the judges due to the high caliber of all the teams. Congratulations to everyone who took part - your growth throughout this experience is what matters most."

The event received funding and support from BDO USA, Becker, Cerini & Associates, CohnReznick, KPMG, Protiviti, and PwC.

- Beth Squire

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.