Northern Michigan University Associate Professor of Accounting Stacy Boyer-Davis passed all parts of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination on her first attempt and will now apply for her Michigan CPA license.
Along with her active teaching, research and service activities and endeavors, she dedicated a year of preparation and study to the effort. The 16-hour, computer-based test is comprised of four sections: business environment and concepts (which she completed May 2023); financial accounting and reporting (September 2023); auditing and attestation (December 2023); and regulation (March 2024).
“For someone in academia, particularly in accounting, obtaining a CPA license enhances teaching effectiveness, enriches scholarly research, and signals a commitment to professionalism, ethical standards and continuous education and development," Boyer-Davis said. "My accounting students were and continue to be my ultimate motivation; showing them my commitment to lifelong learning sets a positive example and underscores the importance of staying current in the rapidly evolving field of accounting.
"My firsthand exam and study experience connect practical relevance with research-based accounting concepts and theories in the classroom and can provide personalized guidance and support to students who are considering taking the exam. My insights can guide students to better understand what to expect and how to prepare effectively for the exam, increasing their confidence and motivation."
Boyer-Davis thanked Dean Carol Johnson, faculty mentors and professors Kevin Berry and Kathleen Isleib, and the entire College of Business faculty and staff for their encouragement and support during her CPA exam journey.
All CPA candidates must also earn 2,000 hours of qualifying experience gained through employment in academia, government, industry or public practice. In addition to teaching the subject at NMU, Boyer-Davis has more than 20 years of accounting and leadership experience serving governmental, for-profit and nonprofit organizations. She also serves as the NMU College of Business Assistant Department Head for accounting and the College of Business Graduate Programs Director.
Boyer-Davis is a member of the Michigan Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) Board of Directors and the current Chair of the MICPA Educators Task Force.
She holds a doctorate in business from Capella University; three master's degrees in HR, business administration and accounting/financial management from Keller Graduate School of Management; and a bachelor's in accounting from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She recently earned the IFRS Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting FSA Credential, which combines two exams to assess a candidate's knowledge of the concepts and skills necessary to navigate the sustainability disclosure landscape and ability to analyze sustainability-related financial information.