Shelby Township resident wins national scholarship from accounting board

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Shelby Township resident recently won a national scholarship from a public accounting board.

Michaela Messing, a student in Oakland University’s Master of Accounting program, was selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which is a nonprofit corporation created by Congress to oversee audits of public companies. 

The scholarship program supports students who are likely to become auditors, including students from populations that have been historically underrepresented in the accounting profession.

Messing was among 250 U.S. college students to be named a PCAOB Scholar and received a scholarship for the 2022-23 academic year. To qualify for the award, students must meet several criteria, including demonstrating high ethical standards and possessing a GPA of at least 3.3, or being in the top third of their overall class.

Messing said that the scholarship means a great deal to her.

“I appreciate that the dedication and effort I have put forth throughout my college career is being recognized. It further solidifies that all my hard work has truly paid off. I am incredibly grateful that the PCAOB has made such a generous investment in my future,” she said.

Messing graduated from Oakland University last April with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and will use the scholarship to pursue her master’s degree at OU this fall. Donna Free, a special instructor in OU’s accounting program, nominated Messing for the award.

During her undergraduate years, Messing did well academically and participated in the Oakland Accounting Students Information Society, which connects students with information and opportunities related to the accounting profession. She also served as treasurer of a student organization that raises awareness and financial support for congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors. 

She said that others interested in following the same path should take note of the skills required.

“Others interested in the accounting field should know that the field requires a very rigorous skill set. The accounting profession is also one of great integrity and responsibility. With that being said, as long as you are willing to put in the necessary effort to build that skill set and take the responsibility seriously, you can be successful. Any struggles faced along the way will be worth it in the end,” she said.

While working hard at Oakland, Messing has dealt with her own challenges. At the age of 19 months, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a congenital neurological disorder that affects a person’s movement, balance and posture.

“Walking independently is my main physical challenge. Navigating the long distances between buildings and the landscape of OU’s campus is not always an easy feat for me. I prefer to get around campus with my crutches and a backpack. But, when my books are too heavy, I need to use a walker,” she said.

She said she has encountered some cognitive challenges, as well.

“It may take me twice as long to understand and complete homework assignments, projects and to study for tests. Despite these challenges, accounting continues to spark my interest, so all the extra time spent to master this subject is worth it,” she said.

Messing credits Free for encouraging her to pursue a master’s degree in accounting at OU.

“I had the pleasure of being her student multiple times, and she mentioned frequently that Oakland has a remarkable master’s program. Her teaching has not only fueled, but strengthened, my passion for accounting. Once I found out about the 150-credit-hour requirement for the CPA exam, I thought pursuing a master’s degree in accounting was the best worthwhile way to meet the requirement. I am confident that both a master’s degree and a CPA license will give me a significant competitive edge when I am ready to search for a permanent job position,” she said.

She said she aspires to work for a reputable firm that is inclusive and accepting of all employees who have the qualifications to perform the job.

“I hope to be a key player in contributing to the success of that company. Lastly, I look forward to a rewarding career which will give me the financial stability to obtain my ultimate goal of living a life with complete independence. I had faith that I would prepare myself for a successful career, but I knew that it would be challenging. I am very proud of myself for continuing to overcome the challenges that I have faced physically and academically as a student with cerebral palsy. The unwavering support of my family and friends was ultimately what kept my motivation and hope for the future strong even in the midst of doubt. I may not have expected to find my passion in the accounting field, but I am grateful to have found a career path that is both interesting and rewarding,” she said.

Along with being a master’s student, Messing will take another step toward achieving her goal when she interns with the Grant Thornton accounting firm this winter.

Free, the faculty director of accounting programs and special instructor of accounting, said she is delighted for Messing and proud of her for all her hard work. 

“I nominated Michaela for the PCAOB scholarship because, currently, she is an ideal student and, in the future, will be a great addition to the accounting profession. She is intelligent, always prepared for classes and has great work ethic. Michaela is one of the best accounting students I have had the pleasure to mentor. I also admire her diligence and perseverance. I have never heard Michaela complain, even though she has many physical struggles. She is a great role model for others,” Free said.

The Accounting Department at Oakland University is allowed to nominate one student for the annual PCAOB scholarship. Oakland University is allowed to nominate one student because of  its Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accounting accreditation.  

For more information, visit pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/250-students-named-pcaob-scholars-for-the-2022-2023-academic-year.